Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to mark the passing of a dear friend. On May 14, Michael Steinbarger of Edinburgh, Indiana sadly left this world.

Michael was a native of my hometown of Columbus, Indiana and married his wife, Anngie, in 1982. From that point on, they shared their lives together on a farm in Edinburgh, where they raised two daughters, Hayley Clark and Michelle Tobias.

Michael was an active servant of his community, proudly serving with the Shelby County Farm Bureau Board, Shelby County 4-H, Flat Rock Volunteer Fire Department, and was a member of the St. George Lutheran Church.

I am especially thankful for Michael and Anngie's wise counsel and service as it relates to my Sixth District Agriculture Advisory Board.

My heart goes out to Anngie, their two children, and their families.

All who knew Michael were better for having known him, and he will be greatly missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to share my support for Mr. James' resolution.

I am not anti-EV, and I support innovation, however, creating supply cannot force demand, and that is exactly what these rush-to-green policies are trying to do.

Over the years, I have brought together stakeholders in my district and around Indiana for roundtables, and we know that the EV mandate is unfeasible and just not working. We simply cannot get the energy where it needs to be when it needs to be there.

With this rule, it is clear that this administration wants to leave the consumer with no choice other than an EV. The consumer has made it abundantly clear that they want choice.

This rule would be devastating to consumers, manufacturers, and the transportation industry itself.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join us in overturning this administration's shortsighted rule.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tom Dell, who, with his retirement, will close Dell Brothers, a store in my hometown of Columbus, Indiana.

I am proud to say that Pence family members have been loyal customers for half a century.

Dell Brothers has been at the same location downtown since 1916, where it was originally opened by Tom's grandfather. It was passed down to his father and uncle and then to Tom and his late brother, Mike.

The store has been an institution throughout my life, and I am sorry to see it close. I thank Tom for his work and wish him the best in his retirement.

Recognizing Jeff Cardwell for His Service to Indiana

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jeff Cardwell, who has faithfully served our State for many years.

Jeff has become a dear friend of the Pence family, serving as a trusted adviser for my brother, Mike, when he was Governor of the State of Indiana and as I have been here in Congress.

A graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University, Jeff gave back to his community as a member of the Indianapolis City-County Council for 4 years and later served as chairman of the Indiana Republican Party.

Throughout everything, Jeff has shown his passion for helping others, making at least one mission trip to El Salvador every year for decades.

We are blessed to have Jeff in our lives.

Recognizing Grace Nuhfer on Paralympic Silver Medal

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Greenwood native Grace Nuhfer, who recently won the silver medal for the 100-meter butterfly in the 2024 Summer Paralympics.

Grace has brittle cornea syndrome and swims under the S13 classification, the least severe vision impairment.

Grace represented the United States in the 2023 Parapan American Games in Chile, winning silver for the 50-meter freestyle. She is also a three-time State qualifier during her time at Greenwood High School, and she now attends University of Akron.

Madam Speaker, Grace has made her State and country proud, and it is an honor to recognize her massive achievements.

Honoring the Life of Frank Thompson

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Frank Thompson, who passed away in July at the age of 84.

Frank never met a stranger and was dedicated to his family, friends, and community. He prioritized economic development throughout his career, serving Franklin County, Batesville, Greensburg, and eventually serving on the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce.

However, his favorite job was as grand ambassador at the Horseshoe Indianapolis in Shelbyville, furthering community outreach and public relations.

We will miss his joy, dedication, and fun political facts, which he never forgot to share.

Madam Speaker, my thoughts and prayers are with his family--my friend, Senator Jean Leising, and their children, Sharon, Jill, Jennifer, and Jeffrey.

Recognizing Governor Eric Holcomb

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Governor Eric Holcomb, who has served as Governor of Indiana since 2017. An Indianapolis native and Hanover College graduate, Governor Holcomb is a lifelong Hoosier.

After serving in the U.S. Navy for 6 years, he turned to politics, working for Indiana on staff in the house and the senate and as well as for former Governor Mitch Daniels.

Over his two terms in office, Governor Holcomb has worked to strengthen our economy, infrastructure, education system, and public health.

Under his leadership, we finally completed I-69. This success came from the work of a generation of Hoosier leadership, and Governor Holcomb got it over the finish line.

Today, I am glad to recognize his legacy and thank him for his work in Indiana.

Recognizing Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch for a lifetime of service to Indiana.

A Purdue graduate, she began her political career as a Vanderburgh County

auditor and later was elected to the Vanderburgh County board of commissioners.

She moved into statewide politics, serving as an Indiana State representative, Indiana State auditor, and now as our Lieutenant Governor.

Lieutenant Governor Crouch has prioritized mental health throughout her tenure and is co-chair of the Indiana Mental Health Roundtable and chair of the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Task Force.

I am grateful for all Lieutenant Governor Crouch has done for the State of Indiana, and I am even more proud to call her our family friend.

Madam Speaker, it is with immense sadness that I rise today to mark the passing of one of my very best friends, a true community and family man and a beloved member of my entire community, Dr. Robert W. Petry.

One of my dearest friends, Bob and I bonded over so much--our love for the outdoors, fishing, hunting; of food and travel; and most importantly, our bonding over family.

Bob was a loving husband to Rosie and father to Katie, Robbie, and Denise. Yet, for a man who lived such a full life in the nearly 73 years the good Lord provided him, Bob's greatest prize on this Earth may have well been his grandchildren, who he spent a great deal of time with, and he took a great deal of pride in being with them.

All those who knew and loved him will forever miss Bob Petry. His legacy, the Petry way, will live on in those who served in his practice, those he loved, raised, and inspired throughout his life like he inspired me.

Madam Speaker, as we say farewell for now to this wonderful man, we will keep Rosie, Katie, Robbie, Denise, and the entire Petry family close by and embrace them in our own families. We will forever be grateful for the life of Robert Petry, and one day we will see him again.

May God bless him.

Mr. Speaker, I missed the first vote series today due to travel disruptions while returning from a funeral. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 359, YEA on Roll Call No. 360, YEA on Roll Call No. 361, and YEA on Roll Call No. 362.

Mr. Speaker, I missed all votes today due to a funeral. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 356, YEA on Roll Call No. 357, and YEA on Roll Call No. 358.

Mr. Speaker, I missed all votes today due to a doctor's appointment. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 336 and YEA on Roll Call No. 337.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my bipartisan Amendment No. 143, included in En Bloc 1.

I would first like to thank my colleagues, Representatives Carson, Mrvan, and Donalds for cosponsoring this important amendment. It will provide additional funds, fully offset, for reducing critical risk and bolstering the power-producing capacity of the DoD's Transportable Microreactor program, which is set to deliver the nation's first advanced reactor into operation through Project PELE.

Transportable nuclear technology, offering uninterrupted mission power in remote and strategically important locations, will not only strengthen operational resilience--it will save lives. As we learned in Iraq and Afghanistan, the necessity of hauling fuel into combat areas comes at a tremendous price.

Able to operate for years without refueling, transportable reactors can untether America's warfighter and ensure credible operational resilience.

I am thrilled that Rolls-Royce LibertyWorks in Indianapolis, Indiana is providing the Power Conversion Module and Heat Exchange Module for Project PELE and for the hundreds of Hoosier jobs this project supports.

I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bipartisan En Bloc and support the underlying Defense Appropriations Bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Eric Jenkins, who was named Indiana Teacher of the Year.

An Indiana native, Eric teaches English at Franklin Community High School, a high school in my district. Those who know him say that Eric is dedicated to his students and passionate about instilling a love of reading.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Eric for his work to grow our next generation of leaders.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay a debt of gratitude to a terrific public servant, a trusted adviser to me and to many others in public service, and someone that has become a very close friend to the Pence family.

Kyle Robertson, my chief of staff, is departing our team after decades together in politics and here in Washington, D.C.

Here on Capitol Hill, Kyle's wise counsel has guided me from day one, and under Kyle's exemplary leadership, I am proud that our office has built a reputation throughout Indiana's Sixth Congressional District for putting constituent services first.

His leadership will be missed by every member of our staff and so many other people here in the House Republican Conference and up on the Hill.

Mr. Speaker, I am going to miss Kyle every day that I am here and he is not, but our loss is Indiana's gain.

Kyle and his family have made the decision to move home to Indiana, and I am pleased the Robertsons will be close by, reachable, and I can bother him there.

I am confident that his leadership will continue to be in demand throughout the Hoosier State and beyond in the next endeavor he is going to embark on.

Mr. Speaker, to Kyle I would say, well done, good and faithful servant. I thank him for everything he has done for me and my family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sam Simmermaker, who is retiring this week after 64 years with White River Broadcasting in my hometown of Columbus, Indiana.

Sam grew up in Pulaski County and graduated from Indiana University in 1954. He started his radio career in Goshen and later covered the Indianapolis Indians for WTTV. Sam joined WCSI on January 1, 1960, and over the past six decades, he has covered generations of high school athletes.

Receiving multiple awards, including the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame and the Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame, Sam and his trademark ``holy cow'' will be truly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate and wish Sam the best of luck in his retirement.

Recognizing Ed Jenkins

Mr. Speaker, I recognize Ed Jenkins, who was named Indiana Teacher of the Year.

An Indiana native, Ed teaches English at Franklin Community Early College, a high school in my district. Those who know him say that Sam is dedicated to his students and passionate about instilling a love of reading.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Ed for his work to grow our next generation of leaders.

Recognizing Mike Buckley

Mr. Speaker, I recognize former fire Captain Mike Buckley.

Mike served the Rushville Fire Department for 32 years, retiring as captain in 2017. He later worked for the Indiana State Police as a motor carrier inspector.

I recently met Mike and learned of his cancer diagnosis at a benefit in his honor at Glenwood Volunteer Fire Department. I am so proud that that community is supporting him in this challenge, and I am grateful to have met him.

God bless Mike and the entire Buckley family.

Recognizing Emma McLeish

Mr. Speaker, I recognize Franklin County college student Emma McLeish, who recently received the American Red Cross' Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders.

Last year, Emma used her Red Cross training to help save lives twice. In July she unexpectedly helped deliver a neighbor's baby, and then in October she saved a man suffering from cardiac arrest.

Emma is a true hero, and it is my honor to recognize her today.

108th Running of the Indianapolis 500

Mr. Speaker, this weekend is the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500.

Beginning in 1911, the first Indy 500 was unlike anything the world had ever seen, with 40 qualifiers fighting a 500-mile race for an overall total purse of $27,000. Eighty thousand spectators came out to watch Ray Harroun drive into victory, and a tradition was born.

The Greatest Spectacle in Racing has evolved over the last century, but its time-honored traditions keep racing fans coming back every Memorial Day weekend, like I will this weekend.

This weekend promises to be no different, hosting hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world.

I wish all this year's drivers the best of luck, and I am glad to say: This is May.

Our Southern Border

Mr. Speaker, the state of our southern border is a travesty, and this administration refuses to face the facts. I am here to repeat what we all know and what we have all said: Border security is national security.

We have seen over 7.8 million illegal aliens cross over since President Biden took office, bringing chaos, crime, and terror into our country.

It is time to take a real action: Build the wall. Grow the Border Patrol, and reinstate the policies that we know work.

Record-High Inflation

Mr. Speaker, inflation under this administration continues to hit record highs.

We are all paying the price for this administration's mistakes. In April, the average Indiana household was paying $948 per month more than they were in January 2021. Everything, from electricity to rent to groceries, costs more under this administration.

Numbers don't lie, and the Democrats can't keep pretending everything is okay.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge the Biden administration to quit ruining the American middle class.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exceptional work of Indiana's very own Bosma Enterprises.

Bosma is the largest employer of people with vision loss in the state. Over half of its employees are blind and employed at all company levels, from production to executive leadership. Each year, nearly 900 clients benefit from their services, learning the skills necessary to live independently.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to support Bosma Enterprises and their work through the AbilityOne Program. They are truly making a difference in people's lives by creating opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired, allowing Americans to be independent and pursue their own version of the American Dream.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding.

I thank Congressman Pfluger for introducing this important legislation that I am proud to cosponsor.

I rise in support of H.R. 7176, which will streamline LNG export authorizations and put our Nation back on track toward energy dominance.

This bill would put downward pressure on global natural gas markets and expand economic opportunities across the country. We are blessed with abundant natural resources that create jobs, lower costs for Americans, and advance our national security interests abroad.

Unfortunately, since day one, the Biden administration has led our Nation into an energy crisis of their own making. President Biden's latest LNG export ban is nothing more than a political stunt to appease far-left activists.

Hoosiers watching at home won't be fooled by false claims of environmental stewardship. American LNG is the cleanest form of natural gas available and has allowed the U.S. to lead the world in emissions reductions.

Mr. Speaker, it is way past time this administration paid attention to the experts and not the radical environmentalists.

Mr. Chair, I thank Chairwoman Rodgers for yielding time.

I am proud to support the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act championed by my good friend and a true leader, Chairwoman Rodgers.

We need to recognize and affirm that every life is precious and a gift from God. It is unconscionable that healthcare payers use quality- adjusted life years as a measurement to determine if treatment options for patients are cost-effective.

Federal healthcare programs should provide patients with the best care available, regardless of preexisting conditions and those suffering with disabilities.

It is important we find fiscally and ethically responsible solutions to reduce healthcare costs in this country without devaluing the sanctity of life.

Mr. Chair, I urge support for final passage.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this administration's latest attack on the American energy industry, and I thank my very good friend, Congressman Joyce, for holding this Special Order.

President Biden's LNG export ban is nothing more than a political stunt simply to appease the far-left activists. It has become abundantly clear that President Biden and his administration lack a competent understanding of global energy markets. This export ban will fuel higher costs for families here at home and push our allies abroad into the hands of our adversaries.

Hoosiers watching at home won't be fooled by false claims of environmental stewardship.

American LNG is the cleanest form of natural gas available and has allowed the U.S. to lead the world in emission reductions.

Since day one, the Biden administration has led our Nation into an energy crisis of their own making, and we have arrived:

Energy costs are through the roof. Our electric grid is on the brink of failure, and all forms of reliable baseload power are retiring at an alarming rate, leaving us perilously afraid of the future.

House Republicans are not alone in our concerns. Engineers, grid operators, refiners, and the rest of our energy industry are saying in unison: This will not work, and it is not working right now.

It is past time this administration paid attention to the experts and not radical environmentalists.