Mark B. Messmer

Madam Speaker, I hereby remove my name as cosponsor of H.R. 1238 and H.R. 9535.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an outstanding Hoosier whose dedication to our country did not end when he took off the uniform.

This week, I will have the honor of welcoming Evansville Army veteran Ken Eppler and his lovely wife, Cathy, to my congressional office here at the United States Capitol.

Following his service to our Nation, Ken found great happiness in his incredible talent as a painter. He graciously lent me one of his beautiful paintings, The Enduring Spirit to display here in the Halls of Congress in honor of America's 250th anniversary.

Ken served our Nation with honor in the United States Army, earning both Airborne and Air Assault qualifications before serving with the 101st Airborne Division during the Gulf war.

He later continued his service in the Indiana National Guard and has made us all proud as a defender of our country and a wonderful member of our community. His commitment to our Nation is reflected not only in his military service, but also in the remarkable artwork he continues to create.

The Enduring Spirit depicts three colonial children standing together playing the fife and drum while proudly holding an American 250 flag. To me, this patriotic painting is a powerful reminder that the ideals of freedom and love of country are passed from one generation down to the next. It is a privilege to display his incredible artwork for my colleagues and all who visit Washington, especially those Hoosiers coming to our Nation's Capital.

Ken has said that he hopes his artwork inspires students to love our country and encourages young people to learn more about our Nation's great history. I cannot think of a better message to share with the myriads of people who travel to Washington and visit our country's Capital.

Indiana's Eighth District is proud to call Ken Eppler one of our own, and I am honored to display his beautiful artwork which I think reflects the very best of Hoosier and American patriotism.

Congratulating Evansville Mater Dei Wildcats Baseball Victory

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Mater Dei Wildcats for winning the 2026 Indiana High School Athletic Association Class 2-A baseball State championship.

In a thrilling 6-3 victory in the final game, the Wildcats captured their second baseball State championship in school history, the last one being back in 1991.

I also want to recognize first-year Head Coach Adam Wildeman whose leadership led the Wildcats to 15 consecutive victories, delivering another championship back to Evansville. This victory is a proud moment for Evansville, Vanderburgh County, and all of Indiana's Eighth Congressional District.

Congratulations, once again, to the Mater Dei Wildcats.

Congratulating the Barr-Reeve Vikings Softball Victory

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Barr-Reeve Vikings softball team on winning the 2026 Indiana High School Athletic Association Class 1-A State softball championship, their first State softball championship in school history.

With a dominant 6-0 victory in their final game, the Vikings had an outstanding season with 32 wins and only one loss, cementing their names in the Hoosier athletic history books.

This championship is the result of years of hard work and great perseverance. A great job was done by Head Coach Josh Huff, whose leadership inspired the discipline these athletes put forth to bring home this victory.

Congratulations to the Barr-Reeve Vikings for making all of us proud in Daviess County and throughout the Eighth District, and may they enjoy their well-deserved summer vacation.

Congratulating Tecumseh Braves Softball Victory

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Tecumseh Braves softball team on bringing home the 2026 Indiana High School Athletic Association Class 2-A softball State championship.

This marks the fourth State championship title the Braves have captured in the last 5 years and the seventh in the program's history.

What an extraordinary achievement, reflecting incredible amounts of hard work, discipline, and a great commitment to their teammates and their sport.

Year after year, the Tecumseh Braves have set the standard for excellence, as their many big wins show.

Thanks to Head Coach Gordon Wood, whose outstanding leadership has helped establish Tecumseh as one of Indiana's premier softball programs.

Way to make all of us in Warrick County proud. I congratulate them all.

Congratulations to the Jasper Wildcats Girls' Tennis Victory

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Jasper Wildcats girls' tennis doubles team of Adaysha Smiley and Stella Knies for winning the 2026 Indiana High School Athletic Association girls' tennis doubles State championship.

In a hard-fought straight-set victory, the doubles team captured the State title, capping off an outstanding season. Hats off to these two athletes for their prowess and sportsmanship throughout the year, which makes this big win all the more sweet for the Wildcats and the fans.

I also want to give a shout-out to Head Coach Scott Yarbrough, whose outstanding leadership has, once again, guided the Wildcats to another State championship. All of Dubois County is proud of this tennis team and these special young ladies for their impressive victory.

I congratulate, once again, the Jasper Wildcats girls' tennis team.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Stop Child Care Scams Act, which provides a commonsense path toward preventing the rampant waste, fraud, and abuse in our Federal childcare support programs.

Every year, nearly 2 million children receive State and Federal Child Care and Development Block Grant subsidies totaling over $8 billion. These childcare assistance programs allow lower income parents to stay in the workforce so they can create their own economic independence and contribute to the economic development in their communities.

Under the current program requirements, States are supposed to submit a report detailing any errors that are discovered in the administration of the CCDBG grant fund distributions.

Mistakes are not unusual given the changing nature of childcare, but because there is no penalty, the reporting of fraudulent payments is often ignored.

That is why I am pleased that my Child Care Payment Integrity and Fraud Accountability Act is included in today's bill. It requires that States clearly account for any improper payments that have been made so that Americans can see exactly how their money is being spent and leaders can manage what improvements are needed to best safeguard taxpayer dollars.

Preventing fraud and protecting our citizens' hard-earned money is one of the most important things we should be doing in Congress. Americans deserve an end to the waste, fraud, and abuse poisoning our country. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.