Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today saddened that yet another community in America is attempting to stop construction of an Islamic Center, this time in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Unlike the controversy that surrounded the construction of the Islamic Center near the World Trade Center Memorial, the opponents here cannot mask their disdain for Muslim Americans by claiming to act on behalf of the families of the victims of 9/11. In fact, the opponents have not even tried, instead letting their prejudice and paranoia dictate their course.

It is ironic that these opponents contend, without any evidence, that Muslim Americans in Murfreesboro want to replace the Constitution, while they hypocritically ignore freedom of worship, a belief so central to our Nation it is enshrined in the 1st Amendment.

What makes America great is our people's unshakeable love of freedom and a monumental history that welcomes every viewpoint, faith, and background. As our Nation grows and its diversity widens, we must not forget the values on which we were founded.

We cannot, in one instance, celebrate freedom of expression, and in the next, silence those with whom our viewpoints differ. We cannot, in one breath, claim that all Americans are free to worship as they see fit, and in the next, oppose an effort to build the house of worship that makes exercising that freedom possible.

Anyone can embrace freedom of expression when their viewpoints go unchallenged. The American way means that those who vehemently disagree are able to speak their views side by side and that differing faiths can be practiced streets apart. We must all ask ourselves--will we abandon our Constitutional principles when they allow others to voice opinions that are contrary to our own or practice a faith different than our own? Or will we stand up for the freedom of all Americans to practice their own beliefs? That is the true test of what it means to be American.

The Murfreesboro Islamic Center has been facing down protests since 2010 and is once again making headlines after a judge ruled that the local officials did not provide sufficient public notice under local law before approving the project. I know that the Muslim American community would want this project completed in accordance with local ordinances, so I fully expect they will work with officials to ensure the appropriate process is followed.

Once these processes are completed, I hope that opponents will recognize that construction is protected by our Constitution. Additional vandalism and intimidation is counter to everything we stand for as Americans and everything that makes our country great.

We are better than this as a Nation. Our proud history and hard- fought principles demand more.

Mr. Speaker, in recent years, unpredictable and sometimes violent weather has struck our Nation. The months of May and June are the most likely times for tornadoes to strike the great Hoosier state. Getting to safety before a tornado strikes can be the difference between life and death. Success in that effort depends on access to timely information. For this reason, I want to thank local broadcasters in the 7th District of Indiana for providing critical information during weather emergencies.

Last year, a violent storm caused the sudden collapse of the concert stage at the Indiana State Fair. This tragic incident killed seven and severely injured dozens more. It could have been much worse. Timely alerts from local broadcasters enabled Fair officials to clear the Midway minutes before the storm struck, potentially saving the lives of hundreds.

Radio and television stations are our Nation's most reliable network for distributing emergency information. When electrical lines are knocked down and Internet and mobile networks become inoperable, broadcasters are the last line of defense--transmitting public safety information over the airwaves.

Local television and radio stations play a critical role in ensuring public safety. Now is the time to expand their ability to provide emergency notifications. Increasingly, the American people have access to mobile phones. By equipping these devices to receive FM radio signals, millions of Americans could depend on their mobile phones to provide critical information in advance of a weather emergency.

As a former official with the Department of Homeland Security, I know first-hand how cell phone networks can become overloaded and inoperable during an emergency. By adopting this technology, broadcasters can provide timely information to mobile phones--enabling the American people to take shelter in advance of a weather emergency. I call upon my colleagues in Congress, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Communications Commission and the mobile phone industry to work together to expand the reach of local broadcasters in providing critical information during a weather emergency.

I want to once again thank local broadcasters in my district for their essential role in promoting public safety.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, my amendment, which CBO has determined will have no impact on direct spending or appropriations, seeks to address an issue that I believe is preventing many of today's servicemembers from pursuing the mental health and addiction treatment that they so desperately need.

Quite simply, it prevents promotion boards from considering any other source of information from official documents, word of mouth, any source

about the pursuit of treatment for mental health or addiction issues. The amendment provides necessary exceptions for individuals who are determined by a physician to be a danger to themselves or others, would be unable or unfit to accomplish the duties of higher rank, or if they give consent to consideration of such information. And lastly, and I believe most importantly, the amendment requires the Department of Defense to inform current servicemembers about these prohibitions.

As we all know, Mr. Chairman, mental health issues, like PTSD and depression, are the signature wounds of our wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Unfortunately, we have entered these wars with an outdated military culture that stigmatized mental health issues and often equated pursuing treatment with weakness.

Mr. Chairman, we have made amazing progress since then, and I applaud the Department of Defense and the Armed Services Committee for their efforts. Yet I still hear from servicemembers who are afraid that pursuing mental health treatment will negatively impact their prospects for promotion and others who are absolutely convinced that this is a pervasive problem in the ranks, that many servicemembers believe this. Now, these individuals are dedicated to their jobs and determined to progress in their careers, so, not surprisingly, they hesitate in pursuing treatment.

Of course I understand that HIPAA prevents medical records from being considered--including those on mental health--with good reason. But we need to be absolutely sure that the fears of our servicemembers do not come to pass in other ways. We need to make explicit that promotion boards are not only prevented from considering medical records but also information on treatment received by word of mouth, from other areas of personnel files, or in any other form. This will reflect our modern understanding of mental health and addiction issues--that they should be treated, not ignored, and that individuals can overcome them.

But I believe, Mr. Chairman, the most important aspect of this amendment, the main reason I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting it, is that we need to be sure that our servicemembers know and are fully aware about these prohibitions.

Some may argue against this amendment, claiming that it perpetuates a myth, that, in fact, treatment information is not considered. Their argument perfectly illustrates why this amendment is so necessary. Because many servicemembers believe they will be penalized for pursuing treatment. And as long as this is true, we will still have our brave men and women suffer in silence. With screening and counseling, they could get healthy. They could perform their duties at a much higher level. And they could avoid falling into the traps of addiction, domestic violence, and homelessness that await too many of our veterans when the return home.

Mr. Chairman, I believe that the individuals assigned to the promotion boards have the best interests of the military at heart, and I believe that they do their jobs quite well. The quality of our advanced ranks proves just that. But I want to be sure that we do everything possible to remove the stigma on mental health treatment until all servicemembers are comfortable pursuing the treatment that they need. I believe this amendment is an important step in that direction. I hope all of my colleagues will join me in supporting this amendment.

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Chairman, this en bloc amendment includes two of my amendments.

The first seeks to address what many consider to be a serious mistake made by our military and this Congress over the last decade of war, that is, allowing some of our troops, including several of my constituents, to deploy without certain equipment that they need to be safe in combat. Instead, these troops had to rely on their families and friends to send them this vital equipment.

My amendment calls on the DOD to survey troops who have served since September 11 in order to find out what, if any, equipment they did without and what equipment they relied on family and friends to send them.

I want to be clear. This is not an effort to condemn our military or the Armed Services Committee. In fact, I applaud their valuable efforts in this area. Yet, now that we are winding down our war in Afghanistan and we are out of Iraq, we need to understand our mistakes to avoid making them again in future conflicts.

My second amendment is very simply a reintroduction of language adopted last year by unanimous consent but that was, unfortunately, removed in conference.

It addresses the fact that our servicemembers deployed in Afghanistan only receive mental health assessments prior to deployment and after returning home. Yet it is during deployment--in combat--that these events leading to mental health issues are most likely to occur. Over months of deployment without diagnosis or treatment, their performances could suffer; they could develop dangerous addictions; and in tragic but far too common instances, they could hurt themselves or others.

My amendment requires the DOD to provide mental health assessments to our troops during deployment, improving the chances of catching and treating PTSD and other issues early.

I ask all of my colleagues to stand up for the physical safety and mental well-being of our troops.

Mr. Speaker, on May 8, 2012, I missed rollcall votes 202 223 because of my primary election in Indiana. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall 202, ``no'' on rollcall 203, ``no'' on rollcall 204, ``yes'' on rollcall 205, ``no'' on rollcall 206, ``no'' on rollcall 207, ``no'' on rollcall 208, ``no'' on rollcall 209, ``yes'' on rollcall 210, ``no'' on rollcall 211, ``no'' on rollcall 212, ``yes'' on rollcall 213, ``yes'' on rollcall 214, ``no'' on rollcall 215, ``no'' on rollcall 216, ``no'' on rollcall 217, ``no'' on rollcall 218, ``no'' on rollcall 219, ``no'' on rollcall 220, ``no'' on rollcall 221, ``no'' on rollcall 222, and ``no'' on rollcall 223.

Mr. Speaker, on May 8, 2012, I missed rollcall votes Nos. 199 201 because of my primary election in Indiana. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 199, ``no'' on rollcall No. 200, and ``yes'' on rollcall No. 201.

Mr. Speaker, on May 7, 2012, I missed rollcall votes Nos. 196 198 because of my primary election in Indiana. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 196, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 197, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 198.

Personal Explanation

Mr. Speaker, today, I am proud to honor the life of Reverend Boniface Hardin, a luminary of the civil rights movement and a pioneer in higher education from Indiana's Seventh Congressional District who passed away this past Saturday.

Reverend Hardin became a Benedictine monk in 1953 at the young age of twenty, was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1959, and received a master of divinity degree in 1960. While serving as an associate pastor at the Holy Angels Catholic Church in Indianapolis, he became a vocal advocate for racial and socio-economic equality during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

His spiritual commitment and dedication to self-improvement led him to found the Martin Center in 1969 and later the Indianapolis Sickle Cell Center in 1977. Under his leadership, the Martin Center College became Martin University, a fully accredited institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees to low-income and minority adult learners.

Recognizing his limitless compassion and unceasing commitment to education, Reverend Hardin was named a ``Living Legend'' in 2002 by the Indiana Historical Society for the indelible mark he made on the City of Indianapolis and the State of Indiana.

It is with a heavy heart and profound sense of sadness that I express my condolences to the family and friends of Reverend Hardin. But it is with gratitude and admiration that I remember his life and contributions to our community. We were all truly lucky to have had such a caring, giving servant in our midst.

Mr. Speaker, on its sixtieth anniversary, I am proud to honor an organization that has helped save hundreds of thousands of lives through volunteer blood donations and blood component distribution to more than 60 hospitals across the state.

Indiana Blood Center was founded in 1952 and is headquartered in my district in Indianapolis. This esteemed non-profit community service organization delivers more than 700 components of blood each day and provides other vital assistance to modern medicine through specialized blood typing for organ transplants, viral marker testing, transfusion recipients, and the National Marrow Donor Program. The Center also serves as a vital link in the state's life science and healthcare infrastructure in the areas of prostate cancer treatment, pharmaceutical research, stem cell and bone marrow donation. It is the largest independent blood center in the state and ranks among the top 20 nationally. Indiana Blood Center is a member of America's Blood Centers, North America's largest network of community-based, independent and non-profit blood centers--which, coincidentally, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Every two seconds, someone, somewhere will need a transfusion and one out of every seven patients entering a hospital will need blood. Indiana Blood Center depends on the good people of Indiana and the nearly 4,000 organizations that host blood drives annually to meet the constant demand to serve the citizens of Indiana. I would like to recognize this valuable contribution to our community and congratulate Indiana Blood Center for its 60 years of faithful and dedicated stewardship of Indiana's blood supply.

Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of his retirement, I would like to congratulate Gilbert Holmes for a lifetime of trailblazing leadership and devoted public service.

From humble roots growing up in Sparta, Illinois, Gil ascended to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, where he served valiantly for twenty years, including in Vietnam and as aide-de-camp to Major General Frederic Davison.

Upon leaving the service, Gil applied his organizational acumen with venerable Hoosier organizations, including the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Methodist Hospital, and Lincoln National Corporation.

From 1989 to 1996, Gil rendered distinguished public service as Commissioner of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and later, as President and CEO of IndyGo.

Gil's career culminated in his selection as executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, where he has served ably for the past three years as both steward and advocate.

Gil has spent his life combating prejudice, proving skeptics wrong, and empowering those with whom he works to achieve great things. On March 31, 2012, Gil will retire, leaving behind a legacy of lives bettered by his mentorship and leadership. On behalf of the 7th Congressional District of Indiana, I wish him well in his retirement and extend to him our gratitude for his commitment to his fellow Hoosiers and to the advancement of civil rights for all.

Madam Speaker, from my first days in Congress, I always considered Donald Payne to be a mentor and a friend. He took me and others under his wing and showed us what it truly means to be a Member of Congress, not just a politician. He showed me, like he showed so many of us in this Chamber, how much more we accomplish through humility and cooperation than through bravado and partisanship.

He was brilliant, and he put thought into every word he said; and because of that, Madam Speaker, his words carried weight on both sides of the aisle and in both Chambers.

Most recently, I was privileged to serve under his leadership on the board of the Congressional Black Caucus, and I was able to see up close how he brought together the diverse personalities and opinions of the caucus in order to achieve a greater purpose.

Congressman Payne made our caucus strong and united; and while we attempt to fill the gap he leaves behind, I know we will never have another leader like Donald Payne.

Madam Speaker, learning to serve in the House is truly an honor, but it also comes with many challenges. As a young Member, I am continuing to grow and find my place amongst my distinguished colleagues; but I feel just a little more confident, and I felt a little more confident because I had a role model in Donald Payne.

As long as I am given the privilege to serve in this great House, I look forward to carrying that legacy, the one that he started--to fight for the underprivileged, to bring attention to the critical issues that don't make the front page, Madam Speaker.

I want to extend my deepest sympathies to his family and staff, and they know like I do how great a Member and how great a man he was.

I'm reminded of a passage of a conversation that Jesus had with his disciples in the Book of Matthew, and they were dealing with this notion of leadership; and Jesus said very succinctly and very clearly and very wisely, and prophetically to them, when he said: ``He who wishes to be chief among you shall first be your servant.'' Let us remember and honor Donald Payne, a true public servant.

Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 75th Anniversary of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, one of our nation's most active and dynamic symphonic choruses.

The Choir performs for tens of thousands of my constituents annually at storied venues, including this year's Super Bowl. I was fortunate to witness the Choir's incomparable artistry during this year's Celebration Gospel Festival, a moving tribute to Dr. King's legacy.

Under the leadership of a phenomenal Board of Directors, as well as the guiding hands of artistic director Dr. Eric Stark, executive director Michael Pettry, General Manager Andrew Lannerd, and Operations Manager Stephanie Derybowski, the Choir adds to the cultural richness of the 7th District and provides invaluable inspiration to Hoosiers of all ages, races, and backgrounds.

Since 1937, the Symphonic Choir has partnered with the venerable Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. This collaboration of successful independent arts organizations has entertained generations of music lovers throughout Central Indiana. I also commend the Symphonic Choir for spearheading educational initiatives benefitting students and teachers within Indianapolis Public Schools.

Finally, I want to congratulate the 160 volunteer singers who tirelessly dedicate themselves to mastering their craft. Their selfless devotion to community enrichment is awe-inspiring.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir on 75 years of music and wishing them continued success for decades to come.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to join my colleagues to honor the life of former Congresswoman Katie Hall who passed last week at the age of 73. I met her as a young man. In fact, I had a chance to spend some time with her in the early eighties in San Francisco during the Democratic National Convention.

But she quickly made a name for herself, to my colleague's point, not only as a strong advocate and leader in the State of Indiana, but as an educator. She knew that America's children were suffering, and she supported alternative education, Mr. Speaker. She understood that children had different needs, and she made sure that she was an advocate of different educational models to meet those needs.

So my deepest sympathies go out to her family and friends who are mourning her passing. And we know that Indiana politics will not be the same.

I thank my colleague for acknowledging me.

Mr. Speaker, in 2010, the Affordable Care Act delivered a $250 check to seniors in my district who were struggling to cover the gap between the cost of their prescription drugs and their Medicare coverage. In 2011, these same seniors benefited from an average savings of $648 on their medications.

For my well-meaning Republican colleagues who say health reform is hurting Medicare beneficiaries, I ask them to imagine spending two and three times that amount on prescription drugs per month.

For most seniors, $648 is a significant savings. And it is just the beginning. The Affordable Care Act will provide more efficient care by bundling Medicare services, investing in our health care workforce, and focusing on quality.

Replacing Medicare with vouchers would erase the progress we have already made toward prescription drug coverage and lead to fewer choices for beneficiaries.

I encourage my colleagues to work with me on solutions that guarantee continued access to health care for our seniors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the great city of Indianapolis, my hometown, for doing an outstanding job as the host of Super Bowl XLVI.

On Sunday, two teams played an incredible game; but I believe that the events leading up to kickoff, organized by countless community organizations, good corporate citizens, committed public leaders, and thousands of volunteers, were as impressive as any play

on the field. Over 1 million visitors enjoyed the free festivities of Super Bowl Village, and a record 265,000 fans visited the NFL experience to test their passing and kicking skills and to meet their favorite players. So I was not surprised when Indianapolis received rave reviews for its accessibility, downtown amenities, civic commitment, and famed Hoosier hospitality.

Yet this success, Mr. Speaker, did not stop with the blocks surrounding Lucas Oil Stadium. With Commissioner Goodell and the NFL's assistance, I am confident that the impact of this Super Bowl will last far longer than the memories of that final Hail Mary pass.

Indianapolis embarked on an unprecedented effort to rebuild one of its hardest-hit areas. Even before the recession hit, Indianapolis' Near Eastside, a patchwork of neighborhoods just outside of downtown, led the Nation in foreclosures, and families were too often rattled by violent crime; but today, thanks to relentless efforts by community residents and with the Super Bowl as its springboard, Indianapolis' Near Eastside has been rejuvenated.

It has been given new life through housing developments like the St. Clair Senior Apartments, Commonwealth Apartments, and Building a Living Legacy housing initiative. These new housing options will help seniors and low-income families stay in the community they love and access the services they rely on, like the John Boner Community Center and People's Health and Dental Center. They will help the homeless find a new start and working men and women to locate near their employers.

On Super Bowl weekend, we also saw the grand opening of the Chase Near Eastside Legacy Center, which includes the area's only fitness center now offering low membership rates. This center will be home to the Youth Education Town. It is a facility that will provide classes to students of all ages through great national and local non-profits.

While other host cities spend Super Bowl weekend breaking ground on projects, Indianapolis spent ours opening doors for these new facilities. Collectively, the Near Eastside redevelopment effort serves as a model, not only for what can be achieved throughout Indianapolis, but across this great Nation. Just a few years ago, the Near Eastside and all of Indianapolis were suffering the worst of the economic downturn. We had some of the Nation's highest unemployment, foreclosure and bankruptcy rates; but today our unemployment rate is near the national average and is getting better. Our critics counted us out many times, but this weekend showed that we are a modern city.

Mr. Speaker, this weekend, Indianapolis showcased why it is America's best-kept secret. It showed that we are a prime destination for conventions and big events and that we have some of the best sports facilities anywhere. It is with great pride that I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Indianapolis, Indiana, and all of those who worked so hard to make this event a huge success.

Mr. Speaker, on February 3, 2012, I missed rollcall votes 31, 32, and 33 because of district business. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall 31 and ``no'' on rollcall 32. I would also have voted ``yes'' on rollcall 33, because it is critical to support aviation jobs and safety in our skies. However, I am strongly opposed to the inclusion of anti-labor provisions that will increase from 35 percent to 50 percent the required number of employees who must show interest in forming a union before the National Mediation Board can allow election procedures to begin. These provisions will make it more difficult for American workers to organize for the protection of their rights, pay and safety. I encourage my colleagues to immediately begin consideration of legislation to reverse these misguided provisions.