Floor Statements

Mr. Chair, I respectfully oppose the Pence amendment to defund Planned Parenthood.

Planned Parenthood plays a vital and important role in my home state of Indiana. In Indiana, Planned Parenthood serves over 94,000 patients a year. Of those, more than 25,000 women are served through Title X, that's over half of all the women served by the program in our state. In my district, Planned Parenthood is an integral part of the patchwork of safety net providers, which includes county health departments, free standing clinics, and women's health centers.

The simple fact is that we are in the middle of a health care crisis and Planned Parenthood is part of the solution to this crisis. One out of three women, 1.7 million, who receives Title X family planning health care does so at a Planned Parenthood health center. Planned Parenthood affiliates serve a diverse range of women and men throughout their lifetimes, providing family planning and other reproductive health care.

Planned Parenthood health centers are working daily to provide quality, preventive health services. Planned Parenthood runs over 880 non-profit health centers in communities where there are limited affordable, quality health care options. In fact seventy-five percent of Planned Parenthood's patients live under 150% of the federal poverty level. Planned Parenthood provides options counseling for patients facing unintended pregnancies, preventive services including birth control, screening for cervical and breast cancer screenings, immunizations to prevent cervical cancer and sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, education and information.

If it were not for Planned Parenthood, thousands of women in my state would not get basic health care at all. That's why I support Planned Parenthood, and oppose the Pence amendment.

Madam Speaker, I come to the floor to discuss the Young Adults Financial Literacy Act, which I mentioned last week, to help community organizations provide better financial education to young adults.

As our recession drags on, it is clear that many of the problems we now face could have been avoided by better educating people about the financial system.

Today, across our country, thousands of young people are getting their first credit card, taking out loans for college, and renting their first apartments. Yet statistics show that many of these young adults never learn basic financial skills like budgeting, saving, and maintaining manageable debt.

My bill will help young people receive the financial education they need before they take these critical steps. It will provide grants for the development and implementation of effective education programs, empowering a young generation of consumers at this critical economic time.

So I encourage my House colleagues to cosponsor the Young Adults Financial Literacy Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Delores ``Sugar'' Poindexter for her phenomenal career in the gospel music industry and as a spiritual healer.

Sugar's stunning soprano voice is and will always remain legendary within the gospel music industry. She sang with many of the great pioneers of gospel music such as the Roberta Martin Singers and the Beatrice Brown Singers. In addition to singing, she was the Chairperson of the Back Stage Committee for the Gospel Music Workshop of America Inc. Sugar served as the Vice Chairperson of the Gospel Announcers Guild of the Gospel Music Workshop of America Inc., and as a co-host on Black Entertainment Television's Bobby Jones Gospel show.

Sugar is a remarkable woman who has achieved many firsts in her lifetime. She is a giant in the Indianapolis community whose vision of service has touched the lives of many less fortunate individuals. In the span of over three decades, Sugar was the first African American woman to host her own gospel program on the airwaves of WTLC, which was formerly known as 104.5 FM. She was the first African American licensed disc jokey on WTLC and again the first to host her show from the Marion County Jail on Thanksgiving Day, a tradition she continued for 20 years.

Despite her many achievements, Sugar's greatest legacy is that of a healer. She ran her own prison ministry providing hope and spiritual fulfillment to the women at the Indiana State Prison.

I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Delores ``Sugar'' Poindexter, a woman who shared the gospel and its message of compassion, humanity and peace through music. Sugar firmly believed in the saying that, ``to whom much is given much is expected.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Harper J. Ransburg YMCA for 50 years of service to the Indianapolis community.

The Ransburg YMCA facility, which seeks to strengthen the mental, physical and spiritual well-being of its members, is a cornerstone on the Indianapolis Eastside that has responded to the critical social needs of its residents for decades. The legacy of this community center is as diverse as its 9,500 members, touching the lives of individuals of every age and background.

In addition to promoting better health and wellness, the Ransburg YMCA has provided an environment for families and for individuals to build strong bonds to become dynamic and engaged citizens. Through its child outreach programs, this YMCA has sought to reinforce positive values and foster the commitment for community service amongst children.

It is important to mention that the Ransburg YMCA would not have reached this milestone without its dedicated staff, volunteers and community members. I would like to salute them for the hard work and support that made this milestone possible.

I ask my colleagues to join me congratulating the Harper J. Ransburg YMCA as it celebrates its 50th anniversary and hope that the next 50 years bring this center, and the Indianapolis Eastside community, continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a fallen hero who was laid to rest in my district earlier this month.

Senior Airman Ashton Goodman was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan on May 26. Her ultimate sacrifice is a stark reminder of the human cost of war. However, it is Ashton's life that should serve as a shining example of American achievement in Afghanistan.

While tasked with protecting vital reconstruction teams, Ashton worked to win over the hearts and minds of the Afghan people. She regularly mentored Afghan women, providing them with the guidance and skills needed to stand up against oppression and violence. Because of Ashton, many women are now combating the economic and social conditions that breed extremism.

Through her exceptional support of Afghan women and her sacrifice on behalf of her country, she has set a lasting example for our military and for all Americans.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday I introduced the Recidivism Reduction Act, a bill that will quickly restore Federal disability and health benefits to eligible individuals after they are released from incarceration.

As a former law enforcement officer, I have seen firsthand how critical these benefits can be to successful reentry into the community. Currently, however, these benefits are regularly suspended or terminated upon incarceration and take considerable time to be reinstated after an individual is released. Without the health coverage they so desperately need, many newly released individuals cannot fully focus on securing gainful employment and developing a supportive home life. My colleagues should rest assured that this legislation will not provide new benefits to recently released individuals. Rather, it ensures that individuals receive the timely benefits they need to begin breaking the cycle of recidivism.

Join me, please, in supporting the Recidivism Reduction Act.

Madam Speaker, yesterday, I introduced a bill that will award the Congressional Gold Medal to Muhammad Ali. Years ago many of my colleagues before my time watched Ali defeat Sonny Liston for the heavyweight title and saw him capture a gold medal at the 1960 Olympics.

His epic fights inspired a generation. But it was outside of the ring where Ali truly made his mark, fighting for civil rights and racial harmony and combating world hunger and disease. Under the shadow of 1960s discrimination, few could have imagined an African American and Muslim would transcend race, religion and culture to promote peace around the world. I believe that today, as so many around the world are struggling, it is more important than ever to pay tribute to those who selflessly devote their lives to others.

I encourage all of my colleagues to recognize a great humanitarian who remains a role model for generations to come. Join me please in supporting H.R. 2648.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Andrea E. Brooks of Indianapolis, Indiana. She passed away on April 25, 2009 at the age of 65. Andrea was a great leader and an inspiration to us all.

As a government servant, Andrea dedicated her career to working with the Department of Veterans Affairs and as a labor activist to the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). Her perseverance stemmed from the belief that unions play a necessary role in the fight for fairness and equal justice in the workplace.

Over the course of 30 years, Andrea had led a brilliant career. She served as the National Vice President of Women's and Fair Practices Department at the AFGE. Before that Andrea was Chief Steward, then Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, Executive Vice President and then President for ten years of the AFGE Local 490 at the Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Los Angeles, California.

Andrea left behind a legacy of being a visionary activist. Her hope for the union was for it to be a leader for civil rights activism, protecting the rights and freedom of women, minorities and the disabled. Andrea's many accomplishments will continue to motivate everyone who was touched by her work. I extend my deepest condolences to her friends and family as they mourn her passing. My thoughts and prayers are with them all during this difficult time.

Madam Speaker and esteemed colleagues, I urge you to join me in paying tribute to Andrea E. Brooks for her distinguished service to our Nation's workforce.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my congratulations to the Indiana School for the Deaf Baseball Team. Last month, they were crowned the national champions at the Hoy Classic in Fremont, California.

Since the inception of this program four years ago, this was the first time that the Indiana School for the Deaf captured the championship title. I applaud the team for its exceptional performance. This was also the first time that they played on a Varsity Schedule. The team exemplified themselves at the tournament by finishing with a record of 4-1, defeating the host California School for the Deaf by 5- 3.

This year's team was led by an impressive roster of talented athletes who were recognized for their outstanding sportsmanship. Pitcher Tyler Crace was named the Most Valuable Player at the event, with 16 strikeouts in nine innings. Tony Dall and Jose Mast were selected for the all-tournament team. I would also like to recognize Will Fetzer, Dylan Osbourne and Trevor Rouse as some of the top players throughout the competition.

It is important to mention that this exceptional achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of first-year Head Coach, Rusty Crace and Assistant Coach, Steve Sorse. With their unwavering support, these coaches pushed the team to reach their full potential. Additionally, the dynamic faculty, staff and student body should be recognized for their enthusiasm and pride in their team.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating this outstanding baseball team, the coaching staff and the school for their marvelous achievement in winning the Hoy Classic championship title and distinguishing themselves as one of the best baseball teams in the nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Christi Morse Gilbert for receiving the National Childcare Provider Award. Christi was honored today in the nation's capital for her unwavering commitment in providing high quality childcare services to needy children.

As an educator, Christi was keen on understanding the disparities that existed amongst young children who struggled when they began grade school. To address this problem, she quit her job as an elementary school teacher to become a childcare services provider for children under the age of five. Her work focuses on preparing her charges with the cognitive, social, emotional and physical skills that they need to be productive.

In order to achieve this goal, Christi has designed a dynamic curriculum that introduces children to the basics of mathematics and the sciences through fun experiments and hands-on activities. She has exposed her pupils to the different cultures around the world through music and other extracurricular activities.

Christi is an accomplished woman who has opened her home and her heart to Indianapolis area families, so that our children are able to grow and learn in a nurturing environment. I applaud her for her dedication to ensuring that the needs of young children are met.

Madam Speaker and esteemed colleagues, I urge you to join me in thanking Christi Morse Gilbert for her ceaseless efforts as an educator and childcare provider.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sergeant Glen Ruegsegger for being named Police Officer of the Year by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. Earlier this month, he was honored as one of Indianapolis' finest officers in 2008 for the tremendous contributions he has made to his department.

Under the leadership of Sergeant Ruegsegger, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has been able to advance the use of technology so that law enforcement officers are better equipped with information while they are patrolling the streets. By utilizing his expertise as the director of the police technology department, Sergeant Ruegsegger has led the effort in developing a mechanism of sharing case information with other departments. The goal is to allow for effective and timely communication among law enforcement officers so that they can fulfill their duty to protect citizens.

As a former law enforcement officer, I understand the importance of utilizing innovative systems that will have a positive impact on the lives of Indianapolis residents. I applaud Sergeant Ruegsegger on this significant achievement and wish him the best in his continued service to our city.

I urge my colleagues to join me in thanking Sergeant Ruegsegger for his exceptional service and congratulate him on this distinguished award.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Deputy Kevin Vice for

being recognized as Marion County's Sheriff's Deputy of the Year. Deputy Vice received this prestigious award for his courageous response to a gun shooting that took place while he was off-duty. Without any back-up support he deftly maintained his composure as he helped a wounded victim, reported a run-away vehicle, called for emergency help and detained two individuals who had been near the scene of the crime. Due to his heroic actions, a suspect was later arrested.

Deputy Vice has worked with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff's Department, proudly serving the city of Indianapolis, Indiana as a law enforcement officer since 2001. In addition to his extensive experience, it was his training that made the greatest difference last June in contributing to his heroic efforts.

In going above and beyond the call of duty, Deputy Vice has personified the best that Marion County law enforcement has to offer. I would like to extend my most sincere thanks to Deputy Vice for his courageous dedication to the safety of our community.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Deputy Vice for his outstanding service and wish him continued success in his work as one of Indianapolis' finest public servants.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain John ``Mud'' Medvescek with the Indianapolis Fire Department. On April 16, 2009, he was recognized as Indianapolis' 2008 Firefighter of the Year for his outstanding service to the city of Indianapolis.

With thirty years of service with the Indianapolis Fire Department, Captain Medvescek has exemplified himself through his commitment to ensuring the safety of our community. As a member of the advanced rescue squad he has worked tirelessly and bravely to provide emergency response support to those in need. Through these experiences, Captain Medvescek has been able to generously share his wealth of knowledge, which has allowed him to play an invaluable role in training the next generation of firefighters.

For decades he has bravely served on the front lines, selflessly fighting to save the lives of countless Hoosiers in the face of great danger. As a former law enforcement officer, I understand the true value of Captain Medvescek's dedication to our city and to the people of Indianapolis.

Madam Speaker and distinguished colleagues, I urge you to join me in thanking Captain Medvescek for his tremendous contributions. He is a devoted public servant whose mentorship has served as a lasting legacy for those aspiring to pursue careers dedicated to protecting the lives of others.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Indiana Children's Wish Fund on its 25th anniversary and for its mission of fulfilling the dreams of children suffering from life- threatening illnesses.

Children forced to battle terminal diseases rarely get to experience a normal childhood and are forced to grow up quickly. By granting their wishes, this organization seeks to bring a smile to these children's faces by bringing laughter, joy and normalcy to their lives.

Since 1984, this organization has granted 2,000 wishes to Indiana children between the ages of 3-18. Each year, it assists approximately 140 children, many of whom are referred to the Wish Fund by hospitals, social workers and families from across the state. With the average cost of a wish being $5500, the Wish Fund would not have been able to provide these services without the generous support of its community.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Indiana Children's Wish Fund as it celebrates 25 years of service and for its commitment to helping children realize their dreams.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the faculty and students of Franklin Central High School for their dedication as dynamic and sharing members of their community. Earlier this month, FCHS students raised over $24,000 for Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, Indiana. The students raised the money at their inaugural dance marathon.

This program was a six hour event with 325 students participating. In addition to the dancing, the dance marathon included a dodge ball tournament and a girl's basketball free throw contest that raised $6,000. The faculty and staff set an excellent example by raising an additional $3,500 to contribute to their students' efforts. All in all, the inaugural dance marathon was an extremely successful program that surpassed its intended goal of $15,000.

The Riley dance program was originally established in 1991 in memory of Ryan White, an AIDS activist and Riley patient. Since the program's inception, thousands of Indiana's high school and college students have committed themselves to raising funds for Riley. It is a program that Riley has come to depend on to facilitate research and provide treatment to children in need of vital health services.

I urge my colleagues to join me in thanking Franklin Central High School for their dedicated public service.