Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Marjorie Ann Sharp, a woman of great faith and an instrumental leader in Indiana's Wayne County Council.

Marjorie was a loving and devoted wife to her husband of 62 years, Karl. Together, they were the proud parents of three children, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. They were also my friends. As active members of the Central United Methodist Church, Marjorie and her family valued their faith and were diligent leaders within the Richmond community. She served for an impressive 16 years on the Wayne County Council and, furthermore, became the first female to serve as President of the County Council.

Today, it is my privilege to honor the life of Marjorie Ann Sharp. My thoughts and prayers go out to Marjorie's family during this difficult time. May God comfort those close to her with His peace and strength.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a man who had a tremendous impact on my life, William Lee Edwards. Bill was a treasured member of the Greensburg community and served in many different leadership roles at both Greensburg Junior High School and Greensburg High School over the past 40 years.

Bill Edwards was also a devoted husband to his wife of 46 years, Joyce. Together, they were the proud parents of three sons and grandparents to four grandchildren. Bill was an avid fisherman and loved spending his free time outdoors.

In addition to his family, Bill's lifelong passions revolved around education and sports. Bill served as the Greensburg Junior High Athletic Director for 27 years, coaching both the boys and girls track team, the football team, and the basketball team. Bill then moved on to become the face of Greensburg sports as the Athletic Director for Greensburg High School.

Mr. Edwards, as I always called him, played a significant role in the lives of literally thousands of young people in his decades of service to Greensburg. I was one of them. He was my seventh grade Social Studies teacher and my eighth grade football coach. He was an outstanding teacher, who brought energy to the classroom. And, decades later, now as a Member of Congress, I still recall his lessons on Israel and Vietnam. He was a great coach, who pushed us to excel and coached many undefeated seasons. But, maybe most importantly, he taught us that anything was possible if you worked hard, followed a plan and believed.

Mr. Edwards, I will always be grateful for those lessons. I know I speak for generations of young people in Greensburg when I thank you for your career. You will be missed by those you helped to smile, succeed and empower. May God bless you, your family, and all the people of Greensburg who you touched through your work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of James E. Crider, a great man of faith and the father of my good friend, Indiana State Senator Michael Crider.

Jim was a loving and devoted husband to his wife of 63 years, Janet. Together, they were the proud parents of six children, 13 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. As traveling song evangelists for many years, Jim and his family valued their faith and were diligent leaders at the Shirley Church of the Nazarene. He spent an impressive 27 years at Chrysler and in retirement enjoyed hunting and spending time with his family.

Jim taught his son Michael the value of hard work and the importance of being a man of integrity. He raised a great son who has become a valued leader in our state.

I am very grateful for the friendship that I share with Michael and his wife Sherri. Today, it is my privilege to honor the life of Michael's father, James E. Crider.

Mr. Speaker, 3,288 per day, 137 per hour, one every 26 seconds--that is how many children are denied their God-given right to life each and every day. As we mark the 42nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we should remember each of those children and the potential each had.

Mr. Speaker, I am unapologetically pro-life and have been a longtime supporter of efforts to protect the unborn. Because every human life is precious, we must continue to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.

Today I stand on behalf of those children and of future children who may never have a chance. We must stand together and never forget until the battle for life is won.

Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 19, approval of the Journal, I was inadvertently absent. Had I been present, I would have voted aye.

Mr. Speaker, on roll call No. 18, H.R. 33, the Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act, I was inadvertently absent. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Republican Conference, I offer a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Lucian Henry Frye. Lucian was not only a well-respected resident of Indiana's 6th Congressional District, but the father of my good friend, State Representative Randy Frye.

Lucian was a devoted husband to his wife of 49 years, Marjorie. Together, they were the proud parents of six children, grandparents of 17 grandchildren, and great-grandparents of 17 great-grandchildren. Lucian was a devoted family man as well as a respected member of his community. As a retired over-the-road truck driver, he was a hard- worker who spent his free time at both New Point Christian Church and Metamora Lodge #156 F&AM.

It was once said that, ``What was silent in the father speaks in the son, and often I found in the son the unveiled secret of the father.'' I can personally attest to the admiration and respect that Randy had for his father, and it is abundantly clear in Randy that Lucian taught him the value of hard work and the importance of being a man of integrity, who is committed to faith and family. Randy serves as a pillar of leadership in our community and has made a profound impact on my life personally.

I am more than thankful for the friendship that I share with Lucian's son Randy as well as his wife Debbie. It is a privilege to honor the life of Lucian Henry Frye today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Marquita Dean Sodrel, a loving mother and the wife of my friend, former Congressman Mike Sodrel.

Marquita, who was known as Keta by her friends and family, was a devoted wife to her husband of 47 years, Mike. Together, they had two children and seven granddaughters. Keta enjoyed a family centered life. Although she worked hard as a Corporate Secretary at her family business, Keta considered her main job to be a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Keta was a woman of strong faith. Wherever she traveled and worked, Keta always said that she was, ``working for the Lord.''

Keta was also an important partner to her husband Mike's service in Congress. In every sense, they served the people of Indiana's 9th Congressional District together.

Keta was a remarkable woman who will be missed by all of those whose lives she has touched. Today, It is my privilege to honor the life of Marquita Dean Sodrel.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor a remarkable young woman from Indiana's Sixth Congressional District, 19-year-old Lauren Hill.

Last year, this Lawrenceburg native was diagnosed with DIPG, a terminal form of brain cancer. Since then, Lauren has become a national symbol of courage and hope for those impacted by this terrible disease.

This selfless young woman inspired the Nation last November by fulfilling her dream of playing in an NCAA basketball game, despite having an inoperable brain tumor. Lauren not only played, but scored 4 points for the Mount St. Joseph's Lions.

She then set an ambitious goal: to raise $1 million for DIPG research before the end of 2014. During a telethon on Tuesday, December 30th, she surpassed that goal.

I commend Lauren for her continued courage and applaud the steps she has taken to find a cure for pediatric brain cancer.

Lauren, you make your community, your State, and your country proud.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the New Palestine High School Dragons on their first state football championship.

The Dragons faced off against the New Prairie Cougars on November 28th at Lucas Oil Stadium. During their first appearance in the Indiana state football finals in more than 20 years, the team made their mark by breaking the record for total points, total yards, and most touchdowns and extra points. In the end, the Dragons won the Class 4A state final 77-42 over the Cougars.

I am proud of these young men for not only their remarkable win, but also for the Hoosier sportsmanship that they each displayed throughout the game. Their dedication to excellence and their perseverance was evident not just in this game, but throughout the entire 2014 season. I want to commend Coach Kyle Ralph and all of the assistant coaches who led these young men through this historic season.

I want to again congratulate the New Palestine Dragons on both their hard-earned victory in the state finals, as well as on their record- breaking 2014 football season. I look forward to hearing about the accomplishments of each of these young men in the future, and I wish the Dragons the best of luck in the 2015 season.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my grandfather, Jack Rotzien, on his 90th birthday.

Born and raised in Holmesville, Indiana, my grandfather has spent the past 90 years of his life exemplifying what it means to be a Hoosier. At 20 years old he joined the U.S. Army and fought in World War II. During the war, he was stationed at Wendling Air Force base in England where he served as the gunnery teacher for the troops. After graduation from Indiana University, my grandfather worked in the retail industry with both L. S. Ayres and Maison Blanche in Indiana. He worked hard for decades to provide for his family. Now that he is retired, he spends time at his VFW post and has found passion in speaking with students about his time in the military.

While he has made many professional contributions to our state and our country, he has also had a significant impact on me and my family. I will never forget the summer vacations my brother, mother and I used to take with my grandfather. One year, we all visited Lake Okeechobee in Florida because he knew how much we loved to go fishing. We spent the week sitting by the lake and must have caught nearly a hundred fish (or at least that's how I remember it). This is just one memory I cherish. I also remember the time my brother was almost eaten by an alligator--but, that's another story.

This year my grandfather's birthday will fall on Thanksgiving Day, which gives me an even greater opportunity to give thanks for the role he has played in my life. My grandfather is a man of compassion, strength, and faith and I am privileged to have had his love and guidance over the last 45 years. I hope that he knows how much he has meant to me and I look forward to the many memories we will continue to make with one another. Today, I wish him a happy 90th birthday as he celebrates this milestone in his life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor my Director of Constituent Services, Kim Bennett, as she prepares to retire from her two decades of public service.

Kim has served the State of Indiana and our country very capably throughout her career. She has headed our team's constituent services operation since my election last year. Kim helped get our district offices up and running so that residents of Indiana's Sixth Congressional District continued to receive the assistance they needed with the federal government, even during the congressional transition. I have heard from many of my constituents about how caring and professionally Kim has served them in matters involving a myriad of federal agencies.

She worked for my predecessor in Congress, Governor Mike Pence, for more than a decade, serving in various roles, including Deputy District Director, Director of Grants, and Director of Economic and Rural Development. She also has coordinated the Sixth District Job Fair since 1997, an event which continues to this day. Kim also worked for Congressman David McIntosh as his Social Security caseworker from 1995 to 2001. Kim always went above and beyond in these various roles. She produced positive results to improve people's lives in a caring and compassionate manner.

Mr. Speaker, hiring Kim was one of the best decisions I made after my election to Congress. I learned very quickly that her stellar reputation among Hoosiers in the Sixth District was well-deserved after watching how diligently she worked on their behalf. I hope she knows how much she has meant to them and to me. I wish her and her husband, Robert, all the best as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lauren Hill for her athletic accomplishments and continued strength in her fight against Pediatric Brain Cancer.

Last year, Lauren was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, an incurable form of Brain Cancer. The disease has made it increasingly difficult for Lauren to fulfill her dream of playing college basketball. Yet, this college freshman at Mount St. Joseph University persevered and scored four points in her college debut earlier this month to help her team defeat Hiram College. Lauren was named Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Women's Basketball Player of the Week for her performance.

Lauren is a remarkable young woman, not just because of her athletic ability, but for her passion and dedication to live her life to the fullest while raising awareness about Pediatric Brain Cancer. Her grace and dignity has been a source of strength for children and families facing this terrible disease. Lauren has chosen to donate all proceeds from the basketball game to The Cure Starts Now, an organization working to find a cure for Pediatric Brain Cancer. Though Lauren's story has made national headlines, she has remained the same humble and tenacious young woman whose story has inspired our nation.

During the game against Hiram, Lauren said ``I've never felt so good in my entire life. Let's not call it my last game. This is my first collegiate game.'' This positive attitude should serve as a reminder about what we can accomplish even against the most insurmountable odds.

I ask the entire 6th Congressional District to join me in honoring this outstanding young woman for the way she has lived her life and the courage with which she has bravely fought this disease.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the amendment offered by Chairman McKeon. We are way past any good solutions in Syria, but doing nothing would be the worst solution of all.

I understand and, in fact, share many of the reservations expressed by my colleagues today. This is not an easy choice. Yet we cannot ignore the threat of ISIL. They are determined to bring war to America's shores. We must respond.

The President's request to train and equip certain Syrian opposition forces is a necessary step toward defeating ISIL, so I will support it. I will also urge the President to do more to explain the true nature of this crisis to the American people.

This will not be an easy fight. Airstrikes alone are unlikely to destroy ISIL and diminish its ability to threaten America. Americans are understandably war weary, but we did not pick this fight. Our Nation always answers the bell to defend our way of life and protect our freedom. This time will be no different.

May God bless our military personnel who will be involved in this effort. May God continue to bless the United States of America.