Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for all of his work.

Madam Speaker, I can't tell you how grateful I am to cast a vote to move our Tax Code one step closer to its first overhaul in 31 years.

We know the Tax Code is broken. The American people know the Tax Code is broken. They are reminded every time they look at their paycheck. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will deliver progrowth tax reform to the families, farmers, manufacturers, and workers in my district.

For families, we are delivering tax cuts so that hardworking Hoosiers can keep more of their hard-earned money. We are enhancing the child tax credit, preserving the Adoption tax credit, encouraging retirement savings, and streamlining 15 different education tax incentives.

We are delivering a Tax Code so simple that most Americans can file taxes on a postcard. In my district, 80 percent of filers already take the standard deduction. They will be able to keep even more of their money, because the standard deduction is doubled, and most itemizers will now be able to save time, money, and stress by taking the double standard deduction instead.

No one is ever excited to file their taxes, but I am all for a simpler, quicker process that makes it much more pain-free.

H.R. 1 helps job creators grow. Small businesses get a lower rate and more simplicity. Family businesses passed down for generations won't have to worry about the estate tax anymore, and America will be a more attractive place to do business.

Our antiquated Tax Code keeps investment in jobs out. This bill incentivizes companies to bring profits back, to locate facilities here, and to grow American jobs and raise wages.

Madam Speaker, I was so proud to vote for this bill in the Ways and Means Committee, and I am proud to be a part of this House that is delivering yet another crucial step toward tax cuts, simplicity, and fairness.

Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the recent passage of H.R. 1488, the Indiana Dunes National Park Act, which passed the House unanimously yesterday.

This bill renames the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore as the Indiana Dunes National Park, creating the first national park in Indiana and the 60th in the country.

The Indiana Dunes are a treasured source of natural beauty where Hoosiers and their families can enjoy countless recreational activities. It is a diverse landscape consisting of dunes, oak savannas, swamps, bogs, marshes, prairies, rivers, and forests, creating one of the most biologically diverse areas in the country. The park contains over 2,000 unique animal and plant species.

Making the Dunes National Lakeshore Indiana's first national park will draw the attention of more Americans from around the country and give them an opportunity to enjoy one of the most beautiful places in our land.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to this bipartisan bill being quickly passed by the Senate and signed into law by the President.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Valley Screen of Mishawaka on receiving the Indiana Governor's Half-Century Business Award.

The Half-Century Business Award is a special recognition of a local company's service to its employees, our community, and the State of Indiana. Fifty years of growth and success is an incredible accomplishment, and I applaud the entire Valley Screen team for staying at the cutting edge of innovation in a highly competitive world.

Valley Screen employs more than 60 people in our community and provides quality services to some of northern Indiana's key industries. This local business is an exceptional example of the high-quality customer service, business ingenuity, and potential for growth that American entrepreneurs and workers strive to achieve. I am grateful for the good jobs Valley Screen continues to provide the hardworking Hoosiers in our community.

I also want to thank Karen Barnett, Valley Screen's president and CEO, for her exceptional leadership and for providing so much of the vision, perseverance, and innovation that has contributed to the success of this business in Indiana and beyond. For the past 20 years, she has played a crucial role in building our state's positive business climate. I am confident that with leaders like Karen, Indiana's economy can continue to flourish.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Indiana's 2nd District, I want to thank Valley Screen and all its hardworking employees, past and present, for their commitment to innovation and service to the Hoosier community for 50 years. Congratulations to Valley Screen on a half-century of excellence. I am excited to see what the future holds for you and your customers.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove Representative Ed Perlmutter as a cosponsor of my bill H.R. 3798. He was mistakenly added to the legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Deputy Branson Eber of Pulaski County on his recent outstanding actions. Earlier this year, the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department awarded Deputy Eber with the Medal of Valor for the integrity and commitment he showed during a cross-county pursuit.

Deputy Eber went above and beyond to ensure the safe rescue of a fellow Hoosier. His remarkable actions led to successful communication between multiple agencies and saved a life. Deputy Eber's bravery, instinct, and commitment to service are exemplary characteristics of the men and women in our nation's law enforcement who work to keep our communities safe every day.

I am grateful for the hard work and dedication Deputy Eber has shown in his career in local law enforcement as well as in the National Guard. His spirit and courage are positive reflections on northern Indiana, and our community is a safer place to live because of his service.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Indiana's 2nd District, I want to thank Deputy Eber for his leadership, determination, and conviction. I commend the hard work of all our nation's police officers, first responders, and emergency dispatchers, and I applaud Deputy Eber's embodiment of law enforcement at its finest

Mr. Speaker, I was not present for votes on 9/27/17 because I was in Indiana with the President of the United States on an official visit. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 538, ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 539, and ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 540.

Madam Chair, I appreciate Chairman Smith's support and the work he has done on this bill.

Madam Chair, I rise in strong support of the Increasing Opportunity and Success for Children and Parents Through Evidence-Based Home Visiting Act. In my home State of Indiana, three of the nine counties eligible for MIECHV funds are in my district.

In April, I had the pleasure of visiting with Healthy Families St. Joseph County to hear firsthand the good work they are doing in Indiana's Second District. I heard from a single mom who had no job, no place to live, and very little money when she gave birth to her son; but with the help of Healthy Families, she turned long odds into success. The mother gained confidence to raise her son, and her son gained a shot at a thriving life that he may not have had without this program.

Home visitors helped over 2,600 Hoosier families in situations like this in Indiana last year.

MIECHV is a program that gets results. It works. We know this because of the statistics, but we hear it in the stories that they share with us. Parents get the tools and the confidence they need to raise their children. This improves outcomes for their children in the really early critical years and sets them on a better path as they grow up. The program helps to root out deeper issues like drug abuse and domestic violence that destroy families and hinder a child's development.

If there is one thing I have learned as I have heard from people in my district who successfully broke the cycle of poverty, it is this: It is one thing to provide money, but if that money comes on a one-size- fits-all basis, people cannot break the cycle. Checking a box doesn't break the cycle. Human interaction, looking at each person as an individual and not just a number, resolving underlying issues unique to each person's situation, and having a person coming alongside, saying, ``I am with you; let's do this together'' breaks the cycle. MIECHV is a great example of a program that does this.

Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Eagle Scout Nathan Hite of Elkhart, Indiana, on completing all 143 merit badges this year.

Since 1910, Boy Scouts of America has been a pillar in youth development throughout the country. In the generations since, millions of Boy Scouts have gone on to make lasting impacts in their communities and learn important skills and life lessons that helped them make the future brighter. Instilling the characteristics of strong citizenship-- such as courage, determination, and compassion for others--Boy Scouts of America has allowed young men like Nathan to challenge themselves to be better and make positive contributions in the world around them.

Nathan has distinguished himself among his peers and now joins the ranks of Boy Scouts who have completed all merit badges available to them at the time of their service. In fact, because there are more merit badges available now than ever before, Nathan has earned more than any previous Scout. At the young age of 13, Nathan achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and pushed forward in his quest to complete all the available merit badges. I have no doubt Nathan will continue to aspire to excellence and meaningful accomplishments in all his future endeavors.

Under the guidance of the Boy Scouts of America LaSalle Council and New Paris Scout Troop 12, Nathan has learned skills that will stay with him for the rest of his life. He exemplifies the character that we all strive to attain, and through his participation in Boy Scouts, Nathan has become a well-rounded leader and a role model for others.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Indiana's 2nd District I am grateful for the exceptional opportunities Boy Scouts of America offers our youth, and I look forward to all the amazing things that lie ahead for Nathan

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dale and Judy Stickel on celebrating 50 years of marriage.

Having met in kindergarten and attended Junior prom together, they knew the stars had aligned early in their lives. Their heartwarming story of a childhood friendship that turned into a lifetime of love makes this golden anniversary all the more special. Not only that, their lasting commitment, not only to one another but to their family and community, is a shining example of devotion and faithfulness in our country.

Dale and Judy have lived in northern Indiana nearly their entire lives, and I have no doubt the positive influence they've had here will last far into the future. They exemplify the hardworking and compassionate citizens we all strive to be. I am truly inspired by their passion to help others and their efforts to make service a family tradition.

It is clear that their love for one another and the family they have built grows stronger each day. Now 50 years later we have a wonderful reason to celebrate. Fifty years of marriage is a marvelous accomplishment, and this milestone speaks volumes about the love and compassion they share with one another, as well as their tremendous foundation of faith.

Dale and Judy have built a life together that revolves around making a difference in the lives of others. It is no surprise the example they've set will ensure their legacy of selflessness, community, love, and faith is passed along to their three children and six grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of 2nd District

Hoosiers, it is my honor to congratulate Dale and Judy Stickel on their anniversary and join their family in celebrating this milestone.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Indiana's State Senator Luke Kenley on his retirement, and to thank him for the many years he dedicated to serving our fellow Hoosiers.

From balancing the budget to reforming State taxes, he has worked for 25 years to empower local communities and strengthen Indiana's economy. He led important efforts to enhance our schools, roads, businesses, local institutions, and more.

Senator Kenley's commitment to Hoosier common sense, and his tireless efforts to bring our State's economy into the 21st century, helped transform Indiana and improve Hoosiers' lives. I am grateful for Senator Kenley's leadership and his keen understanding of the Hoosier values that are so important to our way of life. I have no doubt his impact on our State will last far into the future.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Indiana State Senator Luke Kenley the absolute best as he embarks on this next chapter in life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate John Schultz on his recent retirement after 44 years at UPS.

John has been delivering packages to families, individuals, and businesses in Elkhart since 1973. He quickly became a friendly face in the neighborhood, and hard work, determination, and inspiration led John to become one of the longest-serving drivers for UPS. John exemplifies the characteristics we should all strive for in our daily lives. He is kind, thoughtful, and high-spirited, and his steadfast work ethic has allowed him to succeed in his various roles with UPS and continue to proudly support his family.

I am so grateful that our community has someone like John to look up to as a role model for perseverance in both career and everyday life. During his tenure with UPS, the technological advancements and growing economy made his role and responsibilities dynamic and ever-changing. John dealt expertly with the changing times and emerged as a leader in the field. He was trusted by his peers and superiors, and he carried out each job with integrity, always keeping safety, his training, and customer service in mind.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Indiana's 2nd District, I want to thank John for his commitment to safe, responsible driving, and for serving our community for many wonderful years. I applaud his hard work and achievements over the years and wish him all the best in this next chapter.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Steel Warehouse Company and join them in celebrating 70 years of success.

Three generations ago, the Lerman family set up a small shop, which quickly expanded its capabilities and began serving South Bend, Indiana, and the surrounding communities. Now 70 years later, with more than 600 employees, Steel Warehouse has established a global industrial network to deliver high-quality materials to their customers. This family-owned business sets a high bar within the steel industry, and I am so grateful for the outstanding innovation and quality of service Steel Warehouse provides.

A leader in its field, Steel Warehouse uses the incredible strength of large, powerful machinery while harnessing the brainpower of its highly skilled engineers, operators, and technicians. The company's commitment to steady growth has enabled it to expand far beyond its headquarters in South Bend. In fact, with fourteen locations, Steel Warehouse employs workers across the U.S., Mexico and Brazil, and utilizes a growing relationship with steel mills throughout the Midwest and around the world to purchase the best supply for its customers.

Not only have this company's capabilities increased immensely with new technology and growing markets in the Midwest, the Lerman family's unique adaptability and dynamic ingenuity has created a business model built on creativity and problem-solving. As the State of Indiana continues to lead the nation in steel production, Steel Warehouse is an extraordinary example for businesses across Indiana and the United States.

It is a privilege and an honor to represent Steel Warehouse, the Lerman family, and the hardworking employees who have played such a positive role in northern Indiana's growing economy for decades. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Indiana's 2nd District, I want to thank Steel Warehouse for an incredible 70 years, and I look forward to the continued growth and expansion that lies ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of the beloved Roberta Bishop, or to those who knew her, ``Bobbie.''

Bobbie was a model citizen who dedicated her life to giving back to those in need. Not only did she have a kind spirit and a big heart, she also empowered herself to make a real difference by creating Midwest Service Dogs, a non-profit in South Bend, Indiana, that helps train and place service dogs and companion dogs.

The combination of her love of animals and her desire to give back fueled her participation in multiple charities as well as her work at a local animal clinic. Bobbie strived to make our community a better place, and from her loving family to the many friends she made along the way, her strength in character and compassion for others were hard to miss.

Bobbie lived a meaningful life full of love, happiness, and generosity of spirit. I am grateful that her wonderful legacy is sure to live on in the cherished life lessons she taught her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I'm personally thankful for our decades-long friendship and the impact she had on my life. Our country lost a great human being, and I wish her two sons and extended family all the best

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate David Daugherty on his retirement as President of the Goshen Chamber of Commerce and to thank him for his 14 years of serving northern Indiana Hoosiers.

As Chamber president, David was committed to fostering opportunities that advanced our growing workforce, supported existing businesses, attracted new ones, and united our community under a common vision for a brighter future. I am grateful for the outstanding leadership and insight David brought to the Chamber. In tackling important issues like redevelopment, our community saw David's keen ability to build valuable relationships among community members and strong partnerships with education and government leaders.

David's work at the Chamber was guided by the values of integrity, respect, collaboration, and the belief that thriving businesses build stronger communities. A forward thinker, David has consistently led efforts that aim to improve the quality of life for Hoosiers, their families, and our local businesses. In doing so he encouraged greater inclusion and empowerment through the Chamber's efforts to work ``Together, Growing Goshen.''

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Indiana's 2nd District I want to thank David for all he has done to make Goshen a wonderful place to live and work. His impact on the community is sure to last far into the future, and I have no doubt the Chamber will continue to honor David's legacy by working to strengthen our business community and welcome growth and innovation.

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

In 2006, Michael and his wife Kim founded the non-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.