Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Michael Becker, to celebrate the positive impact that he has had in our community.

In 2006, Michael and his wife, Kim, founded the not-for-profit Hello Gorgeous!, which brings joy to women fighting cancer by giving them a red carpet experience complete with a makeover and spa.

Reaching 15 States with mobile day spas and affiliate salons, Hello Gorgeous! has provided unforgettable experiences to thousands of women all over the country.

The organization Michael and Kim built together and the mission they devoted themselves to brings happiness and hope where it is needed most. Their passion, drive, and faith inspire us all, and their selfless generosity is an example we should strive to follow.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and a privilege to represent such kind and

giving people. Michael lived a life full of love, laughter, and spirit. My thoughts are with Kim and everyone at Hello Gorgeous! in whose work, I have no doubt, Michael's memory will live on.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dale Hemphill, a U.S. Navy veteran from Mishawaka, Indiana, on creating the Spirit of America Foundation and designing the Spirit of America flag to promote patriotism and appreciation for our nation's veterans.

The Spirit of America Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 2001 that works to identify and prioritize veterans' health issues, create a network among other veterans service organizations, coordinate fundraising, establish support groups, and provide information and educational resources. The Spirit of America flag Dale created symbolizes the mission of the foundation and serves as a powerful tribute to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country.

Dale served in the U.S. Navy for six years and embodies the values of a true patriot. He designed the Spirit of America flag with great attention to detail: each aspect of the flag serves to commemorate what our veterans have done to preserve our freedom in a special way. For example, the color red on the banner symbolizes bloodshed, and the color blue represents valor and bravery. Not only does the flag honor our veterans by listing every conflict Americans have served in, it also recognizes the civilians, firefighters, police officers, and paramedics who died in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Dale has given his flag to people all over the world, including four American presidents, every Indiana senator, governor, and representative, and the last surviving American WWI veteran, Frank Buckles. Nicknamed ``Old Glory's Companion,'' this patriotic flag flies over multiple U.S. military bases.

Dale's love of country is evident to anyone who knows him. He has dedicated both his professional life and free time to serving and honoring his country and those who have fought to protect it. Even his car reflects his patriotism, decorated with both the Spirit of America flag and the American flag.

His incredible commitment of time and talent and his positive impact on veterans should inspire us all. I am so grateful to Dale for the worthy mission he defends.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of 2nd District Hoosiers, I want to thank Dale Hemphill for his unwavering patriotism and his commitment to honoring his fellow veterans. He has truly left a mark on the northern Indiana community and the entire nation, and I look forward to the great things that lie ahead in his future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor North Miami Community Schools agriculture teacher James Wildermuth on being named Indiana's Rural Teacher of the Year.

Since 2004, the Indiana Small and Rural Schools Association has been recognizing exemplary teachers from small and rural towns across our state. Mr. Wildermuth is well deserving of this high honor. He truly embodies the characteristics of an exceptional Hoosier educator who has had a profound impact on student achievement, serves as a collaborating member of the greater rural community, fosters valuable learning among his students, and exemplifies leadership in a way that should inspire us all.

Mr. Wildermuth has taught for 17 years, including the last four at North Miami Community Schools. In addition to his remarkable accomplishments and sterling reputation as a teacher, Mr. Wildermuth serves as the district advisor for the local Future Farmers of America Program. Given his dedication to his students and the rural community as a whole, it is no surprise that he stood out among more than 6,000 Hoosier teachers in over 70 school districts considered for this prestigious award.

I am grateful that North Miami students have Mr. Wildermuth as a role model and mentor. With his kind spirit and innovative teaching style, he is sure to keep his students engaged and focused not only on the lesson at hand but also on how the knowledge and skills they learn each day will benefit them in their future. Mr. Wildermuth is a gifted educator in many ways, and his ability to connect with his students and enlighten them beyond the standard curriculum is where he truly makes a difference. He uplifts his students and teaches them how to grow as individuals with the confidence to succeed. He is a true inspiration to young Hoosiers and a truly valued leader in our community.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of 2nd District Hoosiers, I want to thank Mr. Wildermuth for all he has done to educate, support, and guide his students on the path to achievement. It is a privilege to represent teachers like Mr. Wildermuth who help make our communities vibrant and our children's futures bright

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Indiana's Rural Teacher of the Year, James Wildermuth of North Miami Community Schools.

Mr. Wildermuth is well deserving of this high honor awarded by the Indiana Small and Rural Schools Association. He is truly an exceptional Hoosier educator who has had a profound impact on student achievement and who exemplifies leadership in a way that should inspire all of us.

In addition to his 17 years as a teacher, Mr. Wildermuth also serves as a district adviser for the local Future Farmers of America program.

I am grateful that North Miami's students have Mr. Wildermuth as a role model and a mentor, always keeping them not only engaged in the lesson at hand but focused on using these lessons to succeed in life.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Second District Hoosiers, I want to thank Mr. Wildermuth for all he does to educate, support, and guide his students on the path to achievement and to make our community stronger.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Holy Cross College. This institution has been a pillar of the northern Indiana community for a half century, and I have no doubt the next 50 years will be just as meaningful for students, faculty, alumni, and the northern Indiana community.

Holy Cross College was founded in 1966 to advance the apostolic mission of the Brothers of Holy Cross. From the beginning, the college has been dedicated not only to fostering intellectual growth and discovery, but also to cultivating global citizens who are passionate, faithful, and courageous.

Today, with more than 500 students from over 30 states and 18 different countries, Holy Cross College is putting its values of global diversity and integration into action, no doubt enriching the lives of each and every student. The prestigious faculty and hardworking staff at Holy Cross are committed to providing an engaging and transformative college experience, offering enlightenment in numerous areas of study, and instilling the values of knowledge, faith, and personal growth.

Students at Holy Cross have vast opportunities to get involved on campus and in the community. The college has played a positive role in making northern Indiana a better place to live, learn, and grow. I applaud the selfless efforts students past and present have taken to give back to those in need.

It is a privilege to represent the Holy Cross community in Congress. I am grateful for the passion, integrity, and intellectual spirit that resonates both on and off campus. On behalf of 2nd District Hoosiers, I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations on celebrating 50 years, and I am excited to learn of all the amazing things that are sure to come.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2847) to make improvements to the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program and related provisions.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 2847.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to support the Improving Services for Older Youth in Foster Care Act.

In fiscal year 2015, almost 21,000 youth aged out of foster care, meaning they left foster care without a permanent family connection. Many of them are often poorly prepared for adulthood and lack some of the basic skills they need to be successful adults.

Last year, the House passed the Family First Prevention Services Act, a bill that would improve the lives of children and families by making sure more children can stay safely at home and not enter foster care in the first place, helping to make sure fewer children age out of care. The bill also updated the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program to allow States to assist older former foster youth up to the age of 23, including providing education and training vouchers, to help those young people who do age out to have a better future. Unfortunately, it did not pass the Senate, so it never became law.

I am glad my good friend, Mr. Faso, introduced the Improving Services for Older Youth in Foster Care Act to highlight the needs of these older youth, and I know many will benefit from the changes made by his bill.

Specifically, this bill would support older youth leaving foster care by allowing existing funds used for financial housing, counseling, and employment support to support older youth leaving care. It would also allow HHS to redistribute unspent funds if a State has money remaining at the end of the fiscal year so more youth can be helped with existing resources. And through this bill, we will also be able to learn more about youth leaving foster care and their outcomes, which will help us develop better policies in the years ahead.

I am grateful for the opportunity we have today to support this bill. I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Faso), the sponsor of this bill.

I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Faso).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Franks), my good friend.

Mr. Speaker, having no other speakers, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I want to thank Mr. Faso and Mr. Reed from New York and Ms. Bass from California for introducing this important bill, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2742) to amend title IV of the Social Security Act to require States to adopt an electronic system to help expedite the placement of children in foster care or guardianship, or for adoption, across State lines, and to provide funding to aid States in developing such a system, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 2742, currently under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 2742, Modernizing the Interstate Placement of Children in Foster Care Act, which I introduced along with the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Danny K. Davis), my friend.

We know full well the importance of a stable home environment for a child's development and success later in life. Unfortunately, we don't live in an ideal world. We have seen too many instances when abuse, neglect, physical or mental illness, addiction, incarceration, or death necessitates removing a child from their home.

Right now, in my State of Indiana, there are more than 10,000 children in the foster care system than there were 18 months ago. This is due in large part to the opioid epidemic that has swept across our country. Our child welfare system is under unprecedented strain.

Yet, in spite of this great need for foster care and adoption, if a child needs to be placed in another State, caseworkers from both States must literally print and fill out hundreds of pages of paperwork and mail them back and forth. This cumbersome process takes months, and just one missing page can set it back even further. These are precious months that an at-risk child is stuck in limbo, waiting for the certainty of a more permanent home. It is time to bring this process into the 21st century.

Luckily, there is an effort underway already to do just that. In November 2013, five States, including my home State of Indiana, and the District of Columbia, launched the National Electronic Interstate Compact Enterprise, or NEICE. This is a cloud-based electronic system that allows for the electronic exchange of data between States. It started as a pilot project, but the results have been crystal clear: placement wait times dropped by a month and a half, States spent less time and money on copying and mailing, and caseworkers saved valuable time.

NEICE is now effective in 16 States, including Mr. Davis' home State of Illinois, but we can't stop at 16. As it stands today, if a child in my district in South Bend, Indiana, needed to be placed with their grandparents just 11 miles away in Niles, Michigan, the two States would have to undertake that arduous paperwork process because Michigan is not a part of NEICE yet. All States need to be a part of this system in order to realize its full benefits.

That is where the bill before us comes in. H.R. 2742 represents a very important investment in the future of at-risk youth. It requires States to join the NEICE system by October 1, 2027, and sets aside $5 million in existing Federal funds to facilitate States in joining or expanding their services under NEICE.

That money doesn't come without strings. States must apply for the funds and submit detailed plans. The Secretary of Health and Human Services will have to submit periodic reports to Congress so that we can monitor progress as States join and ensure that this program continues to cut wait times for children and administrative costs for States.

In the 114th Congress, this legislation passed the House of Representatives, but, unfortunately, did not come up for a vote in the Senate. It is our hope that we can cross the finish line this year and help at-risk youth find their forever home more quickly.

I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Danny K. Davis) for being a great partner in introducing this legislation. I would like to thank Senators Young, Grassley, and Gillibrand for introducing companion legislation in the Senate.

Mr. Speaker, finally, I enter into the Record a list of 17 organizations that wrote in support of H.R. 2742.

1. American Academy of Adoption Attorneys/American Academy

of Assisted Reproductive Technology Attorneys

2. American Academy of Pediatrics

3. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

4. American Public Human Services Association

5. California County Welfare Directors Association

6. Child Advocates, Indianapolis, IN

7. Child Welfare League of America

8. Children's Home Society of America

9. First Focus

10. Generations United

11. Indiana Department of Child Services

12. March of Dimes

13. National Association of Counties

14. National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners

15. Partnership for Strong Families

16. The Villages of Indiana

17. Voice for Adoption

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this important bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I want to close with the words from someone on the ground living this every day. Sharon Pierce is the president and CEO of The Villages of Indiana, the largest not-for-profit child and family services provider in my State and a supporter of H.R. 2742: ``The NEICE system is going to be invaluable in helping both the public and private sector child welfare agencies reduce considerably the length of time

a child needs to wait for a forever family.''

This isn't just a good government bill, Mr. Speaker. Sure, we are reducing costs and paperwork and we can attach all sorts of numbers and dollar figures to that, but the most important thing we are doing here is we are giving at-risk youth a more permanent home sooner. We are giving them hope sooner. We are giving them a chance to actually thrive sooner.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Roe and Ranking Member Walz. What an honor it is to work with these two gentlemen on veterans' issues.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 467, the VA Scheduling Accountability Act.

This commonsense legislation codifies an important measure of oversight and accountability of VA facilities to prevent scheduling manipulation or, in the vernacular, ``cooking the books,'' that has harmed veterans for so long.

Hearings held by the House VA Committee and investigations by the VA inspector general and the GAO have, unfortunately, confirmed many of the allegations of cooking books and falsified wait-time data at facilities around the country.

The VA has a procedure for scheduling veterans' medical appointments, which includes 19 different items, such as ensuring that a patient's desired appointment date is not altered and that staff are fully trained. Importantly, the directive requires each facility to certify compliance with all of these 19 items every year.

However, an August 2014 VA inspector general report uncovered that, in May 2013, a senior VA official waived the certification requirement that year, essentially putting the facility on an honor system, allowing them to self-certify.

Without this crucial accountability mechanism, bad actors were given free rein to manipulate wait-time data and ignore the VA's required scheduling practices. Meanwhile, veterans faced significant delays in getting the care they needed while, in some extreme cases, veterans died.

Since that time, the VA has reinstated the certification requirements. However, serious problems remain, as evidenced by a recent VA investigation of a clinic in my own district that I requested after some brave individuals came forward with allegations of wrongdoing.

The VA found that the clinic scheduled appointments for veterans without the veterans' knowledge and canceled them on the day of the appointment in order to fill their schedule for that day. If the VA had conducted proper audits of that facility's scheduling practices last year, this misconduct could have been prevented. The VA's report recommended a review of scheduling compliance for all medical facilities in the region.

The VA's continued inability to reform itself from within is the reason we need to pass this bill. This bill will require each facility director to annually certify compliance with the current scheduling directive or any successive directive that replaces it, and, most importantly, it will prohibit any future waivers. The bill also provides accountability by making a director ineligible for salary bonuses if their facility fails to certify compliance, and it requires the VA to report to Congress a list of these facilities that are not in compliance. This will provide more oversight of the VA, ensure that Congress is aware of noncompliant facilities, and end the reckless practice of self-certification.

Mr. Speaker, our veterans risked life and limb for our freedom, but too often the VA has let them down. It is time to put an end to this scheduling manipulation--the cooking of the books--and the false wait- time data.

Holding every VA facility accountable for following scheduling rules is an important, commonsense step as we work to fix the VA so it works for the veterans in our country.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 467, the VA Scheduling Accountability Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Ziker Cleaners.

A staple in the northern Indiana community for generations, Ziker Cleaners represents the heart and soul of the American Dream. In 1917, Joe Ziker, an immigrant and entrepreneur, founded his small tailor shop when he was just 14 years old. Since then, Ziker Cleaners has diversified and grown into a multifaceted company serving the clothing care needs of Hoosiers across South Bend, Mishawaka, and Elkhart.

For the past century, the Ziker family business has been committed to quality, efficiency, and exceptional customer service. Ziker Cleaners' success in business and leadership in its industry are clear in its vast growth and continued innovation through decades of changes in our economy. Now with 10 store locations and four home pick-up and delivery routes, and a brand new state-of-the-art production facility, this Hoosier business continues to provide our community with the convenience and dependability the Ziker brand calls to mind.

I want to thank the Ziker family for all their hard work, dedication, and sacrifice over the years to keep their shops running strong and employing hardworking Hoosiers. Small businesses are the backbone of this country, and Ziker Cleaners is truly an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere. By providing good jobs for the past 100 years, Ziker Cleaners has become an essential part of our community life and local economy.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Indiana's 2nd District, I am honored to recognize Ziker Cleaners for achieving 100 years and four generations of success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mike Lightfoot, who will retire at the end of this season after 30 years as coach of the Bethel College Men's Basketball Team.

The tremendous achievements of the Bethel Pilots Men's Basketball Team are a reflection of Coach Lightfoot's ability to see greatness in his players and inspire the team to be their best. Coach Lightfoot was an inspiration not only to his team, but to the entire Bethel College community. As generations of students, faculty, and fans have gathered at the Wiekamp Athletic Center, committed to the home game excitement and school spirit, Coach Lightfoot has helped foster the team's will to succeed and the institution's faithful turnout.

Coach Lightfoot has led the Bethel Pilots since 1987, and in that time the team secured 796 wins, including four NCCAA National Championships and three NAIA National Championships. His greatest legacy, however, is in helping the countless players he coached grow into strong leaders and dedicated members of their community. He had an amazing ability to connect with these young men, inspiring them to strive for great achievements, as evidenced by the 98 percent graduation rate among Coach Lightfoot's players.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of 2nd District Hoosiers, I want to thank Coach Lightfoot for his unconditional dedication to the Pilots, Bethel College, and our entire community. His innovative coaching styles and effective leadership resonates in the team's excellent record as well as in the personal growth and achievement of every player he helped shape. I am grateful for the example he set for the young Hoosiers of Bethel College.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Kiwanis Club of Elkhart on celebrating 100 years of service.

In 1917, the 36th Kiwanis Club was formed in Elkhart, Indiana. Since then, this incredible unit of volunteers and local leaders has been dedicated to improving the lives of children around the world and right here at home.

Kiwanis Clubs around the country and across the globe aim to encourage, support, and inspire local youth to make a difference in their communities. From rebuilding schools to hosting food drives, Kiwanians are serving others while learning to work together and find positive solutions to society's most challenging problems.

The commitment of Elkhart Kiwanis to serving our community is demonstrated by its signature program, Knowledge is Dynamite--or KID-- Day. Twice a year, they honor a group of local fourth grade students who have demonstrated perseverance and personal growth. Over the last 30 years, they have recognized the achievements of more than 1,300 students and inspired countless more to set and strive toward meaningful goals.

The longstanding tradition of volunteerism and leadership runs strong in the Kiwanis members in Elkhart. I am incredibly grateful for the positive role this organization has played in making our community a better place. When children are empowered to break through obstacles and help those in need, anything is possible. Children are safer, healthier, and happier because of the hard work and determination of Kiwanians. Thanks to the Kiwanis Club, our future is in good hands.

The impressive growth and charitable reach of the Kiwanis Club of Elkhart is a true reflection of the hardworking Hoosier spirit its members embody.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Indiana's 2nd District, I want to thank the Kiwanis Club of Elkhart for continuing to provide such a remarkable opportunity for children and young adults to challenge themselves and fight for worthy causes in their own neighborhoods and on the global stage.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Retirement Planning Week. This is the perfect opportunity to remember that planning for retirement is not just an issue for older Americans.

The National Retirement Planning Coalition has consistently provided support and resources to engage people of all ages to encourage them to ensure their financial future is planned and protected. Preserving Americans' access to income options and workplace savings plans will restore and improve our society's financial security.

I am truly grateful for the hard work of everyone who made the events and activities of this week a success in motivating individuals across the country to plan for retirement. In today's economy, it is more important than ever that Americans start saving for retirement early. Through National Retirement Planning Week, the National Retirement Planning Coalition has created an innovative approach designed to help us `Rethink Retirement.'

National Retirement Planning Week is an important initiative that is sure to have a positive impact on many lives. The educational opportunities throughout this week will provide a foundation for the invaluable asset of early, holistic financial planning.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud the National Retirement Planning Coalition for encouraging early and responsible planning, and for working with my colleagues and me to find bipartisan solutions to make it easier to plan for retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Anders Bjork, a junior at the University of Notre Dame, on being named one of five finalists for the 2017 Hockey Humanitarian Award.

Each year, the Hockey Humanitarian Award recognizes college hockey's ``finest citizen.'' Recipients of this award are individuals who have made significant, long-lasting contributions to their communities in a true, humanitarian spirit.

Anders has been a member of the Fighting Irish Men's Hockey team since his freshman year at Notre Dame. But for Anders, his life here in South Bend is about more than being a student athlete. He is part of this community and plays an integral role in making it better. His dedication is especially clear in his experience working with children in need at a local elementary school.

Shortly before last season started, Anders began volunteering in a third grade class at Perley Fine Arts Academy after his coach encouraged the team to meet new community

service goals. Anders' weekly trips to the elementary school quickly became much more than a way to fulfill a coach's request. He built deep relationships with the students and became a regular fixture in the classroom. He even has his own desk.

The bond forged between the young kids and Anders was not hard to see. Anders found a way to fit in not only with the classroom dynamic but also with the individual students. For the Perley students Anders is a mentor, a role model, and a friend. Through Anders' uplifting spirit and kind heart, these third graders are able to open up to and really learn from him.

His incredible commitment of time and talent and his positive impact on these kids is an inspiration to us all. I am so proud of Anders for this much deserved recognition as a finalist for the Hockey Humanitarian Award.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Indiana's 2nd District, I want to thank Anders Bjork for providing the wonderful support and encouragement I'm sure will stay with these children for years to come. He has truly left a mark on the South Bend community, and I look forward to the great things that lie ahead in his future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Juanita Searfoss, a great Hoosier who is celebrating her 90th birthday today.

Juanita M. Searfoss was born on March 27, 1927, in South Bend, Indiana, to Dorotha M. and Herschel A. Sharp, who were loving Christian parents. She also had three brothers, David C. Sharp (deceased), Jerry D. Sharp of Bonita Springs, Florida, and Ronald (Mary) Sharp of South Bend.

On October 7, 1950, she married Clifford L. Searfoss. They were married for 55 years until his death in 2005. Their loving marriage produced six children, 16 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

Juanita graduated from Central High School in South Bend and Indiana University in Bloomington with a degree in medical technology. She worked for the South Bend Medical Foundation, retiring after 21 years of service.

Juanita has always been active in her church--she has been a member of the Sonlight Fellowship Wesleyan Church since the age of ten--and various volunteer and service organizations. For many years she has planned and made a meal every two months for Hope Ministries. She was a member of Faith in Action, did respite care for several families, and helped support several missionaries, as well as the Northern Indiana Food Bank and Chiara House. She is a member of the St. Joseph County Home Extension Normain club, a Bible study group, Gleaners, a Red Hat Society group, and a hospice organization, just to name a few. In 2008 she was awarded the Golden Hoosier Award for her volunteer work. She still loves to read, travel, play the piano, crochet, and spend time with her family and friends.

Many have benefitted from her strong faith, her kind and caring nature, her quiet wisdom, and her unconditional love.

Happy 90th Birthday, Juanita.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the American Health Care Act.

Yesterday marked 7 years since the ObamaCare law was signed into law. For 7 years, we have seen the same pattern: rising premiums, dwindling options, broken promises, and a collapsing system.

In the State of Indiana, four insurers left the ObamaCare exchange just this year in the past 3 months, forcing 68,000 Hoosiers to shop for a new plan, making it even harder for them to choose and keep their doctor.

But today we have the opportunity to repeal ObamaCare and replace it with a patient-centered system, lowering costs, increasing choices, and providing real protection.

This legislation dismantles ObamaCare's burdensome taxes, mandates, and the job-killing medical device tax.

It gives individuals and families access to quality, affordable health care through refundable tax credits and expanded health savings accounts.

It provides resources for States to tailor solutions to the needs of their citizens, protecting women's health, addressing the opioid crisis.

It gives States flexibility to implement innovative reforms.

It allows my home State to continue building on its patient-centered Healthy Indiana Plan.

It protects patients with preexisting conditions and ensures a stable transition so no one has the rug pulled out from underneath them.

With the American Health Care Act, we are delivering on our promise and acting on the policies of President Trump. This bill is just the first step in a three-part effort to repair our Nation's healthcare system. Coupled with administrative actions and additional legislation, the AHCA will lower costs and build a marketplace with real choices instead of a one-size-fits-all plan.

Mr. Speaker, 7 years of ObamaCare is long enough. Seven years of families seeing their premiums rise, plans canceled, and doctors dropped is enough. Today we can deliver on our promise and put our bold solutions into decisive action. The AHCA is a bill 7 years in the making. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it.