Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mount Vernon Marauders football team for winning the Class 4A Championship Game.

The Marauders made Mount Vernon High School history by winning the school's first ever state championship, with a 45-14 win over Northridge High School. Marauders' all-star team includes quarterback Gehrig Slunaker, who threw for 235 yards and three touchdown passes; running back Keagan LaBelle ran for 76 yards and two touchdowns; and Ashden Gentry scored a 59-yard interception return.

Congratulations to first-year coach Vince Lidy and the entire football team for their incredible accomplishments and hard work this year.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Greenfield- Central's Marching Band and Guard, Cougar Pride, for winning the Class B Championship at the state band competition at Lucas Oil Stadium.

This is the second straight marching band state title Greenfield- Central High School has taken home. These students have been perfecting their performance, titled ``Ramped Up'', since early summer.

Congratulations to Band Director Chris Wing and all 150 members of Cougar Pride on this achievement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain Dan Stephan on his retirement from the Madison, Indiana Police Department following 45 years of public service.

Captain Stephan joined the Madison Police Department on August 29, 1976. Daniel ``D.J.'' Stephan rose through the ranks and was appointed Captain on July 9, 2000. Captain Stephan is Madison's longest serving merit police officer.

Throughout his many years with the Madison Police Department, Captain Stephan served as a firearms instructor and won several ``top gun'' awards in competition. After working 44 city parades, Captain Stephan

served as the Grand Marshall of this year's Madison July 4th Parade.

My friend, Chief of Police John Wallace noted that D.J.'s ``fellow MPD officers will greatly miss him.''

Captain Stephan is a dedicated public servant and highly regarded by all. I thank Captain Stephan for his service to Madison. I wish him all the best in a well-deserved retirement.

Madam Speaker, I thank my friend, the gentleman from Mississippi, for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2220.

As a champion of this legislation last Congress, we must continue to work toward giving the GSA the ability to negotiate a discounted or fixed price option on government leases like it happens in the private sector.

With our Nation's real infrastructure broken, which is too often ignored by this Congress, I am committed to getting a commonsense option like this one across the finish line.

H.R. 2220 will save billions of taxpayer dollars, reduce government waste, and free up money to invest in our crumbling roads and infrastructure.

Innovative, free market solutions like this bill have the potential to save $5 billion taxpayer dollars by bringing fair market practices to Federal real estate.

Hoosiers and all Americans deserve an efficient government that can meet our 21st century infrastructure needs.

By passing this bill, we are enacting real, commonsense infrastructure legislation that has bipartisan support across the aisle.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sergeant Major Rick Caldwell for receiving the Silver Helmet Award presented during the AMVETS 76th national convention.

The Silver Helmet Award is given to those for their excellent and outstanding accomplishment in Americanism, defense, rehabilitation, and congressional and civil service.

In 2002, Sergeant Major Caldwell helped bring back the AMVETS post to Camp Atterbury.

After serving in the U.S. Army for 32 years, Sergeant Major Rick Caldwell resigned as a reservist in 2008.

Sergeant Major Rick Caldwell has committed his life to serving this country and his community in our hometown of Columbus, Indiana. I am honored to call Rick my friend.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Sergeant Major Rick Caldwell on this award and thank him for his service.

celebrating the united states marine corps

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 246 years of service by the United States Marine Corps.

Founded on November 10, 1775, before our Nation was established, the Marines stood ready to win our country's hardest battles and never back down. Marines are guided by our core values of honor, courage, and commitment.

Even when the United States has faced tremendous odds in the war to preserve our freedom, like Iwo Jima, the Marines have answered the call to always remain faithful.

As a marine whose greatest honor it has been to serve our Nation and to those who have served and continue to serve: Oorah. Semper fi.

Congratulating Columbus North Girls Cross-Country Team

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Columbus North girls cross-country team on winning the State championship this past weekend.

This marks the second State title for the Bull Dogs, and I congratulate each of these young student-athletes, head coach Rick Sluder, and the entire team on a job well done.

Furthermore, the Columbus North boys also finished third as a team in the State finals, while Reese Kilbarger-Stumpff claimed overall victory in the boys' race.

Having each of my four children participate in cross-country at Columbus North, I know these accomplishments stand as a true reflection of their outstanding program.

It is great to see the Bull Dogs back on top again.

Recognizing Mayor Chuck Fewell

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hard work and dedication of Greenfield Mayor Chuck Fewell as he has announced his retirement.

A fellow marine, Chuck's career started in law enforcement as a member of the Shelbyville Police Department before moving on to become an Indiana State Trooper.

When there was a vacancy to serve as mayor, Chuck stepped up and answered the call, serving his neighbors in the community for nearly a decade.

Today, I congratulate Chuck on his many years of dedication to making Greenfield such a great place. I know I speak for many when I say he will be dearly missed at city hall.

On behalf of Indiana's Sixth District, we wish Mayor Fewell a peaceful retirement enjoying time with his wife, Kristen, four kids, and seven grandkids.

Numbers Don't Lie

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note the U.S. GDP has dropped to a disappointing 2 percent in the third quarter.

Thanksgiving 2021 is expected to be the most expensive in the history of the holiday, a Turkey tax year.

Americans are being warned that their Christmas presents will cost more this year and might not arrive on time.

Numbers don't lie. Democrats' out-of-control spending and far-left socialist policies are to blame for the supply chain and economic crisis America is facing.

It is clear: The Democrats' liberal agenda is out of touch with Hoosier values and out of touch with America.

Soaring American Energy Costs

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the energy crisis that my Hoosiers and all Americans are facing.

This week, President Biden jetted off to Glasgow to rub shoulders with world dignitaries and to take a nap.

American energy costs are soaring while he is sleeping, and the bottom line is this: This administration needs to worry less about their image and more about how Hoosiers can keep their lights on, heat their homes this winter, and afford to fill up their gas tanks.

Madam Speaker, I am not recorded for votes on Thursday, October 21, 2021 due to a family medical emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 327; ``nay'' on rollcall No. 328; and ``nay'' on rollcall No. 329.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues, and all Americans, to never forget the tragedy of the Beirut barracks attack.

On Sunday, October 23, 1983, 241 brave American heroes lost their lives in defense of our freedom. That fateful date, cowardly Iranian- backed terrorists, Hezbollah, drove truck bombs into the U.S. Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. It was the deadliest single-day attack against U.S. Marines since the battle of Iwo Jima in 1945.

As a marine and veteran of that conflict, I made a promise to always remember and honor those fallen. I will always remain faithful to that promise.

God bless America and semper fi.

Crisis at the Southern Border

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize just how awful the crisis at our southern border is.

In the Biden administration's latest show of contempt for this mess, vaccine mandates for CBP agents and ICE agents will further throw the situation in flux.

Who is the Federal Government to force vaccines upon our Border Patrol agents, and all of us, when they are not holding illegal immigrants entering our country to the same standard?

Sadly, this is another way for Democrats to defund the police, when too many CBP agents will be fired or forced to quit because getting vaccinated is not the right choice for them.

I will continue to denounce these lawless and disastrous policies that are perpetuating this border crisis.

Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Hoosier Gym

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Hoosier Gym.

Before the Knightstown Gym became the Hoosier Gym, home of the Hickory Huskers, it served the community for 64 years, opening its doors back in 1921.

Many know this iconic locale when it became famous with the release of the classic movie ``Hoosiers'' in 1986.

Congratulations to the Hoosier Gym, its staff, and patrons. We are looking forward to the next 100 years.

Turning the IRS Into a Political Weapon

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to denounce the disturbing trend we have seen of turning the IRS into a political weapon.

Democrats have included provisions in their reckless tax-and-spending bill that will give the IRS rogue authority to monitor individuals' financial bank accounts and transactions.

Whether you are a Democrat or Republican, no one should ever support this communistic invasion of privacy by our Federal Government.

Biden's Energy Crisis

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the energy crisis we are facing. The Biden administration's poorly crafted, radical climate agenda has led us here.

This crisis is already hitting home for Hoosiers. An Indiana-based energy company just announced that my constituents are going to pay more for their energy this winter. What was an $88 a month energy bill will now be $133 a month, a 40 percent increase.

To those over at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue who have deemed this a high-class problem, wake up. You are taxing the middle class through inflation.

Recognizing the Law Enforcement Community of Indiana's Sixth District

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding work our men and women of the law enforcement community do for Indiana's Sixth District.

From Muncie to Madison, and everywhere in between, these hardworking Hoosiers are on the front lines of keeping our cities safe.

Sadly, many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle want to demonize these heroes.

To put it simply, thank you to those who risk their lives every day so we can live ours.

Recognizing Hardworking Hoosier Farmers

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our hardworking Hoosier farmers as they wrap up their efforts for this year's harvest.

These fine men and women are the backbone of the State and Nation. Because of their dedication, dinner will be on the table today and tomorrow.

To those who have been working sunup to sundown to make that a reality, I say thank you.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Louisiana for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in staunch support of the bipartisan Secure Equipment Act of 2021.

Hoosiers back home in my home State of Indiana rely heavily on telecom companies to connect them with the critical services they need, particularly healthcare through telehealth. When foreign adversaries, like Communist China, try to prey upon these companies, they are in turn attempting to prey upon hardworking Americans like my constituents. That is why I am proud today to join my colleagues in supporting this vital legislation that would ensure the Federal Government prevents any further Chinese state-backed equipment from being used here in the United States.

This bill is vital to our national security, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support it.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Columbus Signature Academy's Lincoln Elementary School on being named a National Blue Ribbon School for 2021.

Known for its high academic success and loved for the family environment that both students and parents receive when they join this close-knit community--CSA Lincoln Elementary School is a vital foundation of our Columbus community.

CSA's Lincoln Elementary is recognized by the United States Department of Education for its overall academic excellence for their progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups, demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels.

Congratulations to Principal Brett Findley, students, teachers, parents, and faculty who have been an integral part of securing this fine honor.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Deputy Elementary School on being named a National Blue Ribbon school for 2021.

Deputy Elementary School has worked to create a challenging, safe, and rewarding environment for all students. They provide superior educational and developmental opportunities for students while having a positive impact on our surrounding community.

Deputy Elementary School is recognized by the United States Department of Education for its overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups, demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels.

Congratulations to Principal Janet McCreary, students, parents and faculty on being an integral part of securing this fine honor.

Madam Speaker, one word. Heartbreaking. This legislation my Democrat colleagues are trying to enact is just plain old heartbreaking.

History will not look kindly on this abortion on demand legislation.

Let me be clear. This is not about healthcare. This goes far beyond the guise of healthcare. This, in fact, is infanticide. A society is judged by how they treat the most vulnerable among us by God, and God will judge us.

That is why we must always stand for life, both the born and, of course, today we are talking about the unborn.

As a father of four, a grandfather of eight with one on the way, protecting life will always be my priority, and I urge a ``no'' vote on

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the United States Marine Corporal Kelsee Lainhart on her road to recovery from being wounded in Afghanistan.

Simply put, Corporal Lainhart is a hero. A native of Dearborn County, Indiana, Kelsee was assigned to secure the airport in Kabul.

Sadly, tragedy struck when she and her brothers and sisters in uniform were targeted by an ISIS-K suicide bomber.

We will never forget Corporal Lainhart's acts of bravery that day in Afghanistan or her courageous fellow servicemembers we lost.

Remembering Kaye Whitehead

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor a pillar of Indiana's Sixth Congressional District, a leader in our community, and a true friend of the Pence family.

Kaye Whitehead, who sadly passed away on September 9, 2021, served as president of the Delaware County Farm Bureau for two decades.

Kaye also served as chair of the Delaware County Republican Party and in various advisory capacities to Dan Quayle, Richard Lugar, David MacIntosh, Mike Pence, and myself.

I am grateful to Kaye for her counsel, guidance, and friendship over the years. She will be dearly missed.

My thoughts are with her husband, Bill; her children, Eugene and Lucy; her siblings, Marie, Anne, and Chris; as well as her three grandchildren.

Inflation Is Taxation

Mr. Speaker, I rise in objection to the Democrats' monster tax-and-spending spree that will be a detriment to Hoosiers back at home in Indiana.

I have heard from hundreds and hundreds of constituents, literally, who have worried that this next set of spending bills will hurt their families more than they will help.

From paying more for groceries and gas to being unable to find workers to keep the doors of their small businesses open, wasteful government spending is moving our country toward stagflation.

Plain and simple, inflation is taxation on my constituents, on all Americans, and I urge my colleagues to reject this round of reckless Federal spending.

Rejecting Socialist Drug Pricing Scheme

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of the Committee on Energy and Commerce in rejecting H.R. 3 by a bipartisan vote.

Had it passed out of committee, this legislation would have resulted in fewer cures and treatments in America, eliminating hope for millions of people battling all diseases.

It is estimated that under this socialist drug pricing scheme, there could be as many as 100 fewer cures over the next decade.

That is why I urge my colleagues to reject any alternative version of this legislation that may come to the floor in the future.

Crisis Unfolding at Southern Border

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the crisis unfolding at the southern border.

This is not hyperbole. Look no further than the southern border completely overrun in chaos today. Over 1.2 million illegal immigrants have been apprehended at the border since February 1 of this year.

Our communities are less safe because this administration stopped building the wall, brought back catch and release, and got rid of the remain in Mexico policy.

This border crisis will result in perpetuating our COVID crisis because this President turns a blind eye to the vaccine and testing status of illegal immigrants.

Denying the crisis proves President Biden does not care or is being misled by his advisers.

Mounting National Security Crisis

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the mounting national crisis we are seeing unfold under this President's leadership.

This week, the President desperately attempted to portray an image of strength at the United Nations, but nothing could be further from the truth.

We have seen the failure of the Afghanistan withdrawal that led to losing our men and women in uniform and has the potential to create yet another refugee crisis.

We have seen the failure to hold China accountable for its lack of transparency and mishandling of the COVID pandemic.

We have seen the failure to hold Russia accountable for its cyberattacks.

President Biden appears weak and failing, and the cost is our leadership and national security across the world.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Washington Fire Company No. 2 of Madison, Indiana on its 175th anniversary.

Established on January 22, 1846, the firehouse is one of the last remaining Greek Revival firehouses in the United States. Washington Fire Company No. 2 is the oldest active firehouse in the Hoosier state.

I congratulate Washington Fire Company No. 2 and thank them for 175 years of service.

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 4502.

Inflation, inflation, and inflation, this is the biggest thing I hear about back in Indiana's Sixth District. Hoosiers in Indiana worry about the consequences the Democrats' tax and spend agenda is having on their pocketbooks.

After this week, Speaker Pelosi is recessing the House until September, having done next to nothing to address the real issues the American people are facing: food, energy, transportation. Hardworking folks are already unnecessarily paying more. This Biden-flation crisis is hitting home. Consumer prices are at a 13-year high. In just 6 months, Democratic leadership is compounding this crisis with a completely wasteful, bloated bus.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose these hyperpartisan appropriations packages for the good of the American people.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the hard work and dedication of Brendan Bridges as he retires from service as Greensburg Police Chief.

First joining the department in 2001, Chief Bridges served as a patrol officer and detective before being promoted as police chief in 2014.

Chief Bridges is turning a chapter and becoming the resource officer in Greensburg Community Schools system.

Madam Speaker, I thank Chief Bridges for his service to our community, and on behalf of Indiana's Sixth District I would like to wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Shelby County's Bicentennial Anniversary

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Shelby County, Indiana, on the bicentennial anniversary of its founding.

Created in 1821 by the Indiana General Assembly, Shelby County is a doughnut county of the greater Indianapolis area.

With a population of around 45,000 people, Shelby County is the home of the 21st Vice President of the United States, Thomas Hendricks.

Shelby County is predominantly built around its manufacturing and agriculture communities that continue to attract investment from companies around the globe.

Congratulations to Shelby County on your 200th anniversary, and I wish you the best of luck for the next 200 years.

Union County Bicentennial Anniversary

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Union County, Indiana, on the bicentennial anniversary of its founding.

Two hundred years ago, the Indiana State legislature authorized the creation of Union County by ceding land from Fayette, Franklin, and Wayne Counties.

With a small population of around 7,000 people, Union County is a community based on agriculture and farming.

Union County also attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually to visit the picturesque Whitewater Memorial State Park and the beautiful Brookville Lake.

Congratulations to Union County for its bicentennial anniversary, and I wish them the best of luck for the next 200 years.

In Memory of Larry Jackson

Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of my very dear friend, Larry Jackson. Larry was an honest, hardworking Hoosier who always put family first.

Larry leaves behind his wonderful wife of 56 years, Judy Jackson, and his five children and grandchildren.

Larry was a devoted member of the St. Bartholomew Catholic Church and a dedicated man of faith.

My condolences and prayers go out to Judy and the entire Jackson family. God bless them.

A Big Victory for Hoosiers

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the favorable outcome we were able to secure for Indiana's Sixth District regarding the OMB MSA core population threshold.

Had a revised policy been adopted, Federal funding opportunities for Hoosiers in Indiana would have been severely reduced.

This is a big victory for midsized communities.

Hoosier cities and countless others across the Nation would have unnecessarily lost out on Federal reserves because of Washington's short-sightedness.

I am proud to have led my colleagues on a commonsense issue like this.

Stand for Life

Madam Speaker, I rise today to implore my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to reconsider their mission to defeat the Hyde amendment.

The greatness of a free society can best be measured by how it cares for the most vulnerable, especially the unborn.

This legislative body has had a longstanding and bipartisan provision that prevents American taxpayer dollars from being used to fund abortions, and we cannot end this practice now.

Furthermore, it is why I signed on to cosponsor H.R. 18.

I am again urging my colleagues today to join me in always standing for life.

Inflation is Taxation

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the growing inflation crisis that threatens our Hoosier way of life back home in Indiana's Sixth District.

My colleagues on the other side of the aisle are now trying to ram through a bipartisan $3.5 trillion package that will stick middle-class families with higher taxes and lower wages.

This hyper-partisan spending spree is a tax hike and a pay cut for every American.

It is simple: Inflation is taxation.