Political Quotes

“I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to support my amendment, which is included in this en bloc amendment, that would add $20 million for the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grants, also better known as SAFER grants. These are critical grants that basically help keep communities safe. Right now, in my hometown of Flint and in Saginaw, just up the road, we have 48 additional firefighters solely because of these grants. During the recess, I was able to go to these fire stations, sit down especially with the new firefighters that have been hired, and talk to them about what it means for them to serve our community and to see some of the new equipment that they are able to have. This makes our communities safer. It is particularly special to me because my grandfather was a fire chief. He was actually the first fire chief of Flint Township. I learned about service to community by seeing what he did to protect the community that we grew up in. This program supports safety in those communities. Without it, our citizens are less safe. I am pleased that this amendment was included in the en bloc amendment, and I urge my colleagues to support it.”