Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor pastor Tim Hester of Grace Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Since launching Grace Church in 1992, he has helped lead the church from its humble beginnings into a thriving congregation committed to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Tim emphasized practical Biblical teaching, discipleship, and service beyond the walls of the church.

Under his leadership, Grace Church developed ministries for families, recovery, and local and global missions. A defining accomplishment has been The Park on 8th, a community center serving families and children throughout the DeMotte area.

As Pastor Tim completes his 34 years of ministry, his legacy is not just the church he helped build but the people he loved, baptized, discipled, and equipped to follow Jesus. His ministry has shaped Grace Church into a congregation committed to connecting people to God and equipping one another for a Christlike life.

Congratulating Jhett Stillwell

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a local Indiana student-athlete. Jhett Stillwell, from the town of Colfax, Indiana, was named a Reserve Champion Student-Athlete of the Year at the National High School Rodeo Finals.

The recognition highlights student-athletes who excel both in the rodeo arena and in their scholastic and personal achievements.

Stillwell received a scholarship from Professional's Choice as part of the award. His reserve finish gives Indiana representation among the student-athletes recognized at the national level during the Cinch National High School Rodeo Finals.

Stillwell has become quite an accomplished rodeo cowboy. In both 2025 and 2026, Stillwell placed in the senior ribbon roping at the National Little Britches Finals Rodeo. He also serves as an event director for the Indiana High School Rodeo Association.

I congratulate Jhett and hope he keeps up the good work.

Honoring Laura Crosby and Cameron Frazier

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor two Fourth District Hoosiers named National FFA Teacher Ambassadors for the 2026-27 school year.

Laura Crosby from Danville Community Schools and Cameron Frazier from South Putnam Community Schools were chosen to represent Indiana by the National FFA Organization. They will provide training, mentorship, and professional development resources to teachers nationwide while bolstering ag education across the country.

Crosby has served three consecutive years and Frazier four as national teacher ambassadors. This distinctly shows the Fourth District's impact on agriculture in Indiana and the Nation.

I congratulate Laura Crosby and Cameron Frazier on serving our State and our country once again. Giving our youth opportunities to learn about leadership, hands-on agricultural science, and career skills in this ever-modernizing world is an immense task. I cannot, however, think of a more worthy use of time than preparing the next generation to lead our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor pastor Tim Hester of Grace Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Since launching Grace Church in 1992, he has helped lead the church from its humble beginnings into a thriving congregation committed to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Tim emphasized practical Biblical teaching, discipleship, and service beyond the walls of the church.

Under his leadership, Grace Church developed ministries for families, recovery, and local and global missions. A defining accomplishment has been The Park on 8th, a community center serving families and children throughout the DeMotte area.

As Pastor Tim completes his 34 years of ministry, his legacy is not just the church he helped build but the people he loved, baptized, discipled, and equipped to follow Jesus. His ministry has shaped Grace Church into a congregation committed to connecting people to God and equipping one another for a Christlike life.

Congratulating Jhett Stillwell

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a local Indiana student-athlete. Jhett Stillwell, from the town of Colfax, Indiana, was named a Reserve Champion Student-Athlete of the Year at the National High School Rodeo Finals.

The recognition highlights student-athletes who excel both in the rodeo arena and in their scholastic and personal achievements.

Stillwell received a scholarship from Professional's Choice as part of the award. His reserve finish gives Indiana representation among the student-athletes recognized at the national level during the Cinch National High School Rodeo Finals.

Stillwell has become quite an accomplished rodeo cowboy. In both 2025 and 2026, Stillwell placed in the senior ribbon roping at the National Little Britches Finals Rodeo. He also serves as an event director for the Indiana High School Rodeo Association.

I congratulate Jhett and hope he keeps up the good work.

Honoring Laura Crosby and Cameron Frazier

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor two Fourth District Hoosiers named National FFA Teacher Ambassadors for the 2026-27 school year.

Laura Crosby from Danville Community Schools and Cameron Frazier from South Putnam Community Schools were chosen to represent Indiana by the National FFA Organization. They will provide training, mentorship, and professional development resources to teachers nationwide while bolstering ag education across the country.

Crosby has served three consecutive years and Frazier four as national teacher ambassadors. This distinctly shows the Fourth District's impact on agriculture in Indiana and the Nation.

I congratulate Laura Crosby and Cameron Frazier on serving our State and our country once again. Giving our youth opportunities to learn about leadership, hands-on agricultural science, and career skills in this ever-modernizing world is an immense task. I cannot, however, think of a more worthy use of time than preparing the next generation to lead our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great Hoosier canine that has brought comfort and joy to thousands of people across our great Nation.

Dixie the Praying Dog is best known for her therapy work serving veterans and children.

She has brought joy to almost every Indy Honor Flight, visited VA Hospitals, military ceremonies, nursing homes, schools, disaster response sites, etc.

Thousands of veterans and their family members have met Dixie and had the opportunity to see Dixie ``pray,'' bark, and receive pets.

Alongside her owner, Brian Calvert, Dixie has become a powerful symbol of patriotism and unconditional love, proving that extraordinary acts of service can come from the most unexpected heroes.

Dixie's simple act of laying her paws together has become an unforgettable image of hope for people facing life's greatest challenges. I thank Brian and Dixie for bringing comfort to people everywhere they go.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Tippecanoe County's founding.

In 1811, the Battle of Tippecanoe was fought between American forces led by William Henry Harrison and a confederacy of Native American forces.

The county was officially founded on March 1, 1826. The word ``Tippecanoe'' comes from the Miami word of ``place of the buffalo fish people.'' The rivers there teemed with bigmouth buffalo fish.

Today, Tippecanoe County is known for Purdue University and Ivy Tech Community College, two academic powerhouses in Indiana. Tippecanoe County has thriving university communities and vibrant downtowns in Lafayette and West Lafayette. As a Purdue graduate, I am especially fond of the time I spent studying there.

For two centuries, generations of Hoosiers have helped build Tippecanoe County into the amazing community it is today.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate everyone in Tippecanoe County on reaching your bicentennial.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th Anniversary of a longstanding Indiana landmark, the Indiana Beach amusement park.

Founded in 1926, this rollercoaster park was originally named Ideal Beach and has so many remarkable amenities and rides throughout its history.

From classics like the Hoosier Hurricane, Tig'rr Coaster, and Rocky's Rapids, to new rides like Zero Gravity and the Cyclone, Monticello's Indiana Beach has been the place ``Where Families Flock for Fun'' over 100 years now.

I am so excited to see what the next 100 years brings to this staple of Indiana summer entertainment.

I congratulate them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Keith Berry, who passed on July 5, 2026. Berry was born in Greencastle in 1945. A graduate of Greencastle High School, he spent his entire life honoring the land and livestock commended to him by the Almighty God.

Farming was Keith's passion, and he advanced agriculture in many ways, serving as president of the National Pork Producers Council, Indiana Pork Producers president, Putnam County Council and Co-Alliance Board of Directors. In 2010, he was honored as an Indiana Master Farmer.

Keith supported many 4-H members at the Putnam County Fair livestock auction and members of the South Putnam FFA Chapter. For years, he faithfully attended the Putnamville Church of Faith.

Keith is survived by his wife Sharyl, his two children, four grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, three siblings, and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the many 4-H members through the 4th District who recently reached 10 years of 4-H membership. As a 10 year 4-H member myself, this truly gives me joy to speak about.

4-H members pledge their minds, hearts, and whole person toward serving their communities. Supporting the very future of agriculture will have an impact that extends far beyond their current endeavors.

So, with all my head, heart, hands, and health, I thank all the 10 year 4-H members for helping strengthen the bonds of all those they meet through their 4-H mission.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Depauw University's ``Growing Green and Gold Together'' initiative, which has made tremendous progress and is soon entering its final year of implementation in 2027.

Since 1837, Depauw has provided a well-rounded, premier education to many budding scholars. It is the alma mater of several influential people in American history, including a Vice President, a Congressman, and an NBA Executive.

Depauw continually makes outstanding contributions to its students and local Greencastle residents. This initiative is part of a larger $109 million ``Bold & Gold 2027'' plan that has invested in resources and amenities for the entire community.

I thank Depauw President Lori White, Project Director and Community Liaison Jason Chew, and the entire ``Growing Green and Gold Together'' team for giving back to our local communities every day. I look forward to seeing the completion of this greatly anticipated project soon. They have my sincere gratitude for all their hard work and dedication.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Boys & Girls Club of Morgan County, Indiana.

The mission of the Boys & Girls Club is to empower all youth, and all of our youth, especially those who need us the most, to reach their full potential and to become caring, productive, and responsible citizens.

The Morgan County Boys & Girls Club has provided an indelible mark on the local community.

Every day, youth are coached on positive decisionmaking, participate in sports, learn about science, technology, talk about the arts, receive tutoring, and gain valuable lessons through volunteering in the community.

A healthy snack is provided daily. Youth attend the Boys & Girls Club to reach their full potential to become caring, productive, and responsible members of society.

Mr. Speaker, I thank all the staff and volunteers who have made the Morgan County Boys & Girls Club successful over these past 20 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate two State FFA officers from the Fourth District who were recently elected at the Indiana State convention.

FFA is the largest U.S. career and technical student organization. FFA is rooted in farming and preparing youth for careers in agribusiness, science, veterinary medicine, and using hands-on learning techniques.

Katie McClain from Carroll High School was elected as secretary. She is the granddaughter of a former Indiana State representative, Rich McClain, who I had the privilege of serving with.

She is the 2026 Lilly Scholar winner, which has a full ride to Purdue University. Katie was the president of her local FFA chapter at Carroll and the district vice president last year.

Jessie Frazee from Fountain Central High School was elected as the Northern Region vice president. Jessie was the local FFA president at Fountain Central High and the Fourth District president this past year. Jessie is the first Fountain FFA chapter member to become a State officer.

Congratulations to these two amazing Hoosiers. I think they are in the audience. If they are, I ask that they please raise their hand or stand.

I congratulate them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to include in the Record a letter that I provided for the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule, which will be opened by the American people 250 years from now in the year 2276, the 500th anniversary of our great Nation's founding:

To the American people in the year 2276,

This letter was written in 2026, upon the

semiquincentennial anniversary of our nation's founding. I,

Congressman James R. Baird, PhD, representing Indiana's

Fourth District, would like to offer this glimpse as you

enter the 500th year of these United States.

Today, Indiana is defined by its affordability, rich

agricultural heritage, and status as a manufacturing hub.

Indiana offers a balance of urban culture and expansive rural

landscapes. The people exhibit ``Hoosier Hospitality.'' The

term describes a welcoming and kind demeanor centered on

treating strangers like old friends.

As the U.S. enters its 500th year, I ask that you remember

America's founding principles. The Founding Fathers

envisioned a nation based on inalienable, God-given rights of

life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Remember these principles. Freedom is never won nor

defended easily but is always worth protecting. America is

the greatest country ever created in human history. The words

of Indiana veteran and journalist, Elmer Davis ring true now,

as they will in 250 years: ``This nation will remain the land

of the free, only so long as it is the home of the brave.''

We have traveled to the moon and back, fought for freedom

across oceans and continents, split the atom, and yet our

greatest achievement remains forming a government of the

people, by the people, and for the people. May God bless you

all, and God bless these United States of America.

As of the printing of this letter, Indiana makes up the

following statistics:

1. The Hoosier state has a population of more than

6,973,333 people, based on U.S. Census data. The median age

is 38. Average cost of a house in Indiana is $256,584

compared to the national average of $368,198.

2. Indiana has the highest percentage of manufacturing jobs

in the U.S. with more than 540,000 workers across all

manufacturing industries. Indiana is also the largest steel-

producing state in the country, producing roughly 27% of all

U.S. steel.

3. Indiana is the seventh-largest agricultural exporter in

the country. There are just over 94,000 farmers in the state.

We produce more popcorn, meat ducks, and gourds than any

state. Indiana is the fourth-largest corn producer and fifth-

largest soybean producer.

4. Six vice presidents were born in the state, making

Indiana ``The Mother of Vice Presidents.''

5. The winning time of the 2026 Indy500 was three hours,

five minutes, nine seconds and 6471 milliseconds. This was

the closest margin of victory ever, 23.3 milliseconds.

6. The first successful goldfish farm in the United States

was opened in Martinsville in 1899.

7. In 2026, Indiana University had an undefeated football

season, beating Ohio State 13-10 to win their first Big Ten

Championship Game. The Hoosiers defeated the Miami Hurricanes

27-21 to become the 2025-26 College Football Playoff National

Champions, completing the greatest turnaround in college

football history.

8. Interestingly, Aviator Pioneer Ameila Earheart taught at

Purdue and her plane that mysteriously crash-landed over the

Pacific Ocean in 1937 was legally owned by Purdue and if

found must be returned to the University.

9. Purdue is also considered the ``cradle of astronauts''

since they have had more NASA Astronauts come from Purdue

than any other public university.

10. 8 of the 10 largest high school basketball gymnasiums

in the United States are in Indiana.

11. Purdue University has a premier basketball team with

numerous wins throughout their storied history, including 26

``Big Ten'' regular season championships and 3 Big Ten

tournament championships, three NCAA Tournament Final Fours

and two NCAA championship games, and participation in three

``Final Four'', seven ``Elite Eight'', and sixteen ``Sweet

Sixteen'' games.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Steve Keown, a retiring agriculture teacher and FFA adviser who dedicated 42 years to Carroll County Junior-Senior High School.

Mr. Keown received his bachelor's degree from Murray State University and a master's degree from Purdue University in curriculum and instruction.

Mr. Keown mentored countless future educators through the MI-BAT program. Mr. Keown also served the Indiana Association of Agricultural Educators for numerous years.

During Mr. Keown's tenure, the Carroll County FFA chapter earned national recognition for over 20 consecutive years, produced over 200 recipients of State FFA degrees and nearly 60 American FFA degrees, over 50 proficiency champions, and more than 25 national finalists and winners.

Mr. Keown's commitment to student leadership and hands-on learning has shaped success for FFA chapters in Indiana. His passion for agriculture education and mentoring others will leave a lasting impact on our community.

Honoring Tippecanoe School Corporation

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Tippecanoe School Corporation's Extra Mile Award winner, Deb Liggett.

Deb Liggett is an extremely dedicated caretaker of students who drives 170 miles every day, taking students to McCutcheon High School, Southwestern Middle School, and Klondike Schools for over 40 years. She has been a dependable source of kindness and joy for Hoosier students.

Our students need role models who are examples of reliability, compassion, and good citizenship.

One kindhearted person can make a difference in the lives of so many young people. Deb Liggett has been that role model in the Tippecanoe area.

I am proud to congratulate her on receiving this well-known and well- earned award, and I am glad our students have Ms. Liggett on their way to and from school.

Congratulating Ivy Tech Community College

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ivy Tech Community College, which recently won three third-place awards in the U.S. Department of Energy's Battery Workforce Challenge.

This challenge is a 3-year collegiate engineering competition where teams build an advanced battery pack for the commercial Ram ProMaster EV program.

All the students who competed progressed through technical milestones that reflect the same trials that the energy industry faces. Throughout the program, the students met demanding engineering standards without compromising safety.

I am so proud of these students at Ivy Tech who succeeded throughout the competition and provided real results from their work.

Our Nation needs innovative minds. The challenges we face are difficult and complicated, and I am glad we have young Hoosiers who are ready to tackle these issues head-on and showcase the incredible talent we have in Indiana.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Ivy Tech on these well-deserved awards.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the history, heritage, and enduring legacy of innovation that defines the great State of Indiana.

During the 250th anniversary of our Nation's founding, it is vital to remember the foundational principles that have driven American progress. Many of those principles have been exemplified by the Hoosier State.

Founded in 1816, Indiana was built on the foundation of hard work, strong families, and tight-knit communities. Our pioneers cleared the wilderness, building a society grounded in faith and freedom.

It is this unique spirit that led Indiana to produce three Presidents, six Vice Presidents, and three Supreme Court Justices, earning our reputation as the birthplace of national leadership.

That drive to excel is also illustrated by our long history of industrial manufacturing. Long before modern technology hubs emerged on the coasts, Indiana was a premier powerhouse for early American automotive manufacturing. Our soil is where brilliant engineers and automotive inventors tested their limits. They built legendary companies like Studebaker and Duesenberg.

This relentless spirit of innovation led directly to the creation of the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1909. Today, we host the world-famous Indianapolis 500, rightfully known as The Greatest Spectacle in Racing. The event brings hundreds of thousands of fans from across the globe to our State every year.

It is that exact standard of Hoosier engineering excellence that gave the world early rearview safety mirrors and cruise control.

Indiana agriculture also helps feed and fuel the world. I am a lifelong farmer who studied animal science, so I know firsthand that agriculture is the heartbeat of our State and our national economy. These producers consistently make Indiana a top national producer of corn and soybeans, driving our bioeconomy and supplying global markets.

We are also the number one producer of popcorn in the entire United States. In fact, the popcorn king himself, Orville Redenbacher, was a proud son of Indiana.

The Hoosier State is also the Nation's top producer of commercial ducks, pumpkins, and peppermint.

Indiana has a rich sports history with the Indiana Fever, Indiana Pacers, and the Indianapolis Colts, who have also achieved historic wins throughout their history. The first-ever Major League Baseball game was held in Indiana in 1871.

Our colleges and our universities have contributed to this history, as well. Purdue University's basketball team has been dominant, with an NCAA championship appearance in 2024 and a Big Ten championship this past season.

While I will always be loyal to the Boilermakers, I must congratulate our neighbors in Bloomington, Indiana, the Indiana University football team, who also recently had a perfect 16-0 season, bringing a national championship to the Hoosier State.

Notre Dame has a storied football program with 11 consecutive national championships, including one led by the great Lou Holtz, and seven Heisman Trophy winners.

The true measure of Indiana has always been the people: leaders, trailblazers, and visionaries who shaped world history.

There are so many famous names from Indiana: the Jackson family, Axl Rose, Larry Bird, David Letterman, Colonel Sanders, Irene Dunne, Madam C.J. Walker, Steve McQueen, Cole Porter, Wilbur Wright, Ernie Pyle, Amelia Earhart, James Dean, General Burnside, and Abraham Lincoln, to name just a few. We are truly the birthplace of greatness.

Indiana is a proud State that honors its past while building its future. I am honored to represent Indiana's Fourth Congressional District. As we celebrate 250 years of our great Nation, I look forward to seeing our State lead the way for future generations. The best is yet to come.

Honoring Indy Honor Flight

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th flight of the Indy Honor Flight. This organization hosts flights for veterans from Indianapolis to Washington, D.C., and boasts an unwavering commitment to serving veterans.

Founded in 2012, the Indy Honor Flight has flown nearly 4,000 veterans to D.C. to view the memorials. The organization runs four flights a year. Each flight has around 86 veterans and 86 guardians aboard.

Indy Honor Flight also hosts a large welcome-home celebration when the veterans return to Indiana for the public to show its appreciation for those who have served.

The organization is based in Hendricks County, and most of the leaders and volunteers live in the Fourth District. This is truly a community effort, with approximately 200 volunteers offering their time to make each trip happen. I congratulate them on this historic milestone.

Mr. Speaker, earlier today my vote on Roll Call 195, was not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 195.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Darrel Thomas, who passed away on May 13, 2026.

A proud U.S. Navy veteran, Darrel proudly served our Putnam County communities throughout his life. Darrel was a former member and president of the Putnam County Council. He served the 4-H community in numerous capacities, was a 4-H Hall of Fame inductee in 2021, and worked for 31 years as a 4-H extension agent for Putnam County.

Darrel also served on the parks and recreation board. For his service in his community, he was the recipient of the State of Indiana's Sagamore of the Wabash Valley Award.

Darrel is survived by two daughters and his many grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Darrel for his tremendous service to Putnam County and to our outstanding students. May he rest in peace.

Congratulating Lynne S. Taylor

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Lynne S. Taylor, the Retter Distinguished Professor of Pharmacy at Purdue University, who recently received the prestigious Research Ireland St. Patrick's Day medal for 2026.

This is an award given to permanent academic and industry leaders and researchers with strong Irish roots. The Irish leader, Taoiseach Micheal Martin, said Professor Taylor is ``helping to shape the future of medicine and strengthen international relationships.''

Professor Taylor's research has been foundational for solubility- enabling technologies, helping develop lifesaving treatments for diseases like hepatitis C and cancer. She has become an international expert in drug formulation science, and her work will surely save and have an enduring impact on the world.

Mr. Speaker, I am so proud that this outstanding scientist is getting her recognition for her work.

Honoring Richard McClain

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Richard McClain. Rich McClain was born and raised in Logansport, Indiana, served in the U.S. Navy from 1964 to 1968, and graduated from Purdue University in 1970.

Rich was an active member of his community, volunteering at his church, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, the Neal Home Board, the Mental Health Association, and as the chairman of the Iron Horse Festival in 1985.

Rich served at the Indiana State House from 1994 to 2012, where he was known as ``Squeezer'' because he printed toothpaste squeezers during elections.

Rich is survived by a loving family, his wife, Barrie; sons, Jeff and Nate; and five grandchildren, Brandt, Lauran, Clark, Katie, and Saylor; a great-grandson, Warner, as well as siblings and extended family.

Mr. Speaker, my prayers are with the family and friends of Rich. May he rest in peace.

Honoring Richard Frazier and Robert Thorne

Mr. Speaker, as Memorial Day approaches, I am reminded of those whom I served with in Vietnam. Two have names etched in the Vietnam Memorial, Richard Frazier and Robert

Thorne. I would like to speak about the two of them today.

We were in a convoy hauling supplies on the road to Khe Sanh. My unit, the 523rd Transportation Company, used 5-ton gun trucks mounted with .50 caliber machine guns in order to protect the convoys. These gun trucks were made with scrounged-up armor. You could take an armor plate, then a layer of sandbags, and then another set of iron plates to make them work. We had to do with what we had.

Richard Frazier was a gunner on a truck called Satan's Lil Angel. He was killed in action on February 20, 1971, during an ambush near the DMZ in South Vietnam.

Robert Thorne was a driver for a truck named Proud American. I was riding with Robert on March 3, 1971, when two B-40 rockets hit the truck.

Robert Thorne steered Proud American into a mountain bank rather than going over an embankment down to the river below. That saved all of us.

Unfortunately, Robert Thorne lost his life. He was 21. It was in this truck that I was wounded, and I lost my arm.

There are no words to describe the loss of those men. I strive every day to honor their memory and sacrifice, and to live my life as a testament to theirs.

I love this country, and I feel duty-bound to keep America free and prosperous. On this Memorial Day, we honor those who fought and died so that we can live in freedom.

We cannot forget the sacrifices of men like Robert and Richard. They saved my life and the lives of fellow soldiers. They are heroes, and their courage is an example to all of us.