Hillary J. Scholten

To require the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to implement a certain recommendation relating to artificial intelligence adoption, and for other purposes.

in committee

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the International Hearing Society.

in committee

Postal Alert and Weather Preparedness Act

in committee

“Ms. SCHOLTEN. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on January 12, 2026. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 15. ____________________”

2026-01-13 · Government Reform

“Ms. SCHOLTEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the remarkable contributions of a woman who needs no introduction, Ms. Erica ``Rikki'' Miller, to our country and to the House of Representatives. For nearly the last decade, Rikki has served with integrity, compassion, and a deep sense of duty. Whether it was driving a Member as a humble staff assistant, enhancing the caucus communications, directing communications on energy policy for a senior Member of Energy and Commerce or helping a brand new freshman establish her office as chief of staff, Rikki approached every task with the same commitment--to make life better for the people we serve. Rikki's decade of congressional service began as an intern for Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, where she was soon hired full time as constituent relations and press assistant. After two years with Congresswoman Dingell, Rikki joined now Leader Jeffries inaugural leadership team. As their press assistant, Rikki helped plan the Caucus issues conference and lead the Caucus's communication [[Page E1062]] efforts during the Mueller trials and historic first impeachment. She then spent four years with Congresswoman Kathy Castor as her communications director, where she led the team during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. After four years with Congresswoman Castor, Rikki was called back home to Michigan to be chief of staff for my district office. As chief, Rikki helped build the office from the ground up, leading the team through my first term. There, Rikki established herself as a mentor to those in the office, and to other chiefs as well. Public service isn't always glamorous. It demands patience, perseverance, and quiet strength. There are early mornings, late nights, and countless moments when the work you do goes unnoticed by the world outside. But it's people like Rikki who keep everything running--the unseen hands and steady hearts behind the work we all depend on, whether we realize it or not. Rikki has been so much more than a House employee, she's been a mentor to new young staff, a colleague, and a friend to all. Rikki lights up any room she walks in. She knows everyone's name and treats everyone the same. She has shared her knowledge generously, guided others through challenges, and shown us what public service truly looks like. Many of us here have learned from her--not just how to do our jobs, but how to do them with purpose. We will miss Rikki and her steady presence, her joyful spirit, and her years of experience. But we take comfort in knowing that the values she has instilled will continue to guide this workplace in the dozens of new staffers she has trained and inspired. She has left it stronger, kinder, and more resilient than when she arrived. On behalf of a grateful country, and especially the people of Michigan's 3rd Congressional District, we thank her. ____________________”

2025-11-12 · Government Reform

“Ms. SCHOLTEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of my constituent, Elgin Vines, who turned 90 years old on May 19, 2025. Through the segregation of the Jim Crow South, on stages big and small across the world, Mr Vines' career as a bassist continues to be a bridge in the jazz community--connecting worlds, hearts, and histories. Born on May 19, 1935, in Suffolk, Virginia, at a time when the odds were not in his favor, Mr. Vines charted a course that was uniquely his own. As a student at Norfolk State University with a Biology/Medical Technology major, Mr. Vines paid his tuition and fees with gigs along the Virginia Beach ``strip,'' before graduating as an ASCP-certified medical technologist. During that time, he was also a member of the house trio on the daily ``Morty Nevins Television Show'' for three years. In his eight-year stint as a bassist for the touring group ``The New Direction,'' Mr. Vines was a guest on national programs like The Tonight Show. He has also played alongside giants like Frank Sinatra Sr. and Jr., the Mills Brothers, and toured on the same circuits as Ella Fitzgerald and Elvis Presley. What Mr. Vines remembers most is not the glitz of the spotlight, but the dignity of people who, like him, believed music could tear down walls. Mr. Vines moved to West Michigan in 1972, where he married his wife of nearly 52 years, Jackie, and played bass for the Bennie Carew Trio-- quickly becoming an indispensable member of our local music community. Mr. Vines has been a member of the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra Jazz Ensemble, played for the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, and worked in many local trios. He has gifted his love of jazz to both neighbors and Hollyhock Lane parade-goers for decades. Mr. Vines is more than a bassist. He is a living example of compassion, resilience, and strength. Mr. Speaker, once more, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Mr. Elgin Vines for his lifelong impact. His rhythm has carried generations, and his soulful steadiness has graced every room he's walked into. I wish him another happy, healthy, and fulfilling year ahead. ____________________”

2025-08-05 · Government Reform