Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor First Sergeant Rajendra Tony Singh of South Bend. His acts of heroism and sacrifice in service to our country are an inspiration to us all.

Sergeant Singh has served three combat tours in Iraq and another in Afghanistan in his 21 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He is a true leader who loves his country and is devoted to his fellow servicemembers. His abilities and actions have earned him well-deserved recognition, including a Navy Commendation Medal with a V, a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, a Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation among many others. These decorations are a sign of his good character, dedication, and patriotism.

Sergeant Singh has always gone above and beyond to help others and make a real difference for those in need. His service to our country overseas is matched by his service to his community here at home. Sergeant Singh is a distinguished leader among his peers and a guiding light for his family. I want to thank his wife Marilyn for her incredible strength and for the support she has given to her family while her husband serves. I have no doubt their children Sabrina, Anthony, and Steven will grow up to be as driven and compassionate as their father.

Sergeant Singh's legacy and career exemplify what it means to be a Marine. His steadfast commitment to humanitarian efforts as well as to preserving our way of life has made our nation and our communities stronger. We are grateful for his continued service and selfless dedication to this country. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking First Sergeant Rajendra T. Singh for his honorable service to our country and wishing him all the best in the amazing things I'm sure lie ahead for him and his family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of National Skilled Nursing Care Week and to thank the nurses, staff, and volunteers at nursing care centers like Healthwin Specialized Care in South Bend who provide invaluable services and ensure Hoosiers in our community have what they need to live full and meaningful lives.

My fellow Hoosiers in South Bend and Mishawaka, Indiana, who reside in nursing homes, skilled nursing care, and transitional therapy centers have contributed immeasurably to the heritage and success and growth of our community. Nursing home residents of any age or ability are themselves living history and are precious to us all.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in ``Celebrating Life's Stories'' in honor of the national theme for this year's Skilled Nursing Care Week. I also urge everyone in our community to visit a loved one, friend, or neighbor currently residing in a skilled nursing care center to show respect for all that they have given to society and to us.

Let no elderly and disabled American wonder if they are valued, appreciated, and loved. Make sure they know that they are. Visiting or volunteering your time at a local care facility is a testament to community spirit, brings honor to our fathers, mothers, grandmothers, veterans, and everyone in residence, and lifts the spirits of caregivers who value your involvement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the bipartisan IRS reform package, including the 21st Century IRS Act.

There is a trust gap that exists between taxpayers and the IRS, and the IRS' information technology systems are a good example of why. The IRS has an urgent need to overhaul its IT systems, some of which date back to the Kennedy administration. But repeated mistakes, big and small, undermine our trust in them.

Take the $12 million they spent on a new email system they couldn't use. The inspector general report revealed the IRS bought it without first determining project infrastructure needs, integration requirements, business requirements, and whether the subscriptions were technologically feasible.

Or take the Return Review Program, the RRP. The new fraud detection program came in years behind schedule and hundreds of millions of dollars over budget. Here are just a few of the reasons the IRS cited when it put the RRP into a strategic pause in 2014.

They said, they paused ``to determine the priority and direction from IRS senior leadership; to articulate and align on RRP's role in the broader business vision; to ensure clear and concise understanding of scope, cost, and schedule'' with contractors; and, finally, budgetary constraints.

Mr. Speaker, unforced errors are turning vital projects into boondoggles. We could be applauding the IRS for buying a system off the shelf. Instead, we are scolding them for not asking the most basic questions before buying it.

I hear complaints about the IRS' budget, and I think about the RRP. Senior leadership gave no direction, no one knew how it would fit into the big picture, and contractors were way out of the loop. Everyone essentially ran in circles until they ran out of money. You know what? More money can't fix failed leadership or a broken culture. Better guidelines, codified rules, and more intentional strategic planning can.

That is why I introduced H.R. 5362, the IRS Information Technology Accountability Act, and I am thankful it was included in the 21st Century IRS Act. My bill takes some important steps to prevent future boondoggles and instill accountability.

Number one, codifying the responsibilities of the chief information officer, or the CIO; two, requiring the CIO to develop, implement, and update a multiyear IT strategic plan; and three, requiring regular coordination between the CIO and the chief procurement officer.

It also singles out two major projects for independent verification and validation. The first is CADE 2. It is still years from completion and almost a decade and $1 billion spent. The other, Enterprise Case Management, is a system that was supposed to be used agency-wide but was suspended because the IRS bought software that couldn't be used agency-wide. These projects need to be on a better trajectory.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud we are taking important bipartisan steps to close this IRS trust gap. I want to thank Chairman Brady, Chairman Jenkins, and Mr. Bishop for all of their hard work on this bill. I urge my colleagues to support the 21st Century IRS Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Fighting Irish Notre Dame women's basketball team on winning its second National Championship after completing the largest comeback in NCAA championship history.

Each year, 64 teams compete for a shot at the NCAA National Championship. The Notre Dame women played relentless defense and showed unstoppable skill, taking it one game at a time until they reached the top.

All season long, the Fighting Irish showed sheer determination and refused to give up. The players, coaches, and staff have shown incredible commitment of their time and talent toward this impressive basketball program. I am so proud of the Fighting Irish Notre Dame women's basketball team for winning this much-deserved championship title. Thank you to head coach Muffet McGraw for her distinguished leadership and amazing ability to connect with her players and inspire them to strive for greatness.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Fighting Irish Notre Dame women's basketball program on winning the NCAA National Championship. Their positive impact reaches Hoosiers in our community both on and off the court. I look forward to the great things to come in their future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lucille Powell, a great Hoosier who is celebrating her 99th birthday.

Lucille O. Powell was born on April 15, 1919, in Bourbon, Indiana. In June of 1938, she married her late husband Dell I. Powell, who passed away in 2006. For 68 wonderful years, they raised their family and built a beautiful life together. With six children, 19 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, and 29 great-great-grandchildren, Lucille's world is full of joy, laughter, and countless reasons to celebrate.

Dell heroically served our country in the Army in Germany during WWII, and Lucille supported her family, tirelessly caring for their three children. Lucille and Dell were a part of the Greatest Generation of Americans whose efforts to defend our freedom through determination, hard work, and resolve led to immense success and prosperity for our country.

Lucille and her husband continued to embody the American Dream, working side by side, running a small business in Mishawaka. Their business undoubtedly helped fuel the local economy and provide secure jobs to hardworking Hoosiers. Their commitment to our community helped drive Indiana's economy forward and exemplified the strong economic climate in which Hoosiers are able to start and grow businesses.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Indiana's 2nd District, I want to thank Lucille for all she has done to make Mishawaka a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Lucille stands out not only because of her hardworking Hoosier spirit, but also because of her devotion to her family, friends, and neighbors.

Many have benefitted from her kind and caring nature, her endless encouragement, and her unconditional love. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending Lucille our congratulations and best wishes.

Happy 99th Birthday, Lucille.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Varns and Hoover Hardware, a family-owned business that has been a fixture in the Middlebury community for more than 125 years and that will soon be passed down to the fifth generation.

In the late 1800s, Ellwsorth Varns moved his hardware store to the heart ofMiddlebury, Indiana, from Michigan. The store started out serving farmers and families in this sinall town, but over time it grew and adapted to the changing economic times. The success and longevity of Varns and Hoover Hardware lies in the family's dedication to serving their neighbors and providing high-quality products at a friendly and convenient location.

The store always addressed the specific needs of the town with products that served family farmers, small businesses, the large Amish community, and the growing manufacturing industry. Now more than a century later, it remains a central stop for the small town's residents to get the products they need as well as catch up with their neighbors. Its charm and character come from its welcoming and personal feel and the friendly smiles that greet you when you walk in.

Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and it is a privilege to represent a family so devoted to the prosperity of their community for so many years. To honor Varns and Hoover Hardware is to honor what it means to achieve the American Dream. With ownership now being passed down to fifth-generation family member Nathan Miller, I am grateful to be able to recognize such a pivotal moment in the history of this Hoosier family, their small business, and the community they serve.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Varns and Hoover Hardware and in wishing them the best in all the years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Varns and Hoover Hardware, which has been a fixture in the Middlebury community for more than 125 years.

The success and longevity of this family-owned business lies in the family's dedication to serving their neighbors and providing high- quality products with a friendly smile.

Small businesses like this are the backbone of the American economy, and it is a privilege to represent a family so devoted to the prosperity of their community for so many years.

To honor Varns and Hoover Hardware is to honor what it means to achieve the American Dream.

With ownership now being passed down to the fifth generation family member, Nathan Miller, I am grateful to be able to recognize such a pivotal moment in the history of this Hoosier family, their small business, and the community that they serve.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Varns and Hoover Hardware and in wishing them the best in all the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the incredible life of a great man. The Reverend Billy Graham spent his life serving God and proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Many who heard him share the Good Word considered him to be America's pastor. But throughout his life, he was always a humble and faithful servant.

Decades ago, I had the opportunity to attend a Billy Graham Crusade at Notre Dame with my family. I will never forget seeing so many people having the opportunity to hear the message that God loves you--a very simple message. No matter who you are, no matter your background, Billy would declare: God loves you.

Billy Graham brought this message of compassion, hope, and the power of God's grace to millions of people from all walks of life. He also brought it to the leaders of the free world as a friend and counselor to the Presidents of both parties.

Tomorrow he will lie in honor in the Capitol rotunda. It is fitting to honor him as we honor our Nation's leaders, not just because they changed history, but because he changed our hearts.

His greatest legacy is the people he helped to be closer to the Lord.

Mr. Speaker, Billy Graham is home now. We give thanks to God that He raised up such a humble man with a servant's heart, and we pray that his powerful message will live on.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Maple Leaf Farms on celebrating 60 wonderful years. This family-owned operation has been a staple in northern Indiana and the U.S. duck industry since 1958.

Donald Wentzel set out not only to be a successful business owner in northern Indiana, but also to be a trailblazer in duck farming across the country. He believed in local, sustainable, and cost-efficient farming that would produce the highest-quality products for his customers. Four generations later, the family's values and vision live on as the business continues to expand.

While 60 years of successful operation is a tremendous accomplishment, Maple Leaf Farms' expansion, production capabilities, and newest global ventures speak volumes to the dedication and ingenuity of the Tucker family. I am proud to learn of the strong business model and outstanding leadership of the Tuckers that has led Maple Leaf Farms to handle 10 million ducks a year and supply products worldwide.

It is truly an honor to represent such passionate and committed Hoosier farmers as the Tuckers, and I am grateful for the positive contributions they've made to our community. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of 2nd District Hoosiers, I want to thank Maple Leaf Farms for strengthening Indiana's farming community and wish them all the best in their next 60 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4979, which extends the Generalized System of Preferences--or GSP-- program through 2020.

GSP helps American manufacturers, both big and small, cut input costs, which, in turn, lowers prices for consumers. Companies saved $865 million in import duties in 2017 alone.

I thank the chairman, in particular, for including my bipartisan bill, H.R. 4068, the Competitive Need Limitation Modernization Act, which I introduced with my friends, the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Titus) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Ross).

My bill makes two small but important technical fixes to the competitive need limitation--or CNL--process. CNLs are exemptions granted by the government on products that exceed the dollar or percentage thresholds for GSP eligibility. They can be granted for a number of reasons, including national security, no domestic production, or low import levels.

Manufacturers in my district reached out to my office when they were denied a CNL on a type of wood not found in the U.S. But because of a government spreadsheet that stated there was a domestic product that was like or directly competitive as of January 1, 1995, they were denied. There was no information beyond that, just that date and that spreadsheet. The manufacturers even had sworn affidavits from producers in the industry saying there was actually nothing like or directly competitive to this wood in the U.S., but it didn't matter.

This arbitrary and inflexible date forces manufacturers like the ones in my district to pay millions in unnecessary duties, hurting American workers and consumers. And it hurts domestic producers that have brought jobs back to the U.S. since 1995 because that date is all that matters in a CNL application.

My bill changes that date to the last three calendar years to better reflect current domestic production. It also better synchronizes CNL application dates and the date that full-year trade data is released to provide more certainty.

I am glad we are taking this step to reauthorize GSP and to ensure that it is working the way Congress intended. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Maple Leaf Farms on celebrating 60 wonderful years. This family-owned operation has been a staple in northern Indiana and the U.S. duck industry since 1958.

While 60 years of successful operations is a tremendous accomplishment, Maple Leaf Farms' expansion, production capabilities, and newest global ventures speak volumes to the dedication and ingenuity of the Tucker family. I am proud to learn of the strong business model and outstanding leadership of the Tuckers that has led Maple Leaf Farms to handle 10 million ducks a year and supply products worldwide.

It is truly an honor to represent such passionate and committed Hoosier farmers as the Tuckers. I am grateful for the positive contributions they have made to our community.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Second District Hoosiers, I want to thank Maple Leaf Farms for strengthening Indiana's farming community, and I wish them all the best in their next 60 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Joyce Newton. When Joyce passed away on Tuesday, January 16, our nation lost a devoted leader who loved her country, and I lost a good friend.

Joyce and her husband Bob, who passed away in 2012, lived a meaningful life full of love, laughter, and happiness. In 1957, the Newtons started Hoosier Racing Tire. With his determination and her steady guidance, the Newtons transformed their small family business into the world's largest producer of race tires.

Joyce and Bob Newton put their heart and soul into everything they did, and 61 years after they started their business, our community is so much stronger thanks to their generosity. As Hoosier Racing Tire grew, they began giving back to ensure their own children and Hoosiers across our community would have every opportunity to succeed. As a symbol of her inspiring hard work and determination, our community expressed its gratitude for Joyce by selecting her to represent Lakeville as a torchbearer in Indiana's Bicentennial Torch Relay.

Joyce's four kids, 12 grandkids, and 13 great-grandkids--and counting--will always remember the kind, loving person she was. They will also fondly remember their countless family vacations, trips to country music concerts, and the various community events in which Joyce was intimately involved. This family's close bond was held together by Joyce's giving heart and contagious smile.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the life Joyce Newton led and for her service to the northern Indiana community. Her passion for helping others strengthened Lakeville and all surrounding areas and improved the lives of everyone she knew. I am honored to ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating her life and recognizing her outstanding public service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate life, to stand for the idea that every human life is a gift from God, and to join my colleagues in renewing our commitment to defend the inherent dignity of every person born or unborn.

This week, we will vote on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which says that a baby born after a failed abortion attempt should be given the same medical care as a baby born any other way.

The same day, hundreds of thousands of our fellow Americans will march on the Nation's capital to celebrate the sanctity of life. Those who march for life come from every corner of the Nation to be voices for the voiceless and to defend the most vulnerable among us. Such compassion, their dedication to this worthy cause, gives us hope that, through service and action, we can foster a culture of life.

Mr. Speaker, each and every life is precious. That is why we must continue to be tireless in our work to defend the sanctity of life and to protect the unborn.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support today of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

If you believe the rhetoric you hear, you may think this bill means the world is ending. I guarantee you, it is not.

The truth is this tax cut bill means a brighter future for the hardworking people and hardworking Americans who will have more money in their pockets and a better shot at the American Dream.

Here are the facts: we are cutting taxes for Americans at all income levels. We are doubling the standard deduction. We are doubling the child tax credit and preserving the adoption tax credit. We are keeping deductions for charitable giving, mortgage interest, medical expenses, and student loan interest. We are improving 529 education plans and leaving retirement savings alone. People will be able to keep more of their money they earn and spend less time filing their taxes.

Mr. Speaker, this isn't just a good bill, this is a great bill. This isn't the Apocalypse. It is a new day in America.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to make history and support this momentous bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate William and Marilyn Wilkinson of South Bend, Indiana, on celebrating 60 years of marriage.

William and Marilyn met in college and married in 1957. Reaching this milestone speaks volumes about the love and compassion they share for one another and the family they built together.

For nearly five decades, the Wilkinsons have called northern Indiana home. Their life revolves around faith, love, and family, and over the years they have made lasting contributions to our Hoosier community. William and Marilyn have not only spent their lives giving back to those in need, they have remained active in ensuring future generations have a bright future in this country.

In 1987, this passion to help others drove William and his son Jay to create PeopleLink, a staffing company in Mishawaka. The success of this family business is a reflection of the strength of William and Marilyn's partnership and their determination to achieve the American Dream.

They have instilled in their two children, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren the ideals of courage, kindness, determination, and service. Today is a celebration not only of their love, but also of the incredible legacy they have created.

It is truly an honor to represent such kindhearted, hardworking Hoosiers who inspire us all to live more meaningful lives and make a positive difference in the world around us.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of 2nd District Hoosiers, I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to William and Marilyn Wilkinson on their anniversary, and I join their family in celebrating the occasion.