Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor my brother, Mike Pence. Michael has been my Congressman, my Governor, and our Nation's Vice President. While serving my constituents, he has been my inspiration.

Everyone has their own preconceived notions of who my brother is. The real Mike Pence, the man I have known his whole life as his oldest brother, is one of the best, most honorable people I know, and he has always done the right thing.

Michael is devoted, kind, and generous, and he loves his family very much. He is humble and gentle, but he is the bravest and boldest of my siblings. His mettle is iron tested. His character is unimpeachable. These are the qualities that made him the leader that he is.

It has been my honor to follow in his footsteps and represent the Hoosiers of the Sixth District of Indiana.

As I stand here so proud of the man Michael is today, it is a gift to be his brother. He has been a gift to our country, and he has been a gift to our Constitution.

May God bless Michael R. Pence and continue to prosper him and not harm him, give him hope and a future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my wife of 43 years tomorrow, Denise Karen Pence.

She is the mother of Nicole, Lauren, Emily, and John; the mother-in- law of Jason, Chris, and Giovanna; and the grandmother of Emma, Andrew, Colin, Kate, Matthew, Mary, Luke, Gregory, Jack, and Vivienne.

She is the love of my life, and I thank her for all of her love and support over these last 43 years, particularly for the last 6 years as I have served here.

God has blessed me with Denise Karen Pence.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and thank my colleague and dear friend, Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers.

For two decades, Cathy has committed herself to this body and this country, working tirelessly in pursuit of public service. She was established as a leader early on, and this was no accident. Cathy is a light and a voice of reason. Her faith guides her above all else, and for that, she stood apart. Her colleagues knew that she was someone they could trust, someone who could support them--and they were right. However, while the country knows her as a political leader, she's much more--she's also a leader in faith and fellowship.

Relationships can be complicated in this town, but Cathy uncomplicated them. She brought people together. I have been blessed to witness her leadership firsthand in our work together on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. I built my career in the energy business, and she gave me the opportunity to speak to what I know best. I'm proud of all we accomplished over these last four years, but that's only a part of Cathy's legacy.

I thank Cathy for leading us with passion and grace. I look forward to seeing her journey continue, and God bless her and her beautiful family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and express gratitude to a terrific public servant, a trusted advisor to me and so many others, John Hatter. John Hatter, my District Director, has been serving the Hoosiers of Indiana's Sixth District for over a decade.

John has consistently given my constituents the support they need when dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense. John is a humble man and a role model for public service.

As this chapter in Congress comes to a close, I am beyond grateful for John, his service, and his friendship. Mr. Speaker, may God bless John.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and express my gratitude to a terrific public servant, a trusted advisor, and a young man whose future is limitless.

William Schlager is my Legislative Director and has for years served with distinction as a member of my staff. He came to this leadership position in my office the old-fashioned way: by rising up through the ranks of more junior roles with hard work, an eye for detail, and dedication to the constituents we serve. William's professional growth as a member of my staff has been nothing short of tremendous.

As I say farewell to this season of service in the United States House of Representatives, I thank William for his counsel and friendship. I am eager to watch William's career continue to unfold. I thank William Schlager.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Lewis W ``Sparky'' Essex, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 92. A leader on all fronts, Lewis was dedicated to his family, his work, and his community.

After graduating from Columbus High School, he attended Purdue University and Harvard Business School, and he served his country in the U.S. Navy in the Korean War. Lewis started in business at Golden Foundry, eventually serving as President for five years before founding his own company, Essex Castings, Inc. His compassionate leadership was unmatched, governed by wisdom and understanding.

He was an active participant in his community, serving countless organizations, including as a member of the Purdue Board of Trustees, the Bartholomew County Hospital Board, and the Mayor's Advisory Committee, and as director of the Bartholomew County Red Cross, Rotary Club, and Columbus Chamber of Commerce.

Lewis and his late wife Margaret left a legacy through their four children, Stephen, LuAnn, Michael, and Patricia; their fourteen grandchildren, and their fourteen great-grandchildren. As we remember Lewis, I'd like to thank them for sharing this servant leader with us and God bless her and family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and express my gratitude to a long-time trusted adviser for the Pence family.

Ryan Jarmula, my chief of staff, has been a part of this team since the very

beginning. He counseled my brother, Michael, first, working with him in this body and then the Governor's office.

President Trump saw his incredible value, leading to Ryan's service in the Trump-Pence administration Office of Speechwriting, in which he helped me in my term here. His future was limitless, but to my good fortune, Ryan agreed to join my team when I was elected to office.

For years, he has been my eyes and ears in the district, giving my constituents the support that they deserved while I was here in Washington. From scheduling to communications to policy, Ryan can do it all.

Despite Ryan's expertise, he is a humble man. He would never ask anyone to do something he isn't willing to do himself. A leader can only be respected to the extent he respects others, and Ryan exemplifies this principle. Our staff is successful because they are led by someone who sees their value, someone who supports them and wants the best for their future.

I would not have been the legislator I am without his wise counsel, levelheadedness, and strong spirit.

As we close this chapter in Congress, I am beyond grateful for Ryan, his beautiful family, and his friendship, and I look forward to watching his career unfold.

Mr. Speaker, may God bless Ryan.

Recognizing Lani Czarniecki

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of the most trusted advisers and a dear family friend of all the Pences. Since 2001, Lani Czarniecki has counseled the Pence family as the longest-serving Pence staffer.

When my brother, Michael, started in the House of Representatives, he needed someone he could trust back in the district. He found that in Lani.

When Michael returned to Indiana as Governor, Lani faithfully followed him to support our State. In the White House, Lani was one of the first people who Michael hired.

I myself was blessed when Lani agreed to join my office, giving me aid and support in a way no one else could.

Lani knows Indiana and service, but even more so, Lani knows people, and everybody knows Lani. He is a people person, someone who never meets a stranger. Always a calming presence in the room, everyone who meets Lani is immediately drawn to him. They see his kindness and character from the very first moment they meet him.

Lani is a role model for what public service should be. Throughout my time in office, I have turned to his counsel time and time again, knowing that he will always tell me the truth.

Indiana and this country are better because of Lani's work, and I am a better man because of Lani. I cannot thank him enough for his years of service, and I look forward to many more years of friendship to come.

Mr. Speaker, may God bless Lani.

Recognizing Misty Hollis

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to take a moment to honor a dear friend and public servant in Richmond, Indiana, and throughout the State of Indiana.

Any Republican who seeks office in Indiana would do well to consider Misty Hollis' trusted counsel. In fact, Misty was one of the first calls I placed when I declared myself a candidate for this seat some 7 years ago.

Misty has long served as the Sixth District Republican chair and was named in 2015 as the Indiana Federation of Republican Women's Woman of the Year.

Misty is the executive director and CEO of the Richmond Family YMCA, served two terms on the Richmond Common Council, and served in roles for Wayne County and Richmond Community Schools.

Misty is a true public servant and role model for so many. She gives so much of her time, talent, and treasure to better her community. Even throughout her recent health struggles, Misty has always put others first. I cannot say enough how much we care for and admire Misty and her beloved husband, Tim.

We thank them both for their friendship, and may God bless Misty Hollis.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 241 American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice on October 23, 1983, 41 years ago, in Beirut, Lebanon.

For my family and so many families, this day is deeply emotional.

When I enlisted in 1979 as a young man, I wanted to serve and be part of something bigger. That led me to the United States Marine Corps.

Like every marine, I took an oath to God, to country, and to the corps. Semper Fidelis is not just a slogan or creed. For every marine, it is a way of life.

Only those who have earned the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor can fully understand the faith and loyalty instilled in us in the Marine Corps. Semper Fidelis is part of the very fabric of every marine, past and present.

I served as the first lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines. In 1983, my battalion was ordered to Beirut, Lebanon, in support of the 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment and the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit.

I vividly remember the evenings we sat on the roof of the Marine barracks with the American flag flying over our heads. The nearby barrage of small armed gunfire and mortar rounds made it very clear that we were in harm's way.

On that terrible day 41 years ago, a terrorist affiliated with Hezbollah and Hamas, financed by Iran, drove a truck bomb into the barracks we called home.

Mr. Speaker, 241 American servicemen were killed, 220 of which were my fellow marines, 241 sons, brothers, fathers, and friends, the heroes who never returned home.

Mr. Speaker, 241 came in peace, and 241 lives were stolen from us by an act of pure evil.

It was the deadliest day for the Marine Corps since the Battle of Iwo Jima.

It is by the grace of God that I was able to come home to my wife, Denise, who was expecting our first child, Nicole. My battalion had shipped out 10 days before the bombing, but, Mr. Speaker, today is not about me.

Today is about the 241 soldiers, sailors, and marines who laid down their lives to protect our freedoms. Today is about every veteran who nobly wore the uniform of our Armed Forces.

On this somber day, I look out at the flag flying over the U.S. Capitol and feel the same reverence I felt standing below the Stars and Stripes on the roof of the Beirut barracks in 1983.

Though I will never know exactly why I was spared when so many were not, I understand that our first duty is to remember and be faithful. Every year, it does not get any easier to think of my fellow marines who never made it back home.

In the last few months, we have seen some level of justice, with the military termination of two of those responsible for stealing 241 futures with no regard for decency or humanity. While this is a moment I and so many have waited for, the families of the fallen deserve more. It is my mission to ensure we all remember the tragedy of this day and the lives we lost.

Mr. Speaker, we must always remain faithful and never forget the ultimate sacrifice these fine marines made on our behalf for freedom.

Semper Fi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize former mayor of Richmond, Indiana, Dave Snow.

Dave's dream from a young age was to serve his community as mayor of Richmond, a dream he fulfilled for two terms, from 2016 to 2023.

In his eight years in office, he prioritized investment in the local community and collaboration between the city and Wayne County governments.

He also saw the city through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before running for office, Dave worked in radio for WFMG, another role he used to benefit his hometown.

I want to thank Dave for his dedication, loyalty, and commitment to Richmond and our state.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Angotti's Italian Restaurant in Columbus, Indiana.

Serving the community since 2019, Angotti's moved to its current location downtown last year.

Denise and I are frequent customers, and their gift is that they always make us feel like family.

Angotti's is a blessing for the Columbus area, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to recognize them today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize former mayor of Columbus, Jim Lienhoop.

A Columbus native, Jim started his service in city government in 2006 on the city council.

Over his two terms in office, Jim accomplished much, despite the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He prioritized partnerships, leading to successes in infrastructure, health, education, and economic development.

Under his leadership, Columbus was chosen as the Indiana Chamber of Commerce's city of the year.

Today, I recognize those achievements and thank him for his efforts to help my hometown thrive.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Henry Social Club, a restaurant in my hometown of Columbus, Indiana.

Opening in 2014, Henry Social Club is helmed by Gethin Thomas, former executive chef at Columbus-based Cummins.

With an impressive resume including work in New York, Paris, and London, Chef Thomas now calls Columbus home, a testament to the community we have in my district.

Today, I recognize Henry Social Club and Chef Thomas' efforts as he continues to bless the Sixth District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Upland Columbus Pump House in my hometown.

The Columbus Pump House was designed by Harrison Albright and constructed in 1903.

Over the years, the historic building has had many incarnations, and now houses Upland Brewing Company, which has been brewing quality beer for 25 years.

Even as it changes, the Pump House has never lost its intended architectural quality.

Today I thank Upland for their dedication to keeping that history.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Jim Morris, who passed away in July at the age of 81.

For decades, Jim has been a leader in the civic, business, and sports communities in our state.

Jim grew up in Terre Haute and graduated from Indiana University in 1965.

By 1967, he was chief of staff for Indianapolis mayor Richard Lugar.

He proceeded to hold leadership positions with Lilly Endowment, Indianapolis Water Company, the World Food Programme, and, most recently, Pacers Sports and Entertainment, serving as vice chair since 2014.

Jim was a devout Hoosier through and through, loyal to his city and his state.

He was committed to giving back, including by serving on the executive boards of the U.S. Olympics Committee, UNICEF, the American Red Cross, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway board of directors, and the Indianapolis Power and Light Advisory Board.

He leaves a legacy like no other, and I thank his family for sharing this servant leader with all of us.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize former mayor of Shelbyville, Tom DeBaun.

First elected in 2011, Tom served his community as mayor for three terms.

As mayor, he prioritized economic development and residents, establishing an adult high school, creating Advantage Shelby County, and investing in trails and sidewalks to increase accessibility.

Before serving as mayor, Tom was a probation officer and head of the city's building and planning commission.

Today, I thank Tom for his service and support for the Hoosiers of Shelbyville.