Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate National Teachers Appreciation Week and recognize all the outstanding educators across Indiana's First Congressional District.

As we reflect on the impact that teachers have made in our lives and are continuing to make every day for all our students, I remain immensely grateful for all who have chosen to be teachers and involved in the school system.

Because of their selfless passion, their boundless energy, and commitment to inspiration, they are essential to ensuring our future leaders are able to harness their interests and reach their full potential.

Thank you to all of the teachers, aides, assistants, and all the professionals in schools throughout northwest Indiana and our Nation who have dedicated their time and talents to helping students succeed.

Madam Speaker, I thank Ranking Member DeLauro for the time and applaud the dedicated work of her and all the leaders and staff of the House Appropriations Committee on both sides of the aisle for their commitment to advancing this legislation.

I am proud to support this legislative package that is of paramount importance to the strength of our Nation, to the American worker, and for our role as a world leader that is working to defend democracy.

This is an incredibly serious moment for our Nation and the world, and I appreciate that these measures rise to the occasion to provide the necessary resources for those in need, including funds for Ukraine's military, for our ally Israel, and $9 billion in humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza.

Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support these measures and ensure they are signed into law.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I take this time to recognize the 2024 Good Scout Award recipient, presented annually by the LaSalle Council Boy Scouts of America. To commemorate this special occasion, the organization is hosting a celebratory event on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at the Porter County Expo Center and Fairgrounds in Valparaiso, Indiana.

Each year, the LaSalle Council Boy Scouts of America presents the Good Scout Award to individuals whose efforts have had significant positive impacts on their communities in Northwest Indiana and across the state. This year, the LaSalle Council Boy Scouts of America will be honoring Jeff Strack, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Indiana Grocery Group/Strack & Van Til.

Jeff's impressive career with Strack & Van Til spans over thirty years. He has held numerous positions with the organization including Vice President of Operations and Chief Marketing/Strategy Officer, among others. Currently, Jeff is the company's President and CEO, a position he has held since 2016. During that time, Mr. Strack has created a culture of success by developing an executive team that is focused on customer satisfaction, employee appreciation, exceptional service, quality products, and community involvement. Under his outstanding leadership, Strack &

Van Til has grown to include more than twenty locations, and the organization continues to evolve to meet the needs of the communities it serves.

Jeff Strack generously serves his community by giving his time and efforts to numerous charitable endeavors. He also serves on several local, national, and advisory boards. In addition, Strack & Van Til has a long history of supporting organizations that focus on hunger relief, first responders, military, educational foundations, local sports teams, and more. For his outstanding commitment to so many earnest causes, Jeff Strack is to be commended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring the LaSalle Council Boy Scouts of America and its 2024 Good Scout Award recipient, Jeff Strack. For his lifetime of leadership and tireless dedication to the community of Northwest indiana and beyond, Jeff Strack is worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise to celebrate National Women's History Month and its 2024 theme, Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Each year, the National Women's History Alliance selects a unifying theme in honor of Women's History Month. This year's theme recognizes the numerous brave women throughout history who have fought and continue to fight for justice and equality for women in all aspects of American society.

As we celebrate the relentless efforts of women who have devoted their lives to this cause, I would like to take the time to honor a true leader in Northwest Indiana, Dr. Vanessa Allen-McCloud. Her passion for civil service and education serves as an inspiration for women throughout the region and beyond. Dr. Allen-McCloud holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Calumet College of St. Joseph and a Master of Education degree from Purdue University Northwest. In 2013, she earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Dr. Allen-McCloud's impressive career includes various professional positions in the field of education at Purdue University Calumet, South Suburban College, and the Gary Community School Corporation. In 2010, Dr. Allen-McCloud became President and CEO of the Urban League of Northwest Indiana, an organization that works to ``promote, encourage, and enhance services to improve social, educational, and economic conditions of African Americans and other minority groups in Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties.'' Under her leadership, the Urban League continues to grow and succeed and has become an outstanding source of support for many individuals and organizations. Throughout the years, the Urban League has hosted numerous programs and seminars highlighting opportunities for women. In addition, Dr. Allen-McCloud is a certified civility trainer in Civility in the Workplace and

Cultural Competence and has been a noteworthy speaker in this regard. For her extraordinary leadership and passion for giving back to the community, Dr. Allen-McCloud is worthy of the highest praise.

Over the years, Dr. Allen-McCloud has received many accolades honoring her impressive career. In addition, Dr. Allen-McCloud has generously served her community by giving her time and efforts to numerous charitable endeavors, and she serves on several local and national boards. For her exceptional devotion to these earnest causes, Dr. Allen-McCloud is to be commended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating Women's History Month and recognizing the dedication and contributions of Dr. Allen-McCloud and so many other extraordinary women who work to make our communities more equal, diverse, and inclusive.

Madam Speaker, as a father of two intelligent, independent, compassionate daughters, it is with great respect that I rise today to celebrate Women's History Month and its 2024 theme ``Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.''

This year, I would like to honor a true leader of northwest Indiana, Dr. Vanessa Allen-McCloud, who has served as president and CEO of the Urban League of Northwest Indiana for more than a decade.

In this role, Dr. Allen-McCloud works to promote services to improve social, educational, and economic opportunities for African Americans and other minority groups throughout northwest Indiana.

Under her leadership, the Urban League continues to grow and succeed and has become an outstanding source of support for many individuals and organizations.

Madam Speaker, as we celebrate Women's History Month, please join me in recognizing the dedication and contributions of Dr. Vanessa Allen- McCloud and all of the extraordinary women who continue to make our communities more equal, diverse, and inclusive.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise today to celebrate Black History Month and its 2024 theme--African Americans and the Arts.

This theme reflects on the important work of the African-American artists who preserve history, enrich communities, and create empowerment through the visual and performing arts.

Throughout the years, northwest Indiana has been home to many such noteworthy and inspiring art-based organizations, including the West Side Theater Guild, Marshall J. Gardener Center for the Arts, the Glen Theater, the Miller Beach Arts and Creative District, the Gary Theater Ensemble, and the Morning Bishop Theatre Playhouse.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the countless African- American artists in northwest Indiana and across our country for their profound passion, creativity, and perseverance to enrich our culture and our quality of life.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and sincere admiration that I rise today to celebrate Black History Month and its 2024 theme--African Americans and the Arts. This year's theme reflects on the important work of African American artists throughout the country who preserve history, enrich communities, and create empowerment through the visual and performing arts including literature, film, music, fashion, culinary, architecture, and more.

History has shown that the artistic contributions of African Americans have been minimized, excluded, and even denied. African American artistic movements such as the Black Renaissance, the Black Art Movement, and the introduction of the Hip-Hop music genre, to name a few, have been crucial in bringing about change, equality, and social justice to the African American community in the United States and all over the world.

Throughout the years, Northwest Indiana has been home to many successful and noteworthy art-based organizations and programs that are truly inspiring. I would like to take a moment to recognize a few of them, past and present, including Vee-Jay Records, West Side Theater Guild, Gary International Black Film Festival, Gary Theatre Ensemble, Marshall J. Gardener Center for the Arts, Glen Theatre, the Gary Public Murals and Statues Program, the Miller Beach Arts and Creative District, and the Gary Public Art Competition, among others. For their unwavering dedication to preserving and honoring African Americans and the arts, each organization, program, and its members are worthy of the very highest praise.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in celebrating Black History Month and honoring the countless African Americans who have played such a critical role in enriching our culture through the arts. Let us commend each of them for their profound passion, creativity, and perseverance as they have enhanced the quality of life for all Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep frustration with the unfortunate approach that the House majority is pursuing this week with regard to immigration legislation.

On a personal note, this past week, I held a series of community forums throughout Indiana's First Congressional District, and at each one, the topic of immigration reform and the challenge of securing our southern border was front and center.

Constituents throughout the region expressed great concern regarding the national security implications related to the increase in migrants, as well as the great need for increased border security agents, for administrative judges, for technology to monitor our border, and for the resources to address drug and human trafficking.

More broadly, there was an appetite to comprehensively solve this problem in a bipartisan manner. Further, it requires not only government and Federal contractor employers, but all employers to utilize the E-Verify system to ensure no labor is being exploited, as well as honor our commitment to Dreamers.

At our community forums, we also discussed the devastating impacts of fentanyl, highlighting how our district is home to an international port of entry that must be secure.

In my prior position as a local elected official, I often hosted Narcan training sessions. I recollect one such program during a polar vortex with 60-degree-below wind chills. More than 150 individuals attended that training session because drug traffickers flooded our region with fentanyl-laced heroin.

My office also assisted with burials for many of those who had lost the struggle with addiction. I looked into the eyes of family members who had lost loved ones, and I carry each one of those memories with me. This is real life.

I pull from these experiences every day for my resolve to move forward with real legislative solutions. We are not solving problems by debating bills for political advantage when there is a pending appropriations supplemental emergency request that would fund an additional 1,300 border security agents, amongst other priorities. We are not solving problems by debating bills to try and further divide us when there is a bipartisan policy solution pending in the Senate that regrettably has been declared dead on arrival in the House. This is a national security issue, and I am seeking an immigration solution that is strong, secure, and humane.

I implore my colleagues in the majority party to not jeopardize innocent lives and the safety of our communities by waiting to address this pressing issue until after the election. Let us put those solutions up for a vote so the American people can see if we stand for results or if we stand for political theater.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Nadler for the time.

Madam Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Nadler for the time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 357. As a Member of the legislative branch, I take very seriously our responsibility to provide oversight of the executive branch. We must always look to utilize the tools that we have available to us, including through the appropriations process, to ensure accountability and provide the appropriate scope and direction to our Federal agencies.

I also believe that elections matter, and that we in the legislative branch should do our utmost to find common ground and advance policies and programs that promote the best interests of our communities.

Unfortunately, I believe that this measure goes too far to deliberately hinder Federal agencies from advancing their priorities. For this reason, at the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to committee. If the House rules permitted, I would have offered the motion with an important amendment to this bill. In addition to exceptions for rules that impact public safety and national security, my amendment would also provide exceptions for rules related to veteran health benefits.

As the ranking member of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation, I believe we must continue to do all we can to work together and advance initiatives that ensure our veterans receive the care and benefits that they have earned.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment in the Record immediately prior to the vote on the motion to recommit.

Madam Speaker, I thank, again, the ranking member for the time.

Madam Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

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

Mr. Speaker, it is with great admiration that I recognize Haven House Northwest Indiana (NWI) on its 40th anniversary and to commend its leadership team, board of directors, and dedicated staff for their tireless efforts on behalf of survivors of domestic violence throughout the Northwest Indiana region.

Haven House NWI began after a small group of concerned citizens gathered at Saint Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, Indiana. Founded in 1983, Haven House, located in Hammond, Indiana, has remained steadfast in its mission to provide emergency crisis intervention and shelter for domestic violence victims and their children. For those in need of an immediate place to stay, Haven House offers 25 beds for women, as well as additional accommodations for those with children. The organization also operates an invaluable transitional house, a million-dollar facility that came to be through the hard work of its members, generosity of community donors, and the unwavering support of former Hammond Mayor Duane Dedelow, Jr. and current Mayor Thomas McDermott, Jr.

In addition to housing, residents are provided basic necessities, food, and supplies while offering them a home atmosphere where they are responsible for cooking and household chores. The residents, as well as former residents, also have access to individual and group counseling sessions and other activities related to life skills, empowerment, and the arts. Additionally, with a focus on long-term stability for its residents, Haven House provides individualized service plans that assess their needs, while also assisting with safety planning, referral services, court advocacy and protective order applications.

The operation of this extraordinary community resource would not be possible without its amazing staff and its exceptional leadership team which consists of Executive Director Carrie Greer, Residential Manager Ebony Jackson, Fiscal Manager Candace Jordan, and House Manager Luz Gonzalez. Haven House is also led by its dedicated board of directors: Board President David Gearman, Board Secretary Bernie Zemen, Terence Fife, Andrea Graciano, Michelle Resendez, Ashley Ward, Jenny Winker, and Bobbi Costa, whose lifetime of service on the board has spanned the organization's entire 40 years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Haven House NWI on its 40th anniversary. Through the years, the committed staff and leaders of Haven House have selflessly dedicated their time and efforts to ensure that survivors of domestic violence have a safe place to stay and the resources needed to take back their lives, and for this, these outstanding individuals are to be admired.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I take this time to congratulate Reverend Dr. W.N. Reed on his 50th Anniversary as Pastor of New Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Gary, Indiana. For his fifty years of service and dedication to his congregation and to the community of Gary, Reverend Reed will be honored at a Pastoral Anniversary Celebration that will take place at New Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday, November 19, 2023.

Reverend Reed grew up in Brownsville, Tennessee, where he attended Carver High School. He went on to graduate from Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee, and served in the United States Army before accepting the call to the ministry. Reverend Reed was ordained in 1963 at Woodlawn Baptist Church in Brownsville. While in Tennessee, he served as Pastor of Saint John Baptist Church in Dancyville, as well as Macedonia Baptist Church and First Baptist Church in Brownsville. In 1973, Reverend Reed became Pastor of New Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Gary, Indiana. Throughout his fifty years of leadership, the church has become a beacon of light and hope for the community of Gary and beyond. In 1998, the church added an administrative/education wing and a fellowship hall. Reverend Reed and the parishioners are proud of the church's thriving and active Sunday school programs, numerous ministries, and growing congregation.

During his tenure, Reverend Reed has given of his time and efforts to various organizations and endeavors including the Baptist Minsters Conference of Gary and Vicinity, Progressive National Baptist Convention Inc., Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Baptist Convention of Indiana, New Era District Association, One Church One School Initiative, and the NAACP, to name a few. For his unwavering devotion to providing spiritual guidance and support to so many in need, Reverend Dr. W.N. Reed is worthy of the highest praise.

Reverend Reed's remarkable commitment to the church and to his community is exceeded only by his admiration for his amazing family. He and his wonderful wife, Rosetta, have raised two beloved sons.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring and congratulating Reverend Dr. W.N. Reed on his 50th Anniversary as Pastor of New Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. For his lifetime of leadership and selfless service to others, he is truly an inspiration to us all.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, it is my distinct pleasure to recognize the Northwest Indiana Indian Medical Association. which will be hosting its 41st Annual Gala on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the Halls of Saint George in Schererville, Indiana. This year, the organization will present the prestigious Community Service Award to Sister Jane Marie Klein.

The Northwest Indiana Indian Medical Association was founded in 1983 with the goal of bringing together physicians and healthcare providers of Indian descent to foster personal and professional development and relationships. The organization supports numerous charitable endeavors and outreach programs within the surrounding communities.

For her lifetime of spiritual service and her unwavering commitment to the healthcare industry, Sister Jane Marie Klein is the recipient of the Community Service Award. As Chair of the Franciscan Alliance Board of Trustees, Sister Jane Marie has been an outstanding leader and an extraordinary asset to the spiritual and medical community throughout the region. During her tenure, Sister Jane Marie has held numerous positions and leadership roles within the Franciscan Alliance organization, including Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Michigan City's Saint Anthony Health and CEO of Saint Margaret Mercy Health in Hammond for the past ten years. Those who have worked with Sister Jane Marie can attest to her dedication to the organization's standard of excellence and consider her to be among the most significant people in Northern Indiana's medical communIty.

In addition to serving as Chair of the Franciscan Alliance Board, Sister Jane Marie gives her time and efforts to additional boards at Franciscan Alliance. including the Central Indiana Division, Western Indiana Division. Northern Indiana Division. South Suburban Chicago Division, and the Franciscan Holding Company. She is also a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration. For her remarkable contributions to the medical and spiritual fields throughout Indiana and the region, Sister Jane Marie is worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating the Northwest Indiana Indian Medical Association on its 41st anniversary. I would also like to commend Sister Jane Marie Klein. recipient of the Community Service Award, who has selflessly devoted so much of her time and efforts to improving the quality of life for the people of Northwest Indiana and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise to recognize former Indiana Governor Frank O'Bannon as we reflect on the 20-year anniversary of his passing.

The O'Bannon family and the Mrvan family have had great partnerships over the decades. My father was a State legislator for over 40 years and partnered on countless occasions to take positive and impactful action for the people of Indiana as Frank O'Bannon served in the General Assembly and as Governor.

I remain grateful for the example they have provided in how to work together with members on both sides of the aisle and with all levels of government to find common ground and achieve success.

In particular, I appreciate their priority to improve educational opportunities and affordable healthcare options for all members of our community.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the service of Governor O'Bannon to Indiana, our Nation, and let us keep in mind his commitment to public service and solving problems as we move forward with addressing the issues of today.

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

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 7 o'clock and 22 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at 10 a.m. for morning-hour debate.

Mr. Speaker, on September 28, 2023, I missed Roll Call vote No. 406. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 466, H.R. 4665 (Amendment No. 17).