[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 24 (Monday, February 7, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H979-H980]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RUNAWAY INFLATION IS HURTING EVERY HOUSEHOLD IN AMERICA

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Minnesota (Mr. Emmer) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to once again address the crisis 
hurting every household in America: runaway inflation.
  The January 12 Consumer Price Index report showed inflation has 
increased 7 percent over the last 12 months, the fastest increase since 
1982.
  Rural communities are being hit harder than anyone else. In my 
district, inflation has increased 8 percent over the past year. 
Americans are paying more for essentials everywhere, from the grocery 
store to the gas station, and working families are being hit the 
hardest.
  Like many of my colleagues, I believe the primary driver of this 
inflation is unchecked government spending. Unfortunately, even though 
inflation has reached historic highs, this issue continues to be 
ignored by many of my Democrat colleagues.
  Whether you agree with me or not, we owe it to the American people to 
identify the root cause and begin to address the problem. I have 
introduced legislation to do just that, and I hope all of my colleagues 
will join me in supporting efforts that put an end to this ongoing 
problem that harms every single American, especially those living 
paycheck to paycheck and trying to raise a family.


                 Recognizing Deputy Chief Dan Szykulski

  Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Deputy Chief

[[Page H980]]

Dan Szykulski. In January, Dan retired as deputy chief of the Blaine 
Police Department.
  Dan served with the Blaine Police Department for 38 years. During 
that time, he saw many changes in the city and his department.
  Deputy Chief Szykulski had the respect and admiration of his fellow 
officers. Often described as a hard worker and team player, Dan was 
always there to lend a hand on emergency calls or bring in home-cooked 
meals for officers working on holidays.
  Dan earned numerous awards during his career, including the Chief's 
Compassion Award and a Certificate of Recognition from the city of 
Blaine. I should note, however, that possibly my favorite thing about 
Dan was his reputation as the best hockey player in the station. He 
will certainly be missed at the annual Guns and Hoses hockey game. 
Maybe he will be able to return with an alumni exception.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Dan thank for his service, and I congratulate 
him on his retirement.


                      Recognizing Dr. Richard Lee

  Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career of Dr. 
Richard Lee. Dr. Lee is retiring as executive director of the Central 
Minnesota Mental Health Center.
  Dr. Lee has led the center for the past 6 years. In that time, Dr. 
Lee has been a champion for expanding mental health resources in 
central Minnesota. I have had the privilege to work with Dr. Lee and 
have been fortunate to visit the Central Minnesota Mental Health Center 
to see the great work they do.
  Under Dr. Lee's leadership, the Central Minnesota Mental Health 
Center cultivated and expanded strong community partnerships with local 
counties, law enforcement, and healthcare agencies. Dr. Lee also helped 
develop and expand the Co-Responder Program that partners mental health 
professionals with law enforcement officers to respond to behavioral 
health calls.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Dr. Lee for the incredible impact he has had on 
expanding access and availability of mental health care in central 
Minnesota and wish him an enjoyable and well-deserved retirement.


            Honoring the Life of Gregory ``Butch'' Bakeberg

  Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Gregory 
``Butch'' Bakeberg, a constituent, a friend, and a leader in 
Minnesota's agriculture community.
  Butch passed away last month at the age of 74, but his legacy and 
work for the Sixth District and the city of Waverly, Minnesota, will 
continue to have an impact.
  Butch was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but moved to Waverly where 
his family owned and operated Goldview Farm. Butch and his wife, Faye, 
were active in their community for decades, getting involved with the 
Wright County American Dairy Association and helping start the Wright 
County Breakfast on the Farm Committee. Butch and Faye were known to 
host countless agricultural-related events on their farm with the goal 
of educating fellow Minnesotans on dairy farming. They also host the 
occasional Sunday mass on the family farm as well.
  Last year, I had an opportunity to visit Butch on his family's farm, 
and I am glad I did. Butch and Faye truly represent the best of 
Minnesota, and while we mourn the loss of a leader in our community, 
Butch's contribution to our community will live on for years to come.


                      Remembering Loral I. Delaney

  Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Loral I. 
Delaney. Loral I passed away on September 19, 2021, after battling 
breast cancer.
  Loral I was a shooting-sports legend. In 1957, at the age of 19, 
Loral I competed in her first event, the Minnesota State Trap Shoot, 
which she won with a near-perfect score. Loral I would go on to win 
seven Grand American World Trapshooting Championships, five of them 
consecutively. Loral I remains the only woman to win more than two 
championships in a row and more than four in total.
  Loral I not only loved to compete, but she had an incredible passion 
for animals, as well. She and her husband, Chuck, ran Armstrong Ranch 
Kennels in Ramsey, Minnesota, providing grooming and training for some 
of Minnesota's premier hunting dogs. Loral I also founded an event 
known as Game Fair, an annual event known and beloved by sportsmen and 
-women and hunting enthusiasts throughout Minnesota and beyond.
  Loral I leaves a tremendous legacy behind her; she will be missed 
dearly. To Chuck and her family, we offer our sincere condolences.

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