[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 13]
[House]
[Page 18415]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      THE PIONEERING SPIRIT OF 3M

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Minnesota (Mr. Emmer) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the 3M 
Company, a great Minnesota business, for recently being named one of 
the top 100 innovative organizations for the fifth consecutive year by 
Thomson Reuters in their fifth annual list of Top 100 Global 
Innovators.
  Originally known as Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, 3M 
started out as a small-scale mining company in northern Minnesota. 
However, mining turned out to be an unsuccessful venture, causing the 
company to suffer. Instead of accepting defeat, the company embraced a 
pioneering spirit and began to invent and produce other products.
  More than a century later, 3M has evolved into a multinational 
company that produces more than 65,000 products which are used all over 
the world. Among the many products created, the Post-it Note and Scotch 
Tape remain among the most well-known.
  As of today, one-third of 3M's sales come from products that were 
invented within the past 5 years, making it clear that this company 
defines American creativity and innovation.
  Congratulations, 3M, and here is to another century of 
accomplishment.


               Dr. Bittman--Improving Future Generations

  Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate one of 
Minnesota's finest educators, Dr. Daniel Bittman. Dr. Bittman has been 
the superintendent of Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools since 2010 and 
this year has been named Superintendent of the Year by the Minnesota 
Association of School Administrators.
  Dr. Bittman earned both a master's and doctorate of education from 
the University of Nevada, and has been working in education in 
Minnesota for more than 20 years.
  As a result of his continued efforts and leadership, the students of 
Sauk Rapids-Rice schools are now performing at a higher level than ever 
before and thriving within a more engaged and supportive community.
  Our children are the future of this country, and Dr. Bittman's 
dedication to his students shows that our future is bright.
  Dr. Bittman, thank you for all you have done for our children and our 
communities and for all you will do in the future. Congratulations on 
being named Superintendent of the Year. You deserve it.


                        National Diabetes Month

  Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, in honor of National Diabetes 
Month, I rise today to voice my concern for this disease that is 
plaguing our Nation.
  Statistics show that nearly 30 million children and adults in the 
United States are currently living with diabetes. In my home State of 
Minnesota, more than 8 percent of adults have been diagnosed with this 
difficult and dangerous disease.
  As if these harrowing statistics are not concerning enough, studies 
show that type 2 diabetes will continue to grow at widespread rates and 
that the future cost of diabetes will increase. In other words, our 
diabetes problem and the associated costs are going to get worse.
  This disease can often be prevented. While genetics play a role in 
developing diabetes, diet and exercise play a role in the development 
as well. If we eat better and exercise--in short, if we live healthy 
lifestyles--many of us can prevent the onset of diabetes.
  So I urge my colleagues here in Congress to join me in raising 
awareness for diabetes. If we all put in the effort, I believe that our 
country can overcome this epidemic.


                      Alzheimer's Awareness Month

  Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Alzheimer's 
Awareness Month, I would like to bring attention to a disease that is 
all too prevalent in our country.
  Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, and today, 
approximately 5.3 million Americans are living with this disease. To 
put it in perspective, that is the same as the population of the State 
of Minnesota.
  Alzheimer's is a cruel disease that knows no limits. From the 30-
year-old mother of three young ones who is suffering from early onset 
Alzheimer's to the elderly grandfather who fails to recognize his loved 
ones, this is a disease that is devastating families across our 
country.
  Unfortunately, statistics show that Alzheimer's rates are rapidly 
increasing. In fact, by 2050, the number of people age 65 years or 
older with Alzheimer's is estimated to triple.

                              {time}  1045

  Mr. Speaker, at this point in time, Alzheimer's cannot be prevented 
or cured, which is why we must work harder to ensure that one day life 
without the risk of Alzheimer's can become a reality.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Members are reminded to address their 
remarks to the Chair and not to a perceived viewing audience.

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