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Congressional Daily Record
This section is a tribute, commemoration, or district-facing statement. It mentions members such as John Bergman. Extensions of Remarks are statements submitted for the official record, even if they were not spoken live on the floor.
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September 2, 2026
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Extensions of Remarks
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Download official Extensions PDFReturn to issue contextHONORING DR. RICHARD BATES ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THUNDER BAY COMMUNITY
HEALTH SERVICE
HON. JACK BERGMAN
of michigan
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and recognize Dr. Richard Bates on his retirement from Thunder Bay Community Health Service. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Bates has dedicated himself to improving access to quality healthcare for the people of Northern Michigan while exemplifying compassionate leadership and an unwavering commitment to rural communities.
State University School of Medicine, Dr. Bates has served Northeast Michigan for more than twenty-five years as both a trusted physician and respected healthcare leader. During his tenure as Chief Executive Officer of Thunder Bay Community Health Service, he expanded access to care by growing the organization's services, including the launch of its Women's Health program, ensuring more families throughout the region received the care they deserve.
Beyond his leadership within the clinic, Dr. Bates has been a tireless advocate for Community Health Centers, regularly traveling to Washington to champion the needs of rural healthcare providers. He has led discussions with my office on behalf of health centers across our region and has been a valued partner in advancing policies that strengthen healthcare access for the people of Northern Michigan. His dedication to delivering quality care has also touched countless families, delivering thousands of babies throughout Northeast Michigan over the course of his medical career.
Although retiring from his role as Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Bates will continue serving patients as a part-time clinician to assist with Thunder Bay's expanding women's health services, ensuring his experience and passion for medicine will continue to benefit our communities.
Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize Dr. Richard Bates for his extraordinary service, leadership, and commitment to improving the health and well-being of Northern Michigan. On behalf of Michigan's 1st Congressional District, I congratulate him on his well-earned retirement and wish him, his wife Cheryl, and their family many years of health, happiness, and continued success.