Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, it is with immense pleasure that I rise today to recognize the Izaak Walton League of America on the organization's 100th Anniversary and to congratulate its members on their many accomplishments. In honor of the League's anniversary, I would like to commemorate its legacy of environmental advocacy.

The Izaak Walton League of America was formally incorporated on January 14, 1922, by fifty-four ambitious men with the goal of conserving our nation's natural resources. At the time, after recognizing the deterioration of our wildlife habitats, they took immediate action to ensure their enjoyment, benefit, and use for generations to come. Today, the League consists of 42,000 members and more than 200 community-based chapters, each committed to continuing the legacy and furthering the accomplishments of their predecessors. The League's members have worked hard to protect our nation's soil, air, wood, waters, and wildlife, and not only have they met their goal, they have exceeded it.

The League is responsible for the passage of the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, commonly known as the Pittman-Robertson Act, which was signed into law in 1937. This has provided billions of dollars in funding to wildlife restoration, habitat conservation, and hunter education. The League's proposal and advocacy for a federal agency to combat water pollution across the country led to the landmark Clean Water Act of 1972 which set federal standards for our nation's waters. Furthermore, the League's advocacy on behalf of Indiana Dunes National Park has provided Hoosiers in Northwest Indiana continued enjoyment and enrichment of our lakeshore. We must also commend the Izaak Walton League for its role in the creation of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Superior National Forest, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and the Everglades and Isle Royale National Parks.

Many positive changes involving policies, legislation, and efforts to protect the environment have resulted because of the League's dedication to its communities. The League's members, known as ``Ikes,'' give their time to help build nature trails, restore stream banks, plant trees and rain gardens, keep family farms in business, and prevent the spread of invasive species. Keeping in mind how important it is to invest in the future, the League created a scholarship fund that awards $125,000 annually to students who are seeking their degrees in fields related to conservation and natural resources. When it comes to protecting our water sources, defending public lands, establishing farm and energy policy, protecting fish and wildlife, and conservation, the Izaak Walton League's members have proven that with diligence, teamwork, and an appreciation for nature, everyday citizens can have a major impact on the world.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating the Izaak Walton League of America on its 100th Anniversary. Through the years, the League's members have dedicated their time and efforts to ensure the conservation of our natural resources, and for this, they are to be recognized and commended.

Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I rise to celebrate Women's History Month and its 2022 theme-- Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.

Each year, the National Women's History Project selects a unifying theme to recognize and promote Women's History Month. Generations of women of every race, class, and ethnic background have worked tirelessly to make our Nation more resilient. This year's theme recognizes the relentless efforts of women during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the thousands of ways they have provided healing and hope throughout history.

Today, I would like to honor Sandra Noe, Executive Director of the Meals on Wheels in Northwest Indiana, who has notably brought healing and hope to Indiana's First Congressional District during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sandra has worked with Meals on Wheels for 36 years, and this organization is dedicated to combating senior isolation and hunger.

During the pandemic, Sandra was on the frontlines delivering hot meals and making at-home check-ins to seniors and other homebound individuals. As the demand for services increased over the past year, Meals on Wheels rose to the challenge. In 2021, they delivered over 1,700 meals daily, provided over 750,000 wellness checks, and celebrated its nine-millionth delivery.

Sandra is also a member of the Nutrition Fellow Leadership Institute, an Alumnus of Leadership Northwest Indiana, and serves on numerous local boards focused on improving the quality of life for the people of Northwest Indiana.

Madam Speaker, as we recognize Women's History Month, please join me in thanking Sandra and everyone at Meals on Wheels for the extraordinary services they provide to Northwest Indiana.

Let us recommit to continuing to support their invaluable work and recognize this month and every day the invaluable ways that women continue to provide healing and promote hope not just in caregiving, but in all aspects of our society.

Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I rise to celebrate Women's History Month and recognize Sandra Noe, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels in northwest Indiana.

Sandra has worked with Meals on Wheels for 36 years to combat senior isolation and hunger.

As the demand for services increased over the past year during the COVID-19 pandemic, Meals on Wheels rose to the challenge and delivered over 1,700 meals daily, provided over 750,000 wellness checks, and celebrated its nine-millionth delivery.

Madam Speaker, as we recognize Women's History Month, please join me in thanking Sandra and everyone at Meals on Wheels for the extraordinary services they provide to northwest Indiana.

Let us recommit to continuing to support their invaluable work and recognize this month and every day the invaluable ways that women continue to provide healing and promote hope, not just in caregiving, but in all aspects of our society.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today in support of Honoring our PACT Act.

Respectfully, the impact of this piece of legislation will be veterans receive world-class healthcare.

As I meet with veterans and veteran groups from northwest Indiana, I continue to be grateful every day for the selfless service and sacrifice by our veterans and their families.

Just yesterday, less than 24 hours ago, a veteran representing the DAV, came to me who had two forms of cancer, who was advocating not only for himself but other veterans to make sure they received the care and the necessity of care that they deserve, as we have a responsibility to ensure that all veterans receive world-class healthcare when they return home from protecting our freedoms and defending our democracy.

I commend Chairman Takano for his consistent advocacy and leadership to bring this measure to the floor today.

I appreciate the announcement yesterday that the VA will process claims for toxic-exposed veterans with certain rare respiratory cancers. More must be done. I encourage all my colleagues to vote for the Honoring our PACT Act so

that a regular and transparent process is established to ensure that all issues facing toxic-exposed veterans are comprehensively addressed.

As I stated when I opened, the impact of this legislation is that veterans receive the world-class healthcare they deserve.

Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and sincere admiration that I rise today to celebrate Black History Month and its 2022 theme--Black Health and Wellness.

This year's theme recognizes the achievements and initiatives of African Americans in healthcare while simultaneously highlighting the disparities that still exist in our country. As we reflect on the past, we must examine how race and racism have created additional barriers for African American health outcomes.

Specific to Northwest Indiana, I would like to take a moment to recognize and commemorate the notable achievements of Dr. Clarence Boone, a well-known obstetrician-gynecologist and leader in our region's medical community.

Dr. Boone was born and raised in Gary, Indiana. He graduated from Froebel High School in Gary in 1949 and went on to attend Indiana University--where he earned a degree in anatomy and physiology. He then made history as one of five Black students enrolled at the Indiana University School of Medicine in 1952.

After medical school, Dr. Boone returned to his hometown in Gary and spent his career advocating for African Americans and women in the medical field. He served as President of the Medical Staff of Methodist Hospital and as Medical Director for Planned Parenthood of Northwest Indiana. Dr. Boone is remembered as a community mentor who was committed to providing medical service to individuals who would not otherwise have access to it.

While we have made progress to improve access to affordable health care options, there still is a long way to go. Generations of strict geographical segregation have left many hospitals and medical care centers that continue to serve African American communities under- resourced and under-staffed.

Evident prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and certainly emphasized by it, these shortages have resulted in African Americans being more susceptible to illness, less likely to receive adequate treatment, and placed further at-risk for complications.

While I appreciate the milestones reached through the passage of the Affordable Care Act, more must be done to improve access to affordable health care and decrease the gap in health-related outcomes for African Americans.

With this year's celebration of Black History Month, let us honor Dr. Boone from Gary and all African American scholars and medical professionals who have played such a monumental role with their contributions to health care in the state of Indiana and throughout our country, and let us recommit to ending health disparities for African Americans that still exist today.

Madam Speaker, I thank Chairwoman Johnson for allowing me to speak in support of H.R. 5421, the America COMPETES Act of 2022.

Congress must advance this legislation to ensure American technology and manufacturing has the innovation advantage to continue to grow our economy, strengthen our national security, and tackle our supply chain issues.

Indiana's First Congressional District is home to an incredible manufacturing, steel, and industrial complex, and I want to recognize my Senate colleague from Indiana, Senator Todd Young, for his initiative on the Senate companion legislation, the Endless Frontier Act.

Our Nation has been faced with technology challenges in the past. Today, we have the opportunity to legislate together, with our collective interests in mind, to protect our workers and lead the world in innovation.

Madam Speaker, I thank Chairwoman Johnson for the time, and I encourage all my House colleagues to support the America COMPETES Act.

Madam Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to thank the chairwoman and to reiterate one fact, a story about my district, one of the top-producing steel districts in the Nation and also one of the top auto producers in the Nation.

Today we are faced with enhancing the ability for them to perform, enhancing the ability to produce automobiles because it takes semiconductors. When we don't have semiconductors, people stop working. When the auto industry stops working, then the steel industry stops working. Then my district is impacted. Today is vital for the creation of jobs, to protect our Nation, and, as a national security issue, to be able to correct the supply chain and to be able to produce semiconductors here in the United States.

The vitality of that is the example of the plant in Columbus, Ohio, and the investments that are going to be made in technology jobs so that the next generation of workers in technology will have an opportunity to equitably participate in our economy.

Madam Speaker, I encourage the House to pass this piece of legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my profound appreciation that the House is expected to consider this week H.R. 4521, the America COMPETES Act of 2022.

Indiana's First Congressional District is home to an incredible manufacturing, steel, and industrial workforce. These workers can compete with anyone in the world. When they are provided with a level playing field, they can thrive in our global economy.

I am pleased that the America COMPETES Act will take historic strides to defend the American worker, our manufacturing base, and grow our economy.

Together we can take action in this legislation to address supply chain vulnerabilities, increase the production of American-made semiconductors, and improve our ability to defend against illegally traded goods.

I commend all the leaders for advancing this legislation, and I look forward to its prompt consideration on the House floor.

Madam Speaker, it is with great admiration that I take this time to recognize the Munster Chamber of Commerce as the organization celebrates its 66th Annual Gala. This year, the Chamber will honor Damian Rico with the Volunteer of the Year award, and the Citizen of the Year award will be presented to Wendy Mis. To commemorate this special occasion, the Munster Chamber will host a celebratory event on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster, Indiana.

Damian Rico is this year's recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award. Mr. Rico gives of his time and efforts to numerous charitable organizations throughout the region including the Salvation Army, the Crystal Taliefero Journey with the Arts Foundation, Schererville Shock Travel Baseball, and the Munster Chamber of Commerce, to name a few. As Community Relations Director at Hospice of the Calumet Area, Mr. Rico has touched the lives of countless individuals. He believes that his career at Hospice is a calling, and I admire Damian's ability to provide support to patients and their families during such difficult times. Mr. Rico's compassion and generosity of spirit make him a perfect fit for this role. For his many contributions to the Northwest Indiana community, Damian is worthy of our highest praise.

The Citizen of the Year award will be presented to Wendy Mis, Clerk- Treasurer for the Town of Munster. Throughout her career, Mrs. Mis has served the community of Munster and Northwest Indiana in numerous capacities. In 2010, she became the Executive Director for the Munster Chamber of Commerce, a position she held for many years. Mrs. Mis was also active in the Munster School Corporation and served as a past PTO President. In addition, she has given of her time and expertise to many organizations and boards including the Munster Education Foundation, the Munster Booster Club, Friends of Hospice, the Rotary Club of Munster, and the Northern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, to name a few. For her outstanding and constant dedication to the community of Munster and beyond, Wendy is worthy of the highest commendation.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in recognizing the Munster Chamber of Commerce as the organization celebrates its 66th Annual Gala and in honoring Damian Rico as Volunteer of the Year and Wendy Mis as Citizen of

the Year. Damian and Wendy continue to serve as exemplary leaders for the Northwest Indiana community, and they are undeniably deserving of the awards bestowed upon them. Their exceptional devotion to the region and to the wellness of our community will have a positive impact for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Takano for yielding me the time.

It is my honor today to rise in support of H.R. 4673, the Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act.

I appreciate the leadership of Chairman Takano to advance this critical legislation that will require the VA to automatically enroll individuals who are separating from the military into the VA system.

Our brave members of the military put their lives and health on the line every day to keep our Nation safe, defend our democracy, and protect our freedoms.

We have a responsibility to make it as easy as possible for them to transition from military service to civilian life, and I am pleased that this legislation does just that.

My life experiences have afforded me the opportunity as a former township trustee in northwest Indiana to work every day with the veterans community. I was able to initiate a veterans services roundtable and bring together veteran organizations to discuss, coordinate, and streamline much-needed resources to our veterans.

In many instances, it was not that the resources or the benefit was unavailable, but rather, the individual was unaware of the existing benefit, or unable to access, for whatever reason, the very resource they needed.

Today, I am thinking of those countless discussions and individuals as I will vote to support the EVEST Act. It is an effective proposal to help ensure that veterans access the valuable healthcare services available to them during this transition process from active to veteran status.

Today, I want to make sure we meet our veterans' mental health needs and increase veterans' access to healthcare. I again thank Chairman Takano and my fellow members of the Veterans' Affairs Committee for your commitment to supporting veterans and bringing this measure to the floor today.

I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for Congress to complete the consideration of the fiscal year 2022 appropriations measures prior to the current deadline of February 18. I remain grateful that a transparent process was established for all Members to include eligible projects in these measures.

Notably, for the first District of Indiana, there are projects included that will allow for dredging and improvements at the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor. This incredible facility is essential to the functions of the northwest Indiana steel and manufacturing industries and supports thousands of steelworker jobs and longshoreman jobs along the way.

Appropriations measures are not just funding numbers and direction for Federal programs and projects. They are a testament to the government's investment that create jobs and grow our economy.

I appreciate the ongoing communications of our appropriations leaders, and I look forward to doing all I can to ensure that these important measures are signed into law as soon as possible.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share how the recent enactment of the bipartisan infrastructure law is already delivering for organized labor and businesses in the First District of Indiana.

My district is home to three airports that are drivers of our economy. They are essential to moving goods and people throughout the region and Nation and create good-paying jobs and increased economic opportunities.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, three regional airports are expected to receive funds under the bipartisan infrastructure law, including over $150,000 to the Michigan City Municipal Airport, almost $300,000 to the Porter County Regional Airport, and over $750,000 to the Gary/Chicago International Airport.

I look forward to continuing the work in a spirit of cooperation with local and State officials to harness the impact of the bipartisan infrastructure law.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to rise in support of H.R. 1836, the Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act. I am so grateful for the sacrifices and the services of all our National Guard and Reserve members. They stand ready at a moment's notice to protect our Nation, our democracy, and the health of our communities.

Two instances jump out at me when I think of the heroism of the Indiana National Guard members from this past year. The first was being able to spend time with our brave National Guard members last year in the cafeteria of the Department of Labor on the other side of the Capitol complex when they bravely rushed to our Nation's Capitol to defend our Constitution and to protect our democracy.

The second was when I was able to stand side by side with them in the city of Gary when they operated a Federal COVID-19 vaccine site, which provided over 60,000 vaccines in Northwest Indiana at a critical time during our pandemic.

The First District is also home to the proud Slovak community. And I am particularly appreciative that the Indiana National Guard has a flourishing military partnership with our strong ally, the country of Slovakia. We also have the 113th Engineering National Guard, which I have shared time with, who the men and women have sacrificed their time, dedication, and efforts to go over to Afghanistan. What this bill does is it gives us the opportunity to have equitable training and equitable educational opportunity for our National Guardsmen.

Mr. Speaker, our Nation today has the opportunity to treat their Active Duty service on par with all branches of the military and ensure that every day the National Guard Reserve member serves our Nation in uniform is a day that counts toward their GI Bill benefits.

Thank you to the leadership of Congressman Mike Levin, Chairman Takano, and all of my fellow members of the Committee on Veteran Affairs for your commitment to our Guard and Reserve members and for bringing this measure to the floor today.

I also thank Chairman Takano on his leadership to protect the National Guardsmen on the burn pits and the toxic fumes that we have passed and how we are providing benefits and making sure that that is distributed fairly and equitably and making sure they receive the benefits necessary.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Takano for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, earlier this year the VA Office of the Inspector General released two separate reports highlighting VA's failure to conduct reliable lifecycle cost estimates for its Electronic Health Record Modernization program.

Specifically, the IG repeatedly found unreliable and incomplete estimates for infrastructure upgrades and costs as well as inadequate reporting of those costs.

Given the size and scope of the EHRM program, the lack of accurate cost estimates hampers VA's ability to provide Congress with an accurate picture of the cost and scale of efforts to modernize IT and physical infrastructure at VA medical centers.

This piece of legislation will address these issues. It requires VA to look at all costs across VHA, OIT, and any other programs for any amount expended on the EHRM program, including for infrastructure projects and contractors that were not part of the original contract. This legislation also requires VA to provide the committee with reports on performance metrics and outcomes.

I thank Chairman Takano and Ranking Member Bost for their leadership and for cosponsoring this legislation as well as all of the other cosponsors and the committee members who have truly made this a bipartisan effort.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.

Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure today to recognize the outstanding achievement of the Andrean High School girls volleyball team.

Earlier this month, the 59ers won the Indiana Class 2A State Volleyball championship against Western Boone in a five-set match. Congratulations to Coach Grant Bell on his persistence and direction of this exceptional team, and special kudos as well to all the seniors for your leadership, including the starters: middle blocker, Brooke Molson; setter, Madison Kmetz; and my niece, outside hitter, Angelina Majchrowicz.

Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Andrean 59ers and all of these impressive young athletes for their skill, tremendous hard work, and representation to our region.

You make all of Northwest Indiana and the 59er community very proud.

Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I take this time to remember one of Northwest Indiana's heroes, United States Army Specialist 4 (SP4) George Osborne, Jr., who was killed in action in Vietnam on November 22, 1967. On this upcoming Veterans' Day, SP4 Osborne will be recognized with a special tribute, and I join Mayor Jerome Prince and the citizens of Gary, Indiana, in honoring his service. courage, and sacrifice.

George Osborne Jr. was born on January 30, 1948, in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, to George and Virginia Osborne. Throughout his youth, George was an avid drummer with his school's band, and he took a special interest in automobiles and electronics, the latter of which influenced his decision to join the military. Following his graduation from William H.

Holtzclaw High School, located in his hometown of Crystal Springs, in May 1966, George relocated to Gary, Indiana. There he worked for a short time at Inland Steel before enlisting in the Army on November 29, 1966.

After completing his required training, SP4 Osborne's tour in Vietnam commenced on May 20, 1967. He is remembered for his commitment toward the ideals of freedom for all and for his concern for those with whom he fought. During his time in Vietnam, SP4 Osborne made a great impact on his fellow soldiers, one of whom would later contact his family to tell the story of the day George saved his life. Tragically, on November 22, 1967, while transporting a mortar round, it exploded, and SP4 Osborne sustained a fatal fragment wound. While there is great sorrow in his young life being lost that day, SP4 Osborne's service and sacrifice will forever be remembered by a proud community and a grateful nation.

Following his death, SP4 Osborne was posthumously awarded the Military Merit Award. For his service and sacrifice, he is also a recipient of numerous awards including the Purple Heart, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnamese Merit Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

George is remembered fondly by his friends and family. He is survived by his brothers, Herbert, Glen and Robert Osborne, and his sister, Georgia Osborne-Davis. He was also the cherished son of George Sr. and Virginia, and the beloved brother of Melvin Wilson, Will Osborne, Lula Osborne, and Lois Osborne-Kemp, all of whom have passed on.

Madam Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring a fallen hero, SP4 George Osborne, Jr. SP4 Osborne is a true patriot who fought not only for his country but for the freedom of all people. He made the ultimate sacrifice and will forever remain a hero to his family and friends, to his community, and to all those for whom he served. Thus, let us never forget the sacrifice he made to preserve the ideals of freedom and democracy.