[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 125 (Wednesday, July 24, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H7249-H7250]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      AMERICA IS AN AMAZING PLACE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Michigan (Mr. Mitchell) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Speaker, America is an amazing place, and we too

[[Page H7250]]

often, as Americans, take that for granted. Opportunities exist in this 
country that simply aren't available in much of the world. And my life 
is an example of the extraordinary possibilities in the United States 
of America.
  I ask you, where else can a kid, born in poverty, beginning life in a 
subsidized housing project, become a national legislator? Yet, here I 
stand as a Member of Congress.
  In how many countries can the oldest of seven children with parents 
that are an hourly auto worker and an office worker for the Salvation 
Army, become the first in their extended family to graduate from 
college, build a career, become the CEO of a major workforce 
development company and, after retiring, be elected to Congress?
  America is a truly unique and special place that we must love and 
respect with all our heart and soul.
  My mother raised me to believe that those with talents and resources 
were expected by God to make a difference in the world. I tried to do 
that in my career throughout my life.
  My mission for 35 years was to assist people in identifying and 
securing career opportunities. My professional career allowed me to 
support my family, while assisting adults of all ages and backgrounds 
to develop the skills to support their families and build careers.
  I assisted individuals ranging from laid-off steel workers and auto 
workers, to long-term public assistant recipients, develop the skills 
they needed to build a career and support their families.
  I worked with individuals requiring literacy education, English as a 
second language, and adults that had worked their same job their entire 
lives, and suddenly found their jobs and industries had evaporated, and 
their lives turned upside down.
  I worked, in some way or another, with tens of thousands of people 
searching for assistance in securing a job and a career path. I 
believed then, and I continue to believe, that most Americans find 
value and opportunity in working. Sometimes they just need a hand and 
assistance to overcome adversity.
  I brought that passion and commitment to Washington. My mission was 
to make a difference in the world. I literally approached being a 
Member of Congress like my career, full tilt, leaving no stone unturned 
to have a meaningful impact and to make a difference.
  It is an honor to stand on this floor, debate issues, and represent 
the people of Michigan's 10th District. I am proud to be among the 
12,500 or so that have had the privilege to serve in Congress.
  But I have also begun to ask myself about making a difference in my 
family. My children of all ages, the youngest just 9, have accepted 
their dad traveling the country, working a demanding schedule, 
frequently interrupted by text messages, emails, and phone calls. My 
spouse, Sherry, has been so supportive and more patient than probably 
warranted.
  A career in Washington was never my objective. My mission has always 
been to simply address significant challenges this Nation faces: Trade, 
healthcare, immigration, and infrastructure, to name just a few.
  However, it appears to me that rhetoric overwhelms policy, and 
politics consumes much of the oxygen in this city.
  The time has come to make a difference for my family, to focus my 
time and energy upon them, their needs, their goals.
  George Washington is quoted as saying: ``I would rather be on my farm 
than emperor of the world.''
  As a result, I have decided I will not seek to represent Michigan's 
10th Congressional District next term. After serving out the remainder 
of the 116th Congress, I will return to my family and to our small 
farm.

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