Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight a letter recently sent to the administration from myself and my colleagues from Indiana in support of the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen proposal.

I was proud to support in the 117th Congress the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which established this Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs funding opportunity.

Northwest Indiana and our Midwest region have robust and well- established agricultural, manufacturing, and transportation infrastructure networks. We are a prime central location for the development of new hydrogen technologies and the delivery of hydrogen products.

I am grateful for the leadership of Senator Young, Senator Braun, and my House colleagues for their vocal support. I look forward to continuing to work with them and all the stakeholders to advance this transformational proposal that will create new, good-paying job opportunities for everyone in Northwest Indiana, the region, and the Midwest.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the VNA Hospice of Northwest Indiana for receiving a Level 5 status from the We Honor Veterans program for the third consecutive year.

The women and men who volunteer to defend and protect our national security deserve every resource, consideration, and compassionate assistance when they return home.

As a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and a prior local elected official in northwest Indiana for 15 years, I continue to be grateful for so many meaningful relationships with our veterans community. I will continue to do all I can to ensure our veterans receive the care and benefits that they have earned.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the VNA Hospice of Northwest Indiana for this recognition and appreciation of their unwavering commitment to supporting our veterans and all those in need.

Madam Speaker, it is with great admiration that I rise to celebrate Women's History Month and its 2023 theme: Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.

This year, I recognize a woman who tells the stories of Gary, Indiana: Ms. Dorothy Leavell, the editor and publisher of the Gary Crusader for more than 50 years.

Throughout her career, Dorothy remained grounded in her purpose to serve as an advocate for the African-American community. Under her leadership, the Crusader Newspaper Group became a voting member of the National Newspaper Publisher's Association, a federation of the African American-owned newspapers in our Nation.

Madam Speaker, as we celebrate Women's History Month, please join me in recognizing the dedication, perseverance, and contributions that Ms. Dorothy Leavell and so many other extraordinary women have made to improve our communities through the stories they tell.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I rise to celebrate National Women's History Month and its 2023 theme, Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories. Each year, the National Women's History Alliance selects a unifying theme in honor and celebration of Women's History Month. This year's theme recognizes women in present time and throughout history who have played an active role in all forms of media and storytelling including radio, print, screen, television, electronic media, and more.

As we celebrate the many women who have devoted their lives and talents to creating art and seeking the truth through storytelling, I would like to take the time to honor Dorothy Leavell, editor and publisher of the Crusader Newspaper Group, which consists of the Chicago Crusader and Gary Crusader newspapers. The Chicago Crusader was founded in 1940 by Mr. Balm L. Leavell, Jr. and Joseph H. Jefferson. In 1961, they established the Gary Crusader, a publication serving the City of Gary and the community of Northwest Indiana. Dorothy took the helm as editor and publisher after the passing of her husband, Balm, in 1968.

Throughout her career, Ms. Leavell has fought and beat the odds in a male-dominated industry. She remained grounded in her purpose to serve as an advocate for the African American community and has become a successful, accomplished, and innovative business leader. Under Dorothy's leadership, the Crusader Newspaper Group became a voting member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), a federation of more than 250 African American-owned community newspapers throughout the United States. In 1995, Dorothy became only the second female president of the NNPA, a position she held from 1995 to 1999. She also served as chairperson of the NNPA Foundation from 2006 to 2011. Over the years, Ms. Leavell has received countless accolades honoring her truly remarkable and distinguished career. In addition, Dorothy has generously served her community by giving of her time and efforts to various charitable endeavors. For her exceptional devotion to these earnest causes, Dorothy has received numerous prestigious awards, and she is truly worthy of our admiration.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating Women's History Month and recognizing the dedication, perseverance, and contributions of Ms. Leavell and so many other extraordinary women have made to improve our communities through the stories they tell.

Mr. Speaker, on March 1, 2023, I was absent from the House floor and missed roll call vote 125.

Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 125.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 20, the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2023, legislation that honors the name and tireless advocacy of my friend who passed away all too soon.

Throughout my career in public office, I have been proud to stand with organized labor and American workers. Unions are the backbone of the northwest Indiana economy, and we must do all we can to fight for the right to collectively bargain.

The PRO Act improves the ability for all workers to form a union and improve their ability to collectively bargain for fair wages, safe working conditions, access to healthcare benefits, and a secure retirement.

I appreciate the continued leadership of Ranking Member Bobby Scott and my colleagues on the Education and Workforce Committee, and I encourage all of my colleagues to join me in standing with our workers in supporting the PRO Act.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise today to celebrate Black History Month and recognize the Honorable Calvin D. Hawkins, who is a Lake County Superior Court judge in northwest Indiana and a champion for equality and civil rights.

While still in his teens, Judge Hawkins participated in the historic March on Washington in 1963, and then embarked on his distinguished legal career where he has faithfully served with purpose, integrity, and respect.

Outside of the courts, he also has proven himself to be a tireless advocate for the youth of northwest Indiana, launching a stay-in-school initiative, and has also served as president of the board of directors for Indiana Legal Services.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating Black History Month and recognizing the dedication of Judge Hawkins and all individuals who have fought and continue to fight for civil rights and justice.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and sincere admiration that I rise today to celebrate Black History Month and its 2023 theme--Black Resistance. This year's theme reflects on the importance and significance of opposition to ongoing systematic injustice and

oppressive rhetoric against the African American Community throughout the past and at the present time.

Part of the African American fight for freedom includes the struggle to create space for African American people to thrive and succeed. Throughout history in the United States, African Americans have resisted unjust persecution through brave and courageous acts including protests, sit-ins, boycotts, marches, and political rallies, to name a few. Their efforts have been successful, inspiring, and have created significant change in the values and belief systems of America. The struggle is ongoing, and there is much more to be done. It is the responsibility of every American to create an environment that supports equality and freedom for all.

This month and always, it is important that we honor America's greatest advocates for equal rights. Throughout history in Northwest Indiana, which I proudly represent, there have been many who have taken up this fight. One such individual is the Honorable Calvin D. Hawkins, Lake County Superior Court Judge, who continues a legacy of civil service to the community of Northwest Indiana. Judge Hawkins has been a civil rights activist his entire life. While still in his teens, he participated in the historic March on Washington in 1963 before embarking on his distinguished legal career. Judge Hawkins was appointed to the bench in 2007 by then Governor Mitch Daniels. and he has faithfully served with purpose, integrity, and respect. Outside of the courts, he has championed numerous causes that support equality and civil liberties for African Americans, and he has also proven himself to be a tireless advocate for the youth in his community. In 2008, Judge Hawkins launched a stay-in-school initiative, and his efforts have had a major positive impact on the lives of students throughout the area. In addition, he has served as the president of the board of directors for Indiana Legal Services, an organization that provides free legal assistance to those in need. For his noteworthy leadership and unwavering dedication to improving the quality of life for all people, Judge Hawkins is worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in celebrating Black History Month and honoring those who fought, and continue to fight, for civil rights and justice. As we pay tribute, let us remember their profound perseverance and sacrifice in the struggle to build a better Nation, more equal and free.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my appreciation for another recent success for the First District of Indiana from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Just this week, the Department of Transportation shared that the cities of East Chicago, Gary, and Hammond received funding under the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program to develop plans for infrastructure projects designed to reduce transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries.

I am grateful for all the leaders and public servants in these cities putting in the work to successfully obtain and utilize this new Federal resource.

As we proceed, I look forward to continuing to work with all local stakeholders and my colleagues to support and promote the safety of our transportation infrastructure so that all individuals and businesses can continue to thrive and attract new economic activity to our communities.

Mr. Speaker, as the Representative for the First District of Indiana, I rise today to express my appreciation for the provisions in the fiscal year 2023 omnibus bill that support the Great Lakes.

As the largest body of freshwater in the world, the Great Lakes and the Lake Michigan shoreline in northwest Indiana powered our Nation's industrial revolution and steel production capabilities, and today we continue to harness our region's environmental wonders to grow our economy.

I am grateful that the 2023 omnibus bill included robust funds for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, my Community Project Funding request to improve our shoreline and the Michigan City Harbor, as well as the provisions championed by my friend, Representative Marcy Kaptur, to establish the Great Lakes Authority.

As we move forward, I look forward to continuing to work through the appropriations process to support the economic strength and environmental protection of Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in appreciation of the legislation approved by the House earlier this month, the Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022.

My fellow Hoosier and impactful public servant at both the State and Federal level, was a champion for maternal, infant, and early childhood home visiting programs.

These programs provide critical assistance to pregnant women and parents with young children who face barriers to achieving positive, maternal, and child health outcomes.

I appreciate that the legislation provides increased funding and direction for services that will assist more families with in-home support and initiatives to decrease child abuse and neglect.

I look forward to continuing to work with all of my colleagues in a bipartisan fashion to complete this legislation and honor the legacy and exemplary work of Congresswoman Walorski.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to encourage all of my colleagues to continue the work with all urgency to finalize the pending fiscal year 2023 appropriations measures.

Notably, for Indiana's First Congressional District, I would highlight the vital importance of the community-funded projects included in these measures that will grow the northwest economy. For example, I am grateful for the inclusion of specific funds that will support economic development at the Michigan City Harbor, construction for improvements to Central Avenue in Portage, and the expansion of cargo operations at the Gary/Chicago International Airport.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to continue to prioritize completing this necessary work so that we can support economic growth and job creation in northwest Indiana and communities throughout our Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to encourage all of my colleagues to complete our work and finalize the fiscal year 2023 appropriations measures.

We have a constitutional obligation to fund government operations, and I also would highlight the vital importance of community-funded projects included in these measures.

Notably, for the incredible law enforcement personnel in the First Congressional District of Indiana, I am grateful for the inclusion of specific funds for the Porter County Sheriff's Office, the Whiting Police Department, and the Gary Police Department. These

critical funds will be used for equipment upgrades, including license plate readers and in-car cameras, which will improve the ability of our police officers to protect our communities and increase public safety.

I urge my colleagues to focus on the completing of this necessary work to support our first responders and the economic vitality of our Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Strengthening VA Cybersecurity Act, legislation I introduced to support and protect our selfless veterans.

The VA is the largest integrated healthcare network in the United States, and it stores millions of records with personal information for veterans and their families.

This legislation will require the VA to obtain an independent cybersecurity assessment of its most critical information systems and develop a timeline and budget to fix any identified weaknesses and deficiencies.

We must continue to work to ensure that the VA has the tools it needs to effectively protect against new and emerging cybersecurity threats and safeguard our veterans' information.

I look forward to continuing to collaborate with all of my colleagues to move this commonsense and bipartisan legislation forward.

Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I take this time to congratulate Mr. Michael Schrage as he celebrates his 50th anniversary at Centier Bank. Under his outstanding leadership, Centier continues to thrive and has been recognized as the largest private, family-owned bank in the state of Indiana.

Michael Schrage, chief executive officer and chairman of the board for Centier Bank, is a truly innovative business leader. Mr. Schrage is the fourth generation of his family to own and operate the bank, which opened its first branch in 1895 as Bank of Whiting. Centier Bank has sustained immense growth throughout the years, and today the organization operates over 60 locations across Indiana.

During Mr. Schrage's tenure, Centier Bank has reached many goals and enjoyed great success, including the development of an award-winning lender division, the creation of a financial literacy program, and a significant investment in the regional economy through the establishment of banking centers in 32 northern Indiana counties. The company was named a top-ranked bank in the state of Indiana by Forbes from 2019 to 2022. Since 2007, Centier Bank has annually been named one of Indiana's best places to work, which is due to Michael's value-based work ethic that fosters a supportive and thoughtful work environment.

In the community, Michael Schrage has also proven himself to be a pillar of the community and a selfless humanitarian. He gives much of his time and efforts to numerous charity organizations including Saint Jude House, the American Red Cross, the YMCA, and the Boy Scouts of America, to name a few. For his dedication to philanthropic endeavors throughout the community of Northwest Indiana and beyond, he is to be highly commended.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Michael Schrage on his 50 years at Centier Bank. For his lifetime of remarkable leadership and his commitment to helping those in need, Michael Schrage is worthy of our gratitude and admiration.