Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, on January 23, 2025, I missed Roll Call Votes No. 24, No. 25, No. 26, and No. 27. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 24; YEA on Roll Call No. 25; YEA on Roll Call No. 26; and NAY on Roll Call No. 27.

Mr. Speaker, on January 22, 2025, I missed Roll Call Votes No. 20, No. 21, No. 22, and No. 23. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 20; NAY on Roll Call No. 21; YEA on Roll Call No. 22; and YEA on Roll Call No. 23.

Mr. Speaker, on January 21, 2025, I missed Roll Call Votes No. 18 and No. 19.

Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 18 (H.R. 186) and YEA on Roll Call No. 19 (H.R. 187).

Mr. Speaker, on January 16, 2025, I missed roll call vote No. 17. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on ROll Call No. 17 (On Passage of H.R. 30).

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to congratulate the members and leaders of the Hammond, Indiana Carpenters Union Local No. 599 as they commemorate the organization's 125th anniversary. In honor of this momentous occasion, Hammond Carpenters Local No. 599 will recognize union members for their outstanding service during a pin ceremony and anniversary celebration on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the Hellenic Banquet Center in Merrillville, Indiana.

Hammond Carpenters Local No. 599 is a remarkable organization representing skilled craftsmen throughout Northwest Indiana and beyond. I would like to acknowledge the members being honored for their hard work and devotion to their trade. The graduated apprentices who will be honored include: Daniel Almeida, Sean Anderson, Trystan Arch, Joseph Armstrong, Robert Chicvara, Donald Collard, Brian Derby, Jaclyn Flores, Anthony Gibson, Austin Haney, Amber Jetmund, Isaiah Jimenez, Roy Meyer, Brian Orzechowicz, Matt Resunenko, Alex Salgado and Arnell Washington. The members who will be honored for 10 years of service include: Gregory Carns, Joshua Clausen, Jose Cordero, Tom Drakos, Adam Ibarra, Joshua Lindquist, Jakob Winarski, and Gregory Woosley. The members who will be honored for 15 years of service include: Andrew Denham, Brian Jamka, Cory Kliajic, Chad Kuhn, Thomas Lashenik, Kyle Lazzaroni, Gary Nord, Daniel Prendergast, Daniel Rademacher, Jason Shultz, Stephan Sosnowski, John Terpstra, and Bert Williams. The members who will be honored for 20 years of service include: Jack Bonick, Josh Bridegroom, Robert Buczek, Rick Companik, Todd Dapshis, Shane Eaker, Alberto Gomez, Todd Hemann, Jose Marquez, Sebert Meadows, Henry Quintana, Darryl Ramos, Jason Swigon, and Adam VanAmstel. The members who will be honored for 25 years of service include: Marc Bozetarnik, Jeff Buesing, John Erickson, Justin Fischer, Chris Gorski, Roy Hamende, Sr., Don Hancock, Gary Jenczalik, Darrin Jendreas, George Jeronimo, Alfonso Martrinez, Daniel Miller, Adam Nagel, Edwin Pina, Jeff Sellers, James Stuppy, Scott Talaga, and Chris Tauber. The members who will be awarded for 30 years of service include: Phil Baran, Sylvia Cabrales, Brian Hensley, Eric Long, James Prahlow, and David Thomas. The members who will be honored for 35 years of service include: John Adams, James Ballard, Michael Brown, Duane Dedelow, Daniel Deflorio, John Dorsey, James Golub, Carl Harbison, Tom John, Craig McGuane, Kenneth Morgan, Randall Norris, James Slagle, and David Turczi. The members who will be honored for 40 years of service are Kevin McCarthy and Michael Rodriguez. The members who will be honored for 45 years of service include: Terry Eckrich, Fred Kuhn, Richard Meyers, Brian Morton, and Thomas Perez. The members who will be honored for 50 years of service are Daniel Brown and Timothy Foley.

The members who will be honored for 55 years of service include: Greg Argentine, Charles Gibbs, Rudy Medellin, and Michael Schaller. The members who will be honored for 60 years of service include: Robert Lowry, Bernard Ritchey, and Darrel Sills. Lastly, but most noteworthy, Ron Carlson will be honored for his 70 years of service.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating the Hammond, Indiana Carpenters Union Local No. 599 on its 125th Anniversary. Northwest Indiana has a rich history of excellence in its craftsmanship and loyalty among its tradesmen and women. Carpenters Union Local No. 599, and all unions, work tirelessly to ensure safe working conditions, living wages, and growth opportunities for its employees. For their significant contributions to working families and the development of the region, the leaders and members of Carpenters Union Local No. 599 are worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month and its 2024 theme, Pioneers of Change Shaping the Future Together. From September 15, 2024, through October 15, 2024, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the people of the United States will reflect on the outstanding contributions Hispanic Americans have made for the future success of our great Nation.

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, we take the time to commend the many inspiring Hispanic leaders that work to create programs and opportunities that are crucial for the progress of the Hispanic community in Northwest Indiana and beyond.

I am proud and honored to highlight recent efforts made in the region to strengthen educational opportunities for the Hispanic community. In 2020, Indiana University Northwest in Gary, Indiana, was designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the United States Department of Education. Purdue University Northwest in Hammond, Indiana, received the same designation in 2024. The Hispanic-Serving Institution designation provides universities with resources for the implementation of programs, facilities, and services to enhance educational opportunities for Hispanic Americans. I believe that this remarkable program not only empowers the Hispanic community throughout Northwest Indiana but is truly vital for the prosperity of our country.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and in honoring the leaders and members of the Hispanic community who have worked to improve the quality of life for all Americans for generations to come. Our Nation's success is reliant upon the rich heritage and cultural diversity of its people.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I take this time to recognize Sandra Noe and to congratulate her on her retirement from her position as Chief Executive Officer of Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana. Sandra's efforts to improve the quality- of-life for the aging community and those faced with disabilities throughout Northwest Indiana make her worthy of the utmost praise and our sincere gratitude. For her 38 years of unwavering dedication to the organization, Sandra will be honored at a retirement celebration taking place on Friday, July 19, 2024.

Since its humble beginnings in 1977, Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana has seen consistent growth, and its immense impact has been a source of pride throughout the community. During her illustrious tenure, Sandra has been instrumental in every aspect of the organization, from managing human resources to developing computer programs for food purchases and inventory control to assisting in a building expansion to construct two central kitchens. A testament to Sandra's outstanding leadership, Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana now delivers more than 2,000 meals each day to children and adults throughout the region and recently reached an incredible milestone, having served its 9 millionth meal. Under Sandra's direction, the organization has continued to thrive, and we as a community are truly grateful for her service.

In addition to her impressive career, Sandra has dedicated much of her time to charitable endeavors and organizations throughout the region. She has served on advisory boards for the Indiana University Northwest School of Public and Environmental Affairs, the advisory committee for Northwest Indiana Community Action, and as a board member and finance committee member for Meals on Wheels America. Notably, Sandra is a proud founding member of the board of the 219 Health Network, and she was named the 2015 recipient of the Influential Woman of Northwest Indiana Women in Non-Profit Award by the Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association, a prestigious accolade befitting her noteworthy career.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in recognizing the remarkable work of Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana and the lifetime of selfless service and tireless dedication of Sandra Noe. Her commitment to the Northwest Indiana community serves as an inspiration to us all, and we extend our best wishes upon her retirement in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep appreciation for the inclusion of community project funding requests in the fiscal year 2025 appropriations measure that will support police departments throughout Indiana's First Congressional District.

I am proud that these funds will directly assist with the purchase of equipment and technology that will enhance the abilities of police officers to protect themselves and our communities.

This positive action would not occur without the thoughtful engagement of the House appropriations leaders and the dedicated law enforcement personnel from eight municipalities in northwest Indiana, including Crown Point, Dyer, East Chicago, Griffith, Hobart, La Porte, Schererville, and Valparaiso.

I look forward to continuing to work with all of my congressional colleagues to finalize these critical requests as soon as possible.

Mr. Speaker, on June 5, 2024, I missed Roll Call votes 243, 244, 245, 246, and 247.

Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 243; YEA on Roll Call No. 244; YEA on Roll Call No. 245; YEA on Roll Call No. 246; and NAY on Roll Call No. 247.

Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere appreciation that I take this time to recognize Drive Clean Indiana as the organization celebrates its 25th anniversary on June 15, 2024. Through sustainable transportation and energy efforts, Drive Clean Indiana has enhanced the quality of life for residents and visitors of Northwest Indiana and throughout the state for the past 25 years.

Drive Clean Indiana, which originated as South Shore Clean Cities, Inc. before its statewide expansion in 2022, is a member-based, nonprofit coalition that aims to encourage the use of domestic fuels, improve air quality, strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on imported oil, and build the state and local economies. On June 15, 1999, South Shore Clean Cities was founded as the 71st Clean Cities & Communities coalition by the United States Department of Energy. Under the initial leadership of Liz Williams and Deb McClelland-Parker, the coalition continued to grow, serving Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties in Northwest Indiana. In 2005, Carl and Lorrie Lisek became co- coordinators of South Shore Clean Cities. Then, in 2011, Lorrie became the Executive Director of Wisconsin Clean Cities while Carl was named Executive Director of South Shore Clean Cities, a position in which he remains today with Drive Clean Indiana. Drive Clean Indiana's dedicated team has been recognized with countless awards and accolades throughout the years, and the organization is truly worthy of each of these honors. And I would be remiss if I did not mention that, in 2015, Carl and Lorrie were both inducted into the United States Department of Energy's Clean Cities & Communities Hall of Fame.

Drive Clean Indiana's transition to the statewide coalition is a testament to its extraordinary results. The organization has consistently exceeded expectations and surpassed its goals, while its membership has seen immense growth. Since its inception, the organization has managed many programs and projects including NIPSCO's IN-Charge Project, the BP Cleaner Air through Diesel Emissions Reductions Grant Program, and the Green Fleet Program. More recently, the organization has been heavily involved in fostering the use of electric vehicles across the state through its management of the Go Electric Vehicle Indiana (GOEVIN) program and the Indiana Clean School Bus Consortium (ICSBC). The ICSBC recently secured an award announced by President Biden and the United States Environmental Protection Agency that will bring 51 electric buses to Indiana school districts. It has also collaborated on many other projects including the Midwest Hydrogen Hub, which will promote clean energy through the production of hydrogen by leveraging renewable energy, natural gas, and low-cost nuclear energy. These are just a few of the many remarkable programs and projects in which Drive Clean Indiana is involved.

Over the past 15 years. Drive Clean Indiana has helped to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2 million tons, the number of gasoline gallon equivalents by 300 million gallons, and the number of oil barrels by three million. For their truly innovative and successful energy and transportation initiatives, the organization's members and leaders are worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Drive Clean Indiana on this outstanding milestone. For 25 years, the coalition has continued to make great strides toward improving the quality of the air we breathe and, in turn, improving the lives of countless individuals. Its steadfast commitment to Northwest Indiana and throughout the entire state is recognized and appreciated by all.

Madam Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise today to recognize Pride Month and to celebrate all the members of the LGBTQ community in northwest Indiana and across our Nation.

I am proud to be a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus and a supporter of the Equality Act.

This critical legislation aims to prohibit at the Federal level discriminations based on sex, orientation, and gender identity in accessing education, employment, and housing benefits.

More must be done to ensure that all LGBTQ individuals are able to thrive and succeed in our communities without fear of discrimination.

As we continue in Pride Month and the rest of the year, let us continue to do all we can to promote a more inclusive, empathetic, and tolerant society for all.

Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere admiration that I take this time to recognize one of Northwest Indiana's finest organizations, Leon's Heroes, as it will once again host the annual Leon's Triathlon, widely known as ``America's Race.'' This outstanding display of patriotism and athleticism honors our veterans and active service members, with a special focus on those who have sustained injuries during their time in service. This year's event will be held at Wolf Lake in Hammond, Indiana, and will include static displays, festivities, and opening ceremonies leading up to the start of the race on Sunday, June 2, 2024.

Founded in 1983 by Leon Wolek, an avid triathlete and native of Hobart, Indiana, Leon's Triathlon has drawn participants from across the country and has been a source of immense pride for the Northwest Indiana community. Having grown up admiring his father who served in the military, and spending time with and listening to the stories of other veterans at American Legion Post 454 in New Chicago, Indiana, Leon was compelled to ensure that the many brave individuals who have defended our nation throughout its history received the recognition they deserve. With this idea in mind, Leon's Triathlon emerged.

Originally, the race took place in Leon's hometown of Hobart at the Izaak Walton League before its popularity and corresponding growth required its relocation. The city of Hammond, Indiana, was inspired by the organization's unwavering commitment to those who serve and have served our country and proudly welcomed the special event to the city. Fittingly, a portion of the race now runs along the Gold Star Memorial Highway, a designation which Leon's Heroes was instrumental in securing, and is dedicated to Indiana families who have lost loved ones in service. Leon's Triathlon has seen immense growth in participation since its inception, and many of the participants are veterans and active military members. As participation has grown so too has the number of events, which now includes additional events throughout the year. Since 2021, Leon's Heroes has also hosted an annual obstacle course event which takes place every September at Indiana Dunes National Park. This event recalls the attacks of September 11, 2001, while honoring our veterans and the many first responders who came to aid our fellow citizens on that tragic day.

Mr. Speaker, throughout its history, Leon's Heroes has remained steadfast in its commitment to honoring the legacy of our military members, past and present. I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending the organization for its outstanding dedication to the community, to our veterans, to our active service members, and to our first responders. Leon Wolek and the many devoted volunteers involved with this extraordinary organization are truly worthy of our highest praise.

Mr. Chair, today I missed roll call vote 227. Had I been present, I would have voted NO on Roll Call No. 227.

Amendment No. 2 Offered by Mr. Mooney

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise today in recognition of National Police Week.

Every day, our brave law enforcement officers respond at a moment's notice to keep our communities safe and secure. We have the responsibility to make sure they have the support and financial resources that they need to protect themselves and to perform their duties to the best of their abilities.

That is why, throughout my time as a Member of Congress, I have been proud to successfully secure community project funding requests and appropriation measures for police departments throughout northwest Indiana, including most recently for Gary, Hammond, Merrillville, Michigan City, and Munster.

Let us continue to build on this success and support our law enforcement officers and their families, not just during police week but every day throughout the year.