Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Honorable Edward A. Pease for his tireless commitment to the Boy Scouts and continued leadership within the Terre Haute community.

Pease, a former member of this House representing the Hoosier state, has been extensively engaged in the betterment of his community, holding many positions on the boards of local, state, and national organizations most notably the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

He has been involved with the Boy Scouts for more than five decades, earning the Eagle Scout Award in 1965 and was selected as the Boy Scouts of America Alumnus of the Year in 2015. Pease has not only served as the chairman of the organization but has also received the Distinguished Eagle Scout, Silver Antelope, and Silver Beaver awards in recognition of his outstanding volunteer service.

Congratulations on another well-deserved recognition of service to our community and for leading by example.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 6, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act. This bill will help our struggling communities combat the opioid epidemic ravaging our Nation by focusing on providing care to those in need while addressing prevention of opioid misuse and abuse.

I am proud that two pieces of legislation that I introduced are included in H.R. 6 as sections 202 and 203. Section 202, which I worked closely with Representative Peters on to introduce, would incentivize development of nonopioid pain alternatives for postsurgical pain.

Section 203 would increase screening for chronic pain, address possible nonopioid pain alternatives, and increase early detection of opioid use disorder in seniors as they enter Medicare.

Mr. Chairman, I am proud to have worked with my colleagues on solutions to this serious crisis, and I urge my colleagues to support

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in strong support of H.R. 6082, the Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act. This legislation will improve the ability of medical professionals to properly care for patients by allowing physicians access to a patient's full medical record, including information about substance use disorder treatment, while ensuring robust privacy protections.

As a physician, I know that patients don't always notify their doctors of all the medications they are taking, and not having a complete medical record or knowing a patient's background can result in potentially life-threatening complications related to medical treatment. I have seen this in my own practice, and my wife sees this almost daily in her anesthesia practice.

This is commonsense legislation which will ensure patients receive appropriate healthcare, while also ensuring the medical information remains private. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6082.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Olson and Mr. Johnson for hosting this Special Order.

Manufacturing is a key industry that helps drive Indiana's strong economy. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, Indiana manufacturers exported $33.78 billion in goods and employed 16.8 percent of the Hoosier workforce in 2016. Much of the credit for such a strong manufacturing presence in Indiana is its relationship with natural gas.

In 2016, a comprehensive study was released detailing the positive effects that domestic natural gas brought to communities across the Nation. The study prepared by the National Association of Manufacturers provides examples of how natural gas is increasing the industrial strength and worldwide competitiveness of American companies.

Among the findings, the study said that the natural gas industry has added nearly 1.9 million total jobs to the economy and saved working American families an average of $1,300 in disposable income in a single year through the production and use of shale gas.

According to the study, the U.S. supply of natural gas is projected to increase by 48 percent throughout the course of the next decade, resulting from the growing demand for this energy source.

During periods of high commodity prices, companies that rely on a high volume of natural gas to manufacture products can find it difficult to maintain a competitive advantage in an increasingly global market. However, an abundant supply of domestic natural gas has led to a reduction in natural gas prices. In turn, this increased affordability is allowing these companies to increase their manufacturing output.

Further, the transportation of natural gas through an expanding national pipeline network means that this clean-burning natural resource is also becoming more accessible for American companies and presents a growing number of manufacturing opportunities.

Through the increased production of domestic shale gas alone, more than a million American jobs were created to help meet the demand for the energy source.

Additionally, the need for the manufacturing of new natural gas transmission pipelines across the Nation added several hundred thousand jobs on top of that. This surge in new jobs, coupled with the monetary profits gained from additional natural gas production, has led to a GDP hike of $190 billion. Ultimately, this translates into more disposable income in the pockets of hardworking Americans.

Finally, the use of natural gas, both as a fuel source and a raw material, has resulted in environmental benefits as well, and we should not lose sight of that.

With the International World Gas Conference just 1 week away, I am proud of the continued growth and success of our domestic natural gas industry, which is helping to power this country's economic and manufacturing growth.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Thomas. A. Kazee upon his retirement as the 23rd president of the University of Evansville.

A political scientist by preparation, this Ohio native became the face of UE. While reaffirming its decades-old tradition of world- renowned higher education, Dr. Kazee championed the role of the modern university and wisely recognized that it must continue to evolve and respond to contemporary challenges.

As creator of the ``UE Guarantee,'' Dr. Kazee boldly defined UE's commitment to its students with emphasis on substantial financial aid, internships, international study, and graduation in four years. He prompted the University to reexamine its career development strategy even after graduation. He led a collaboration with the Indiana University School of Medicine and its crosstown neighbor, the University of Southern Indiana, in a transformational Center for Health Sciences in downtown Evansville. He orchestrated a master plan that led to construction of student townhouses, renovations of key academic buildings, and positioned the stately Lincoln Avenue campus for decades to come.

With profound gratitude for Dr. Kazee's career as an academician, community leader, and outstanding steward of a great university, I join all Hoosiers in extending my best wishes in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Linda L. M. Bennett as she retires as the third president of the University of Southern Indiana.

Dr. Bennett's steady leadership, wise counsel, and dedication to academic excellence

has vaulted this still-young state university to a heightened stature. She raised the profile of its academic offerings, particularly in nursing and engineering, and expanded its reach through statewide involvements, community service, and online programming. During her nine-year tenure, USI experienced dynamic growth and diversity in its student population, attracted top-flight faculty, and became a higher- education destination throughout Indiana and across the globe. The campus, itself, took on a signature personality with new structures that helped define an enduring physical character.

A highly regarded civic leader, Dr. Bennett has lent her talents to countless organizations and civic causes, and she has been widely recognized for her thoughtful contributions, many, of which, were conducted outside the public eye.

I am grateful for Dr. Bennett's legacy of stewardship in guiding USI's development, and join all Hoosiers in extending my best wishes in her retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to Signature School in Evansville, Indiana for being named the ninth best charter school in the United States, the seventeenth best high school in the United States, and best high school in Indiana by U.S. News and World Report in its 2018 rankings.

Founded in 1992, Signature School became Indiana's first public charter school in 2002. Located on Main Street in downtown Evansville, Signature School has offered an advanced education for students all over Southwest Indiana for over 25 years. The education young Hoosiers receive at Signature School not only helps them prepare for college, but also for success in life. Signature School students routinely out perform national SAT and ACT averages, are recognized as National Merit Finalists, achieve a 100 percent graduation rate, and are offered millions of dollars in college scholarships.

Ensuring all Hoosiers have access to a quality education is of the utmost importance because today's youth are tomorrow's leaders. I am grateful for Signature School's commitment to educating young Hoosiers and congratulate them on receiving this outstanding distinction.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life and service of Officer Robert Shawn Pitts of Terre Haute Police Department, who was killed in the line of duty on Friday, May 4, 2018.

Officer Pitts was born in Vincennes, Indiana, and dedicated his life to the security and protection of his community. He proudly served with the Terre Haute Police Department for the past 16 years and with the Sullivan Police Department for 6 years prior to joining the force in Terre Haute. He was also a member of the Special Response Team and the U.S. Marshals Task Force.

I want to extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of Officer Pitts, especially his three children: Brooke, Austin, and Dakota.

Law enforcement personnel across this country go to work every day to serve and protect our communities. These brave men and women risk everything to keep our cities and our families safe and secure. Events like these are somber reminders of what heroes who stand on the thin blue line and their families sacrifice on our behalf.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Baker's Creek Baptist Church in Eureka, Indiana for 200 years of service and fellowship in Southwest Indiana.

Dating back to 1818, the Baker's Creek Baptist Church is the second oldest church in Spencer County. It has served not just as a place of worship, but also as a refuge for those in times of trouble and means of encouragement for men and women of faith, including influential Americans such as President Abraham Lincoln.

Through the Lord's grace and the devotion of leaders like Pastor James Carl Jones, Baker's Creek Baptist Church has remained a place for the congregation to worship and come together as a community.

I am grateful for Baker's Creek Baptist Church's rich history of service over the past 200 years and excited for what the future holds. Again, congratulations on achieving this tremendous milestone.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of First Lieutenant Clay Cullen. On the weekend of January 20, 2018, Lieutenant Cullen was killed in a training accident while serving in the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California. He was an American hero and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Lieutenant Cullen was 25 years old and the son of Robert and Julie Cullen of Bicknell, which is located in Knox County, Indiana. He was an enigmatic young man that left a wave of positive impressions on the people he touched. He attended North Knox Junior/Senior High School where he excelled both in the classroom and on the field. He was named most valuable player of the soccer team while also being an active member of the National Honor Society and the student council.

After graduating from high school, Lieutenant Cullen enrolled and attended Vincennes University before moving on to attend Indiana University where he served in the National Guard. Upon graduation from IU in 2015, he became a commissioned officer on active duty.

During his years of service, Lieutenant Cullen received several awards including the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon.

Mr. Speaker, Lieutenant Cullen served his country to his fullest ability and his service will never be forgotten. Please join me today in commemorating the life of First Lieutenant Clay Cullen for his service to our nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of an important milestone in Indiana history, the bicentennial of Spencer County, Indiana.

Founded in 1818 by Captain Spier Spencer, this rural county along the Ohio River was the boyhood home of Abraham Lincoln. Years later, when recalling his time in Spencer County, the man who became our 16th President stated quite succinctly: ``There, I grew up.''

In addition to the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial and a scenic state park, Spencer County is home to St. Meinrad Archabbey and Indiana's premier tourist destinations, Holiday World and Splashin' Safari. Wildly recognized as the world's first theme park, Holiday World draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the county each year.

Today, strategically connected to the world by Interstate 64, US 231, rail, and the Ohio River, Spencer County has become a leader in agriculture, manufacturing, maritime and ground logistics, steel production, power generation, and world class family entertainment.

I proudly salute the citizens and the wonderful hometowns of Spencer County on this notable occasion.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Whether it is turning on the light above the kitchen table in a home or powering heavy machinery in a factory, the American people expect there to be reliable and affordable energy to power their lives and our economy. That is why it is important that we take advantage of all forms of American-made energy.

According to Department of Energy estimates, there are more than 50,000 suitable nonpowered dams across the country that collectively have the technical potential to add 12 gigawatts of hydropower capacity. To put that in context, that is the same potential capacity as two dozen coal-fired power plants.

Back home in Indiana, there are six nonpowered dams located in the Eighth District that could benefit from an expedited permitting process that promotes hydropower generation and provides quality Hoosier jobs.

Unfortunately, unnecessary government red tape is preventing us from taking advantage of clean, renewable energy from hydropower at existing nonpowered dams. The current regulatory process simply takes too long, taking up to a decade to approve a project, which stifles the investment needed to bring additional capacity at existing dams online.

We have the opportunity to change this with H.R. 2872, the Promoting Hydropower Development at Existing Nonpowered Dams Act. Specifically, this legislation cuts through the red tape and instructs FERC to create an expedited permitting process that will result in a final decision on an application in just 2 years or less.

Streamlining the permitting process for qualifying nonpowered dam projects represents an important first step in modernizing our existing infrastructure. Additionally, it will incentivize investments in clean hydropower development, allowing us to take advantage of an American source of energy.

I applaud both sides of the aisle for their work to reach a bipartisan solution, and I ask my colleagues to support H.R. 2872.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act, which extends the State Children's Health Insurance Program, SCHIP, for another 5 years.

In 1997, Congress created S-CHIP in partnership with the States to meet the healthcare needs of lower income kids. Last year, nearly 100,000 Hoosier kids received health insurance thanks to this critical program. I am proud that this legislation will continue to protect vulnerable children in the Eighth District of Indiana.

This bill also extends 2 years of funding for federally qualified health centers, family-to-family health information centers, and other important public health programs. This funding provides important healthcare services, resources, and information for families in the Eighth District and across America.

I urge my colleagues to support passage of the CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true champion for higher education, Dr. Daniel J. Bradley, the 11th president of Indiana State University.

During his 9-year tenure at Indiana State, Dr. Bradley has led ISU to achieve the highest enrollment in school history, added new degree programs to meet the demands of the 21st century workforce, and completed more than $300 million in capital projects on the campus. Most importantly, Dr. Bradley has improved student success by increasing the student retention rate and increasing the student graduation rate.

From his service to our country in the U.S. Army to his service to the students of Indiana State University, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dr. Bradley on his retirement at the end of this year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a notable Hoosier milestone, the bicentennial of the city of Petersburg, Indiana. Located in Pike County, this southern Indiana community was settled on land donated by Peter Brenton in 1817, and was established just 1 year later after Indiana had become a State.

From its earliest days as a pioneer settlement near the Buffalo Trace and the White River, Petersburg is today a vibrant commercial and residential community and the seat of the county government. Blessed with an abundance of natural resources, it is a leader in Indiana's power generation industry.

While rightfully proud of its favorite son, baseball great Gil Hodges, Petersburg is squarely focused on a promising future. It boasts wonderful, new downtown housing, a new county public library, and just dedicated its new fire department. It looks forward to exciting development opportunities along I-69.

I proudly salute the city of Petersburg; its mayor, R.C. Klipsch; and its loyal citizens on this historic occasion.