Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I take this time to honor Ms. Beth Wrobel and wish her well upon her retirement as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HealthLinc. For her lifelong commitment to providing quality health care to communities throughout the region, she is to be commended.

In 2002, Ms. Wrobel became CEO of HealthLinc. At the time, HealthLinc was a single, free medical clinic serving the local community. Under her direction, HealthLinc expanded its medical services to include pediatrics, women's health, and prenatal care, while also adding service lines including dental, optometry, behavioral health, substance abuse, podiatry, chiropractic, clinical pharmacy, health insurance enrollment, medical legal partnership, and more. The organization continues to grow and is comprised of twelve clinics across Northern Indiana, as well as two school-based telehealth clinics, one mobile medical and dental clinic, and a team of more than 490 employees. As CEO, Ms. Wrobel has worked tirelessly to ensure the accessibility of affordable, quality care to countless individuals and families who are underinsured, uninsured, or unable to pay. For her outstanding dedication to the people of Northern Indiana, especially those most in need, Ms. Wrobel is worthy of the highest praise.

In addition to her noteworthy career, Ms. Wrobel has offered her time and support to numerous foundations and organizations throughout the years. Among her many leadership roles, Ms. Wrobel has served on the board of directors for the National Association of Community Health Centers, and she currently serves as trustee for Ivy Tech Community College's Valparaiso Campus. She is also a member of the board of directors for the Indiana Primary Healthcare Association.

Ms. Wrobel's dedication to serving the residents of Northern Indiana is exceeded only by her love and devotion to her three sons, Chris, Tom, and David, her daughter-in-law, Heather, and her cherished grandson, J.J. I wish her quality time with her family in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Ms. Beth Wrobel for her unwavering commitment to improving health care throughout Northern Indiana and beyond and in wishing her well upon her retirement. For her many remarkable contributions, Ms. Wrobel is worthy of our deepest gratitude and appreciation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on day 4 since the United Auto Workers' contract expired to encourage all leaders of management and the union to find common ground to ensure workers receive their fair share of the success of the auto industry.

For Indiana's First Congressional District, I represent the incredible UAW members from Region 2B in Indiana and also members that work at the Ford plant across the State line in Illinois out of Local 551.

The steel and manufacturing industries of northwest Indiana are also critical suppliers for the automobile manufacturers.

Throughout our history, organized labor has been on the front lines fighting for fair pay, access to affordable healthcare, safe working conditions, and sound retirement benefits. That fight continues today on day 4.

I again encourage all parties at the table to recognize the inherent value of the UAW workers and their essential contributions to the success, not just in the auto industry, but for the economic success for our communities and the expansion of the middle class.

I also wish my mom a happy 89th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month and its 2023 theme, Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America. From September 15, 2023, through October 15, 2023, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the people of the United States will once again celebrate the cultures, traditions, and the many outstanding contributions that Hispanic Americans have made throughout our country's history.

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. Since its establishment as National Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, which later became National Hispanic Heritage Month in 1988, Americans have taken this time to reflect on the remarkable efforts of generations of Hispanic Americans that have helped to create and build our prosperous Nation.

America's success is reliant upon the rich heritage and cultural diversity of its people. This month, and always, we remember and honor the many Hispanic leaders and members of our communities throughout history who have added to the success of the United States in every facet of our society.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. For their many noteworthy contributions, which have been vital in shaping our great Nation, the Hispanic community is worthy of our honor and praise.

Mr. Speaker, on July 26, 2023, I was absent from the House floor and missed Roll Call vote No. 369. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 369, H.R. 4366 (Amendment No. 1).

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my deep appreciation for the inclusion of the community project funding request for Indiana's First Congressional District in the fiscal year 2024 appropriations measure.

I am grateful that a transparent process was established for all Members to include projects in these measures, and I believe that this process is an essential component to our ability to advocate for our districts.

Notably, I am proud that the funding is included to attract new jobs and economic activity in northwest Indiana through improvements to the Gary/Chicago International Airport, road construction for Central Avenue in Portage, and water infrastructure in the City of La Porte.

I also appreciate the action to support public safety and members of our law enforcement, including specific funds for the police departments of Gary, Hammond, Munster, and Michigan City.

I look forward to working with like-minded colleagues to move these measures forward and to complete this constitutional responsibility as soon as possible.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Leveling the Playing Field Act 2.0, legislation recently introduced by my colleague Congresswoman Sewell.

As vice chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, I was proud to join her and other colleagues in a Steel Caucus hearing recently with representatives from the domestic steel industry and the United Steelworkers. These representatives of the industry were united in their support for this critical legislation that will update U.S. trade remedy laws and combat unfair trade practices.

Every effort must be taken to ensure that American workers can compete on a level playing field and thrive in our global economy.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to continuing to work with all of my colleagues to advance this critical legislation to support the ability of all American workers to grow our economy and provide for our national security.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I stand before you today to recognize Coach Earl Smith, Jr. and the alumni of Gary Emerson High School. The Emerson All Class Reunion Gala will take place on September 2, 2023, at Chateau Banquets in Merrillville, Indiana. During this special event, Coach Smith will be honored for his lifetime of dedicated service by former students, athletes, colleagues, and friends.

Coach Earl Smith, Jr. was a true mentor, leader, teacher, and advisor for the Gary Community School Corporation for over 56 years. His lifelong career includes numerous positions, culminating with his retirement as City Athletic Director in 2013. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Smith coached track and field, football, golf, and basketball at Tolleston, Froebel, West Side, Emerson, and Lew Wallace high schools, and he holds the distinction of being the first African American head coach at Froebel, Emerson, and Lew Wallace. His basketball teams won five conference titles, three sectional titles, three regional titles, and twice advanced to the elite eight at the Indiana State Tournament. In addition. Coach Smith's 1977 Emerson basketball team won the Hall of Fame Classic Tournament, reaching the number one ranking in the state polls during that time.

For his outstanding career and his unwavering dedication to the Gary Community School Corporation and beyond, Coach Smith has received many accolades. He has been inducted into the Indiana Track and Field Hall of Fame, the Indiana Football Hall of Fame, and the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. Coach Smith was also honored with the prestigious Ray Crowe Excellence in Leadership Award by the Indiana High School Athletic Association for his superior standards of sportsmanship, exceptional ethical conduct, and high moral character. His outstanding and unwavering commitment to the community of Gary and Northwest Indiana is worthy of our highest commendation.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Coach Earl Smith, Jr. and in recognizing the alumni of Emerson High School. For his noteworthy career and his remarkable dedication to youth sports and education, Coach Smith is worthy of the highest praise, and he serves as an inspiration to us all.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I rise today to congratulate the Indiana Jewish Historical Society as the organization celebrates its 50th anniversary. In honor of this momentous occasion, I would like to take the time to honor the Jewish community in the state of Indiana and to commemorate the organization's mission of historic preservation.

The Indiana Jewish Historical Society is a non-profit organization that works to collect and safeguard historical Jewish records, documents. photographs, and other pertinent materials related to the history of Jewish people throughout the state. Through exhibits, educational programs, publications, and a yearly podcast, the organization continues to share the story of Indiana's Jewish community with the public. As our society faces increasing division and intolerance, the Indiana Jewish Historical Society seeks to promote understanding and to celebrate diversity. For its remarkable contributions to preserving Jewish history and culture throughout the state of Indiana and beyond, the Indiana Jewish Historical Society is to be commended.

At this time, I would like to acknowledge the leadership and Board of Directors consisting of members from throughout the state of Indiana. The Executive Director is Michael Brown, and the Board of Directors includes Kevin Krulewitch, Barbara Goldman, Lori Katz, Larry Adelman, Alan Gilbert, Trent D. Pendley, Elaine Zuckerman, John Planer, Sheila Greenwald, Kevin Corn, Mike Wolinsky, Isabel Silverman, Alex Feldman, Tory Schendel-Vyvoda, and Steven Bulloff.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating the Indiana Jewish Historical Society on its 50th anniversary. The work of this truly admirable organization is a great asset to the people of Indiana, and the leaders and members are worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise today to congratulate Mr. Rick Bucher, assistant director for District 7 of the United Steelworkers, on his retirement.

Rick began his career as a pipefitter with the Steelworkers Local 6103 in Portage in 1978. Throughout his 45-year career, Rick consistently demonstrated his commitment to our union brothers and sisters as he held multiple union leadership roles, including grievance chairman, international staff representative, and District 7 Sub 5 director.

Rick is the embodiment of the unwavering dedication, loyalty, and hard work exemplified by the incredible members of the United Steelworkers.

For his lifetime of exceptional service and outstanding leadership, Rick is worthy of the highest praise, and I wish him all the best in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere admiration and the utmost respect that I rise to recognize the outstanding group of individuals who comprised the United States Navy Airborne Early Warning Squadron One (designated VW-1). For their courage in the face of danger and their commitment to defending their fellow service members, these brave individuals are to be commended.

In 1944, recognizing the need for early warning radar and aircraft to protect the United States Naval Fleet from attack by identifying ships and low-flying aircraft, the United States Navy launched its first program aimed at minimizing the impact on our military and its operations. As the program evolved, in June 1952, Airborne Early Warning Squadron One was established and initially located at Naval Air Station Barbers Point, in the then Territory of Hawaii. Soon after, a permanent detachment of VW-1 was established in the Western Pacific, providing heavy airborne early warning coverage and participating in the Korean War. After relocating to Naval Air Station Agana, Guam, Mariana Islands, in 1957, VW-1 took on additional roles, and in 1961, was tasked with weather reconnaissance. This increased focus on identifying hazardous weather conditions included the addition of 6 meteorologists and 18 aerographers, as well as new technological equipment. During 1961 alone, VW-I flew more than 1,000 hours of weather reconnaissance, thus identifying the squadron as the ``Typhoon Trackers.''

Through its valiant efforts, VW-1 provided airborne early warning support and protection for the U.S. Seventh Fleet during the Vietnam War, from 1964 through 1971. Their mission was to fly north of the DMZ in the Gulf of Tonkin, providing airborne protection for the Seventh Fleet, which was operating below the DMZ. VW-1 was responsible for alerting the Seventh Fleet against enemy attacks and dangerous storms while also providing radar surveillance for air strikes over North Vietnam.

From 1964 through 1967, VW-1 was based in the Philippines for an extended airborne mission time of 18 hours. These missions were often extended beyond the aircraft's fuel range, requiring them to refuel at Da Nang Air Base in the Republic of Vietnam before returning to base. In late 1967, a detachment was established at Chu Lai in the Republic of Vietnam but later moved to Da Nang Air Base in order to shorten the mission time.

From its establishment in June 1952 until July 1971, at which time the unit was absorbed into VQ-1, VW-1 completed its mission with an astonishing record of 19 years of accident-free flights, totaling more than 160,000 flight hours. For its efforts, VW-1 was twice awarded the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation. Individually, aircrew members have also received more than 1,200 Air Medals and 2 Purple Hearts, both of which were awarded for injuries sustained in Southeast Asia.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in recognizing the brave men of Airborne Early Warning Squadron One (designated VW-1). The squadron played a critical role in the United States Military, and its courageous members are a true example of steadfast patriotism. Let us never forget their service and the sacrifices they made in defense of our nation and their fellow service members.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I rise to honor Mr. Rick Bucher and to wish him well upon his retirement from his position as Assistant to the Director for United Steelworkers (USW), District 7. Rick has devoted his life to the hardworking members of USW, and for his tireless dedication, he is to be commended. Mr. Bucher will be retiring on May 31, 2023, after 45 years with USW. Mr. Bucher's lifetime of service will be recognized at a dinner taking place on May 23, 2023, at Blue Chip Hotel and Casino in Michigan City, Indiana.

On May 22, 1978, Rick Bucher began his career with USW Local 6103 in Portage, Indiana, when he was hired into National Steel's Midwest Division. Rick started out as a pipefitter with the title of Mechanical Repair Technician 1 in the Cold Roll and Sheet Finishing Maintenance division. Over time, Mr. Bucher's commitment to his union brothers and sisters and to ensuring their rights in the workplace became apparent as he ventured into union leadership roles. With local 6103, he served two terms as Assistant Griever then two terms as Griever for Zone 1 before serving an additional two terms as Grievance Chairman.

Throughout the years, Rick's leadership qualities and commitment to those with whom he worked and served were undeniable. This led to his appointments to various positions within USW, including International Staff Representative, District 7 Sub 5 Director, and ultimately, Assistant to the Director for USW District 7.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending Rick Bucher for his many contributions to USW District 7 and to his fellow union brothers and sisters. Rick is the embodiment of the unwavering dedication and loyalty exemplified by the hardworking members of United Steelworkers. For his lifetime of exceptional service and outstanding leadership, Rick is worthy of the highest praise, and I wish him well upon his retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today as vice chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus to highlight a recent letter I wrote with Chairman Crawford to the administration.

Specifically, we requested that the Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representatives take action to address a recent surge of steel imports from Mexico.

The letter highlights how recent reports reveal significant volumes of steel that were melted and poured in countries such as Brazil, South Korea, and Russia have entered our market through Mexico.

This development is very concerning to us, as it is occurring when the American steel industry is making significant investments in new state-of-the-art, low-emission steel facilities.

Madam Speaker, I look forward to continuing to work with the Steel Caucus and the administration to address this matter and defend American workers and steel manufacturers.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I rise to commend several exceptional leaders from Indiana who will be honored as the Northwest Indiana Business and Industry Hall of Fame Class of 2023. This year's inductees include Jeff Good, Richard Pellar, Jeanne Robbins, and Rick Urschel. Karen Lauerman will also be honored posthumously for her truly significant impact on our community. In addition, Chester, Inc. will

be presented with the Enterprise of the Year Award. For their outstanding contributions to the community of Northwest Indiana and beyond, these honorees will be recognized at an induction ceremony taking place on Monday, May 15, 2023, at Avalon Manor in Merrillville, Indiana. The Honorable Eric Holcomb, Governor of the State of Indiana, will serve as the keynote speaker for this special event.

Jeff Good is the founder and owner of Good Hospitality Services. Jeff founded the company in the 1990s, building basic budget motels in numerous Indiana towns. Under Mr. Good's steadfast direction, the company continued to expand throughout the years, eventually refining its building procedures. Today, Good Hospitality Services builds mostly Hilton and Marriott hotels throughout Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Florida. In the future, the successful company plans to develop in the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas and will continue to remain active in Northwest Indiana and throughout the Midwest.

Richard Pellar is the Chief Executive Officer of Crown Corr, a building-enclosure contractor based in Gary, Indiana. Crown Corr has assisted in the building of numerous structures throughout the country, including sports stadiums, airports, hospitals, and skyscrapers. Some notable projects include SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, O'Hare International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle, to name a few. Crown Corr is currently working on a new hospital at Ohio State University and an Indiana University hospital in Indianapolis. Under Mr. Pellar's outstanding leadership, Crown Corr thrived due to the relationships it has with the labor unions and its strong emphasis on investing in its employees.

Jeanne Robbins is the President of Munster Steel Co., Inc., a fabricator of structured and miscellaneous steel that is known for its bascule bridges. Based out of Hammond, Indiana, Munster Steel works on steel framing for schools, hospitals, highrises, train station platforms, and industrial facilities. Some remarkable projects include the skyboxes at Wrigley Field and the former Comiskey Park in Chicago, the Wells Street drawbridge, the Washington Wabash CTA station, the McCormick Place pedestrian bridge, and the Ravinia Pavilion, to name a few. An incredibly successful leader, Ms. Robbins strives to provide quality products while maintaining a safe and productive work environment for its valued team.

Rick Urschel is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Urschel Laboratories, a global leader in industrial food-cutting technology, located in Chesterton with a research and development team located in Valparaiso, Indiana. Under Rick's direction, Urschel Laboratories continues to flourish in its industry due to its innovative ideas and willingness to try new things. In addition, Mr. Urschel gives much of his time and efforts to charitable endeavors, serving on numerous boards and capital campaigns throughout the community of Valparaiso and beyond.

Karen Lauerman, Lake County Indiana Economic Alliance President, is being honored posthumously by the Northwest Indiana Business and Industry Hall of Fame. Throughout her successful career, Karen brought countless employment opportunities, numerous economic development projects, and multi-million-dollar investments to the region. For her tireless support and commitment to the community of Northwest Indiana and beyond, Karen Lauerman served as an inspiration to us all and is worthy of the highest praise.

The recipient of the Enterprise of the Year Award is Chester, Inc., a diversified agricultural services company based in Valparaiso, Indiana. Chester, Inc. started out as a popcorn business that changed the way popcorn was sold. Throughout the years, the company diversified and shifted its focus and attention. Today, Chester, Inc. provides farmers with irrigation systems and grain bins and is expanding into commercial construction projects throughout the region. Chester, Inc. recently celebrated its 75th Anniversary last year, and its great success is attributed to the business relationships it has been able to develop and maintain over many years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending these dedicated leaders and organizations upon their induction into the Northwest Indiana Business and Industry Hall of Fame. For their influence, innovation, and dedication to the community of Northwest Indiana and beyond, the inductees are worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week, I rise today to recognize and honor the hardworking educators in Indiana's First Congressional District.

I am grateful for all of our teachers who show up each and every day with the sole commitment to inspire and provide students with lifelong skills. Teachers' dedication and commitment to guiding our next generation through their educational journey and into thriving career paths is heroic.

All teachers deserve to be adequately compensated for this tremendous work, and that is why I am a proud cosponsor of the American Teacher Act, which would support efforts to increase teacher salaries.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to advance this legislation, and I ask my colleagues to join me today in expressing gratitude to all educators in northwest Indiana and across our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Fighting Trade Cheats Act of 2023, recently introduced by my friend from Illinois (Mr. Bost).

As the vice chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus and Representative from one of the largest steel-producing districts in our Nation, I know it is a necessity that we protect American workers and hold bad actors accountable for illegal trading practices.

More must be done to ensure that foreign countries and companies that cheat our trade policies know that their actions will not be tolerated.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Bost for his leadership, and appreciate that his legislation will increase penalties for those who harm American manufacturers.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that all American workers can compete and can, no doubt, thrive when we have a level playing field in our global economy.