Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Black History Month and its 2016 theme, ``A Century of Black History Commemorations.'' I would like to honor retired Army Sergeant 1st Class Oscar Primm, Jr., a 104-year-old veteran from northwest Indiana whose service is an inspiration to us all.

In 1941, Oscar enlisted in the United States Army. Over the course of his heroic military career, he served in World War I, the Korean war, and the Vietnam war.

Today, Oscar is a proud member of the Greater Gary AMVETS Squadron Post 6 where he can frequently be found supporting veterans throughout northwest Indiana as they return home from service.

It is because of the sacrifices of veterans just like Oscar that we are able to live in a free, democratic country.

Mr. Speaker, please 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 1st Class Oscar Primm, Jr.

Mr. Chair, I thank the ranking member for the time.

I rise today because I believe the Federal Government has a responsibility to stand with all communities across northwest Indiana-- big cities, small towns, and neighborhoods--that are rolling up their sleeves to rebuild and create work and wealth for their residents. I want to thank the leaders, Chairman Cole and Ranking Member DeLauro and the staff of the House Appropriations Committee for their hard work, sacrifice, and also for including three community project funding requests for Indiana's First Congressional District.

The funding for the Gary/Chicago International Airport is an investment in jobs and economic growth for our region. The airport is a vital economic hub for northwest Indiana. By expanding cargo operations, attracting private investment, and supporting initiatives pursued by the city of Gary and the State of Indiana, this funding will help bring new businesses, create good-paying jobs, and open the door to new passenger services for the residents.

I am also grateful for the HUD funding that will allow Gary and Michigan City to tackle long-neglected vacant and unsafe properties.

This investment helps local leaders do what they already committed to doing by clearing blight, stabilizing neighborhoods, and putting land and buildings back to use. When we rebuild housing and commercial corridors, we strengthen communities and restore local pride.

These are responsible investments that respect taxpayer dollars and deliver real results for working families. I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for this time.

Mr. Speaker, since my first day as an elected Federal official, I sought to serve on the House Appropriations Committee because the work of this committee is so critical to the economic success of our Nation and the safety of our communities.

This focus and interest are also what led me to choose to be a member of the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Subcommittee and the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee. I am so pleased today that a reasonable and bipartisan version of these two measures is included in this legislation.

I thank the ranking member and the chairman of both the full committee and these subcommittees, as well as all the dedicated staff, for their similar commitment to put in the hours, find common ground, and move these essential bills forward.

Notably, I express my profound appreciation for the inclusion of the community project funding requests in these measures, including the funds specific to the members of northwest Indiana law enforcement agencies. I am grateful every day for the selfless service and sacrifice that first responders, including our local police, fire departments, and emergency personnel, provide to our communities every day.

These requested funds will ensure that our officers and public safety personnel have the resources that they need to carry out their responsibilities safely and effectively, while ensuring that families in northwest Indiana can live, work, play, and raise their children without fear.

I thank the leaders of this committee for advocating for a transparent process that allows Members to advocate safely for the well-being of the communities that we represent and for prioritizing the protection of northwest Indiana and our neighborhoods.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to supporting this measure and continuing to work with the Appropriations Committee to deliver real, meaningful public safety investments for the people whom I serve.

Mr. Speaker, I also thank Rosa DeLauro, our ranking member, and Chairman Cole for the countless hours truly working in a bipartisan way and being an example to me of how people should work together for the interests of our Nation. I thank them both very much for their work on this bill, and it is a pleasure to serve on their committee.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I rise today to congratulate Porter-Starke Services as it celebrates its 50th anniversary serving the Northwest Indiana community. Opening in 1975, Porter-Starke Services is a Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the community through prevention, treatment, education, and research.

Over the past 50 years, Porter-Starke Services has consistently grown and adapted to serve the evolving needs of communities in Northwest Indiana with adults, families, adolescents, and children with mental health or substance abuse issues. With offices in Valparaiso, Knox, Portage, Gary, Hebron, and La Porte, the nonprofit began by providing partial and inpatient hospitalization, outpatient therapy, and psychiatry in Porter County, and outpatient mental health services in Starke County. Today, Porter-Starke Services serves over 20,000 adults, families, adolescents, and children each year, offering a full continuum of care tailored to specific needs. In addition to being a CMHC, Porter-Starke Services operates an inpatient psychiatric hospital, opioid treatment program, and a federally qualified health center (FQHC).

It is because of the organization's dedicated team of doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, case managers, peer recovery and engagement specialists, medical assistants, administrators, and support staff that Porter-Starke Services is able to provide a comprehensive array of essential mental health services, substance use treatment, crisis care, and primary healthcare services. The passion and commitment of these steadfast team members to address mental illness and substance use within our community is an inspiration to our entire region.

Porter-Starke Services' leadership, including its Board of Directors, work collaboratively to address public health issues and disparities that impact residents. Working with local hospitals, health clinics, social service providers, non-profit organizations, schools, law enforcement, and local businesses, Porter-Starke Services values community collaboration to respond to the health needs of the community. For their efforts to provide care to the most vulnerable in our communities and improve the quality of life in Northwest Indiana, Porter-Starke Services is worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and all my distinguished colleagues join me in honoring the contributions of Porter-Starke Services on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, when the cost of farming rises, it is not just a challenge for our farmers, but it is a challenge to our Nation's security because agriculture is the foundation of America's strength and stability.

During the district work period, I visited the Herr Farm, a fifth- generation farm, and visited with the northwest Indiana farmers and members of the Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana Corn Growers Association.

At that time, they shared with me during harvest time their grave concern for skyrocketing input costs, such as insecticides, fertilizers, and nitrates. These rising costs of goods and services driven by tariffs and the simultaneous loss of export markets caused by those same tariffs are threatening our economic livelihood.

On top of this, challenges with access to workers through the H-2A program leave them uncertain if they can sustain their operations at all. These men and women feed our Nation and power our economy. Yet today many do not know if they will be able to sustain their business for tomorrow.

As we take up fiscal year 2026 appropriations and agriculture legislation, I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure all of our farmers get the support they need to continue their essential work.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Ms. Kaptur for bringing us together.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in great urgency to voice the concerns of hardworking families in Indiana's First Congressional District.

Communities across northwest Indiana are feeling the economic hardship and uncertainty brought on by this administration's policies.

I was proud to support the bipartisan infrastructure law, which awarded $1 billion for a clean hydrogen hub that would create thousands of jobs in northwest Indiana. BP's oil refinery prepared to make a private investment of over $6 billion. Members of organized labor created apprenticeship programs to ensure we had the workforce to bring this project to fruition, but the so-called big, beautiful bill terminated the clean hydrogen production tax credit, causing BP to put the project on indefinite pause for reasons related to economic uncertainty.

These policies are conscious decisions to create confusion, hesitation, and uncertainty, not just in hydrogen production, but also the challenges for our auto industry to grow and for the outsourcing of American steel production and our national security to the highest foreign bidder.

Mr. Speaker, the loss of American manufacturing jobs is a direct result of the administration's failed economic policies that harm hardworking families in my district.

Just today, I met with the equipment manufacturers from Indiana. They make essential products in the construction, automotive, energy, and agricultural industries. Rising costs on inputs, market uncertainty, and disruption in supply chains are harming these businesses and putting millions of good-paying jobs at risk.

When costs for these businesses rise, so does the cost of living for the families across the country. I believe that targeted tariffs such as section 232 is not only a national security issue but boosts domestic manufacturing. Many steel workers in the steel industry in my district rely on our ability to combat unfair trade practices from China and elsewhere that flood our markets with heavily subsidized and cheaply made products.

Mr. Speaker, we must have a more surgical and sector-based approach toward our trade policies; or we will continue to see job loss in the manufacturing sector, rising costs at the grocery store, and long- lasting impacts on our economy.

I will continue to work across the aisle to find middle ground to make sure we support our working families and that we lower the costs to live in northwest Indiana, in Indiana, and the United States.

Mr. Speaker, it is our responsibility to create domestic manufacturing that creates jobs so those individuals can have a healthcare policy and so those individuals can have an economy that grows and works for them. Again, I thank Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur for leading us today.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month and its 2025 theme, Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future. From September 15, 2025, through October 15, 2025, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the people of the United States will celebrate the accomplishments of Hispanic Americans and the invaluable contributions they have made in our country, society, and economy.

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 Hispanic Heritage Month in the cities of East Chicago and Hammond, Indiana.

The theme of National Hispanic Heritage this month emphasizes the importance of honoring people and traditions of the past while inspiring future generations to succeed. As we reflect on the rich tapestry of history and culture that Hispanic communities have woven into our society, we look to the next generation for inspiration and leadership.

During this time, I commend the dedicated Hispanic leaders whose mentorship and guidance inspires future generations to succeed in Northwest Indiana and beyond. As we recognize the extensive contributions made by Hispanic American leaders of the past, let us look to inspire future generations to succeed in Northwest Indiana and across the country. Let us commit to supporting and uplifting Hispanic voices across the Nation to ensure that the legacy of those who came before us continues to inspire and transform society for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and in recognizing the many achievements of Hispanic Americans throughout the history of our Nation. Our country is strengthened and uplifted by members of the Hispanic community, and our collective success is because of their contributions.

Mr. Speaker, I recently had the privilege of sitting down with a group of dedicated youth, who created and inspired the More Action for Students organization in northwest Indiana.

I was greatly impressed with their knowledge of many important issues and their sincere advocacy.

We discussed a variety of topics, including the significant cuts to Federal Pell grants, the programs designed to help first-generation college students.

They also shared their concern that Congress is not fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities by allowing this administration to rescind approved Federal funding for minority-serving institutions of higher learning in Indiana's First Congressional District.

Since this administration is also rescinding Federal funds for economic development projects that are approved and signed into law and when the OMB is picking and choosing how appropriations laws are implemented, they are right to be concerned.

This meeting has filled me with a renewed sense of optimism for the days ahead, for it is clear that these young women and men are not waiting for the future to arrive. They are shaping it. They labor to build a society that is more just, more inclusive, and more responsive to the needs of all people.

Let us take the inspiration from their dedication. The strength of our Nation rests in the courage and the vision of its youth.

Mr. Speaker, I recently held community conversations across Indiana's First Congressional District.

What I heard loud and clear was that families are struggling with rising costs at the grocery store, skyrocketing utility bills, and economic uncertainty that has been created by the chaos from this administration.

My constituents know exactly that this economic pain and unfairness stems from the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act. You can't fool hardworking people. They see the truth as clear as day.

Yes, there are tax breaks on tips and overtime but only for 3 years. This is at the same time that billionaires and those who can afford a $1 million annual membership to Mar-a-Lago got tax breaks that are permanent. Why is help for working families temporary but handouts for the privileged permanent?

We won't be deceived. Communities in northwest Indiana are struggling with increasing costs, and they know that the Republican bill is unfair toward working families.

It is one of the many reasons that I opposed this unpopular legislation and why I will continue to fight to make the current tax benefits for working families permanent.

Mr. Chair, I thank Ranking Member Kaptur, Chairman Fleischmann, and all the staff for their thoughtful and dedicated efforts in the drafting of this measure.

Recently, I joined constituents in Indiana's Lowell Labor Day parade, in Laborers' Local 81's summer picnic in Valparaiso, and an Ironworkers' picnic and bingo in Crown Point. The issue at the top of everyone's mind is the rising cost of their utility bills.

I choose to serve on Appropriations' Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Subcommittee because I believe that energy and water will be two of the greatest challenges for our national security and economic stability in the years ahead.

I understand the role of the Indiana State regulators, but I also believe that the Federal Government and this bill have a role to promote the availability of a variety of energy resources in order to drive down costs.

The Department of Energy has a critical role in conducting research in energy innovation, including for wind, solar, and nuclear, and also to ensure that we maximize the efficiency of all of our energy sources, including oil, gas, and coal. More efficient energy production means lower prices.

It is deeply disappointing that this measure follows the administration's lead to abandon the transformational projects like the hydrogen hub in my district. Industry, the USW, the building trades, other labor organizations, along with communities throughout my district, were planning for and relying on massive economic development investments, only to see this project undermined because the Republican majority's tax and investment policy is now: Do not invest in our future but, rather, give more handouts to the privileged, wealthy, and few at the expense of the working class.

Let's be clear. The Federal Government should be building, not blocking projects that strengthen our economy, lower costs, and create American jobs.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to reject this legislation and, instead, work in a bipartisan manner to promote long-term economic prosperity in our communities.

Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere admiration that I rise to recognize the 80th Anniversary of the Urban League of Northwest Indiana (NWI) and its invaluable contributions to our region.

I also congratulate Dr. Vanessa Allen-McCloud on 15 years of service as President and CEO of the Urban League of NWI. Leaders and community members will gather to proudly celebrate these milestones at the Oak Jubilee Celebration at Indiana University Northwest in Gary, Indiana, on August 21, 2025.

On June 25, 1945, the Urban League of Gary was founded with the commitment to strive for equal opportunities for all citizens. As an affiliate of the National Urban League, the organization was established to remove racial barriers that prevented African Americans from enjoying equal opportunities in housing, employment, education and the many other facets of American life. The Board of Directors later reorganized in 1970 as the Urban League of NWI Inc. to better reflect their service to communities in Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties. For 80 years, the Urban League of NWI has promoted, encouraged, and enhanced services to improve social, educational, and economic conditions for African Americans and other minority groups across Northwest Indiana. The Urban League of NWI has played a pivotal role in the lives of countless residents, including advancing educational opportunities for low-income students through its annual scholarship fair at Indiana University Northwest.

The Urban League's grand impact on the Region would not be possible without its dedicated staff and the exceptional leadership of Dr. Vanessa Allen-McCloud. Her contributions as President and CEO over the past 15 years exemplify her commitment to civil service, education, and her community, serving as an inspiration for all in our region. Dr. Allen-McCloud holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership, a Master of Education, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration. She incorporates her rigorous academic background each day to maximize the support that the Urban League provides to its surrounding residents. Dr. Allen-McCloud has received many prestigious awards for her work in the community and these, along with her numerous accomplishments leading the Urban League of NWI during the past 15 years, are a testament to her commendable character and work ethic.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring the Urban League of NWI and Dr. Vanessa Allen- McCloud on these two notable milestones. Throughout the years, the dedicated staff and leaders of the Urban League of NWI have worked diligently to expand the opportunities offered to minority groups to promote fair access to a successful future, and they deserve great recognition for their contributions and commitment to communities across Northwest Indiana.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the ranking member for yielding me time.

Mr. Chairman, as an elected official, one of the greatest honors of my career has been standing shoulder to shoulder with veterans of northwest Indiana. I have worked tirelessly to ensure they receive the world-class care and benefits they have bravely earned in service to our Nation.

Indiana's First Congressional District is home to nearly 40,000 veterans. Every single day, I fight to ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs fulfills its sacred promise to those who wore the uniform. That means making sure the VA has the staffing, resources, and funding necessary to deliver the high-quality care that our heroes deserve.

It is with deep regret and strong conviction that I oppose this proposal because it fails our veterans. It fails to meet the obligations we owe those who answered the call of duty.

In particular, I have heard the voices of veterans and their families in northwest Indiana, voices filled with concern and fear. They are worried that the cuts to VA staffing will strip away access to critical care and essential services. We cannot and must not allow that to happen.

Our Nation made a promise. We must honor it with action and not empty words.

I have also heard from veterans who have continued their mission of service by joining the Federal workforce only now to face uncertainty about their futures. These patriots, who once defended our freedoms, now work to uphold the very institutions they once served in uniform. Nearly 30 percent of the Federal workforce is made up of veterans. Cutting staff just doesn't jeopardize care. It threatens the jobs and livelihoods of those who have already sacrificed so much for this country.

I stand ready for the debate ahead. Let's be clear: These cuts are coming at exactly the wrong time. Instead of reducing services, we should be expanding them in the wake of the Honoring our PACT Act.

Veterans exposed to toxic substances deserve swift justice. Right now, the average time for processing a claim is 165 days. Over 2.3 million claims have been submitted, and more than 6,000 of those veterans are right in my district, Indiana's First Congressional District. That number represents hope and progress.

I have to ensure and uphold a duty to the brave men and women who have served.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my profound opposition to the unjust slashes to SNAP benefits included in the House majority's reconciliation legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I have seen the tangible benefits of SNAP benefits in northwest Indiana and how it is essential for many seniors, children, and working families.

Throughout my career, I have worked to support all individuals when they need emergency assistance, often through no fault of their own. I also appreciate the longstanding relationship with the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana and other organizations that are responsible for distributing these essential food benefits.

These cuts are being pushed under the false pretense of targeting waste, fraud, and abuse. If that were truly the case, they would be part of the farm bill. Instead, this legislation rips food from the tables of those in need to pay for tax breaks for the most wealthy.

I have seen the need firsthand: miles-long lines on 61st Avenue as families wait for the food bank to open. My community is hurting, and this cruel policy is a betrayal of our most vulnerable.

I urge my Senate colleagues to reject this harmful legislation.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and sincere admiration that I rise today to honor Karen Biernacki and her lifetime of service to children and families across Northwest Indiana and to celebrate the 35th anniversary of La Porte County Family Advocates.

In 1990, Karen founded the La Porte County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program to assist abused and neglected children in need of services through the court system. Starting from humble beginnings with a minimal budget, Karen built the foundation of CASA out of her own home, where she trained volunteers to provide essential support to ensure the protection of these vulnerable children. Since its inception, the La Porte County CASA program has trained over 425 volunteers, who collectively spent more than 1.5 million hours advocating for children who suffered abuse and neglect.

Through her meaningful work in the Community, Karen saw the need for a safe and nurturing space for families to reconnect and heal. In 1999, under Karen's leadership, La Porte County CASA partnered with the Swanson Center, a local community mental health agency, to create a safe environment for supervised family visitations. Harmony House served our community for over 20 years, allowing for 56,000 hours of supervised visitation in an authentic setting where family members can cook meals, eat together, and play games. Recognizing the need for greater collaboration and strength in their mission, La Porte County CASA and Harmony House merged their boards in 2004. The organization became known as La Porte County Family Advocates, further enhancing their capacity to serve the community of Northwest Indiana. Although she retired as Chief Executive Officer of La Porte County Family Advocates in 2021, Karen's service to the community continues to serve as an inspiration to us all, and she is worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in honoring Karen Biernacki for her lifelong service to children and families throughout Northwest Indiana and in recognizing the invaluable contributions of La Porte County Family Advocates on their 35th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my profound opposition to the callous cuts to Medicaid included in the House majority's reconciliation legislation.

Throughout my career, I have worked to support all individuals when they need emergency assistance or encounter a setback in the economy. I have seen the tangible value of the Medicaid program in northwest Indiana and how it predominantly assists seniors, individuals with disabilities, and children.

It is deeply regrettable that this misguided legislation will not only strip away these healthcare benefits, but it also increases private healthcare costs and reduces services for everyone.

Take Jake, a high school student who uses a wheelchair. He relies on a Medicaid waiver for school support and depends on our healthcare system to move, thrive, and survive. Cutting his Medicaid isn't just wrong, it is cruel.

This legislation amounts to the largest transfer of wealth from the pockets of the most vulnerable and working families to the richest among us.

I urge my Senate colleagues to reject this harmful legislation.