Kevin Brady

Madam Speaker, I was unexpectedly delayed. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 513 (H.R. 8404).

Mr. Speaker, this week, we honor the legacy of Representative Jackie Walorski by renewing our commitment to help moms and babies thrive. I thank Chairman Davis and our Republican leader, Dr. Wenstrup, for their leadership on this issue.

Throughout her life, Jackie served vulnerable families, from the mission field in Romania to the halls of Congress, where she proudly represented the men and women of Indiana's Second Congressional District.

She reached across the aisle and worked closely with Chairman Davis to move this important bipartisan bill forward. My last conversation with Jackie was by Zoom on this bill itself.

We miss her very much. We are proud to dedicate the product of her collaboration today to her because she has been such an inspiration in these efforts.

Jackie knew that this was a critical program that supports vulnerable families and improves the health of moms and babies through pregnancy into the early years of a child's life.

This program builds upon decades of research that proves home visits by a nurse, social worker, or other trained professional during pregnancy, and in the very first years of a child's life, help to prevent child abuse and neglect, support positive parenting, improve maternal and child health, and promote the development of kids and school readiness.

This is a bipartisan bill that reflects many of our Republican priorities, including increasing transparency about outcomes and results for families and targeting dollars to the neediest communities.

Most Federal programs, unfortunately, operate in a black box. Less than $1 out of every $100 the government spends is backed by even the most basic evidence and research to make sure the money is spent wisely and succeeds.

Unlike many of those programs, MIECHV is evidence-based, so we know the real impact on families and children. We are able to direct funding toward what works for them.

The Walorski home visiting program will gradually increase funding from $400 million a year to $800 million a year over a 5-year period and introduces a State match so we can stretch those dollars even further back home.

The principle is simple. Where the States see value in investing, the Federal Government will also invest. It also ensures the new matching funds are allocated to States based on the number of kids under 5 living below poverty, so funding goes where the needs and the kids are.

The bill increases transparency by creating what I love, which is a State-by-State outcomes dashboard so all of us can see how these interventions are helping families, and it maintains the current focus on high standards.

I take this moment to thank my friend, Dr. and Representative Wenstrup, who serves today as acting Republican leader of the Subcommittee on Worker and Family Support. He stepped up to the plate to carry on Jackie's legacy with grace and determination, and I thank him for his hard work.

I think all of us can think of no more fitting tribute to Jackie than the bipartisan support coming together for something that helps our most needy families.

I, like many of us today, am grateful we are getting this bill across the finish line together in her honor.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the distinguished career and public service of my Texas constituent and good friend, Mrs. Lyn Hawthorne Howard. Lyn is a cherished business leader, philanthropist, community leader, and artist. Passionate about Texas history and culture, she has led significant efforts to restore and preserve historic buildings and homes in and around Conroe, Texas.

Lyn was born in Shreveport, Louisiana. But as they say, she ``got to Texas as soon as she could.'' She attended Texas Woman's University, graduating with a degree in Education. Lyn was also a member of the famous Kilgore Rangerettes--one of America's most prestigious dance and drill teams. As a Rangerette, Lyn grew a deep appreciation for Texas culture as she traveled and performed throughout our great state.

Lyn is a principled business leader, and her devotion to hard work has served as an inspiration to women all over Texas. Lyn broke through the glass windshield, becoming the first woman to own and manage a successful Toyota dealership. Invited to visit Japan with a group of American car dealers, the Toyota Company was surprised to learn there was a woman in the group. The company suggested she may be more comfortable participating in the tours arranged for ``dealers' wives.'' Confidently, Lyn replied, ``no, thank you,'' and reminded her Japanese hosts that she too was a car dealer and insisted on attending all the meetings with her fellow Toyota auto brokers. Another one of Lyn's successful business ventures was her investment in the San Antonio- based LDS Telecom company. As a result of Lyn's leadership, she led the business to become a major telecom company in Texas, and she sold her stake in the early 1980s with tremendous results.

Lyn always puts her community first, playing a vital role in preserving Texas's history. Recently, Lyn is devoted to preserving the history of Conroe, Texas. She purchased and restored the original home of Conroe city founder, Isaac Conroe and has played a leading role in several important historic preservation and restoration projects. She has long been a leader and organizer of Conroe's annual Founder's Day celebration.

Lyn is also a passionate member of multiple historical preservation societies. In 2021, she was recognized as a fifty-year member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas in two chapters: The Alamo Missions Chapter and The Judge Nathaniel Hart Davis Chapter.

Lyn has been involved in beauty pageants for over forty years, winning titles of Miss United America Elite 2012 and Miss United Royal 2013. She is also a talented singer, dancer, and painter. Always seeking new artistic challenges, Lyn recently became interested in sculpture which has become her latest passion. She has sculpted bronze busts of her husband and another bust of President Donald Trump which has been displayed in Washington. Currently, she is working on a sculpture of Conroe founder Isaac Conroe.

For her decades of leadership and service, I am honored to recognize and commend Lyn for her many significant contributions to the Conroe community and the great state of Texas.