[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 126 (Thursday, July 25, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H7386]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             MAKE AUGUST 16 NATIONAL INDEPENDENT WORKER DAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Michigan (Mr. Moolenaar) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, independent workers are vital to our 
country and the strong economy that we are enjoying today, with 
unemployment under 4 percent, wages rising, and Americans keeping more 
of their own money, thanks to tax reform.
  These millions of workers are pursuing the American Dream of working 
for themselves, including contractors, consultants, freelancers, and 
small business owners. They embody the principles and values of our 
country's Declaration of Independence by truly representing what it 
means to be free. They are found across every profession, income level, 
industry, party, race, religion, gender, and geography.
  That is why I am joining with the Association of Independent Workers 
in calling for August 16 to be National Independent Worker Day.
  This special recognition of independent workers' vital role in our 
Nation's economy is long overdue. As more and more Americans choose to 
take this career path, I will keep fighting to make sure Washington 
stays out of their way and allows them to innovate and succeed.
  I am proud to support all the independent workers in my district and 
throughout this great Nation.


               Honoring Conservative Writer Russell Kirk

  Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the late 
Dr. Russell Kirk, a political theorist, moralist, historian, and 
literary critic, in honor of a historical marker being placed at his 
beloved home in Mecosta in my district in Michigan next month.
  For over 40 years, Dr. Kirk taught students about political theory, 
culture, and virtue. He also wrote more than 30 books. Today, his 
legacy lives on through the Russell Kirk Center under the gracious 
leadership of his wife, Annette.
  Dr. Kirk is considered one of the preeminent thinkers of his time. 
His first book, ``The Conservative Mind,'' has shaped the modern ideas 
of American conservatism.
  Dr. Kirk found his true joy in addressing college audiences because 
he believed the key to the lasting success of conservative ideas rested 
on shaping the cultural and moral beliefs of the next generation.
  In his books, articles, speeches, and interviews, Dr. Kirk's wisdom 
has shaped the thinking of generations of conservatives around the 
world.
  His ideas have personally helped me in forming my own beliefs, and it 
is a privilege to pay special tribute to Dr. Kirk and his legacy today.

                          ____________________