Gary Peters

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. I thank my friend from Massachusetts for yielding me time, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the previous question. The bills proposed by the Republican leadership today, H.R. 1229 and H.R. 1231, do nothing to lower the high gas prices burdening America's families today. That's why I will be offering legislation that will produce real fuel savings for consumers, reduce our dependence on imported oil, and stimulate American manufacturing. The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act proposes real solutions to high gas prices by helping America develop the next generation of high-tech fuel-efficient vehicles. I hope my colleagues will see that this is a better alternative to the bills that are being voted on today. First, this bill has broad support, unlike the Republican measures before us. My bill passed last Congress with a bipartisan majority. A majority of the Members in the House today have already voted in favor of this legislation. Unlike the Republican bills, this legislation is supported by both business groups, like the Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers, as well as the League of Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club, proving that you can support the economy while also protecting the environment. Second, this bill will quickly result in real cost savings to consumers. Technologies have already been developed to achieve remarkable fuel savings, and putting more money into R&D increases the speed in which new technologies can be adapted and used. Unlike the Republican drilling plan, which will take nearly a decade to produce results, technologies being developed today can be commercialized and put into cars in the very near future. I have visited auto companies and suppliers in my district and have seen firsthand the level of technological advancement. For example, they have technologies that are ready to be commercialized that can improve efficiency by 30 percent and sometimes more. That means you can drive your car 30 percent further on the same tank of gas. That represents real savings to consumers. A large focus of this bill is on commercializing those technologies so that they can be brought to consumers and start reducing gas bills today, not 10 years from now. This bill also targets fuel savings in medium- and heavy-duty trucks. It's widely known that there are huge efficiency gains to be made in these vehicles. By placing a greater focus on research and development in this area, we can achieve the greatest bang for the buck. More efficient trucks also yield consumer savings because it will reduce transportation costs of food and other goods that we buy at the store. The fuel savings we receive from these technological advancements in cars and trucks will have a national security benefit as well. Simply put, the bill reduces the amount of oil we import from unfriendly nations. Sixty percent of our petroleum needs today are met by imported supplies. Reducing the demand for imported oil is one of the best ways to meet our energy independence goals and end the immense transfer of American dollars to undemocratic and unfriendly nations. Finally, the legislation supports American manufacturing and high- paying jobs. Rising gas prices are going to drive up demand for advanced vehicles around the world, and it is in our national interest to ensure that the research, development, and manufacturing happens right here in the United States. That's why this bill was included in the Make It in America agenda, a plan to rebuild American manufacturing and create well-paying jobs, unveiled by House Democrats and Democratic Whip Hoyer last week. The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act epitomizes the goals of Make It in America by ensuring that our country remains a leader in producing the cars and trucks of the future and supporting high-tech research and engineering jobs right here at home. Fuel-efficient vehicle research is a win/win for our economy. It creates jobs and makes transportation more affordable for American families. There is no doubt in the years ahead that more Americans will be driving hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery electric vehicles, and cars and trucks powered by hydrogen fuel or natural gas. The only question is whether these new technologies will be researched, developed and manufactured here in the United States or overseas. At the same time, domestic automotive and commercial vehicle manufacturers and suppliers have increasingly limited resources for research and development of advanced technologies. That's why the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act will create partnerships between the Department of Energy and private companies, and ensure that the American automobile industry and manufacturing base will continue to be globally competitive and that, as a Nation, we will not trade our dependence for foreign oil for a dependence on foreign batteries and other emerging technologies. This bill does what the American people expect from us. It bridges the partisan and ideological divide.

Mr. PETERS. It's legislation that has support from the business community, the environmental community and the labor movement. We must stop voting on bills like the ones the majority is offering that pit priorities against each other, and, instead, we need to move legislation like my bill that brings our priorities together. This legislation will lower costs for consumers, reduce the amount of oil we import from countries that don't like us, and create and sustain manufacturing and R&D jobs here in the United States. I urge a ``no'' vote on the previous question so that we can support this legislation to Make It in America.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Ann Comiskey on the occasion of her retirement from the Troy Community Coalition after nearly 10 years of dedicated and passionate service to the community as its Executive Director. Ms. Comiskey's 38-year career has been one of advocacy and service for causes and programs which have impacted countless individuals in communities across Southeast Michigan. In her role with the Michigan Department of Social Services, Ms. Comiskey provided key support to many residents of Wayne County. After 10 years of dedicated service in that role, Ms. Comiskey then joined the Highland Park School District, where she worked with at-risk youth and adults to ensure they were able to complete their primary education via alternative programs. In her time with the School District, Ms. Comiskey demonstrated strong leadership skills, developing the Job Club program, which aided high-risk students in their professional development. As part of this work, Ms. Comiskey developed an in-depth knowledge of substance abuse treatment and prevention programs, which has greatly aided in her work with the Troy Community Coalition, when she joined in 2002 as its Executive Director. As a Troy resident, Ms. Comiskey's service to her community began long before she joined the Coalition. Her volunteer work includes involvement in the Troy Chamber of Commerce and the Troy Women's Association, of which she is a Lifetime Member. In recognition and appreciation of her volunteer advocacy within the community, she was selected as Troy's Distinguished Citizen in 2000. Additionally, she also serves on the advisory board for the Michigan Nonprofit Association and is Co-Chair of the Prevention Coalition of Southeast Michigan. In her role as Executive Director of the Troy Community Coalition for nearly the last decade, Ms. Comiskey has continued to build on the Coalition's nationally recognized track record of substance abuse prevention in the community. Under her leadership, the Coalition has continued to bring all sectors of the Troy community together to promote positive social norms and implement programs to advocate for changes which create a stronger and healthier substance free community. With her strong stewardship of the Coalition, Ms. Comiskey has become nationally recognized within the substance abuse prevention community and in 2006 she was designated Advocate of the Year by the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the invaluable contributions Ms. Comiskey has made to both the residents of Troy and the greater community of southeast Michigan. While I know she will be sorely missed by all who work with her, she will undoubtedly have many years of productive volunteer service to our community to come.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express deep concern about the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Syria. People all over the world have watched with awe as democratic movements in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya have risen up against autocratic and corrupt regimes. We have witnessed humanity at its best, as people have shown the courage and bravery to peacefully protest in the face of violence. We have also unfortunately witnessed humanity at its worst, as desperate governments have lashed out in an effort to preserve their rule. The Syrian government has historically been one of the most repressive in the Middle East, so it should be no surprise that the Syrian people have protested the many abuses they are subjected to. Hundreds of those protesters have tragically been killed at the hands of Syrian government forces, and thousands more have been detained. The human rights violations of the Syrian government must be condemned and the Syrian people should be allowed to exercise their fundamental freedoms. These recent violations, as well as the Syrian regime's longstanding record of infringing on human rights, should raise grave concerns that many nations have embraced Syria's candidacy to sit on the U.N. Human Rights Council. The Syrian regime lacks any moral authority to protect human rights and its election to the U.N. Human Rights Council would mock the rebuke it just received from the same institution. If the United States and other nations are serious about protecting human rights, we will block Syria from sitting on the U.N. Human Rights Council as long as the current government is in place.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. The people in Michigan are clear: Our number one priority is jobs. And yet the Republican majority here in Washington is once again ignoring the economy and pushing a bill that raises taxes and attacks women's health care choices. Current law already prohibits Federal funds from covering abortion services, and it has for 30 years. Now Republicans want to stop private insurers from offering coverage, and they want to ban women from purchasing a comprehensive health care plan with their own money. H.R. 3 is not about taxpayer funding, and it's certainly not about reducing the deficit. It is an extreme plan that will raise taxes on any person or business that buys insurance that includes abortion coverage. That's right, if a small business wants to treat women equally and guarantee them access to legal health care services--paid for with their own money--that business will pay higher taxes. Do not be fooled by the talk about taxpayer funding. This bill is harmful to women's health. It undermines the right to choose, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill later today.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of our nation's nurses, and in recognition of the exemplary healthcare they provide to patients all across our country. Nurses represent the largest group of healthcare professionals, standing at the front lines of our nation's healthcare system. They are our brothers, our daughters, our neighbors and friends. My own sister was a nurse and my mother was a nurse's aide, and I remember the dedication and sense of service they brought to their job every day. I'm sure that everyone in this chamber can remember one time, if not many, when a loved one needed medical help or felt ill. Often, a nurse is the first person by our side when we need it most. Often, their compassion, their expertise, and their decisions make all the difference. Recently, my office had the chance to welcome my constituent Grace Paranzino, as a part of the Nurse in Washington Internship Program. She spoke of her experiences in nursing, and how we as a nation can better serve the needs of those who so often serve ours. For all the vital services they provide, nurses are severely short-staffed across the country: 2.5 million nursing positions are currently waiting to be filled. The Health Resources and Services Administration predicts that by 2030, that number could climb even higher to nearly 30%. Nurses across this country need our help. They need lawmakers here in Washington to enact smart policies that don't impede their ability to save lives and ease suffering. They also need us to encourage qualified, professional, and educated citizens like themselves to take up the profession of nursing. Therefore, I ask my colleagues to join me today in applauding these nurses from my home state of Michigan and across the country.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, last month, 13 Coptic Christians in Egypt were murdered by Muslim extremists. More recently, a Coptic church-- rich in culture and architecture--was destroyed, forcing many innocent Christians to flee their home communities in order to protect their lives. This comes only months after 24 Christians were killed in yet another church bombing. I am proud to represent a vibrant Coptic community in southeast Michigan and privileged to consider the clergy of St. Mark's Church in Troy, Michigan as my friends. I rise today to share their concerns about the future of their community and the desire to preserve their ancestral homeland. For millennia, Coptic Christians have lived and worshipped in Egypt but some extremists are attempting to capitalize on the political vacuum created by the uncertainty in the country to drive them out of their homes and places of worship. While we are hopeful for democratic change in Egypt, it is imperative that we maintain support for religious minority communities such as the Coptics and seek to preserve and allow for the continuity of their community. As a member of the Religious Minorities in the Middle East Caucus, I ask my colleagues to join me in being mindful of these Christian minorities that need a voice.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise today to recognize Congregation B'nai Moshe on the occasion of its 100th anniversary of service to the Jewish community of southeast Michigan. The history of Congregation B'nai Moshe is an excellent example and chapter of the American story. The congregation was founded on September 2, 1911, by nine Hungarian immigrants who came to America to seek new opportunities and to freely practice their beliefs. An integral part of their journey was to form a congregation that allowed them and the 25-30 Hungarian-Jewish families of Detroit to fully practice their traditions and customs. In 1915, after just 4 short years, the Congregation was able to purchase its first shul on Elliot Street near Hastings which served as a house for worship to over 70 families. Much as America met the call to face unparalleled challenges of the 1930s and 1940s, so did Congregation B'nai Moshe. Shortly after moving to its new home in the Dexter building in 1929, the congregation was faced with the challenge of overcoming the Great Depression. Not only did the congregation survive those economically tumultuous years, it prospered and by 1944 it had paid off the new synagogue's mortgage. Just as the country rose to answer the call to service during World War II, so did the members of B'nai Moshe. Many served in World War II and fought to protect our freedom and liberty. As the Jewish community in southeast Michigan grew and evolved so did B'nai Moshe; first moving with its members to Oak Park and later to its current home in West Bloomfield. During this period, members of the congregation ensured that the story of the Jewish community in southeast Michigan would forever be set in stone, founding the beginnings of the Jewish Museum of Detroit. Since its arrival at its present location, the congregation has celebrated the construction of many new resources which have enriched the lives of both its members and the greater community. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Congregation B'nai Moshe with its members and it is my hope that the congregation, just as our great country, will continue to endure into the next 100 years and beyond.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, due to a family medical emergency, I had to return to Michigan on the evening of February 18. I was unable to be present to cast my vote on a series of amendments to H.R. 1, as well as on final passage of this bill. I wish the record to reflect my intentions had I been able to vote. Had I been present for rollcall No. 104, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 105, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 106, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 107, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 108, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 109, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 110, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 111, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 112, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 113, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 114, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 115, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 116, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 117, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 118, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 119, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 120, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 121, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 122, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 123, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 124, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 125, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 126, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 127, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 128, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 129, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 130, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 131, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 132, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 133, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 134, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 135, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 136, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 137, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 138, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 139, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 140, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 141, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 142, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 143, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 144, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 145, I would have voted ``no.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 146, the Democratic Motion to Recommit H.R. 1, I would have voted ``aye.'' Had I been present for rollcall No. 147, Final Passage of H.R. 1, I would have voted ``no.'' While I believe deficit reduction must be a top priority for Congress, and I have introduced legislation that would trim tens of billions of dollars from our deficits over the coming years, I believe H.R. 1 makes extreme cuts that put continued economic recovery and job creation at risk. Even if successfully enacted, H.R. 1 would only cut our projected deficit for fiscal year 2011 by about 4 percent. What is really needed is a comprehensive, long term deficit reduction plan that gets our fiscal house in order while maintaining programs that create jobs and keep us competitive in the global marketplace.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the West Bloomfield Township Library as it is honored by the Institute of Museum and Library Services with a National Medal for Museum and Library Service. This medal, which was presented to just five libraries nationally in 2010, recognizes the exceptional contributions the West Bloomfield Public Library has made to its surrounding communities. Founded in 1934 as a project of the Keego-Cass Women's Club, the Library's main branch has expanded into a 63,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility with computer access for community residents and public meeting spaces, in addition to an expanded youth area which has allowed the Library to strengthen the depth and breadth of its youth-focused programming. The National Medal recognized libraries that demonstrate innovative approaches to providing their services to the public, and whose programming focuses on expanding cross-cultural awareness and dialogue. Particularly recognized were two of the Library's programs, the ``Grow Up Reading'' program and the ``Help is Here'' initiative. Focused on youth, the ``Grow Up Reading'' promotes parental involvement in childhood development through development reading skills from birth through third grade, helping children build good fundamental reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. On the adult end of the Library's programming spectrum, the ``Help is Here'' initiative brings counselors from Oakland Community College and professionals from Jewish Vocational Services together to provide resume critiquing services to community members. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the outstanding service the West Bloomfield Public Library provides to its community and congratulating the Library staff on receiving the National Medal for Museum and Library Service.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Chairman, there is a strong bipartisan agreement that the long-term health of our economy necessitates confronting persistent budget deficits and the growing national debt. Democrats and Republicans were able to work together to create balanced budgets in the 1990s and a similar attempt is needed now. While I appreciate the efforts of the Republican leadership to put forward a specific budget cut, I have serious concerns with eliminating the public campaign financing system. However, if the House is going to vote on this, we owe it to the American people to ensure that the funds are actually used for deficit reduction and not for additional spending. When I was reading the text of this legislation, I was surprised to find that the bill does not make specific provisions for using the remaining money in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund to reduce the deficit. This is why I am putting forward my amendment that will ensure that the $194 million in tax dollars currently sitting in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund will be used to reduce the deficit should this legislation become law. As introduced, H.R. 359 would transfer this money to the Treasury's general fund where it could be dedicated to new spending or lent to government trust funds. My amendment would simply specify that upon transfer to the Treasury, these funds are to be used only, to be used only, for reducing the deficit. This is about sending a message to taxpayers. If we are going to put deficit reduction in a bill's title, then we should make sure the deficit reduction is in the statutory language as well. It is a matter of fact that the bill, as introduced, simply returns the $194 million in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund to the Treasury's general fund and it is from this fund that most expenditures are made, as well as loans to a number of government trust funds. If we are going to pass a bill to reduce the deficit, let's make sure it actually does that. It is not uncommon or unprecedented to specify funds being returned to the Treasury to be used for deficit reduction. In fact, I am proud to be a bipartisan cosponsor of two Republican bills introduced this session, one by my colleague from Michigan, Chairman Camp, and Representative Gingrey, that would codify the requirements that unspent funds from the Members' representational allowances be used specifically for deficit reduction. This amendment basically uses the same language as in both of those bills by Mr. Camp and Mr. Gingrey. If Congress is going to send a message to taxpayers that cutting spending is a top priority, then let's make sure those recovered funds are actually used to reduce the deficit. My amendment is a commonsense change that ensures that the stated purpose of this bill, deficit reduction, will actually be carried out. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, with unemployment in Michigan at over 12 percent, I am not going to support a bill that raises taxes on small businesses. Let us be clear. Voting for the Patients' Rights Repeal Act will eliminate the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. Small businesses have faced outrageous increases in their health care costs over the past decade. This tax credit helps reduce that burden and is already making a real difference. The L.A. Times reported that small businesses are signing up for health care coverage for their employees, despite the bad economy, since the tax credit took effect. Among firms with three to nine employees, there has been a 46 percent increase in the number offering health benefits. But this bill would put a stop to that. The Detroit News reported that last week more than 126,000 small businesses in Michigan would lose the tax credit under this bill. The last thing that small businesses in Michigan and across the country need right now is higher taxes. But that's exactly what this bill would deliver. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' and join me in standing up for our small businesses.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I take to the floor of the House today to pay tribute to the fallen, but also to honor the heroes, to express grief in the wake of tragedy, but also to express my heartfelt gratitude to those who showed incredible bravery in the face of evil. Madam Speaker, I come to the floor of the House today to honor my colleague and friend Gabby Giffords, because I want every American to know that she exemplifies what every American wants to see in their Member of Congress. The Gabby I know is smart and hard working. The Gabby that southern Arizona knows is personable and accessible. The Gabby we all know is dedicated and humble. Gabby takes her job representing Arizona seriously. She works hard to effect change on the issues that matter most to her southern Arizona constituents. We both served on the Committee on Science and Technology in the last Congress, and I was privileged to be able to collaborate with Gabby on her signature issue--solar energy development. She worked tirelessly to create not only clean energy for America, but also new jobs for Americans. We are both residents of border States, albeit different borders, and I was proud to cosponsor her legislation to help give businesses the tools necessary to enforce immigration standards. I admired her strong commitment to our national defense and her tireless dedication to the men and women who serve our country in uniform. But even more than her legislative prowess, it is her smile and friendly nature that makes her a beloved figure here in the Halls of Congress as well as in her home district. And we all pray for her speedy recovery. We also mourn the loss of those who were senselessly murdered while participating in the most fundamental democratic tradition--talking with the people who represent us; victims like 9-year-old Christina Taylor, who was just elected to her student council. Christina attended Representative Giffords' Congress on Your Corner event because she cared about her community, and a neighbor thought she would enjoy it. But while this tragedy has extinguished lives of promise, it has also revealed some incredible heroes. Today we stand shoulder to shoulder and pray for the speedy recovery of our friend and the other wounded victims.

Mr. PETERS. And I just say to all, God bless the victims and their families; God bless all those who are grieving, and God bless America.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Madam Speaker, the America COMPETES Act supports American manufacturing, innovation, and global competitiveness. COMPETES recognizes the challenges facing America's 21st century manufacturers, as well as the importance of a healthy manufacturing base. The bill includes new manufacturing loan guarantees, improved research and development, and strengthens the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program. The bill also places a much-needed emphasis on science education, from grade schools to the university level. We need a highly educated workforce to create the next advanced vehicle technology or innovative product that will produce more high-quality jobs in America. COMPETES also supports innovation clusters around the country and creates a focus on innovation within our Federal programs and agencies. America simply cannot afford to sacrifice its innovative edge to growing economies like China and India. The investments made by COMPETES are critical to America's long-term economic health, and I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this bipartisan legislation.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Madam Speaker, on December 9, 2010 I missed rollcall vote No. 627 because I was attending a White House signing ceremony for the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act of 2010--legislation which I helped author. Had I been present I would have voted in favor of H.R. 6412, the Access to Criminal History Records for State Sentencing Commissions Act of 2010, legislation which will help improve criminal sentencing procedures in states throughout the country.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of Representative Murphy and Leader Hoyer's Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010. As a former lieutenant commander in the United States Navy Reserve, I served with many brave, patriotic and dedicated men and women who were always ready to serve their country. I was never concerned about their sexual orientation, just their ability to serve the United States honorably. This discriminatory policy has forfeited over 13,000 able-bodied men and women from our military while our Nation is engaged in two wars. It has wasted over 1 billion taxpayer dollars through investigations, legal proceedings, and the wasted training of fighter pilots, mechanics, medics, and even Arabic translators. Military leaders have testified before Congress in support of repeal, and Defense Secretary Gates has said ``this can be done and should be done.'' We must allow our military to recruit and retain any qualified, patriotic, and courageous American who wants to serve our country. This is why I urge passage of the rule and of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Barb DeMarco, a member of the West Bloomfield School District Board of Education and lifelong local activist, on the occasion of her retirement. As a Member of Congress, it is both my honor and privilege to recognize Ms. DeMarco for her decades of service and work to build a better future for the West Bloomfield community and its youth. For the past 25 years, Ms. DeMarco has been at the fore of many grassroots initiatives in West Bloomfield to improve the quality of life for its residents. Ms. DeMarco was often the driving force behind many of the millage initiatives that were directed toward acquiring and developing land for use as community parks. It is with this same sprit of activism and bettering the community that Ms. DeMarco embarked on her journey to advocate for improving public education for our youth. As a concerned citizen, well before her tenure on the board of education, Ms. DeMarco spearheaded campaigns to pass bond initiatives to strengthen West Bloomfield schools and create an environment of academic excellence for its students. Beginning in 2001 Ms. DeMarco took her passion for activism and advocacy to the West Bloomfield School District Board of Education, where she has served with selflessness and tenacity. Ms. DeMarco's initial work focused on improving school curriculum, where she fought for a rigorous academic program to provide students every opportunity to excel. After just 3 years on the Board, Ms. DeMarco was appointed to the Oakland Schools Intermediate School District Board of Education where she took that same zeal for fighting for public education to both a county and national level. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor Ms. DeMarco's decades of advocacy on behalf of her students and her community. Her presence will surely be missed. It is with much gratitude for her service and dedication that I wish her many more years of advocacy and success in building a better community for our youth.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today and ask my colleagues to join me as I salute Richard L. Hughes upon his retirement from the 67th District Court in Burton, Michigan, after 15 years of proud and principled service. Judge Hughes was first appointed to the bench in 1994. He ran successfully for the balance of the judicial term in 1996, and was twice re-elected to the position in 1998 and 2004. But his tenure on the bench was merely a capstone to his many years of formal public service. Dick's story is truly the archetype of ``local boy makes good.'' Not many years after graduating from the Detroit College of Law in 1968 and practicing law in Detroit for a time, Dick and his wife Suzanne moved their young family to their long-time homestead in Otisville, just miles from where he was raised. Dick practiced law in the community for 26 years before his appointment. During that time and continuing today, Dick was active in his church and as a Rotarian in the Davison and Burton clubs. In formal service to the community, Dick truly carried on a long family tradition of holding public office. He was urged by community members to serve on the Lakeville School Board when the district was in the midst of challenging financial times. He served nearly a decade, and 6 years as president. True to his nature and sense of practicality, Dick successfully reduced the board member's compensation to just $1 a year during the lean years. When Dick was appointed to the 67th District Court bench in 1994, he was presented the gavel of our great-great grandfather Julian Peters who was Justice of the Peace for 24 years in Rochester, Michigan. We are all grateful that Dick has carried on our family's tradition of proud public service in the judicial branch of government. I know that Dick's thoughtful expertise on the bench will be missed. The Burton community is fortunate, however, that Dick's son-in-law Mark Latchana will carry on Dick's tradition of proud and principled service after Mark's successful election to the seat this past November. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join my salute to my cousin, Dick Hughes, for his commitment to excellence on the bench, his dedication to community and family, and his tireless service to the public. I wish Dick, his wife Suzanne, their children Beth and Michael and their families the very best enjoyment of Dick's formal retirement. I have no doubt that although he is shedding the black robe, his service to the community will continue in earnest for many years to come.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss a truly extraordinary young man from my district. Army Staff Sergeant William McLaurin, known as Staff Sergeant Mac to those who serve with him, is a field artilleryman serving in southern Iraq. His unit is assigned to help protect the civilian State Department provincial reconstruction mission that is helping to rebuild Iraq. Our former colleague, Mike Flanagan, is serving with the State Department in Iraq and informed me of Staff Sergeant Mac's heroism and sacrifice. Staff Sergeant Mac was wounded twice by a sniper. In the first attack, he was hit in the backside but did not flinch from completing his mission. He returned to duty only 3 weeks later without even so much as a limp. Several weeks later, while patrolling and escorting Mike on an important mission, he was hit again by the same sniper in the chest and shoulder. While his wounds this time are much more serious, I am happy to report that Staff Sergeant Mac is expected to make a full recovery and is already trying to make it back to his unit in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Mac is a truly extraordinary young man and one we can all be proud of.

Mr. PETERS

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 325) supporting the goals and ideals of National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day.

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material thereon.

Mr. PETERS. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 325, which supports the goals and ideals of National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day. I want to thank Congressman Alcee Hastings for introducing this important resolution. An estimated 2 million people experience homelessness in the United States each year, and every night, more than a half a million people are homeless. These individuals are at a high risk for mortality, sickness, and mental illness. The mortality rate among homeless persons is four times greater than that of the general population. Furthermore, according to a 2010 study published in the American Journal of Public Health, over 70 percent of the homeless population has at least one unmet health need, and almost half report two or more. In particular, approximately 2 million youth experience homelessness over the course of a year, and nearly 200,000 children in families were homeless, which is according to a recent one-night count of homelessness by the Urban Institute. The problem facing the homeless is also why House Concurrent Resolution 325 is so important. It will recognize December 21, 2010, as National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day, and it will reaffirm the commitment of Congress to end homelessness by promoting a comprehensive national response to address the housing, health, and economic causes and consequences of extreme poverty. Preventing homelessness has been a longtime priority for Congress and this administration. On May 20, 2009, President Obama signed into law S. 896, the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act, which included the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act. House Concurrent Resolution 325 furthers the mission of Congress to help prevent and end homelessness in the United States. I commend Congressman Hastings for introducing this very important legislation and urge my colleagues to vote in support of House Concurrent Resolution 325. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.