Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall #125 on H.R. 1765, I am not recorded because of the death of a close personal friend. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall #126 on the Dent amendment to H.R. 527, I am not recorded because of the death of a close personal friend. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall #127 on the motion to recommit H.R. 527 with instructions, I am not recorded because of the death of a close personal friend. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall #128 on H.R. 527, I am not recorded because of the death of a close personal friend. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, today I wish to honor the legacy of Robert `Bob' Jessop Beer. Born on August 8, 1943 to Harry L. and Lucille Jessop Beer, Robert is a lifelong Hoosier, proud family man, entrepreneur, and soldier whose contributions have made a positive impact on the Milford Community.

In 1962, Robert graduated from Warsaw High School and proudly served his country as a U.S. Army Reservist from 1964-1970. He married his beautiful wife, Jacquelyn Craft, on September 11, 1965, and together had eight lovely children. Robert's entrepreneurial spirit led him to be the President and CEO of his business, Beer's & Jessop's Company, Inc., where he worked for many years.

Robert's contributions stemmed far beyond his immediate family and business, his presence was well-known to many Hoosiers in the community. For more than 40 years, Robert served as the precinct committeeman for Van Buren Township and was the Chairman of the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals. Along with his civic duties, Robert was a past patron of the Kosciusko Chapter 169 order of the Eastern Star and a member of Kosciusko Masonic Lodge 418 F&AM.

Robert leaves behind an incredible legacy that will surely live on to inspire many Hoosiers in the community to lend a hand in the community and help others. His family, including his wife, Jacquelyn, children, and grandchildren will remain in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

I am honored to recognize the life of Robert `Bob' Jessop Beer and extend my deepest sympathies to his loved ones. Joining Hoosiers across the State, we mourn his loss and remember the leadership that will continue motivating us all to serve our communities.

Mr. Speaker, I come to the House floor today with a heavy heart; yet, also with personal pride to pay tribute to a great American, Hoosier, mentor, and friend to many: Donald H. Heckard. Don was born on June 19, 1924, in Cass County, Indiana, and he passed away March 1, 2013.

Countless Hoosier friends marked the passing of an iconic figure who cast a significant influence over Indiana politics and vocational education for nearly a half century. For many of the current generation, Don Heckard was the archetypal Hoosier Republican. Conservative in matters of personal and public finance, Don's key to success was his ability to assess an issue, make good decisions, and apply hard work and dedication to the task at hand. Don spent his entire life as a steward of the land in Noble Township, Cass County and was proud to be called a farmer. He was also the owner operator of Logan City Ice Company for thirty three years. To all those who bought ice bags in central Indiana on a hot summer day, Don was known as ``Logan Ice.''

With strong beliefs in his community and love of family, Don actively served his church in Logansport, Indiana, as a deacon, trustee, elder and Sunday school teacher. Don was appointed by then Governor Otis Bowen as a State Director and Chairman of the Board of the Ivy Tech Community College. Don presided over a period of dramatic growth and development of the regional campus program.

Gerald Gerry Lamkin, President of Ivy Tech Community College, 1983- 2007, in his book, ``Building Indiana's Community College: My 40-Year Journey,'' paid tribute to Don Heckard as follows:

I've written much about Don Heckard of Logansport. Of many

exceptional members of the State Board of Trustees, none was

better than Heckard. I'm not sure what made him so effective?

Perhaps it was that he was a farmer, businessman and

politician and good at all of them. (As a district party

chair, he sat on the Republican state committee. Political

people from across Indiana and the nation sought his advice

and still do.) A thoughtful man, he's loyal to friends and

associates. He sizes up situations well, consistently makes

good decisions, possesses excellent judgment and is

unflappable. He doesn't argue for perfection, but does expect

effort and effectiveness. These qualities made him an

extraordinary trustee.

Don had a deep love for his country and expressed his patriotism by his active involvement in politics. He served as a County Councilman for eleven years, and beginning in the 1970s, as Cass County Republican Chairman, Second and Fifth Congressional District Chairman during the governorships of Otis Bowen and Robert Orr, contributing significantly to their election and to Republican control of the legislature during the period. Don served as a committed Ford delegate to the GOP National Convention that nominated Gerald Ford for the presidency in 1976, and subsequently served as State Chairman of Farmers for Ford. As a Congressional District chairman, Don served on the Republican State Committee and was a delegate to thirteen Indiana Republican State Conventions. Don was also a mentor and personal advisor to Congressman Steve Buyer for 18 years.

Indiana has a special way to recognize one of the state's favorite sons and daughters by awarding the Sagamore of the Wabash as Indiana's highest citizen award. Don was twice an honoree named Sagamore of the Wabash, once by Governor Otis Bowen and the other by Governor Robert Orr.

Don was a noble businessman, civic and political leader, and devoted family man from what American history has crowned the greatest generation. His principles, work ethic, virtues, and values have left positive impressions to the betterment of others in a manner in which the name of Donald H. Heckard will be forever etched in our National Book of Remembrance.

Mr. Chairman, today we're not talking about balancing a budget for the sake of balancing a budget. The goal is not to just check a box. What we're discussing today is about more than just this procedure of a budget. We're debating the kind of future that we're going to leave our kids.

Today, the choice is clear: if Congress does not get spending under control, our Nation faces a debt crisis that will only make our financial situation worse. House Republicans did recognize this and the urgency of the hour, and we acted.

I'm proud to have worked with my colleagues on the Budget Committee to produce a budget that does make responsible reforms, promotes economic growth and job creation. The House Republican budget does balance in 10 years and gets our Nation back on track.

The Democrats' budget doesn't balance at all within CBO's budget window, and it includes a $1.2 trillion increase in taxes. Our budget reforms the Tax Code and lowers taxes for everyone.

Hardworking Hoosier families sit around their kitchen tables today, tonight, this evening, and make tough choices to keep their budgets. Our households and businesses work hard to live within their means, and the Federal Government should do the same.

The basic principle of keeping budgets is important to all American families. When I'm home in the Second District in the State of Indiana and I'm in the grocery store on Saturday mornings, there are moms that come up to me and they're worried about the rising cost of eggs. They're talking about the price of a gallon of milk.

They're concerned about whether their kids will have a future. Will they really go to college? Will there be jobs for them when they come out of college? Will there be jobs for them if they don't go to college? What happens when they do enter the workforce?

The truth is this: the uncertainty in Washington is what burdens our families at home. It's time for us in Washington to be accountable and pass a responsible budget.

According to Stanford University, in addition to what the chairman mentioned, their economists said that this Republican budget would result in $1,500 more for each household in 2014 and $4,000 more for each household by 2024.

Our budget includes commonsense policies that will spur investments and job creation and roll back the regulations that hurt businesses and stifle economic growth.

History will be our judge by the future that we leave to our children. If we refuse to make responsible, serious decisions about this budget, we'll jeopardize the American Dream for future generations. We have to ensure that our children have the same, if not better, opportunities to succeed than we have.

I urge my colleagues to make a responsible decision, oppose this amendment, and support the House Republican budget.

Today, hardworking Hoosier families sit around their kitchen tables and make tough decisions to keep a balanced budget. The Federal Government should do the same thing.

In the State of Indiana, we were able to balance our budget and get our fiscal house in order. We created jobs and we kept taxes low using a commonsense, step-by-step approach.

It's time for this Congress to pass a responsible budget that reins in spending and promotes economic growth and job creation. House Republicans have introduced a budget that balances in 10 years while protecting the most vulnerable among us. Proposals by the Senate Democrats never balance and will jeopardize our seniors and our poor by spending our country into bankruptcy.

We cannot afford to wait. I urge my colleagues to support the House Republican budget resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I submit these remarks in honor of my aunt, Mrs. Betty Hechlinski of South Bend, Indiana who turns 80 years old today. A lifelong Hoosier resident, Aunt Betty was the oldest of three children and attended school in her hometown of South Bend, graduating from St. Adalbert Elementary School and Washington High School.

Aunt Betty has always assumed a natural leadership role in the Walorski family, particularly to my father, the late Ray Walorski. The proud mother of three children and five grandchildren, Aunt Betty continues to stay busy in the community, attending church and blessing us all with her wonderful cooking at family gatherings. As the matriarch of the Walorski family, she continues to remind us of the power of generosity and kindness. I am honored to join our family and friends in wishing Aunt Betty a Happy Birthday, with many more years of continued health and joyful memories.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge the passage of the Violence Against Women Act of 2013.

Let me just start off by saying that I support this bill because it is the right thing to do. I am committed to ending violence against all women. This bill takes the necessary steps to protect the rights of all of our mothers, our daughters, and wives.

The statistics are appalling. It's reported that, in the United States alone, more than 24 people each minute are victims of some sort of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. That equals more than 12 million individuals each year. These types of crimes happen to individuals from all walks of life. No gender, race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status is immune. This bill provides protection for everyone who may become victim to sexual and domestic violence.

I support this bill because it implements new accountability standards that make programs more effective. These reforms prevent taxpayer dollars from being wasted. They ensure that more money is being used to assist victims and to reduce the amount of violence that happens against women. By limiting the amount of money that can be spent on salaries and administrative costs, this bill provides greater protections for women by maximizing the amount of funding that goes directly to the victims. It is time for us to do the right thing and pass this bill.

A constituent of mine from South Bend, Indiana, recently wrote my office. She said:

As a woman who has experienced domestic violence and

stalking in my own home, and as a physician who has cared for

persons affected by domestic violence, I see this as an

important tool to improve the quality of life in our Nation.

I urge the Members of this Chamber, both Republican and Democrat, to do the right thing and pass this bill today.

Mr. Speaker, today I wish to honor the legacy of Ralph William Braun. Born on December 18, 1940 in Winamac, Indiana, Ralph is a lifelong Hoosier, proud family man, and entrepreneur whose contributions positively impacted thousands of lives in the community. As the Founder and CEO of the Braun Corporation, his company's specialized mobility products have improved the everyday lives of individuals across the globe.

Ralph's passion to help others was fostered at a young age, as he struggled with spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic defect that causes muscle damage. In an effort to improve his own mobility, Ralph developed and assembled a three-wheel scooter. Realizing that others suffered from the same issue, he founded the Save-A-Step Manufacturing Company in 1963, a company that later became known as The Braun Corporation. Today Braun Corporation has grown into a world-wide company, with its headquarters still based in the Second District of Winamac, Indiana.

His contributions did not stop there. In 2010, Ralph started the Ralph Braun Foundation to continue helping the disabled population obtain mobility equipment. His contributions were recognized by a robust group of organizations with awards and honors, including The White House's 2012 ``Champion of Change'' award. Ralph's effort and donations to the community have touched many, and he will be sorely missed.

Ralph leaves behind an incredible legacy that will surely live on to inspire future Americans and encourage new innovation. His family, including his wife, Melody, children, and grandchildren will remain in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

I am honored to recognize the life of Ralph William Braun and extend my deepest sympathies to his loved ones. Joining Hoosiers across the state, we mourn his loss and remember the leadership that will continue motivating us all to help others.

Mr. Speaker, I will remind my distinguished colleague from Indiana that Notre Dame was undefeated this year. It was a very successful season, and we'll just put that on the record.

Mr. Speaker, I am deeply humbled to represent the people of Indiana's Second Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. Today I speak for the first time before this Chamber and on their behalf.

To the hardworking Hoosier families in north central Indiana, thank you for sending me to Washington. I'm eager to work with my colleagues here to make raising a family and sending a child to college just a little bit easier.

To the small business owners in South Bend to Plymouth, please know that each day I will work tirelessly to strengthen the economy so you can employ those who want to work within our community.

To the senior citizens between La Porte and Peru, you can count on my support to restore the American Dream and ensure that America's best days are not behind her in the past, who absolutely want to put our future and our future generations on a solid concrete path.

Mr. Speaker, I want to let the people of Indiana know that in the coming weeks they'll hear many assertions in the debate over whether Congress should increase the debt ceiling. The people of Indiana deserve to hear the truth. The entire Nation deserves to hear the truth:

The truth is that, even as I speak, our national debt is spiraling out of control toward $16.5 trillion;

The truth is that the United States has not run one, not two, not three, but four consecutive trillion dollar budget deficits;

The truth is that this Federal Government is borrowing an unthinkable 46 cents for every dollar it spends, while throwing our children under the weight of the bill;

The truth is that the share of the national debt for every family in Indiana is a staggering $143,190. For every Hoosier, it's $52,737;

The truth, Mr. Speaker, is that it's time for us to stop spending money we simply do not have.

Admiral Mike Mullen, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has warned us. He said, ``the single biggest threat to our national security is our debt.''

In order to get our debt under control, we first must completely take care of our spending. As families in Indiana's Second District and all across the Nation, we have to prioritize spending, we have to create budgets and live within our means; so should this Congress of the United States.

Each day that we delay getting our fiscal house in order, we threaten the safety and well-being of those we love and care about the most. We threaten the opportunity and promise of future generations by limiting the resources we have to invest in infrastructure and education. Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier, the truth is that it's time for us to stop spending money we simply do not have.

As big as our national debt may be, Americans have always been able to come together and solve big problems. I thank the good people of Indiana for electing me to listen to their needs and bring good Hoosier common sense to Washington. I look forward to working together in this Congress on their behalf and to tackling our most serious issues.

Ladies and gentlemen, the clock is ticking. Let's get to work.