Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 2668. I agree with my Democratic colleagues that the FTC should be reasonably equipped with tools to protect consumers. Today, the FTC has been able to return $25 million to Hoosiers that have fallen victim to fraudulent schemes.

However, as currently written the bill before the House today goes beyond the FTC's previous use of 13(b).

The bill lacks sufficient guardrails that would provide checks and balances to the Commission's expanded authority.

Meanwhile, we haven't had the opportunity to discuss this legislation with the full Commission in an open and transparent hearing.

During the markup process we offered several commonsense amendments in a good faith effort to improve the bill.

These amendments would have created thresholds of FTC authority and clarifying definitions to ensure provisions in this bill could not be abused.

Unfortunately, these reforms were not supported by the majority.

I am concerned that rushing this legislation through the House may lead to higher costs for small businesses without improving protections for the consumers, which is what we all want to do.

I urge my colleagues to oppose the underlying bill.

Madam Speaker, I am going to get straight to the point since infrastructure is fundamental to a Hoosier's way of life back home in Indiana and across America.

I rise today in support of my amendment to codify the Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success, or the ROUTES initiative.

The ROUTES initiative, first introduced in 2019, works to ensure that rural communities like mine get their fair share of federal funding for infrastructure.

This amendment would provide much-needed technical assistance for

local municipalities, strengthening their ability to be competitive in applying for Federal funds.

Indiana is the ``Crossroads of America.'' We see billions in commerce come through our State via airports, highways, and railways.

My home State, and countless other parts of the country are just as dependent on reliable, safe, and updated infrastructure.

That is why in April I introduced this bipartisan legislation with my colleague from Texas, Congressman Henry Cuellar.

Madam Speaker, in short, this means rural America will have the ability to improve critical infrastructure that will drive economic competitiveness and improve safety.

Madam Speaker, I am thankful this issue has remained a bipartisan priority, and I urge my colleagues to support this amendment so Congress can continue to recognize the infrastructure needs of our rural communities across America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to implore this governing body to consider the consequences of using the Congressional Review Act as a vehicle to reinstate the harmful Obama-era regulations on methane emissions.

American energy independence is key to the economic and national security of Hoosiers and, of course, of all Americans.

These unnecessary and redundant regulations on new methane emissions will stifle responsible energy development and undercut our domestic energy potential. Because of the additional Federal regulations this would create, Hoosiers will pay more to heat their homes and to cook their meals, which we are already seeing right now.

As a veteran of the petroleum industry, I know that free market innovation has always been the key driver to developing more cost- effective and environmentally friendly uses of natural gas. Let's keep doing that.

The burdensome regulations like the one before us today have never been the answer to improve our environment.

Mr. Speaker, I came to Washington to protect Hoosiers' way of life back home in the Sixth District, and that is why I will continue to advocate for an all-of-the-above, not everything-but approach to energy.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this attempt to cripple American energy.

Madam Speaker, I am not recorded for Roll Call vote No. 180 on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 because I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted Nay on the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act of 2021, RC No. 180.

The Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act would overturn a 2009 Supreme Court ruling on the basis that the decision negatively impacted age discrimination cases; however, there is no data to support that claim. In fact, this legislation would eliminate the carefully balanced standard Congress adopted when it passed the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and result in frivolous litigation against small businesses.

Since my first day in office, l have been squarely focused on what I was sent here to do: represent Hoosiers of the 6th District.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate fellow Hoosier and my constituent, Alberta June Ochs-Lewis for turning 99 years young on June 9, 2021.

Alberta was 71 years married to former Air Force Pilot John W. Lewis who served his Nation for 38 years, including during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.

Alberta still resides in Dillsboro, Indiana in the same house her and her late husband built 74 years ago.

Alberta is a dedicated servant to God and a patriot who fervently loves our great Nation. Happy 99th Birthday Alberta

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the heroic actions of Sgt. Nick Ernstes of the Hancock County Sheriff's Department.

While off-duty, Sgt. Ernstes saved the life of a woman who had been stabbed repeatedly in the parking lot of a local convenience store.

After arriving on the scene, Sgt. Ernstes acted quickly and applied the proper medical attention that likely prevented the women from losing her life.

Thank God for Sgt. Nick Ernstes for his heroic actions and for serving our community. And I thank every member of law enforcement for bravely fulfilling their mission to protect and serve.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Greenfield Police Chief Jeff Rasche. Chief Rasche is retiring from law enforcement in Hancock County after 4 decades of service to his community.

First hired as a dispatcher in 1984, Chief Rasche served Hancock County as a Sheriff's deputy and detective before becoming the Greenfield Police Chief.

Jeff has a passion for helping people and is a pillar of the community. I want to wish Chief Rasche good luck with all his future endeavors and thank him for serving his community with honor.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Madelyn Shelton of Scott County, IN. Maddy is currently a student at Hanover College studying history and political science. Maddy has dedicated her time and youth to improving her community and helping get conservative officials elected.

I want to thank Maddy for serving in the role of Scott County Republican Vice-Chair. Maddy has helped move the conservative agenda forward and I appreciate all the work she has done for her community and her support.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Tom Wilson of Franklin County, IN. Tom currently serves as the Franklin County Commissioner President and has been a commissioner for 24 years.

A dedicated community servant, Tom was a Franklin County EMS personal and has always cared about his home.

I want to thank Tom for serving in the role as the Franklin County Republican Chair. Tom has helped move the conservative agenda forward and I appreciate all the work he has done for his community and his support.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Philip Caviness of Rush County, Indiana.

Philip served as the Republican County Chairman of Rush County. He committed his time, talents and energy to the Sixth Congressional District and the rest of the Hoosier state. I am grateful for his service.

A dedicated public servant, Phil currently serves Rush County as county prosecutor. Philip is actively engaged in civic and community endeavors, often the first to volunteer his time and always willing to help at a moment's notice.

Finally, I have gotten to know Philip over the last four years, and I am grateful for his friendship.

I thank Philip Caviness.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ginger Bradford of Ripley County, Indiana.

Ginger served as the Republican County Chairwoman of Ripley County. She committed her time, talents and energy to the Sixth Congressional District and the rest of the Hoosier state. I am grateful for her service.

A dedicated public servant, Ginger currently serves Ripley County as county clerk. She is also a fervent leader and volunteer in her community, often the first to volunteer her time and always willing to help at a moment's notice.

Finally, I have gotten to know Ginger over the last four years, and I am grateful for her friendship.

I thank Ginger Bradford.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Charles Waggoner of Jennings County, Indiana. Charles served as the Republican County Vice Chairman of Jennings County. He committed his time, talents and energy to the Sixth Congressional District and the rest of the Hoosier state. I am grateful for his service.

Not only is Charles a successful businessman, he is also a fervent leader and volunteer in his community. Charles is actively engaged in civic and community endeavors, often the first to volunteer his time and always willing to help at a moment's notice.

Finally, I have gotten to know Charles over the last four years, and I am grateful for his friendship. I thank Charles Waggoner.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jim Thatcher of Dearborn County, Indiana. Jim served as the Republican County Chairman of Dearborn County. He committed his time, talents and energy to the Sixth Congressional District and the rest of the Hoosier state. I am grateful for his service. A dedicated public servant, Jim also serves Dearborn County as a commissioner and sits on the Planning Commission and Board of Community Mental Health. Jim is a member of the Bright Lions Club, the Scottish Rite of the Valley of Cincinnati, and the Southeastern Indiana Shrine Club. Finally, I have gotten to know Jim over the last four years, and I am grateful for his friendship. I thank Jim Thatcher.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Celeste Calvitto of Dearborn County, Indiana. Celeste served as the Republican County Vice Chairwoman of Dearborn County. She committed her time, talents and energy to the Sixth Congressional District and the rest of the Hoosier state. I am grateful for her service.

Not only is Celeste a successful businesswoman, she is also a fervent leader and volunteer in her community. She founded the Dearborn County Anti-Litter Initiative, the One Dearborn Economic Development organization, is a member of the Highpoint Health Foundation Board, and sponsors the annual Mardi Gras Ball to benefit the Children's Advocacy Center of Southeastern Indiana.

Finally, I have gotten to know Celeste over the last four years, and I am grateful for her friendship. I thank Celeste.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Vivian Himelick of Fayette County, Indiana.

Vivian served as the Republican County Chairwoman of Fayette County. She committed her time, talents and energy to the Sixth Congressional District and the rest of the Hoosier state. I am grateful for her service.

Not only is Vivian a successful businesswoman, she is also a fervent leader and volunteer in her community. Vivian is actively engaged in civic and community endeavors,

often the first to volunteer her time and always willing to help at a moment's notice.

Finally, I have gotten to know Vivian over the last four years, and I am grateful for her friendship.

I thank Vivian Himelick.