Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredible life of Eva Mozes Kor. Eva was a friend, a Holocaust survivor, and an inspiration to us all.

As a young girl, Eva and her family were held at the Auschwitz concentration camp. While at Auschwitz, Eva and her twin sister, Miriam, were subjected to inhumane medical experiments by the Nazi doctor Josef Mengele until their liberation in 1945.

Eva and her sister were the only members of their family to survive the horrors of Auschwitz. Despite this dark atrocity, Eva used her life to spread the message of forgiveness.

Eva married Michael Kor in 1960 and later that year moved to Terre Haute, Indiana, in my district, where they raised two children.

Eva also spent decades teaching Hoosiers the importance of finding peace, healing, and hope. In 1995, Eva opened the CANDLES Holocaust Museum in Terre Haute, creating a permanent home to remind us of the power of forgiveness and compassion.

Eva passed away, peacefully, at the age of 84 during her annual trip to Poland.

Eva Kor was an incredible woman of integrity, spirit, and forgiveness, and her story will be shared for generations to come. May her memory be a blessing.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring two outstanding Hoosiers--Fred and Betty Roeder--on the occasion of their 70th wedding anniversary.

Fred and Betty epitomize what it means to be a Hoosier--kind and gracious; with big, warm hearts; and a love for their state and country that is borne out by their commitment to bettering the lives of their neighbors and community.

Fred and Betty--high school sweethearts--were married seventy years ago this month, on June 30, 1949, at Evansville Emanuel Lutheran Church.

Fred Roeder served in the U.S. Army (1952-54) and concluded active service as a Corporal. He served 6 years in the Army Reserve and was honorably discharged in 1960. A Korean War veteran, Fred remains proud of his service to our nation, and that of the many friends he made while in the Army. He worked at Dale Sales warehouse and later at Niehaus Industrial Parts in Evansville.

Betty Roeder is a graduate of Benjamin Bosse High School in Evansville. She dedicated much of her time to leading music and Christian education programs at local Lutheran churches. Betty was beloved by her students and took great pride in her work.

I came to know the Roeders at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Evansville, where we have worshiped together for many years. Despite moving to the Indianapolis-area to be closer to family members, the Roeders remain devoted members at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Fred and Betty are the proud parents of their son Michael F. Roeder and daughter-in-law Lee Ann, and their grandchildren--John and granddaughter-in-law Taylor, Tim and Kurt Roeder. They celebrated their historic milestone a bit early this year with a small group of family and friends on June 22.

Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in extending to the Roeders the well-wishes and congratulations of the U.S. House of Representatives on the occasion of their 70th wedding anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredible life and heroic service of Sergeant Carl Mann.

This past week, on the 75th anniversary of D-day, I visited Normandy, France, where Sergeant Mann and more than 150,000 American troops stormed the beaches to gain a foothold in mainland Europe.

For his heroic service, Sergeant Mann, a native of Mount Vernon, Indiana, received three Purple Hearts and seven Bronze Stars while serving in the 5th Infantry Division of General George S. Patton's 3rd Army.

In fitting fashion of a true hero, Sergeant Mann was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery on June 6, this year, the 75th anniversary of D-day. Today, I take a moment to honor the selflessness that he and the Greatest Generation made so that we and future generations of Americans may enjoy boundless freedoms.

My prayers are with his children and grandchildren that carry on his legacy. His memory will forever be a reminder of a day of great tragedy, but also of triumph.

Rest in peace and God bless.

Madam Speaker, today I wish to recognize and congratulate a tremendous Airman and native of Vincennes, Indiana, Command Chief Master Sergeant Melanie K. Noel, on the occasion of her retirement from the U.S. Air Force after 27 years of distinguished military service to this great Nation.

Chief Master Sergeant Noel's outstanding career has culminated with her final assignment as the Command Chief Master Sergeant for the Air Force District of Washington. Chief Noel represents the highest enlisted executive level of leadership in the Air Force District of Washington and advises the commanding general on all issues regarding the readiness, training, welfare, morale, proper utilization, and progress of more than 40,000 Air Force military and civilian members in more than 500 locations across 108 countries. Prior to assuming her current position, Chief Noel faithfully served as the 6th Air Mobility Wing's Command Chief Master Sergeant and was also the Senior Enlisted Advisor for the U.S. Air Force's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office.

Chief Master Sergeant Noel entered the U.S. Air Force on April 9, 1992 as a security forces specialist and was later chosen for retraining into the field of personnel administration. Her honorable service has spanned numerous overseas and stateside assignments including two European countries, three States, the District of Columbia, and a deployment in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. In 2006, Chief Noel was competitively selected to become a First Sergeant, spending several years caring for the service's newest Airmen at the ``Gateway to the Air Force.'' Recognizing her leadership potential, the Air Force continued to challenge her with increased responsibilities as an instructor at the U.S. Air Force First Sergeants Academy. Excelling in this demanding position, Chief Noel taught fellow senior noncommissioned officers the intricacies of equitable discipline, professional development, and esprit de corps. Her superb performance at the First Sergeants Academy garnered the attention of Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Roy, who selected Chief Noel to become the service's first-ever Enlisted Legislative Fellow in the Nation's Capital.

As a true testament to Chief Master Sergeant Noel's exceptional career, she served as not only the U.S. Air Force's first Enlisted Legislative Fellow but also its sole enlisted representative on Capitol Hill in 2013. During this period, Chief Noel was assigned to the office of Representative Niki Tsongas from Massachusetts. With the Congresswoman's position as Ranking Member on the House Armed Services Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, Chief Noel played a key role as her lead staffer during the headline-making Benghazi hearings. Moreover, she worked diligently to increase congressional awareness of impacts to both the Department of Defense and national security community caused by the 2013 federal government shutdown. Finally, her tireless efforts were critical to the bipartisan passage and implementation of the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act.

Chief Master Sergeant Noel clearly epitomizes the finest qualities of a military leader. Throughout her tenure, she has been instrumental in advocating for Airmen across the globe while strengthening the total force team through innovative solutions, focused resiliency, and exceptional leadership development. Her unrivaled expertise and exemplary professionalism have further resulted in numerous accolades, including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, as well as annual award recognition at the squadron, group, and wing levels within the U.S. Air Force. Additionally, Chief Noel was the recipient of the Distinguished Honor Graduate Award at the Joint Special Operations Forces Senior Enlisted Academy.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress and a grateful Nation, I extend our deepest appreciation to Chief Master Sergeant Melanie K. Noel for her many years of extraordinary dedication and selfless military service. There is no question that the U.S. Air Force, Department of Defense, and United States have significantly benefited from Chief Noel's visionary leadership and devotion to the cause of freedom. I wish nothing but the very best for her and her family in the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today with my House colleagues to honor and remember Senator Richard Lugar, a giant in Indiana politics who recently passed away at the age of 87.

For those who had the privilege to serve in Congress alongside Senator Lugar, you simply could not find a better mentor, colleague, and friend. Nor could you find a more honorable and decent individual.

Senator Lugar truly defined what it meant to be a principled statesman, dedicating his life to the betterment of the world, our Nation, and the Hoosier State.

From serving in the United States Navy to being elected mayor of Indianapolis in 1968 and to his service in the United States Senate from 1977 until 2013, he spent his entire life in service to his Nation and his fellow Americans.

While Senator Lugar worked on a wide variety of issues during his time in office, it was in the realm of foreign policy that he made the largest impact. Senator Lugar's knowledge of foreign policy issues was unmatched. Our Nation will forever be stronger and safer because of his tireless efforts.

It was a privilege and honor to serve alongside Senator Lugar during my first term in Congress. As I stand here today, it is truly humbling to say good-bye to a man who inspired so many to answer the call to service.

Our thoughts continue to be with his beloved wife, Charlene; his sons, Mark, Bob, John, David; and the rest of the Lugar family.

May he have fair winds and following seas. Godspeed.

Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on May 16, 2019, in order to deliver the Commencement Address at the Concordia Seminary in Saint Louis, Missouri.

Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll CAll No. 210; NAY on Roll Call No. 211; NAY on Roll Call No. 212; YEA on Roll Call No. 213; and NAY on Roll Call No. 214.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on May 17, 2019, in order to deliver the Commencement Address at the Concordia Seminary in Saint Louis, Missouri. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 215, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 216, and ``nay'' on rollcall No. 217.

personal explanation

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the service of Major Allen Sanderson Jr., and to thank him for his dedication to educating young Hoosiers and ensuring the preservation of the history of the United States of America.

Born in Roanoke, Virginia on November 17, 1922, Allen Sanderson enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps as a Lieutenant in 1942. Over the course of his service in World War II, Major Sanderson took part in more than 118 flight missions in his P-47 Thunderbolt ``Lady Jane'' as a member of the 64th Fighter Squadron, including two missions over the beaches of Normandy on D-Day in 1944. After being honorably discharged after the war, Major Sanderson pursued a career in finance as a credit manager.

However, Major Sanderson's service to his community did not stop when he left the military. After moving to Evansville, IN, Allen began volunteering with the Evansville Wartime Museum, eventually becoming a board member of the museum and serving as its World War II veteran liaison.

In this capacity, Allen has passed on his stories and experiences from the war to thousands of students who visited the museum, or whose classes he visited from across Southwestern Indiana over the last seven years. Mr. Sanderson's firsthand experiences allow him to bring the events and history of WWII to life in a way that a textbook never could, and is an invaluable asset to the Evansville community. Even today at the age of 96, Major Sanderson continues his efforts, educating young Hoosiers and telling his incredible story.

I join Major Sanderson's friends, family, and community in thanking him for his service and sacrifice to our country, and for his continued dedication to preserving our history and educating young Hoosiers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishment of an outstanding group of young men from Vincennes University in Indiana.

For the first time since 1972 and the fourth time in school history, the Vincennes University Trailblazers captured the National Junior College Athletic Association Men's Basketball Championship.

Led by coach Todd Franklin, the Blazers had a benchmark year, ending the season with a record of 34-2 and defeating Ranger College in the championship game by a score of 87-77.

The team's standout in the finals was freshman forward Kevin Osawe, who scored 22 points and had ten rebounds, earning the tournament's most valuable player honors.

Athletics provide a set of skills that will be with these young men for the rest of their lives.

The commitment and follow-through required to come together as a team and win a national championship are rare and should be commended.

Congratulations to the Vincennes University Blazers men's basketball team on a job well done, and good luck next year.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the contributions of Rob Wynbrandt, who will retire on March 15th as Executive Director and General Counsel of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). I commend his 30 years of legal service and guidance for cardiothoracic surgeons and their patients.

Mr. Wynbrandt graduated from Northwestern University in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, and obtained a Juris Doctor with Honors from the University of Michigan in 1979. He worked for many years as a partner in a Chicago law firm, serving clients such as The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the American Academy of Dermatology, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Radiology, and the American College of Surgeons. In 2002, Mr. Wynbrandt was named STS Executive Director and General Counsel.

Once Mr. Wynbrandt took the helm at STS, he expanded its staff and oversaw the development of programs on patient safety, public reporting, and professional medical education for cardiothoracic surgeons. It was under Mr. Wynbrandt's legal expertise that the STS launched its now world-renowned National Database. As a result of his leadership, the database has become the gold standard for clinical outcomes registries and serves as the bedrock for quality improvement initiatives involving heart and lung surgery patients.

I congratulate Mr. Wynbrandt on a distinguished career at STS, and join his family, friends, cardiothoracic surgeons, and their patients from around the country in extending my best wishes in his retirement.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1, the Democrat politician protection act. This legislation is a radical attempt to hijack our free and fair election system, and limit the voices of the American people.

For example, in H.R. 1, Democrats are proposing the public financing of elections which would force Americans' hard-earned tax dollars to be subsidizing political campaigns they do not support, limiting constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of speech and association.

Furthermore, this one-size-fits-all Federal takeover of the election process will open the door for voting irregularities through Federal mandates on voter registration and voting practices that will be forced on the States--a massive Federal power grab.

Last time I checked, voting happens at the State level, and is the right and responsibility of the State and local governments.

They say this only affects Federal elections, but does anyone really believe that the States will have two separate systems? I am in full support of increasing voter registration participation in our election process. Unfortunately, this legislation goes far beyond increasing voter participation, and, instead, is a misguided attempt to rig our Nation's electoral systems for the benefit of the Democratic Party by telling Americans, once again, that the Federal Government and Washington bureaucrats know best.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this liberty- and freedom- limiting legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of a great Hoosier, William R. Carteaux, the President and CEO of the Plastics Industry Association, and a dedicated supporter of the U.S. plastics industry which employs nearly 1 million Americans.

Mr. Carteaux passed away on December 10, 2018, after bravely fighting leukemia. Having worked with Bill, his passion for the U.S. plastics industry, which employs more than 50,000 Hoosiers and more than 10,000 in my district alone, was unmatched.

Bill pushed the entire industry to focus on recycling and sustainability, bringing together industry leaders and innovators to find effective market-based solutions to our environmental challenges.

Bill was first diagnosed with leukemia in 2016, and he set out to beat the disease for himself and others. He eventually chaired the Washington area Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The U.S. plastics industry is stronger today because of Bill's efforts, and he will be sorely missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Daniele, and his two daughters, as we honor his legacy and impact here in the House today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Larry Ordner upon his retirement after many honorable years of service to Hoosiers in Southwest Indiana.

Born in Corydon, Larry has devoted his life to serving his fellow Hoosiers. The father of two, a loving husband, a soon-to-be grandfather, and a collector of Indiana art; there are few people like Larry Ordner. While the Eighth District will not be the same without him, we shall strive to live up to the example he has set. His kindness, patience, and dedication to serving the constituents of the 8th District and Southwest Indiana is unrivalled.

After graduating from Indiana University, Larry started off his career in the banking industry. After successfully working for many years in the private sector, Larry began his public service working on the staff of Senator Richard Lugar in 2002. While working for Senator Lugar, he not only assisted constituents in dealing with the government and other casework, but also helped to preserve our nation's history, recording hundreds of interviews for the Veterans History Project.

In 2013, Larry joined my staff as Field Director, eventually rising to the position of Deputy District Director. During the time he has worked in my office, Larry's years of public service and connections across the state have proved invaluable in interfacing with constituents and in working with government organizations in the Eighth District, such as the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane and Crane Army Ammunition Activity, with whom Larry helped my office maintain close relations. I consider myself lucky that I have come to know Larry very well from the hundreds of hours that we have spent driving across the 8th District in his ``tin can'' to meet with my constituents over the last five years.

It is with profound gratitude for Mr. Ordner's career of service to our state and our nation that I join his friends, family, and all Hoosiers in extending my best wishes in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Rev. Dr. Adrian M. Brooks, Sr. for his remarkable twenty-five years of service to Memorial Baptist Church and the Greater Evansville, Indiana community.

Rev. Brooks has demonstrated visionary pastoral leadership since coming to Memorial in 1993. Today, ``The People's Church,'' as it is known, has over 4,500 members and offers over fifty progressive ministries that impact Southwest Indiana families each day.

One of Rev. Brooks' greatest achievements was when he helped the Memorial Baptist Church organize the Memorial Community Development Corporation in 1994. With a mission to change the educational, social, cultural

and physical dynamics of Evansville's center city, the non-profit organization lifts-up the underserved with critical programming and connective opportunities in areas of affordable housing and home ownership, medical services, youth and young adult employment, business financing, job creation . . . all while contributing to city's economic development and community enrichment. It has empowered people and revitalized neighborhoods in tangible testimony to the power of collaboration.

With deep appreciation, I congratulate Rev. Brooks on his 25-year pastorate at Memorial Baptist Church and commend him on a lasting legacy of devoted service to the people of Evansville.

Madam Speaker, unnecessary government red tape is preventing us from taking advantage of clean, renewable hydropower generation at existing nonpowered dams. The current regulatory process simply takes too long, taking up to a decade for the project to be approved.

We can change this by supporting America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, which includes the Promoting Hydropower Development at Existing Nonpowered Dams Act, which I authored. This legislation instructs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, FERC, to create an expedited permitting process that will result in a final decision on an application in 2 years or less.

The legislation also requires FERC, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Department of the Interior to develop a list of existing nonpowered dams that have the greatest potential for hydropower development. Streamlining the permitting process will incentivize investments in clean hydropower development and help modernize our existing infrastructure.

I ask my colleagues to join me today in supporting this legislation.