Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month and its 2026 theme, Together We Are More. From September 15 to October 15 each year, the people of the United States are granted the opportunity to commemorate the rich culture, established traditions, and invaluable contributions of Hispanic Americans throughout our country's history.

Hispanic Heritage Month begins each year on September 15 and recognizes the anniversaries of the independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile observe their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. This month, communities across Indiana's 1st Congressional District will gather for parades and celebrations to observe National Hispanic Heritage Month in the city of East Chicago, Indiana.

As a Nation, we are grateful for the hard work and invaluable contributions of generations of Hispanic Americans. The cultural vitality and economic success of Northwest Indiana depend on the Hispanic families within our community. Therefore, in accordance with this year's theme, I would like to extend my gratitude to the many family-owned Hispanic businesses in Northwest Indiana that have contributed immeasurably to the prosperity and development of our region and beyond.

It is my honor to recognize the Garza family, the owners of El Popular, which is the oldest Mexican business within the United States. In 1925, El Popular was founded in East Chicago by Vincente Garza, who had migrated to the area from Monterrey, Mexico only a few years prior. He took several family recipes with him and a dream of founding a Mexican food manufacturing business. El Popular started off as a local family business, but because of the tireless efforts of the Garza family, their products are now offered in more than 10,000 locations nationwide. The Garza family and El Popular are responsible for the creation of hundreds of Jobs that support hardworking families throughout our region.

Vincente Garza eventually passed the company to his son, Richard. In 2002, Richard's son, Edward, became the third-generation owner of El Popular. Throughout this time, the business has remained dedicated to its mission of providing for the community through the preservation and distribution of authentic Mexican flavors. For their efforts to create job opportunities and grow our economy, the Garza family and El Popular are worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and honoring the generations of families who have built successful businesses that contribute to our society and our economy. This month, and always, we appreciate the deep heritage and cultural diversity Hispanic Americans have promoted within our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my continued solidarity with the members of United Steelworkers Local 71 in northwest Indiana, who have surpassed 6 months of being locked out of work by British Petroleum.

While I appreciate the indication that contract negotiations will resume, we must do more to ensure that American workers are never placed in this position again.

It is wrong for union workers to be forced to go without their paychecks, their healthcare, and their livelihoods while our community also faced increased public safety risks from untrained replacement workers and for their employer to continue making billions of dollars in profits.

That is why I introduced the PRO-WORK Act. This legislation will prohibit corporations that lock out their workers from doing business with the Federal Government. Specifically, a company engaged in a lockout would be prohibited from receiving Federal funds for a period equal to the duration of the lockout and would be ineligible for Federal tax credits for the corresponding taxable year.

The principle is simple: Any company that locks out American workers should be locked out from receiving American tax dollars.

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 10 o'clock and 44 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Mr. Speaker, in August, a devastating derecho ripped through Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties, devastating neighborhoods from Gary to Portage from Lowell to LaPorte to Highland and Munster to the smallest communities across northwest Indiana.

I worked with all the mayors and elected officials across our region, stood with Governor Braun and FEMA administrators to make sure that we were able to respond, and I can tell you, our community responded with the character that northwest Indiana is known for.

Our first responders and local elected leaders went above and beyond, worked around the clock to help their neighbors--volunteers from our churches, union linemen and -women, National Guard members, and countless volunteers who showed up when we needed them most.

I recognize Senator Jim Banks for his partnership in making sure Washington heard the urgency of our crisis and stood with us during the recovery and allowed us to get the resources we need.

The grit and resilience of northwest Indiana in those weeks showed who we are, but we have also moved from patience to accountability. I have instructed my staff to request an inquiry into utility preparedness and infrastructure investment. Our region deserves answers, and we will do everything in our power to protect northwest Indiana so they will never have to go through this again.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 160th Anniversary of the formation of the Buffalo Soldiers and their invaluable contributions to our Nation.

On July 28, 1866, the Army Reorganization Act established six all- Black regiments in the United States Army. These six units were the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments and the 38th, 39th, 40th, and 41st Infantry Regiments. This legislation marked the first time African Americans were allowed to enlist in the United States Army, whereas previously they had only been allowed to serve in volunteer units during wartime.

Despite facing severe systemic racial discrimination and prejudice, the Buffalo Soldiers made significant contributions to the United States Army. While aiding in the expansion of the American West, these all-Black units were given the name ``Buffalo Soldiers'' by Native Americans in the Great Plains. This nickname referred to the soldiers' valor and fierce spirit, as well as the coats made of buffalo fur they

wore during the winter months. They fought in the American Indian Wars, rode into Cuba alongside Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders at the start of the Spanish-American War, and soon after served in the Philippine-American War. These regiments also played a pivotal role overseas in the World Wars, as more than 200,000 African Americans served in World War I and more than 1,000,000 African Americans served in World War II.

In addition to their service in the United States Army, the Buffalo Soldiers were among the first park rangers assigned to preserve and protect public lands after the creation of the National Parks Service. While defending parks from fires, poaching, and littering, the Buffalo Soldiers also helped build campsites, roads, and trails. They are credited with creating the first marked nature trail and building the first museum in a national park.

On July 26, 1948, President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981 mandating the desegregation of the United States military. However, the executive order was not enforced until the Korean War in 1951, when Buffalo Soldier regiments were dissolved and soldiers were reassigned to integrated units. Over the course of 85 years, 40,000 Buffalo Soldiers selflessly served our country in a variety of peacetime and combat roles. The highest military distinction of the Congressional Medal of Honor has been awarded to 23 members of the Buffalo Soldiers.

As we honor the 250th anniversary of the founding of our country, I urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 1437, the Buffalo Soldiers Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025, to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Buffalo Soldier regiments in recognition of their vital service to the United States. For decades, the Buffalo Soldiers fought in conflicts abroad all while battling civil rights injustices at home. For their courage, perseverance, and patriotism, the Buffalo Soldiers are worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and all my distinguished colleagues join me in honoring the historic legacy and significant contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers on the notable occasion of the 160th anniversary of their formation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Kay Nelson upon her retirement after a distinguished career dedicated to environmental stewardship, economic development, public service, and the advancement of Indiana's workforce and industrial economy.

Throughout her remarkable career, Kay Nelson has worked tirelessly to improve our environment, strengthen our industrial base, and support working families throughout Northwest Indiana and our Nation. Her leadership, expertise, and commitment to public service have left an enduring impact on countless communities and organizations. After decades of service, she has announced her well-deserved retirement, concluding a career that has spanned local, regional, state, national, and international responsibilities.

Since joining the Northwest Indiana Forum in 1998 as Environmental Affairs Director, Kay has played an instrumental role in advancing initiatives that balance environmental policy with economic growth. As a leader within Northwest Indiana's premier economic development organization, she has contributed to virtually every major environmental initiative in our region during the past quarter century. Her work has supported business attraction, retention, and expansion while helping communities understand the long-term environmental and economic benefits of sustainable development.

Throughout her tenure, Kay has successfully brought together businesses, government agencies, and community stakeholders to address complex environmental challenges. She has helped shape regional policy positions, built consensus on matters of local and national significance, and served as a trusted voice representing both environmental interests and the business community. Her ability to bridge diverse perspectives has strengthened Northwest Indiana's reputation as a place where environmental responsibility and economic growth can work hand in hand.

Prior to joining the Forum, Kay established an impressive record of public service through numerous leadership roles, including Industrial Pretreatment Coordinator, U.S. EPA Wastewater Expansion Construction Grant Administrator, Brownfield Redevelopment Administrator, and Director of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management-- Northwest Regional Office. She also represented Indiana at the national level as a member of the U.S. EPA's Iron and Steel Federal Advisory Committee Act group.

Kay's influence has extended far beyond Northwest Indiana. A nationally respected leader in Great Lakes policy, she served on the negotiating team for the Great Lakes--St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact and continues to serve as a Great Lakes Commissioner after appointments by Governor Mike Pence and reappointments by Governor Eric Holcomb. Her efforts ensured the adoption of the Compact, a landmark agreement signed into Indiana law in 2008 that protects one of our Nation's most valuable natural resources. She has also served on the Volkswagen Trust Fund Settlement Board and numerous environmental advisory committees focused on the future of the Great Lakes region.

Her extensive service includes leadership roles with the Great Lakes Advisory Board, the U.S. EPA Region 5 Great Lakes National Program Office, the Northwest Indiana Regional Planning Commission's Environmental and Transportation Committees, the Indiana Manufacturers Association, and the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, where she served as president of its Environmental Committee. Her commitment to community service has also benefited organizations including Hospice of the Calumet Area, the Dunes Learning Center, and the Shirley Heinze Land Trust.

A graduate of Purdue University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Science with a focus on water quality, Kay has consistently demonstrated excellence throughout her career. Her many honors include receiving Indiana's highest civilian distinction, the Sagamore of the Wabash, on two separate occasions from Governor Mitch Daniels and Governor Eric Holcomb. She has also twice received the Distinguished Hoosier Award and has been recognized as Volunteer of the Year by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and as an Influential Woman of Northwest Indiana in Economic Development.

Her innovative leadership has been recognized repeatedly by the Society of Innovators at Purdue University Northwest, including honors for her contributions to the Great Lakes--

St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact, the Grand Calumet River restoration effort, and the Northwest Indiana Forum's ``Ignite the Region'' initiative.

While Kay Nelson's accomplishments and accolades are extraordinary, those who have had the privilege of working alongside her know that her greatest legacy is the respect, mentorship, and friendship she has provided to others. She has been a tireless advocate for Northwest Indiana, a trusted advisor to public officials, a champion for environmental responsibility, and a steadfast supporter of economic opportunity for working families.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Indiana's 1st Congressional District and the United States House of Representatives, I congratulate Kay Nelson on her distinguished career and extend my deepest gratitude for her decades of service. I wish her continued health, happiness, and fulfillment in retirement, and I thank her for the lasting contributions she has made to our region, our state, and our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and congratulate Dr. Amy McComnack. President of Calumet College of St. Joseph (CCSJ), upon her upcoming retirement. Dr. McCormack will retire on June 30, 2026, after an extraordinary tenure marked by tremendous growth and progress at

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Scott and Representative Norcross for bringing this to our attention.

The men and women who pour our steel and power our grid built the middle class with a union card in their pocket. This bill makes sure the next generation of workers can earn one without waiting to be heard for months, years, or decades.

I rise today to express my strong support for H.R. 5408, the Faster Labor Contracts Act.

My good friend, the chairman of the Education and Workforce Committee, mentioned this administration and how much they like the working public, working men and women. It was in March and on Labor Day that they stripped collective bargaining in the greatest historical moment in stripping collective bargaining from the workforce of Federal employees to the tune of 445,000 Federal workers. Therefore, when we talk about union workers and working men and women, this administration made history by stripping collective bargaining from almost half a million people.

Throughout my career as a public servant, I have been proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with all members of organized labor because working families are worth fighting for. They are the foundation of the strength of our communities, our workforce, and our economy.

It is because of decades of their efforts and their advocacy that they have built not just our infrastructure--our roads and bridges and waterways--but they have built our middle class through promoting safe working conditions, affordable healthcare options, and a sound retirement.

When workers vote in the affirmative to form a union, the government should ensure that businesses immediately acknowledge and respect their voice. I applaud the leadership of Representative Norcross in this bipartisan process. There are Republicans who crossed over to vote for this.

There were Republicans who crossed over to allow this bill to come to the floor--again, in a bipartisan process to bring this matter to a vote because working men and women matter. In northwest Indiana, they are worth fighting for.

I encourage all my colleagues to support this important measure. Again, this administration made history by cutting collective bargaining to over half a million Federal employees and did that on Labor Day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in solidarity with the hardworking men and women of the United Steelworkers who have been locked out of their jobs for almost 2 months at the British Petroleum facility in Whiting, Indiana.

Since day one under the administration's Project 2025, we have seen attacks against organized labor, the gutting of the Department of Labor, and a National Labor Relations Board that only sides with corporate interests.

At the same time, an estimated $8 billion hydrogen project at the same British Petroleum facility was canceled after the administration demanded that the tax credits be removed in the Republican reconciliation bill to offset tax cuts for the corporations and the most wealthy.

This project would have created new energy, put these union men and women on the job today, creating new economic activity and jobs for a generation. Instead, they are locked out.

Union workers also undergo specialized training to operate in this high-risk environment at a refinery. Today, the replacement workers not only put their lives at risk but everyone in my community.

I continue to call on British Petroleum to lift the lockout, to realize negotiation is not accepting the terms that created the lockout, and be able to return to good-faith negotiations and put skilled workers back on the job before a preventable tragedy occurs simply due to corporate greed.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise today to celebrate Women's History Month and recognize the extraordinary women of Save the Dunes, which is one of northwest Indiana's most enduring conservation organizations.

In 1952, a group of women committed to preserving the Indiana dunes within the protective boundaries of a national park founded Save the Dunes.

What began as a living room conversation at Dorothy Buell's Ogden Dunes home grew into a flourishing grassroots movement.

Their advocacy led to the creation of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, now appropriately named ``The Indiana Dunes National Park.''

Today, over 70 years later, Save the Dunes remains a critically effective advocacy organization, which is a testament to the women who selflessly lead it every day to improve northwest Indiana for future generations.

Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Women's History Month, please join me in recognizing the inspirational and vibrant women of Save the Dunes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart to express my profound upset at the loss of American servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our Nation for a cause in Iran that the administration has yet to adequately justify.

There was no imminent threat. There is no strategy for success. There is no end in sight, and the American servicemembers remain in harm's way.

To add insult to injury, the administration's unilateral decision has made rising price concerns only worse for working families, who are already struggling with the costs when going to gas stations or to the grocery store.

Just yesterday, I met with the members of the Indiana Farm Bureau, who also were already struggling due to the increased costs of tariffs. Now, the war has further skyrocketed their input costs and, in particular, fertilizers.

We must be strategic in our approach to protecting our warfighters and end the cost increase this conflict is causing to everyday Americans.

As we move forward with the appropriations process, I will work with all of my colleagues to conduct rigorous oversight and hold the administration accountable for their actions.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and sincere admiration that I rise to celebrate Women's History Month and its 2026 theme--Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future. This year's theme honors the women who are reimagining and rebuilding systems to ensure long-term sustainability and create a future that is rooted in equity, justice, and opportunity for all.

As we celebrate women who have dedicated their lives to shaping a more sustainable future, I would like to recognize the extraordinary women whose vision and leadership shaped one of Northwest Indiana's most enduring conservation organizations. Save the Dunes was founded by Dorothy Buell in her Ogden Dunes home in 1952, a time when women rarely centered in public policy debates. The group, composed of all women, was committed to preserving the Indiana Dunes within the protective boundaries of a National Park. What began as a living room conversation grew into a national grassroots movement that ultimately led to the creation of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, now the Indiana Dunes National Park.

Many extraordinary women joined Dorothy in shaping Save the Dunes, including the organization's first Executive Director, Charlotte Read, who led efforts for the park's first successful expansion bill. Lee Botts brought national attention to the importance of protecting the Great Lakes. Sylvia Troy and Ruth Osann defended the dunes from intense development pressures and mobilized community members for key advocacy campaigns during pivotal moments in the organization's history.

Over 70 years later, Save the Dunes remains a women-led organization, which is a testament to the enduring leadership of women in conservation. Presidents including Susan MiHalo, Melli Hoppe, Dorreen Carey, and Nancy Moldenhauer have guided the organization through periods of growth and strategic impact. Executive Directors, including Nicole Barker, Natalie Johnson, and Betsy Maher, have strengthened its role as a leading partner to the Indiana Dunes National Park, expanded habitat restoration initiatives, deepened community engagement, and advanced environmental advocacy across Northwest Indiana. Today, women serve in professional staff roles and as members of the Board of Directors, guiding governance and strategy. For

their environmental stewardship and generational leadership, the women who volunteered their time and efforts to the Save the Dunes organization are worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating Women's History Month and recognizing the women of Save the Dunes, who continue to shape a more sustainable future for Northwest Indiana and our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise to congratulate Mrs. Mary Edith Brown Coleman as she celebrates her 109th birthday on February 13, 2026. Edith will gather with her friends and family in Schererville to commemorate this significant milestone.

Edith Brown was born on February 13, 1917, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. She was one of four children born to Luther Albert Brown and Dora Rozolia Draper Brown. Her family went on to live in Kansas City, Kansas, and after her parents passed Edith moved to the south side of Chicago, Illinois, to live with her aunt. In 1940, Edith met her husband, the late William Henry Coleman, and relocated to Gary's Midtown neighborhood.

Edith is an accomplished scholar, having earned both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in education at Indiana University in Bloomington. After graduating, Edith pursued a career in the teaching profession where she went on to enrich the lives of thousands of young minds. For over 27 years, Edith taught students at Frederick Douglass Elementary School. She also helped connect students with scholarships through her involvement with the Women's Association of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Society and the American Association of University Women.

Outside of the classroom, Edith is an active member of the Gary community, holding memberships in the Red Hat Society and the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. She is well known for her involvement with her church, the First Church of God in Gary. In 2023, Edith was recognized by the First Church of God in Gary for her lifetime of dedicated service to the community. For over seven decades Edith has served her church in several roles, including teaching Sunday School, serving as Director of the Daily Vacation Bible School, holding memberships in the local and national Missionary Societies, singing in the church choir, serving as a deaconess, and teaching a manners class for young children.

Mr. Speaker, Edith has always given her time and efforts selflessly to the youth and the community in Northwest Indiana throughout her illustrious life. For her dedication to academic success and her commitment to empowering youth with the skills and knowledge to thrive, Edith is worthy of the highest praise. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in wishing Mary Edith Brown Coleman a very happy 109th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share my deep frustration and anger for the people of northwest Indiana's First Congressional District as they open their heating bills that have skyrocketed this winter.

Hoosiers understand that utility rates are regulated at the State level, but they also understand, just as we do here, that Federal policy plays a role in whether our Nation is increasing energy supply or restricting it.

It is simple economics. When supply goes up, prices go down. Unfortunately, recent actions by this administration have moved us in the wrong direction.

In northwest Indiana, two major energy projects that would have increased supply and lowered costs were canceled. An $8 billion hydrogen project at the BP refinery in Whiting supported by labor, industry, the State, higher education partners, and the Federal Government were halted. An $18 million alternative aviation fuel project in East Chicago was also canceled. These projects would have strengthened our energy supply, created jobs, and supported our regional economy for decades to come.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the House to find ways to increase the energy supply so we can lower the costs in northwest Indiana.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and sincere admiration that I rise to celebrate Black History Month and its 2026 theme--A Century of Black History Commemorations. This year marks a century of national commemorations of Black history.

I would like to take this time to honor Retired Army Sergeant First Class Oscar Primm, Jr., a 104-year-old veteran from Northwest Indiana whose service is an inspiration to all. Over the course of his heroic military career, Oscar served in three wars--World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. It is because of the sacrifices of veterans just like Oscar that we are able to live in a free, democratic country.

Oscar grew up in Arkansas and moved to Gary, Indiana, to work in the steel mills. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1942 and remembers the church bells ringing in the street when World War II ended. In 1946, Oscar returned home to continue working in the steel mills and remained in the Army Reserve. He went to school to learn how to repair cars and opened his own body shop at the intersection of 25th Avenue and Broadway serving the local community in Gary. When Oscar was called to serve again in the Korean War and the Vietnam War, he put his new skills to work as the head mechanic for a trucking company responsible for repairing vehicles for the battlefield.

In 1967, Oscar retired from the Army as a maintenance sergeant. He and his family briefly relocated to Chicago, where he drove a CTA bus for 14 years. Now, Oscar is a proud member of the Greater Gary AMVETS Squadron Post No. 6. He can frequently be found at the post playing dominoes, bringing veterans of all ages together, and supporting veterans throughout Northwest Indiana as they return home from service. In November, the Greater Gary AMVETS Squadron Post No. 6 recognized Oscar with the Lifetime American Hero Award to honor his achievements and military service.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating Black History Month and a century of national Black History Commemorations by recognizing the selfless service, bravery, and patriotism of Retired Army Sergeant First Class Oscar Primm, Jr.