Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Wilbur Bontrager on his retirement from Jayco, Inc., after 47 years of dedicated and impressive service.

Wilbur was intimately involved with Jayco from its inception, having helped his parents Lloyd and Bertha set up the original facility on their family farm in Middlebury in 1968. He officially joined the Jayco team in the spring of 1971, utilizing his engineering and manufacturing skills to drive innovation and growth. He rose to the position of Executive Vice President in 1985, and then became CEO and Chairman of the Board in 1993. He later stepped down as CEO but remained Chairman until his retirement.

Wilbur made invaluable and far-reaching contributions not only to the company but also to the northern Indiana RV industry and our region's economy. Wilbur helped grow the small family business into a manufacturing powerhouse with nearly 4,000 employees. Over the last few decades, northern Indiana has grown into the RV capital of the world, and Hoosiers have dynamic companies like Jayco and excellent leaders like Wilbur to thank for that. Wilbur's remarkable vision and innovation have helped shape the landscape of made-in-America RVs, and the industry is sure to miss his leadership He even received the industry's highest honor in 2008 when he was inducted into the RV Hall of Fame. I want to thank Wilbur for the vital role he has played in creating good jobs for Hoosiers, and for his unwavering commitment over the years to Jayco's hardworking employees.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Wilbur's accomplishments in nearly five decades at Jayco. He defines his approach as doing things the ``Jayco Way,'' and for that we thank him. I am grateful for the legacy Wilbur is leaving behind, and I wish him all the best in the years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Maureen McFadden and congratulate her on a remarkable 40-year career at WNDU- TV. I want to take a moment to honor the iconic legacy Maureen is leaving behind at WNDU-TV and thank her for all she has done for Michiana communities.

A lifelong Hoosier, Maureen has been a fixture in South Bend as a reporter and anchor at WNDU Newscenter 16 for the past four decades. She has played a vital role in making northern Indiana stronger, not only by bringing us the day's news but by always finding ways to serve her neighbors and give back to the community she loves to call home.

Generations of viewers have gotten to know Maureen as she delivers the local news each night. Her career in journalism began in her hometown of South Bend, and though she will soon anchor her last WNDU- TV newscast, her retirement is far from the end of her positive impact. She displays a strong sense of affection and pride for our community when sharing the stories of our fellow Hoosiers. Her steadfast commitment to shining a light on important issues, encouraging community service, and keeping Hoosiers informed and engaged is why Maureen has become such a beloved household name.

I am grateful to Maureen not only for her excellence in journalism, but also for the incredible example she has set for aspiring journalists and young Hoosier women looking to give back and build a brighter future.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the exceptional character, leadership, and compassion Maureen has demonstrated both on and off the air. I wish Mo the very best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Maureen McFadden on a remarkable 40-year career at WNDU-TV. I want to take a moment to honor the iconic legacy Maureen is leaving behind and thank her for all she has done for Michiana communities.

A lifelong Hoosier, Maureen has been a fixture in South Bend as a reporter and anchor at WNDU Newscenter 16 for the past four decades. She has played a

vital role in making northern Indiana stronger not only by bringing us the day's news, but always finding ways to serve her neighbors and give back to the community she loves to call home.

I am grateful to Maureen not only for her excellence in journalism, but also for the incredible example she has set for aspiring journalists and young Hoosier women who are always looking for ways to give back to build a brighter future.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the exceptional character, leadership, and compassion Maureen has demonstrated both on and off the air.

Mo, I wish you the very best.

Madam Speaker, on Monday, February 11, I was unavoidably detained due to inclement weather. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 76, and YEA on Roll Call No. 77.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 962) the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the topic of this Special Order.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today alongside my colleagues to speak out against the radical and dangerous policies being pursued by Democratic leadership and State legislators across the country.

In New York, a new law legalizes what amounts to infanticide-- allowing abortions up to and even after birth for almost any reason-- and ends the safeguards that protect babies born alive after an abortion attempt.

In Virginia, a similar bill is under consideration that could lead to babies being denied lifesaving medical care. As Governor Ralph Northam put it: ``The infant would be kept comfortable . . . and then a discussion would ensue.''

I think this is sickening. That is why my colleagues and I have called for the House vote on H.R. 962, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, a commonsense bill to require that medical care--just medical care--be provided to children who survive a failed abortion.

Sadly, Democratic leadership in the House is standing in the way and refusing even to allow an up-or-down vote on this issue. This is not a partisan issue. It is simply what is right.

We have got to stand together against this radical and inhumane agenda. We must act to protect the rights of all infants.

I am grateful to be joined in this call by so many of my colleagues.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from the Third District of Washington (Ms. Herrera Beutler).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from the Fourth District of New Jersey (Mr. Smith), who is the co-chair of the Bipartisan Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, and I thank Representative Chris Smith for his leadership and courage.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from the Second Congressional District of Alabama (Mrs. Roby).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to my friend from the Second District of Missouri (Mrs. Wagner), who is the sponsor of H.R. 962, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friends who are here, Jaime, Representative Roby, and Representative Ann Wagner standing here, and I reiterate the reason we are here is that we are serious about this.

I did the unanimous consent tonight and asked the Speaker to bring that bill down right now and bring it to a vote.

This is an issue of what is right and what is wrong. This is an issue where we have been able to rise up together tonight and speak for those who not only can't speak for themselves but those that could potentially be born alive in this country and given a lethal injection by a doctor or some other medical professional.

What is going on in this country is absolutely horrific.

I yield to the gentlewoman.

It does happen. We are going to do all we can to absolutely prevent this happening. I thank my colleagues who have spoken so far.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Pence), my friend and fellow Hoosier from Indiana's Sixth District.

Mr. Speaker, I now yield to my friend from the Second District of Tennessee (Mr. Burchett).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to my friend from the Fifth District of North Carolina (Ms. Foxx).

Mr. Speaker, I now yield to my friend from the First District of Kansas (Mr. Marshall).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from the Fourth District of Missouri (Mrs. Hartzler), a great friend of mine who stands for life every single day that she is here.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to inquire on the time remaining.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to my friend from Utah's Second District, Representative Chris Stewart.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to my friend from Florida's Fourth District, Representative John Rutherford.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to my fellow Hoosier from Indiana's Fourth District, Representative Jim Baird.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to my friend from Michigan's Seventh District, Representative Tim Walberg.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to my friend from South Carolina's Fifth District, Ralph Norman.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to my friend from West Virginia's Third District, Representative Carol Miller.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to my friend from Ohio's Sixth District, Representative Bill Johnson.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Washington (Mrs. Rodgers), my friend from Washington's Fifth District.

Mr. Speaker, I would again inquire how much time I have remaining.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood), my friend from Illinois's 18th District.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Walker), my friend from North Carolina's Sixth District.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen), my friend from Georgia's 12th District.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Olson), my friend from Texas' 22nd District.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleagues for joining me this evening to stand up for the most vulnerable among us.

We stand together to defend the sanctity of life, to speak out against a radical anti-life agenda that would effectively legalize infanticide.

I have long fought to defend the unborn, but I am shocked that I now have to defend the right to life of newborn infants. These precious children are in peril, their rights are under attack, their lives are under attack, and this House has the responsibility to act.

Tonight the American people heard our call to action. It is time to vote on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. Will the leadership of this House listen or will the Democratic majority continue to allow this march toward legalized infanticide?

If we don't send a strong message that every baby has been endowed by its creator with inalienable rights, that we are not defending the fundamental principles of the Constitution, if we don't protect these children from harm, we are abandoning the basic truth of our humanity.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues for standing with me here tonight. I urge the support of House bill H.R. 962, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, and to stand against infanticide.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge a vote on H.R. 962, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.

This bill would require doctors to provide medical attention to children who survive an abortion attempt.

Unfortunately, H.R. 962 is needed more than ever with the passage of a radical law in New York State that essentially legalizes infanticide. That law allows abortions up to and even after birth and ends safeguards to protect babies born alive after failed abortions.

Similar bills are being debated right now in States like Virginia, where the Governor spoke of making newborns comfortable while doctors and patients decide if they should be left to die.

We have to stand up against this radical legislation to protect the rights of all infants.

This is not a partisan issue. It is simply what is right to do.

Congress must pass the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, and I urge this Speaker of this House to schedule a vote as soon as possible.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bravery, service, and friendship of Hoosier veteran Joseph Steenbeke and his beloved canine partner Tess.

Joe and Tess served side-by-side to defend our freedom, and they are true American heroes. Joe served in the U.S. Army, working as a Tactical Explosive Detection Dog, or TEDD, handler. From May 2012 to February 2013, he was deployed to Afghanistan with Tess, a Belgian Malinois trained to detect IEDs, at his side.

Joe served his country with courage and strength. But as Joe's wife Stephanie put it: ``He risked his life fighting beside an even stronger force, Tess.'' She was Joe's partner, his protector, and his best friend. When their service together ended, Joe returned home to Indiana, and Tess moved on to her next mission for the Connecticut National Guard. But their bond remained strong.

Over the next five years, Joe never stopped thinking about Tess and never gave up on the idea of adopting her. Like so many of our brave veterans do when they return from war, Joe struggled with PTSD. But his love for Tess and his determination to bring her home

gave him strength and hope. And that's when Stephanie wrote me a letter asking to help them complete this mission.

It was a great honor to work with Joe and Stephanie, the U.S. military, and the Connecticut National Guard to ensure once Tess was retired she could be adopted by her former handler. And I was thrilled to be able to call Joe a few weeks ago with the good news: Tess would soon be his again. Now she is with the Steenbekes in her forever home in Culver, Indiana, taking on her latest mission as Joe's partner, protector, and best friend.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the courage and sacrifice of Joe Steenbeke and the loyal companionship of his beloved dog Tess. On behalf of 2nd District Hoosiers, I am grateful for their service to our country and the powerful example they set. This is more than a story of man's best friend. This is the story of an unbreakable bond between two American heroes.

Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, January 30, I missed a vote on H. Res. 79. Had I been present for the vote on H. Res. 79, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 430, the TANF Extension Act of 2019, which extends the authorization of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, TANF,

program through June 30, while we finish up our work on a long-term extension.

Our safety net is essential to helping people who fall on hard times get back up on their feet, but, too often, it becomes a web that traps people in the cycle of poverty. One of the keys to breaking that cycle is human interaction, rather than treating people and recipients like another number on a government spreadsheet.

It takes people on the front lines of the fight against poverty to make sure we are looking at the root causes of the problem and actually doing something to help people across the country build out and up on the economic ladder out of poverty. Those in the trenches fighting poverty need the flexibility to develop innovative solutions tailored to local needs that will empower individuals to move to work and to achieve the American Dream.

Over these next couple of months, we have a great opportunity to work together on a long-term extension of TANF that makes commonsense reforms to the program to ensure no one gets left behind on the sidelines.

Right now, the status quo is not working. But by focusing on workforce development, measuring work outcomes, and requiring States to engage with recipients at an individual level, we can and we will move people out of poverty, off TANF, and onto the road to success.

I thank Chairman Neal and Ranking Member Brady for their work on this issue. I look forward to working with them and my other colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee on a multiyear TANF extension.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ben Falkowski for his service to Indiana's 2nd District as Chief of Staff in my office. As Ben begins the next chapter in his career, I want to take a moment to reflect on his many achievements and to express my sincerest appreciation for all he has done over the last six years. Ben started working on my team in 2012, with sights set on Washington, D.C. Those who know him would agree that, when Ben sets a goal, he has a knack for achieving it.

In my congressional office here in D.C., he worked his way up from Legislative Correspondent to Legislative Assistant, and he never stopped looking to the future. Ben's hard work, determination, and keen knowledge of public policy and constituent services earned him a trip back to northern Indiana to become my District Director. After two years of steadfastly serving our constituents and leading our district operations, Ben returned to our nation's capital as my Chief of Staff.

In this role, Ben oversaw our team with outstanding leadership that motivated, inspired, and guided everyone to the finish line each and every day.

I could always count on Ben. No matter the time of day or the issue at hand, he was wholeheartedly present and fully prepared to get it done.

I thank Ben for always being my first call. I thank him for never shying away from a challenge. I thank him for helping me fight for hardworking Hoosiers. And I thank him for building up a team of rock stars who share our vision of a brighter future and his passion for making a difference.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ben and thanking him for the part he has played in the historic things we have accomplished for the 2nd District and for the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Forrest Flynn as he celebrates his 100th birthday.

Forrest was born on January 23, 1919, in South Bend, Indiana, as the youngest of four children. He attended a one-room schoolhouse in Middlebury, the town where he has spent the majority of his life. Growing up in northern Indiana taught Forrest how to work hard, be kind to others, and live a meaningful life.

When America entered World War II in 1941, Forrest answered his nation's call to serve and joined the U.S. Army, where he served for three years. At the front, he was a tank retriever for the 7th Army Division, 23rd Company, ferrying tanks in need of maintenance out of enemy fire and into the hands of the Army mechanics. His strength, bravery, and love of country were as steadfast then as they are now.

After returning to civilian life, Forrest remained active in his community. He filled many roles around town, from his job gathering eggs to his work helping build the Mackinac Bridge. He is known by all as a man of great integrity, and he embodies the values of the Hoosier work ethic. And while his life is filled with inspirational moments, those lucky enough to know him well are also blessed with his bright and cheerful spirit that touches your heart and puts a smile on your face.

Madam Speaker, Forrest Flynn sets a strong example, not only as a Hoosier and an American but also as a friend, neighbor, and family man. On behalf of 2nd District Hoosiers, I offer Forrest my hearty congratulations on this incredible milestone, I thank him for his service to our country, and I wish him many more years of continued health and happiness.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired Elkhart Police Officer, Darlene Guthrie. Her acts of selflessness, sacrifice, and public service have distinguished her among her peers, and she is well-deserving of recognition.

For 20 years, Darlene served as a police officer with the Elkhart Police Department, displaying a dedication to public safety and commitment to service that have truly made northern Indiana a better place to live. Now Darlene is serving her fellow Hoosiers by joining the Indiana Guard Reserve.

Darlene has also spent countless hours rescuing animals, helping her neighbors get back on their feet, and volunteering in her community. She combined her experience in law enforcement with her passion for animals to become a nationally certified Animal Cruelty Investigator, eventually taking on the role of rewriting Elkhart County's Animal Ordinance and updating the Elkhart Police Department's animal law summary. And she served on the Elkhart County Humane Society's Board for four years and even became interim director.

She goes above and beyond in everything she does, and her drive to make a difference has not only shined light on the causes closest to her heart but has made her a local leader that organizations and institutions look to for guidance. Her distinguished leadership and love of family, community, and country are what brought her to her most recent accomplishment at the age of 52: graduating from the Indiana Guard Reserve Basic Training on December 15, 2018.

Darlene's determination to never give up no matter what life brings is an inspiration to us all and teaches a positive message of perseverance. We can all learn from someone who never shies away from a challenge and always strives to do what is right. It is a privilege to represent Hoosiers like Darlene who continue to strengthen our community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Darlene Guthrie for her honorable service to the northern Indiana community, and congratulating her on her graduation to become a member of the Indiana Guard Reserve. Darlene is a role model, a leader, and a dedicated public servant who inspires us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired Elkhart Police Officer Darlene Guthrie. Her acts of selflessness, sacrifice, and public service have distinguished her among her peers, and she is well-deserving of recognition.

For 20 years, Darlene served as a police officer with the Elkhart Police Department, displaying a dedication to public safety and commitment to service that have truly made northern Indiana a better place to live. Now Darlene is serving her fellow Hoosiers by joining the Indiana Reserve Guard.

Darlene has also spent countless hours rescuing animals, helping her neighbors get back on their feet, and volunteering in her community. She combined her experience in law enforcement with her passion for animals to become a nationally certified Animal Cruelty Investigator, eventually taking on the role of rewriting Elkhart County's Animal Ordinance and updating the Elkhart Police Department's animal law summary. And she served on the Elkhart County Humane Society's Board for four years and even became interim director.

She goes above and beyond in everything she does, and her drive to make a difference has not only shined light on the causes closest to her heart but has made her a local leader that organizations and institutions look to for guidance. Her distinguished leadership and love of family, community, and country are what brought her to her most recent accomplishment at the age of 52: graduating from the Indiana Guard Reserve Basic Training on December 15, 2018.

Darlene's determination to never give up no matter what life brings is an inspiration to us all and teaches a positive message of perseverance. We can all learn from someone who never shies away from a challenge and always strives to do what is right. It is a privilege to represent Hoosiers like Darlene who continue to strengthen our community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Darlene Guthrie for her honorable service to the northern Indiana community, and congratulating her on her graduation to become a member of the Indiana Guard Reserve. Darlene is a role model, a leader, and a dedicated public servant who inspires us all.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a mix of sorrow and gratitude that I rise today to commemorate the incredible life of LeRoy Troyer, who passed away Sunday, December 2, 2018.

LeRoy was born and raised in Middlebury, Indiana, and graduated from the University of Notre Dame.

LeRoy's strong Hoosier values were deeply rooted and remained true for his entire life. He built a successful career, starting with his own architectural firm, Troyer Group, and a beautiful life for his wife, Phyllis, and their three sons, Don, Ron, and Terry. Thanks to his steadfast leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, Troyer Group became a mainstay in the northern Indiana business community, and he made a lasting difference in all that he did.

LeRoy enjoyed tremendous success throughout his career, but his biggest accomplishments were in service to others. For the past several decades, he gave much to Habitat for Humanity, through which he formed a unique partnership with former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn. Through the Carter Work Project, they built or repaired 4,290 homes in 14 different countries, including 23 in Mishawaka just this past August. His hard work and dedication to Habitat's mission earned him high praise from our 39th President: ``He's been a true inspiration to us.''

A mark of the fruition of his skill and expertise, LeRoy led the Troyer Group's design and construction of the Ark Encounter in Kentucky. This 510-foot long, 85-foot wide, and 51-foot high, full-size replica of Noah's Ark as described in the Bible is the featured attraction at the biblical theme park. The craftsmanship of this grand structure, a project of great magnitude and meaning, demonstrates LeRoy's ability to bring an architectural dream to life.

LeRoy embodied the best of the Hoosier ethos. He was diligent, industrious, innovative, and generous. And above all, he was devoted to his family and loved his country. I will be forever grateful for his valuable wisdom and foresight when it came to creative building projects and things that would continue to promote growth in our community.

By the grace of God, he was surrounded by family in his last moments. I want to thank Phyllis for all she has done to honor his legacy and comfort their children during this difficult time. Our community will always remember LeRoy for his selflessness and for the passion that drove him to make a real difference in people's lives.