Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Rush County on the grand occasion of its bicentennial.

Rush County was founded in 1822 by one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, Dr. Benjamin Rush. Not only is the history rich in Rush County, but so is the hospitality and the heart of its residents.

Rushville, the county seat, was recognized by my State of Indiana as a ``Stellar Community,'' one of only 12 communities to be honored as such.

From its lively history to its heartwarming and welcoming citizens, we invite everyone here today in the House to celebrate with us this bicentennial year for Rush County.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 8542.

Plain and simple, this legislation would only amplify the violent crime wave we are currently seeing under Democratic leadership. Turn on the TV, watch the news. Night after night, we have to hear about the innocent lives taken from us because of the violence we are seeing in our streets. Just like other communities across the country, communities in Indiana aren't immune. Our hardworking law enforcement heroes alone are already struggling to keep up with this spike in crime.

This legislation does absolutely nothing to help. In fact, it will make the situation worse, making good on Democrats' promise to dismantle and defund the police.

These aren't policing bills. This is a way for the Democrats to just check a box in this election year. It is disrespectful to our law enforcement community and an insult to those struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues.

I have heard from countless county sheriffs and police chiefs back in my district who want to be a partner with mental health providers, not be replaced by them.

I implore my Democratic colleagues to end their war on law enforcement and come together to work with Republicans who want to make our communities safer.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor fallen Richmond Police Officer Seara Burton.

Officer Burton was an exceptional law enforcement officer who never failed to answer the call with bravery. Our Richmond police officer passed away Sunday night, September 18, with her family and loved ones close by. Her Richmond community proudly knows her as a fighter and a warrior--a title she very much deserved.

She was well-loved and will be well-remembered by all whose lives she touched.

Mr. Speaker, I ask everyone to pray for her loved ones and fellow officers as they grieve during this difficult time.

Honoring Corporal Kelsee Lainhart

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Corporal Kelsee Lainhart. Corporal Lainhart was one of the U.S. servicemembers injured by the Kabul Airport bombings a little over 1 year ago in Afghanistan, but today, I am here to provide a more hopeful update.

Though she spent many weeks in the hospital, our brave young marine from Dearborn County never lost hope. This August Corporal Lainhart participated in the Chicago Paratriathlon and finished fifth.

So, Madam Speaker, I would like to honor Corporal Kelsee Lainhart today for her strength in recovery and her bravery and diligence during her difficult times.

Honoring Peter McDaniel

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the late Peter McDaniel. Peter McDaniel's legacy and the lives that he touched will live on in his community.

After serving his country for 4 years in the Marine Corps, Mr. McDaniel served his community in many capacities, including 22 years with the Richmond Fire Department. Peter McDaniel was not just a public servant but also a son, husband, father, and grandfather. His selflessness and dedication will serve as an example and a legacy to uphold. We are proud to honor his life today.

Little League World Series

Mr. Speaker, this summer our pride and excitement rose as we beheld the events of this year's Little League World Series.

Indiana's own Hagerstown in the Indiana Sixth District represented the Great Lakes region in this year's games. Indiana has celebrated this team from the beginning, and we couldn't be prouder for their success.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to simply say thank you to these outstanding young Hoosiers who took their Hagerstown team to the 2022 Little League World Series.

Proxy Voting

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call on the Speaker of the House to end proxy voting once and for all.

Just this Sunday, President Joe Biden took to prime-time television to declare the COVID-19 pandemic over, thank God.

In any other job in America, if you don't show up, you get fired. I proudly say today that I never once proxy voted. It is not fair to our constituents who send us here to be their voice or to the taxpayers whose hard-earned dollars we are supposed to be responsible stewards of to not show up here.

We all know why proxy voting keeps getting extended. It is so the majority leadership can control its members and limit the effectiveness of this people's House.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter stating that it is time to end proxy voting, return to regular order, and get back to work on behalf of the American people.

Congress of the United States,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC, September 20, 2022.

Hon. Nancy Pelosi,

Speaker of the House, House of Representatives,

Washington, DC.

Dear Speaker Pelosi: I write in support of President

Biden's recent declaration that the COVID-19 pandemic has

come to an end. In accordance with this important

announcement, I formally request the Speaker bring an end to

the House proxy voting system and all pandemic related House

rules enacted as part of House Resolution 8. It is far past

time this legislative body returns in person to fulfill our

constitutional duties on behalf of our constituents.

As you are aware, House Resolution 8 provided unprecedented

authority for Members of Congress to designate a colleague as

a proxy to cast votes on the House floor on their behalf. For

the first time in our nation's history, this body allowed a

sitting Member of Congress to defer their constitutional

responsibilities to a Representative of another district.

Since then, more than six thousand letters designating a

proxy voting member have been submitted to the House Office

of the Clerk bearing an official statement of a member's

inability to physically attend proceedings in the House

chamber due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since President Biden

rightfully declared an end to the pandemic, it seems fit to

end a practice specifically put in place to accommodate the

logistical challenges posed by COVID-19.

The voting card entrusted to us here in Congress belongs to

the people we represent. Over the course of one hundred and

fifteen sessions of Congress, this body convened in times of

war, pandemics, and national crises alike to fulfill our

constitutional duties. Since the start of the COVID-19

pandemic two and a half years ago, essential workers, blue

collar employees, first responders, food and restaurant

industries, and many more have shown up to work each and

every day to do their job. We in Congress should find the

courage to do the same.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

Greg Pence,

Member of Congress.

Madam Speaker, I am not recorded for Roll Call vote No. 418, Roll Call vote No. 419, and Roll Call vote No. 420 on Friday, August 12, 2022. Since my first day in office, I have been squarely focused on what I was sent here to do: Represent Hoosiers of the 6th Congressional District of Indiana. Unfortunately, the out-of-control spending bill being rammed through Congress is wrong for Hoosiers and wrong for America. Our Nation does not need more taxes, does not need more spending, and certainly does not need more liberal pet-projects being forced upon us by the radical left.

I am wholeheartedly opposed to H.R. 5376, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022--this tax and spending spree will push our country further into a recession, fuel our rampant inflation, and slow economic growth to a halt. Democrats in Washington are intent on crushing the American dream with out-of-control wasteful government spending. Instead, we should be focusing our efforts on reining in inflation for hardworking families, lowering the costs of energy through domestic energy production, and incentivizing common sense free market solutions to spur economic prosperity in our communities.

Had l been present, I would have voted Nay on Ordering the Previous Question on H. Res. 1316 (Roll Call No. 418), Nay on Adoption of H. Res. 1316 (Roll Call No. 419), and Nay on Final Passage of H.R. 5376 (Roll Call No. 420).

Madam Speaker, it is summer, and Hoosiers all over the great State of Indiana are renewing our proud and longstanding tradition of attending our great county fairs.

County fairs are a time for communities to gather, to celebrate, and to encourage young Hoosiers in agriculture. My team and I have spent our summer attending county fairs across Indiana's Sixth District. I encourage all Hoosiers to attend their local county fair and the Indiana State Fair, which runs from July 29 through August 21.

Decatur County Bicentennial

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Decatur County and its county seat, Greensburg, Indiana, in its bicentennial celebration.

Decatur County and the wonderful city of Greensburg were founded in the year of 1822 by veterans and war heroes of the War of 1812, and it still stands today as a model county and city. Decatur County and the city of Greensburg will long stand as a beacon of hope from the communities filled with hospitality to the famous Tree City courthouse.

So, Madam Speaker, I ask that all Hoosiers and Americans join us in celebrating Decatur County's grand bicentennial.

Henry County Bicentennial

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the bicentennial of Henry County, Indiana. Henry County was officially founded on June 1, 1822. Henry County is home to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame and served as the home court to the movie ``Hoosiers'' in Knightstown. A museum and the birthplace of Wilbur Wright also finds its home there. Henry County includes the Old National Road, the oldest of the great crossroads of America.

So, Madam Speaker, I ask that all Hoosiers and Americans join us in celebrating Henry County's grand bicentennial.

Honoring State Representative Tom Saunders

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor State Representative Tom Saunders. Representative Saunders is retiring after nearly three decades of public service, and I am proud to join Hoosiers in celebrating a friend who has had an immeasurable impact on our beloved Indiana.

Representative Tom Saunders has long served as a distinguished voice on behalf of the people of Henry County and our entire State; therefore, Madam Speaker, I wish him an enjoyable retirement, and I thank him for his many years of service.

Fighting for Hoosier Farmers

Madam Speaker, I rise today because Hoosier farmers are struggling under Democratic leadership here in Washington, D.C. While many of us understand the cost of inflation on our pocketbooks, we often forget that inflation is clobbering farmers who produce our food and fuel. Under President Biden's policies, farmers are struggling to just break even as input costs outpace commodity prices.

So, Madam Speaker, after many letters I have written to multiple agency heads, I regret to report that Democrats are not, in fact, the party of all Americans. I will never stop fighting for Hoosier farmers and the agricultural industry here in the Nation's Capitol.

Thanking Greenwood First Responders

Madam Speaker, I rise today to say a hearty thank you to the brave and courageous first responders who serve the community of Greenwood, Indiana. When tragedy hit their community last week they were the first on the scene to respond. We commend local and Federal authorities for their swift and coordinated action. I thank the Greenwood Police Chief James Ison and Johnson County Sheriff Duane Burgess for their leadership, and I thank all of those who serve with them.

Inflation, Inflation, Inflation

Inflation, inflation, inflation.

Madam Speaker, inflation is costing the average family $6,000 per year--$6,000 per year.

For Hoosiers, this is gas and groceries, college tuition, and car repairs. Despite Democrats' denial, we all know where this is headed: a recession. We are in it. Hardworking Hoosiers cannot afford Democrats' policies any longer.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to stop crushing the American Dream with their out-of-touch policies.

Madam Speaker, it is summer, and Hoosiers all over the great state of Indiana are renewing our proud and long-standing tradition of attending our great country fairs.

County fairs are a time for communities to gather, to celebrate, and to encourage young Hoosiers in agriculture.

My team and I have spent our summer attending county fairs across Indiana's Sixth District. We enjoyed ribeye sandwiches in Jefferson County, saw the livestock in Shelby and Henry counties, and cooled off with a lemon shakeup on Delaware County, among the many county fairs in southeast Indiana.

I hope to see many more constituents at the fairs in the weeks ahead and encourage all Hoosiers to attend their local county fair and the Indiana State Fair, which runs from July 29 through August 21.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor State Representative Tom Saunders. Representative Saunders is retiring after nearly three decades of public service, and I am proud to join Hoosiers in celebrating a friend who has had an immeasurable impact on our beloved Indiana.

During his time of service, he had the honor of being recognized as Legislature of the Year by the Indiana Conservation Alliance. He also received the Distinguished Public Service Award from the Indiana Department of the American legion.

Representative Tom Saunders has long served as a distinguished voice on behalf of the people of Henry County and our entire state. He worked hard to bring greater economic opportunity to Hoosiers and was a strong advocate for the improvement of local schools.

Therefore, Madam Speaker, I rise to honor State Representative Tom Saunders, wish him an enjoyable retirement, and to thank him for his many years of public service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Decatur County and its county seat, Greensburg, Indiana, in its Bicentennial celebration. Decatur County and the wonderful city of Greensburg were founded in the year of 1822 by veterans and war heroes of the war of 1812, and still stand today as a model county and city.

Decatur County is known for its Hoosier hospitality, industry, art filled streets, and rich history. Decatur County and the city of Greensburg will long stand as a beacon of hope, from the communities filled with hospitality to the famous ``Tree City'' courthouse.

Madam Speaker, today I honor Decatur County on its historic bicentennial.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the bicentennial of Henry County, Indiana. Henry County is rich in history and overflowing with Hoosier hospitality. Henry County was officially founded on June 1, 1822. Today it boasts museums to celebrate it's past, parks and trails to discover it's nature, and manufacturers, factories, and small businesses.

Henry County is home to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame and served as the home court to the movie Hoosiers in Knightstown. A museum and birthplace of the inspirational Wilbur Wright also find it's home here, in Henry County. It is also the birthplace of the famous LOVE artist, Robert Indiana.

The rich history and beauty of Henry County stands proudly on 392 square miles and includes the Old National Road, the oldest of the great Crossroads of America.

So be it then, Madam Speaker, that all Hoosiers join us in celebrating Henry County's grand Bicentennial.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize and celebrate the city of Edinburgh on the occasion of its grand Bicentennial.

Edinburgh was the first settlement in Johnson County and was established March 3 1822. Edinburgh's history runs rich and deep, even boasting Johnson County's oldest and first store. Standing alongside this historical store is the Edinburgh Post Office which has been in operation since 1823.

Edinburgh represents the true spirit of America with businesses, communities, and our very own Camp Atterbury. Business thrives here where there were once railroads and mills, and where the hardwood veneer industry still stands. Another famous business finds its home here, founded in 1989, Not Just Popcorn, which has been recognized not only nationally, but globally.

I would like to honor this great city. From its storied history to its present day standing here in Indiana, may Edinburgh be celebrated on this Bicentennial year.

Mr. Speaker, I was not recorded for roll call vote 117. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 117.

Members Recorded Pursuant to House Resolution 8, 117th Congress

Bass (Beyer)

Bowman (Evans)

Cardenas (Soto)

Castro (TX) (Correa)

Cawthorn (Gaetz)

Clark (MA) (Blunt Rochester)

Comer (Arrington)

Connolly (Wexton)

Cooper (Correa)

Crawford (Long)

Crist (Soto)

Cuellar (Correa)

Doyle, Michael F. (Evans)

Gomez (Soto)

Grijalva (Stanton)

Harder (CA) (Correa)

Huffman (Stanton)

Johnson (TX) (Jeffries)

Joyce (OH) (Garbarino)

Kahele (Mrvan)

Kirkpatrick (Pallone)

Lawson (FL) (Evans)

Mfume (Evans)

Newman (Garcia (IL))

Owens (Tenney)

Payne (Pallone)

Peters (Jeffries)

Porter (Wexton)

Price (NC) (Butterfield)

Roybal-Allard (Pallone)

Schiff (Beyer)

Scott, David (Jeffries)

Sires (Pallone)

Steube (Donalds)

Suozzi (Beyer)

Taylor (Jackson)

Wasserman Schultz (Soto)

Watson Coleman (Pallone)

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a fellow Hoosier, Mr. Bruce Daggy, who will be retiring after a four-decade career with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

After graduating from Indiana University in 1981 with a degree in recreational programming and leadership, Bruce became an invaluable member of the community by leading the Boys & Girls club in Wayne County.

Bruce has been a true public servant leading the Wayne County Boys & Girls Club to greatness. Under his leadership, the Wayne County Boys & Girls Club received the Merit Award for Best Overall Programs in 2010 and 2019.

The youth of Wayne County are better off for having such a dedicated public Servant. I congratulate Bruce on a wonderful career.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a fellow Marine from Columbus who is making a difference for fellow veterans from sea to shining sea.

Kyle Killinger set out on foot, running from San Diego, California on a cross-country journey to raise awareness for veteran suicide.

Kyle completed his run just a few steps away from here at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Kyle started his own non-profit, entitled, ``Because He's My Brother'' to raise awareness of veteran suicide and post traumatic stress.

He has raised money along his journey to benefit another organization that strives to prevent veteran suicide, SAVE 22. I hope that each and every veteran is inspired by Kyle's 3,000-mile run.

His long Journey through peaks and valleys is not unlike that of every man and women who has served our nation in uniform.

My hope is that anyone who needs help finds the courage to ask.

Semper Fi.

Madam Speaker, I rise today because every State is now a border State. A border crisis is now a fentanyl crisis. But don't take it from me, take it from the sheriffs in my district.

Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers said, ``Fentanyl is coming into our country from our southern border. It is becoming an increasing problem, and it is killing our citizens.''

Randolph County Sheriff Art Moystner said, ``Our guys on the ground tell us they know these drugs are coming through Dayton via the southern border.''

Hancock County Sheriff Brad Burkhart said, ``Illegal drugs coming across the border affects everyone, and Indiana is not immune.''

In Decatur County, Sheriff Dave Durant explained it like this, ``Fentanyl in our communities is not just a thing, it is the thing.''

Democrats, stop downplaying this crisis. It is killing Hoosiers in Indiana.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the importance of service academy nominations in Indiana's Sixth District. Every year, my office has the honor of nominating students to the various service academies throughout the country. The Academies demand the best of the best. In November, we had 13 bright high school students throughout Indiana's Sixth District interview for service academy nominations. I'd like to thank my Service Academy Advisory Board for taking the time out of their day to interview these students:

Tom Schneider, Merchant Marine Academy graduate of Madison, Indiana;

Kelly Poltrack, Naval Academy graduate of Batesville, Indiana;

Nate LaMar, West Point graduate of New Castle, Indiana; and

Bob Morrow, Air Force Academy graduate of Centerville, Indiana.

I wish our service academy nominees the best of luck with their future endeavors.