Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the late Jesse Gomez and his lovely wife, and good friend of mine, Rosemarie Gomez.

Jesse was elected East Chicago city councilman in 1963, making him the first person of Hispanic descent to be elected to political office in East Chicago. Jesse's time in office opened political doors for the Hispanic community throughout the city and northwest Indiana.

Jesse's wife, Rosemarie, was elected to replace him on the council, making her the first Hispanic female to serve in political office in East Chicago. Rosemarie dedicated much of her time to the East Chicago Public Library, volunteering countless hours to help support readers and future leaders. Rosemarie was also very proud to help decorate an annual Mexican-themed Christmas tree for the library's ``Christmas Around the World'' exhibit.

Madam Speaker, our Nation's success is reliant upon the rich heritage and cultural diversity of its people, including the extraordinary contributions of citizens such as Jesse and Rosemarie Gomez.

Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Scott for this time.

Madam Speaker, throughout my career, I have witnessed the direct, positive impact of programs and shelters such as the St. Jude House in Crown Point, Indiana, and the Haven House in Hammond, Indiana, which provide hope and resources for survivors and help prevent and protect against domestic violence. That is why I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2119, the Family Violence Prevention Act and Services Improvement Act.

The increase in domestic partner violence is alarming, particularly as many individuals have lost valuable resources to aid them due to the pandemic and are forced to remain in close quarters with their abusers. As an administrator of emergency assistance for 15 years, I remain deeply concerned about the mental, physical, and emotional trauma survivors and their children endure.

As one of the most effective Federal investments in preventing domestic violence, Congress must pass this measure to reauthorize and improve family violence and prevention service programs.

Madam Speaker, I appreciate the leadership of Chairman Scott, Representative McBath, and the Education and Labor Committee, and I encourage my colleagues to support this measure.

Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I rise to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. From September 15, 2021 to October 15, 2021, the people of the United States will once again celebrate the histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of our Hispanic American community. As a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana, in honor of this special month, I would like to pay tribute to two truly outstanding local Hispanic community leaders, the late Jesse Gomez and Rosemarie Gomez.

Jesse Gomez was born on April 5, 1920 in East Chicago, Indiana. He was elected East Chicago City Councilman in 1963, making him the first person of Hispanic descent to be elected to political office in the city, as well as in the state of Indiana. Mr. Gomez served three consecutive terms as councilman and was elected Council President twice during his tenure. His election and time in office was especially significant in that it opened political doors for the Hispanic community throughout the city of East Chicago and beyond. During his career, Jesse was also appointed Manager of the East Chicago License Bureau and served as Deputy Clerk in the Lake County Treasurer's office and Assistant Deputy for the Lake County Assessor's office. Jesse Gomez passed away on August 31, 1979, leaving an indelible mark in Northwest Indiana's history. He is survived by his wife, Rosemarie, four beloved children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Throughout his life, Mr. Gomez successfully advocated for the interests and rights of the Hispanic community throughout the region and the state. We are truly grateful for Jesse's remarkable contributions, and his legacy will remain a cornerstone for the Hispanic community and for all of Northwest Indiana.

Rosemarie Gomez was born on January 14, 1926 in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. As a child, her family traveled back and forth between Mexico and the United States. She and Jesse made their home in East Chicago, and after Jesse's passing, Rosemarie was selected to replace him on the East Chicago City Council. This made her the first Hispanic female to serve in any political office in East Chicago. Throughout the years, Mrs. Gomez has given of her time and efforts to the city of East Chicago and to the Hispanic community. The pursuit of quality education has always been of utmost importance to Rosemarie, and she has always made it a point to instill these values in her children and grandchildren. Throughout the years, she has dedicated much of her time to the East Chicago Public Library. Among her many projects with the library, for twenty years Mrs. Gomez volunteered to decorate a Mexican- themed Christmas tree for the library's ``Christmas Around the World'' exhibit. For her dedication and commitment to the Hispanic community, and to the city of East Chicago and beyond, Rosemarie is worthy of our highest praise and everlasting gratitude.

Madam Speaker, at this time, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Our nation's success is reliant upon the rich heritage and cultural diversity of its people, and the extraordinary contributions of citizens such as Jesse and Rosemarie Gomez, who have improved the quality of life for generations to come. This month, and always, we honor the many Hispanic members of our communities who have added to the prosperity of the United States and who have enriched our lives and the culture of our great nation.

Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I commend several remarkable leaders who have been honored as the Northwest Indiana Business and Industry Hall of Fame Class of 2021. This year's inductees include Maria and Oscar Martinez, Pat Popa, Peter Nau, and the Ziese Family. Centier Bank was also presented the Enterprise of the Year Award.

Maria and Oscar Martinez are the proud owners of Tortillas Nuevo Leon, a family-owned company in Hammond, which sells tortilla products to grocers and restaurants. Maria and Oscar were both born and raised in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. After coming to East Chicago in 1957, Oscar spent 14 years making tortillas in the tortilla factory before starting Tortillas Nuevo Leon with Maria in 1975, making only tortillas. In 1990, the family tradition continued when their two sons, Jesus and Jaime, and their daughter, Olga, joined the company and helped expand the product line and distribution networks. Oscar retired in 2005 and Maria followed in 2007, leaving their children to run the business. Jesus became president, Jaime is vice president, and Olga is the office manager. Tortillas Nuevo Leon products can be found in twenty-eight states and Canada.

Pat Popa is the owner of Popa Heating and Cooling, an HVAC company located in Highland. Popa Heating and Cooling was originally founded in 1968 by Pat's husband, Nick Popa. Their initial focus was installing heating and cooling systems in new home construction, but growth and success have enabled the company to expand their services to include existing residential heating and cooling in the Northwest Indiana area. Now, they replace old systems, offer new installations for existing homes, and provide system services, repairs, and equipment. Pat has been instrumental in organizing projects in downtown Highland to help increase traffic for the retail business district and improve the quality of life for its residents. In addition to her successful business, Pat gives much of her time and efforts to the Northwest Indiana community. In 2003, Pat created ``Downtown Ducks,'' a public art project that earned her the Governor's Award for Volunteerism from then-Governor Joseph Kernan. She has also been recognized by South Shore Arts with a Lifetime Distinguished Service Membership for developing a scholarship program for art students in Lake, Porter and LaPorte Counties through ``The County Seats'' public art project.

Peter Nau is the president of Hammond Machine Works, a North American supplier of high-quality precision machining, metal fabrication, assembly and finishing of parts to the OEM market. Hammond Machine Works, which serves the rail car industry, has always been a family business. The business began in 1908 and was owned by Charles Nicholas Nau. Charles' son, Mike Nau, purchased the business in 1962 from Henry Kuehl and grew the company's capabilities and involvement in the community. Peter first started working with the company in 1979, and in 1992 he purchased the business from his father and took over as President. Under Peter's leadership, Hammond Machine Works has continued to succeed and expand. In 2015, the company invested $4 million in new equipment at its production facility in Dallas, Texas. Hammond Machine Works was honored with the Premier Supplier Award from one of the major car builders in Texas in addition to earning a collaboration award for working with a company to develop a product. For his contributions to charitable endeavors throughout Northwest Indiana, Peter was named Person of the Year by the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce in 2016. Peter and his wife, Debbie, have three sons, Peter, Travis, and Michael, all of whom play a role in Hammond Machine Works.

The Ziese Family owns and operates Ziese & Sons Excavating, Inc., a demolition and excavating company based in Crown Point. Ziese & Sons was established in the early 1970s by the late Kenneth D. and Jean Ziese. The small business started with just mom, dad, two sons, Kenneth and Zach, and a dump truck. The company continued to grow and expand and joined the operating engineers, becoming unionized in 1991. This made it easier to secure commercial jobs, insurance, and other benefits. Ziese & Sons Excavating currently has 47 employees, which includes family members from the third generation. Zach Ziese serves as the president, Ken Ziese as vice president, and Jean Ziese is the company's secretary. A couple of noteworthy projects completed by Ziese & Sons Excavating include the Strack & Van Til plaza in Crown Point and the new Franciscan hospital.

The recipient of the Enterprise of the Year Award is Centier Bank, Indiana's largest private family-owned bank. Originally known as Bank of Whiting, Centier Bank was founded by Henry Schrage in 1895 after he opened a bank inside of his general store. Since 1895, the Schrage family has built a legacy of success that extends throughout the communities it serves. Under the leadership of current president and CEO, Michael Schrage, Centier Bank currently has 60 offices throughout

northern and central Indiana and nearly $6 billion in assets. In addition, Mr. Schrage is dedicated and passionate about providing a ``servant heart culture'' to clients, financial partners, and to the community. Whether it is through sponsorships and donations, volunteerism, or any other means of philanthropic outreach, Centier Bank's primary goal is to be an engaged and passionate member of the community while creating a sustainable impact.

Madam Speaker, I ask you and my distinguished colleagues to join me in commending these dedicated leaders and organizations upon their induction into the Northwest Indiana Business and Industry Hall of Fame. They are truly deserving of this honor, and for their exceptional leadership and commitment to the region and beyond, each of them is worthy of the highest praise.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Chuck Hughes, executive director of the Gary Chamber of Commerce; and Dr. Gordon Bradshaw, chairman of the public policy committee, for establishing the World Civility Day which was celebrated earlier this month on July 8.

In 2015, Mr. Hughes and Dr. Bradshaw created the Community Civility Counts initiative with the Gary Chamber of Commerce and established the World Civility Day in order to encourage all individuals to be more mindful of our actions and to bring more understanding, more tolerance, and more listening and empathy into our society.

I became a public servant in order to bring people together and solve problems, and that only happens when we treat each other with respect and civility.

I commend Mr. Hughes, Dr. Bradshaw, and all of the individuals and organizations engaged in this initiative for their leadership to recognize the timely and worthy goals of World Civility Day.

Mr. Speaker, throughout my career, I have worked to protect vulnerable populations.

Yesterday, I was proud to support the Consumer Protection and Recovery Act, which will aim to protect exploited consumers, including the elderly, who are oftentimes the most at risk.

The Federal Trade Commission has an essential role to safeguard consumers from businesses that utilize misleading and deceptive practices. These bad actors must be held accountable, and the victims of any scam deserve justice.

I appreciate the leadership of the House Energy and Commerce Committee to ensure that the FTC has the capabilities it needs to protect all individuals from fraud.

I encourage our Senate colleagues to consider this important legislation as soon as possible.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Officer Thomas Sawyer of the Hammond Police Department, who heartbreakingly passed away earlier this month after a 5-week battle with COVID-19.

Officer Sawyer's life's work was one of public service. After serving as a member of the United States Air Force during tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, he went on to serve another 23 years with the Hammond Police Department.

The first responders of northwest Indiana and across our Nation run toward danger at a moment's notice in our times of greatest need, and our communities will forever be grateful for the selfless service of Officer Sawyer.

As Officer Sawyer contracted this disease in the line of duty, let us continue to recognize its ever-present danger and how we must take action to keep ourselves and our neighbors safe.

My thoughts and prayers continue to be with his wife, Mary, and all of his family and friends during this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, it is with great admiration that I rise today to congratulate Mia Neal of Gary, Indiana, and celebrate her noteworthy achievement of winning an Oscar in the 93rd Academy Awards for best makeup and hairstyling.

Mia Neal attended Horace Mann High School in Gary, Indiana, and after graduating in 1997, Mia's interest in hairstyling and makeup blossomed as she attended Merrillville Beauty College and Columbia College in Chicago.

I would note that Mia's family has been actively involved in northwest Indiana's community, as her mother, Dena Holland Neal, was pastor of Peace United Church in Merrillville; and her grandfather, James Holland, taught at Roosevelt High School for more than 15 years and served as Gary's first deputy mayor from 1976 to 1988.

Madam Speaker, I ask you and my distinguished colleagues to join me in recognizing Mia Neal on her historic Oscar award and again congratulate her for this outstanding accomplishment.

Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Takano for yielding me the time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H.R. 239, the Equal Access to Contraception for Veterans Act of 2021. I first commend my colleague on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Congresswoman

Brownley, for her leadership and perseverance to see that this critically important legislation is passed by the House.

It is not acceptable that today women veterans do not have access to the same contraception coverage all Americans currently have available through the Affordable Care Act or private insurance, and all Active Duty servicemembers have through the Department of Defense.

Women veterans are the fastest growing group of veterans enrolling in the Department of Veterans' Affairs healthcare system, and it is time that our policies for women veterans show them the support, respect, and fairness that they deserve.

Madam Speaker, I thank my chairman, again, for the time, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Madam Speaker, regrettably, I was not able to vote on June 22, 2021. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 173, and YEA on Roll Call No. 174.

Madam Speaker, it is with great admiration and pride that I rise to honor Sister Peg Spindler for her lifetime of service and dedication to the Sojourner Truth House in Gary, Indiana.

After more than 24 years of service, Sister Peg will be retiring on July 1 as the executive director of the women's shelter.

Sister Peg found her calling to sisterhood at a young age while growing up in Cedar Lake, Indiana. In November 1997, Sister Peg, along with the support of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, opened the doors to the Sojourner Truth House, which serves the true vulnerable populations, the homeless, the underserved, and the at-risk women and their children, with the goal of providing them the necessary tools and resources to improve their quality of life.

After retiring, Sister Peg plans to visit Catholic parishes throughout the country to advocate on best practices, to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and to combat the harmful effects of climate change on the most vulnerable.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in honoring Sister Peg Spindler for her lifetime of leadership and tireless dedication to the most vulnerable of populations in her community.

Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I take this time to honor Sister Peg Spindler and to wish her well upon her retirement. For her lifetime of service and her dedication to Sojourner Truth House, Sister Peg is to be highly commended. After more than twenty-four years of service, Sister Peg will be retiring on July 1, 2021, as the executive director of the women's shelter.

Sister Peg found her calling to sisterhood at a young age while growing up in Cedar Lake, Indiana. Upon graduating from Andrean High School in 1966, she became a religious sister and earned her bachelor's degree from Alvernia College in Reading, Pennsylvania. Sister Peg then embarked on her career as an educator, where she taught junior high school students in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. In 1983, after returning home, Sister Peg earned a master's degree from Villanova University and another in pastoral studies from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, Illinois. Sister Peg later went on to teach eighth graders at Holy Trinity School in Gary, Indiana, for fifteen years.

In November 1997, Sister Peg, along with the support of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, opened the doors to Sojourner Truth House, located in Gary, Indiana. Sojourner Truth House serves homeless, underserved, and at-risk women and their children with the goal of providing them the necessary tools and resources to improve their quality of life.

After retiring, Sister Peg plans to continue advocating for the homeless in our region through the Continuum of Care Network of Northwest Indiana and is hopeful she will be able to launch the first Lake County Homeless Trust Fund. She also plans to visit Catholic parishes throughout the country to advocate on best practices to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and combat the harmful effects of climate change on those most vulnerable.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in honoring Sister Peg Spindler for her outstanding service to the women and children who have passed through Sojourner Truth House and to wish her well upon her retirement. For her lifetime of leadership and tireless dedication to her community, Sister Peg is worthy of our utmost gratitude and appreciation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight legislation that I recently introduced, the Longshore and Harbor Workers COVID-19 Compensation Act.

I am extremely proud that this is my first piece of legislation and that it serves to protect the health, safety, and livelihoods of our Nation's maritime workers.

The current health pandemic has created serious challenges for these essential workers, including unpaid, mandatory quarantine requirements resulting from COVID-19 contraction or exposure.

In the First Congressional District of Indiana, the Burns Waterway Harbor generates more than $15 billion in business revenue and supports over 80,000 workers, including union jobs with the International Longshoremen's Association.

I appreciate the support of my chairman on the House Education and Labor Committee, Bobby Scott, and I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to support this invaluable workforce and to move this legislation forward as soon as possible.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure and admiration that I congratulate Gary, Indiana, native Mia Neal, and celebrate her noteworthy achievement of winning an Oscar at the 93rd Academy Awards ceremony on April 25, 2021. Presented with the Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling for her work in the film Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Mia, along with Jamika Wilson, have become the first African American women to win in this category. For this historic and extraordinary accomplishment, Mia is worthy of the highest praise.

Mia attended Horace Mann High School in Gary, where she participated in theater and was a member of the school's talented dance troop. After graduating in 1997, Mia's interest in hairstyling and makeup blossomed as she attended Merrillville Beauty College and Columbia College in Chicago before enrolling at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. After graduating from Jackson State University, Mia completed a Professional Internship for Wigs and Makeup at the famed Juilliard School in New York City where she honed her craft. After completing her studies, Mia remained in New York and has amassed an impressive career in her field, designing hair and makeup for many stage productions and feature films.

While Mia has certainly had a successful career, her greatest accomplishment is being a mother to her son, James G. Deacon. Mia is daughter of Dena Holland Neal, a longtime active community member in Gary and Pastor at Peace United Church in Merrillville, Indiana, and the sister of Nia and Thamian Neal, as well as the cherished aunt of DeWayne, Jordan, and Karren. Mia's grandparents, James and Dorothy Holland, also hold deep roots in Gary. James taught at Roosevelt High School for more than fifteen years and served as Gary's first Deputy Mayor from 1976 to 1988.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in recognizing Mia Neal on her historic Oscar award and congratulate her for this outstanding accomplishment. She has made her family, the entire Gary community, and all of Northwest Indiana so very proud.

Madam Speaker, as the co-chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, I was honored last week to help facilitate a letter to the Appropriations Committee. This letter expressed our support for the International Trade Administration and the International Trade Commission, which are incredibly important to the success of the American steel industry and its workforce.

The letter encouraged the committee to build on its previous efforts to provide adequate resources to the ITA and the ITC, so they may ensure timely and objective responses to trade remedy complaints and investigations.

Their work is essential to upholding our trade laws and ensuring that all American workers can compete on a level playing field.

I look forward to continuing to work with the members of the committee and the Steel Caucus to support these agencies and the strength of American steelworkers and manufacturers.