Statements For the Record
I would like to extend my condolences to the family and friends of former U.S. Senator Rod Grams who represented Minnesota from 1995 to 2001. He had previously been elected to the U.S. House in 1992 where he served one term. Senator Grams passed away last night at home in Crown, MN. He was 65 years old.
Senator Grams was a Republican who fought hard for the issues he believed in and worked to find common ground on issues that concerned Minnesotans. Before entering politics Sen. Grams was a well known television newscaster in the Twin Cities. I remember watching him frequently.
I rise today in honor of the Twin Cities Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and the celebration of its 25th Anniversary. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Minnesota, and the thousands of families, individuals, businesses, and residents that Twin Cities LISC has supported throughout the years, I am proud to offer congratulations on this milestone.
Last night, this Congress rejected this Republican piecemeal approach. But here we go again. It is clear that the GOP don’t have a coherent solution to the shutdown crisis they’ve created.
Mr. Speaker, I oppose this new Republican scheme. Selecting random government agencies, programs, and museums to fund while the rest of the federal government languishes in a shutdown is simply irresponsible. The Majority is making a desperate attempt to create a distraction so they are not held accountable for their actions. Congress needs to fund the entire federal government with a clean continuing resolution and end this reckless GOP shutdown.
Mr. Speaker, the House Republican majority has decided that appeasing radical Tea Party extremists is more important to them than providing necessary funding for the continued operation of the federal government, even on a temporary basis. Passing a common sense continuing resolution would ensure vital government services for millions of American families and business. These are the basic services provided everyday by federal agencies that keep our communities and country strong.
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the 100th anniversary of the Saint Paul Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and acknowledge their tremendous efforts to defend the ideals of justice and equality for all people. The origins of the Saint Paul NAACP are closely tied to those of the national organization, which is the oldest, largest and most recognized civil rights group in the country.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to submit two articles into the congressional record. The first is an op-ed that I wrote about the importance of federal nutrition assistance that was published in the St. Paul Pioneer Press. The second is a powerful story published in the Star Tribune and written by Sue Bulger, a Minnesotan, whose family uses SNAP benefits.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the vital work of the Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) on the 20th anniversary of its founding. Since its inception in 1993, this organization and its army of volunteers has dedicated itself to protecting America’s greatest river here at the head of navigation. Countless hours of hard work and dedication by FMR in partnership with many other organizations and individuals is making a difference for generations to come.
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the staff, board, donors and volunteers of Books for Africa on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of this nonprofit organization based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Since its founding in 1988, Books for Africa has grown into the largest shipper of donated text and library books to the African continent, having shipped over 27 million books to 48 countries. In 2012 alone, Books for Africa shipped more than 2.2 million books to 22 African countries.
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the inspiring career of Mr. Rick Shiomi, a leader for Asian-American actors and artists, as he retires as Artistic Director from Mu Performing Arts in Saint Paul, Minnesota.