Floor Statements

Mr. Dingell, I appreciate your yielding. I want to thank both you and my good friend from Ohio for reserving this time, and the Chair's indulgence.

Mr. Speaker, it is with fond admiration and profound respect that I take this time to recognize a very dear friend and one of Indiana's most distinguished citizens, the Honorable John Vincent Sullivan, whom I will always claim as a resident of the First Congressional District, having graduated from Munster High School in Munster, Indiana.

It has been mentioned that he has served this country in the United States Air Force for 20 years--9 years active service, 11 years in the Reserve, and retiring with the designation of lieutenant colonel.

What has not been mentioned, I don't think, this evening is that for some inexplicable reason John also wanted to jump out of airplanes, and became a qualified paratrooper. Ultimately, he found himself at Indiana University Law School, as has been mentioned by Mrs. Biggert, but which was qualified by the gentlewoman from Maryland, who indicated that in fact I don't think that John is so much an IU fan as he is a rabid Bobby Knight fan.

But I do think that the mark of the man is the recognition of his legal acumen, his grace under pressure, and his scrupulous fairness when a Democratic Speaker, Tip O'Neill, requested that he join the Parliamentarian's office in 1987. And that 17 years later, his leadership skills and his ability to make nimble and wise decisions in very stressful and momentous situations was recognized by Republican Speaker Dennis Hastert, who asked that he become Parliamentarian of the House.

Mr. Speaker, John comes from a strong family of nine children, and his siblings love him deeply and know him better than any of us. I am happy to share some of their thoughts with my colleagues.

Margaret mentions:

As a teacher, I know about the incredible power of a good

model. John has provided the best model of a good brother,

husband, public servant, son, and man throughout my life, and

I adore him.

His sister Anne said:

As a little sister, I chose John as my role model for

integrity. Later, I chose him as my role model for word

choice, too.

Patty remarks that:

My heart is so full, I do not know where to start. You know

how I feel about my magnificent big brother.

Gary, for himself and for Mary Fran, John's sister whom he has lost, said:

I speak for Mary Fran and myself in sending love and thanks

to John for his service to our country.

His brother Matt said:

I would like to add my voice to my siblings' in expressing

my love and appreciation of our brother John.

Michael noted:

John and I played together, ate together, fought together,

got in trouble together, slept together, walked to school

together, and talked to each other about everything. That is

really where I learned all the important things about life.

That is where I learned what it took to be a good man. John

was my big brother, but he has always been my confidant and

mentor. He is my number one phone call when I need advice. He

has the discipline and fairness that I lack. So it is good to

have him to lean on. I love you, John, and I look forward to

enjoying a piece of your retirement with you.

Jerry observed that:

John went to take his physical qualification test for the

Air Force Academy and came back and told Dad he didn't

seem to do as well as he had expected. He did plenty well

enough, passed, and graduated the Academy. Turned out

there was a reason for his feeling a bit less than full

strength during the test. He had a case of mononucleosis

that had not yet been diagnosed. He plowed through the

tough test in typical fashion for John. Only he, as his

own toughest critic, got any sense that something was not

quite right. The rest of the world did nothing but approve

of his skill, dedication, and durability, which have

always added up to make him the best sort of guy.

His brother Jim noted--and I would like to state for the record that John looks a lot older than Jim:

I am 4 years older than John but have looked up to him

since I can remember. He is simply the finest man I know. He

is as tough as they come, and he is as gentle as a lamb with

the innocent and those less strong than he. He is fearless,

and I have seen him risk much to speak for the right,

regardless of the risk to himself. I have seen him operate,

in the right, with all the advantages, and yet let the

vanquished foe up and off the hook, time and again. He

embodies the idea of following the harder right rather than

the easier wrong, and of being humble and gentle in victory,

stern and unyielding in defeat. His goodness and strength are

clear from the moment you meet him.

Mr. Speaker, I would add that I will miss the opportunity that John provided every time I had young people in the gallery since 1987 for the opportunity to point him out with pride as being from ``back home,'' and emphasizing that he was someone they could emulate; that by studying hard, by using the talents God had given them, they, too, could achieve a position of great responsibility and great opportunity to be of service to others and to their country.

We will all miss you, John--a man who has dedicated and devoted his life to serving his country. This institution and each of us have become more effective and judicious stewards of the public trust because of John Sullivan's example, his wisdom, and yes, his good humor.

So I would conclude by saying, Mr. Speaker, that despite all of the disparaging remarks John has made over these many years about the quality of the football team in South Bend, Indiana, called Notre Dame, I do sincerely wish him, his wife Nancy, and their family every blessing and happiness life has to offer.

Mr. Speaker, it is with immense gratitude and the utmost respect that I take this time to honor a dear friend and one of Indiana's finest citizens, the Honorable Chet Dobis, Indiana State Representative. For his many years of public service and his countless efforts toward improving the lives of Northwest Indiana residents, Chet will be honored at a celebratory reception at Gamba's Ristorante in Merrillville, Indiana, on Monday, March 19, 2012.

Chet Dobis, a resident of Northwest Indiana, attended Merrillville High School and went on to further his education at Indiana University Northwest in Gary. He also studied at the University of Wisconsin, undertaking graduate coursework. In the years to follow, Chet, through hard work and acumen, would become a vice president at Bank One. He has also worked with the Indiana National Guard and the Gary Sportsmen Club. Representative Dobis was elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 1970 and has represented the people of Indiana House District 13 for the past forty-two years. Over the years, he has been a strong leader in the development of Northwest Indiana and has always been a true advocate for the citizens of his district. Among his major accomplishments, Chet was extremely helpful in the establishment of Merrillville, Indiana as a town. He also played a pivotal role in the creation of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA). This agency has been charged with implementing catalytic economic development projects throughout Lake and Porter counties. Representative Dobis's hard work has materialized as the RDA works with local communities to transform the south shore of Lake Michigan and to expand the Gary/Chicago International Airport. Throughout his career in the Indiana General Assembly, Chet has served as the House Assistant Minority Floor Leader and Speaker Pro Tempore. His current legislative committees include the Committee on Courts and Criminal Code and the Committee on Financial Institutions, and he serves as Chair of the Select Committee on Government Reduction. For his passionate commitment and continuous support to Northwest Indiana, Representative Dobis is to be highly commended.

In addition to his exemplary career, Chet is involved in numerous community and charitable organizations. He has served on the Executive Board of the Northwest Indiana Regional Planning Commission and as a member of the Indiana University Northwest Advisory Board.

Representative Dobis's dedication to Northwest Indiana is noteworthy; however, it is his commitment to his family that is most impressive. Chet and his wonderful wife, Darlene, have two beloved children, Aaron and Ashley, and one adoring granddaughter, Teagan.

I am honored to call Chet Dobis a friend, and we should all be blessed with such wonderful friendships. More importantly, Chet has been a friend to all, a gentleman in the truest sense of that word, and the epitome of a public servant. His is a life we should all seek to emulate.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Indiana State Representative Chet Dobis for his outstanding devotion to Northwest Indiana and in wishing him well upon his retirement. Chet's unselfish, lifelong dedication and exceptional contributions to the community are worthy of the highest praise, and it has been a pleasure to work with him throughout his years in office.

Mr. Speaker, it is with tremendous respect that I take this time to recognize one of Northwest Indiana's most distinguished citizens, State Representative Dan Stevenson, and to thank him for his service as a member of the Indiana General Assembly. After eighteen years as a member of the Indiana House of Representatives, Dan has decided to retire from elective office. Known for being a great leader and a true public servant, Representative Stevenson's presence in Indianapolis will surely be missed by his colleagues and the people he has so loyally served.

A lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana, Mr. Stevenson graduated from Highland High School in 1977 and later attended Calumet College of Saint Joseph. Later, Dan, like many hardworking people of Northwest Indiana, began working at Inland Steel Company, now ArcelorMittal. It is here where he witnessed the needs of the working class, for whom he tirelessly labored as a public servant. Even outside of his role in the General Assembly, Representative Stevenson has been a steadfast advocate for working men and women. As a member of United Steelworkers of America Local 1010, Dan has served his co-workers as a grievance committee representative. Fully aware of the importance of keeping people informed, Dan has also served as the editor of the union newspaper. Dan Stevenson's dedication to those who toil for a living is to be commended.

First elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 1994, Dan leaves a lasting impression. Described by his colleagues as a quiet, yet driven leader, it was apparent upon his arrival in Indianapolis that a true champion of working people had arrived. A truly well- rounded legislator, Representative Stevenson currently serves as the Ranking Minority Member on the Utilities and Energy Committee, as well as a member of the Environmental Affairs

and the Interstate and International Cooperation Committees. As a member of the House, Representative Stevenson has fought tirelessly for economic justice, earning him many distinguished accolades, including: the Service to Labor Award from the Northwest Indiana Federation of Labor, the Legislative Achievement Award from Indiana University Northwest, the Legislative Award from the Indiana Library Federation, and the Legislator of the Year Award from the Indiana Association of Police Chiefs.

While his constituents will miss his dedicated leadership, I am certain that Dan will treasure the additional time he will get to spend with his beloved wife, Dawn; his children, Michelle, Lola Ann, and Dan, Jr.; and his adoring grandchildren, Erik, Karen, Austin, and Ethan.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Indiana State Representative Dan Stevenson for his dedicated life of service. Dan's tireless efforts on behalf of those he represented is worthy of our admiration, and it has been a pleasure to work with him throughout his years in office.

Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness and great respect that I take this time to remember one of Northwest Indiana's most beloved citizens, former Hobart Mayor Margaret Kuchta. Mayor Kuchta, who was very much committed to making improvements within the City of Hobart and improving the quality of life for its residents, devoted a lifetime of service to her community. Margaret was very well known throughout Northwest Indiana and will truly be missed. Margaret passed away on Thursday, February 23, 2012, but her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those she served.

Margaret Kuchta's service in an official capacity began when she was elected clerk-treasurer for the City of Hobart, a position she held from 1976 to 1987. Margaret then served as Hobart's first elected female mayor from 1988 to 1991. Following her tenure as mayor, Mrs. Kuchta remained an active member of the community and later served as councilwoman for the fifth district from 1996 to 2000, as well as a member of the Hobart Township Board from 2002 to 2010. At the time of Mrs. Kuchta's election to the city council, she established her place in Hobart's history as the only person to hold all three elected offices: council member, clerk-treasurer, and mayor. Mrs. Kuchta was also a part of many other organizations and boards, dedicating her life to making a difference in the lives of others. Mrs. Kuchta is remembered as a great leader and committed volunteer, but many also recall her as a mentor and trusted political advisor.

When I began my public career I had few resources and minimal chances of success. Margaret did not care, and her encouragement, tireless effort, and strong public support in the face of great opposition is one reason I am able to address you today as a Member of Congress.

The kindness Margaret showed to me as a friend is illustrative of her caring heart and lifetime of devotion to improving the lives of others; sometimes very privately for one individual or family, sometimes very publically for many, but always selflessly. Each of us, our community, and our nation, are enriched because Margaret Kuchta walked among us.

Margaret is survived by her beloved sons: Robert, Richard, and Michael. She also leaves behind seven beautiful grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many other dear friends and family.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in remembering the great life of Mrs. Margaret Kuchta. Her dedication to the people of her community and the city of Hobart is inspirational and most worthy of our admiration and Northwest Indiana will forever be grateful for all that she has done.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great admiration that I rise today to honor Women's History Month and its 2012 theme: Women's Education and Empowerment. Recently, President Barack Obama once again called upon Americans to observe Women's History Month and to celebrate the many contributions and accomplishments of American women throughout our nation's history. During this month, we are also reminded of the many struggles women have faced in search of equality.

The remarkable dedication and strength of influential women from not only the United States but from around the world has shaped today's current state of freedom and equality for every woman. They have played an irreplaceable role in changing our country for the better. In our nation's history, we have fine examples of courageous women who, in the face of tremendous opposition, have paved the way to success, freedom, and equality. We are reminded of women like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a leading figure in the Women's Rights Movement, Susan B. Anthony, the great leader who helped introduce women's suffrage in the United States, and Sojourner Truth, the women's rights activist and abolitionist who would not be silenced because of her race or gender. These exceptional women paved the way for great leaders such as Jeanette Rankin, the peaceful Montana native who would became the first woman to serve in the United States Congress, and Sandra Day O'Connor, the first female Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.

These pioneering figures, as well as many other brave women throughout the United States and beyond, have brought to light the struggle for human rights. Throughout history in America, women have faced enormous obstacles with regard to educational opportunities. Although it was once an unimaginable statistic, in American colleges and universities today, women outnumber men in overall enrollment. Reflecting upon the 2012 Women's History Month theme, Women's Education and Empowerment, it is fitting that we pay tribute to all of the great leaders in the movement to ensure that the opportunity to learn is an opportunity for all. If these individuals had not stood up for what is right, many of the great advances brought about by women in the fields of medicine, business, law, and science, to name a few, would never have become realities. Today, thanks to the outstanding examples that have been set for them in the past, many proud women are empowered to continue their fight.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to join in celebrating Women's History Month and to recognize the tremendous contributions women have made to improve the lives of generations to follow. In search of equality, these brave women have carried on to create an influential legacy unlike any other. I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in remembering the countless women that have persevered and those who continue to do so today. They are worthy of the highest praise. We will continue to move forward in our nation and our world due to their dreams of, and struggles for, equality and freedom for women everywhere.

Mr. Speaker, on March 7, 2012, I was absent from the House and missed rollcall votes 98 through 106.

Had I been present for rollcall 98, on agreeing to the Napolitano amendment to H.R. 2842, the Bureau of Reclamation Small Conduit Hydropower Development and Rural Jobs Act, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall 99, on motion to recommit with instructions H.R. 2842, the Bureau of Reclamation Small Conduit Hydropower Development and Rural Jobs Act, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall 100, on agreeing to H.R. 2842, the Bureau of Reclamation Small Conduit Hydropower Development and Rural Jobs Act, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall 101, on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 572, providing for consideration of H.R. 3606, to increase American job creation and economic growth by improving access to the public capital markets for emerging growth companies, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall 102, on agreeing to H. Res. 572, providing for consideration of H.R. 3606, to increase American job creation and economic growth by improving access to the public capital markets for emerging growth companies, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall 103, on agreeing to the Himes amendment to H.R. 3606, to increase American job creation and economic growth by improving access to the public capital markets for emerging growth companies, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall 104, on agreeing to the Ellison amendment to H.R. 3606, to increase American job creation and economic growth by improving access to the public capital markets for emerging growth companies, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall 105, on agreeing to the Waters amendment to H.R. 3606, to increase American job creation and economic growth by improving access to the public capital markets for emerging growth companies, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall 106, on agreeing to the Connolly amendment to H.R. 3606, to increase American job creation and economic growth by improving access to the public capital markets for emerging growth companies, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, on March 8, 2012, I was absent from the House and missed rollcall votes 107 through 110.

Had I been present for rollcall 107, on agreeing to the Peters amendment to H.R. 3606, to increase American job creation and economic growth by improving access to the public capital markets for emerging growth companies, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall 108, on agreeing to the Capps amendment to H.R. 3606, to increase American job creation and economic growth by improving access to the public capital markets for emerging growth companies, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall 109, on the motion to recommit with instructions H.R. 3606, to increase American job creation and economic growth by improving access to the public capital markets for emerging growth companies, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall 110, on passage of H.R. 3606, to increase American job creation and economic growth by improving access to the public capital markets for emerging growth companies, I would have voted ``aye.''

Authorizing the Clerk to Correct Engrossment

Mr. Speaker, on March 5, 2012, I was absent from the House and missed rollcall vote 95. Had I been present for rollcall 95, on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 3637, a measure to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 401 Old Dixie Highway in Jupiter, Florida, as the ``Roy Schallern Rood Post Office Building,'' I would have voted ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4105, a measure that will apply the countervailing duty provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 to nonmarket economy countries.

Steelworkers and manufacturers in Northwest Indiana need every tool available to them to combat duplicitous trade practices, and this legislation is critical to preserving their ability to combat such practices by countries such as China.

I applaud the expeditiousness of the House Ways and Means Committee and the House leadership in bringing this important legislation to the floor, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, on March 6, 2012, I was absent from the House and missed rollcall votes 96 and 97.

Had I been present for rollcall 96, on a motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4105, to apply the countervailing duty provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 to nonmarket economy countries, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for rollcall 97, on ordering the previous question of H. Res. 570, providing for consideration of the bill H.R. 2842, to authorize all Bureau of Reclamation conduit facilities for hydropower development under Federal Reclamation law, and for other purposes, I would have voted ``nay.''

personal explanation

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and admiration that I congratulate Mr. John Cowans on a significant milestone, his 90th birthday, which will be on Thursday, March 1, 2012. John will celebrate this remarkable milestone with family and friends on Saturday, March 3, 2012, at a semi-formal gala in his honor. For over 32 years John's lasting dedication and irreplaceable presence in Northwest Indiana has allowed him the opportunity to touch the lives of countless individuals.

John Cowans was born on March 1, 1922, in Union Springs, Alabama. After high school, John devoted six years of his life to serving our country in the United States Army. Mr. Cowans then attended Tuskegee Institute, earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education, which would be the beginning of an influential teaching career. John went on to further his education and earned a master's degree in school administration from Alabama State Teachers College. John accepted his first teaching position at the Morgan County Schools in Decatur, Alabama. Later, he moved to Gary, Indiana, and taught science, math, and social studies at Charles R. Drew School. His career at Charles R. Drew would span 32 years. For his many dedicated years of inspiring youth through teaching, he is worthy of the highest praise.

John Cowans made his mark on history as the first African American Vice-President of the Indiana State Teachers Association. Mr. Cowans also became President of the Gary Classroom Teachers Association. Mr. Cowans's pursuit to push education to greater levels continued, and he was instrumental in bringing about a day of recognition for teachers. To add to his already extraordinary career, John was a member of the National Education Association Assembly of Delegates to the Democratic National Convention 1976. John was able to impact the lives of youth for generations to come when he contributed to the creation of the 21st Century Scholars Program, which today helps to ensure that every student in Indiana can afford to attend college in exchange for a good citizenship pledge. Mr. Cowans is truly an inspiration, and I am grateful for his outstanding contributions to education in Indiana and across the nation.

Mr. Speaker, John Cowans has been an excellent leader in our community. Not only has

he dedicated his time and efforts selflessly to numerous students, teachers, and people of the community, he is also a faithful servant of God, loving husband to the late Roberta Emogene Matthews, and compassionate father to his five daughters: Carmen, Cheryl, Vickie, Judy, and Emelia. I respectfully ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in wishing John a very happy 90th birthday!

Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness and great respect that I take this time to remember one of Northwest Indiana's most valued citizens and my predecessor, former Congresswoman Katie Beatrice Hall. Throughout her prestigious career, Katie's contributions to the people of Northwest Indiana and across the nation are exemplary, and she is worthy of the highest praise. Mrs. Hall passed away on Monday, February

20, 2012, but her legacy will live on forever in the hearts and minds of those she served.

Congresswoman Hall grew up in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, during the pre-civil rights era. Segregation laws were strict in the South during that time, and she learned early in life how to succeed despite great opposition. In 1960, Katie earned a bachelor's degree from Mississippi Valley State University. Later, she moved to Indiana and continued her education, earning a master's degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, in 1968.

The Congresswoman's involvement in politics began when she campaigned for former Mayor of Gary Richard Hatcher. Her work on the campaign further fueled her desire to serve others and inspired her to run for elected office. Prior to becoming a Member of Congress, she served in the Indiana House of Representatives from 1974 to 1976 and was then elected to the Indiana Senate, serving from 1976 to 1982. As a member of the Indiana General Assembly, Mrs. Hall was influential in establishing the Genesis Center, Hudson-Campbell Fitness Center, and the Adam Benjamin Metro Center, in Gary. Katie also served as the Chair for the Lake County Democratic Committee from 1978 to 1980 and for the Indiana Democratic Convention in 1980. In 1982, following the untimely passing of United States Congressman Adam Benjamin, Jr., Katie won the special election to complete his term in office and to represent the First Congressional District of Indiana in the 98th Congress, becoming the first African American from Indiana elected to serve in the United States House of Representatives. While in office, Katie served as Chairwoman of the Post Office and Civil Services Subcommittee on Census and Population. During her time in Congress, Representative Hall made a truly historic contribution through her sponsorship of the bill that made Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday a national holiday. This bill had been stalled in the House for fourteen years, and through her passion and persistence, Katie was successful in establishing this recognition of Dr. King.

Mrs. Hall was a trailblazer for the Civil Rights Movement and a devoted public servant to her community, state, and nation. In the years following her term, Katie continued her life of public service as City Clerk for Gary, Indiana, from 1988 to 2003.

Katie Hall leaves behind a loving family. She is survived by her cherished husband, John Henry Hall, as well as her adoring daughters, Jacqueline and Junifer, and her beloved granddaughter, Kristina. She also leaves behind many other dear friends and family members, as well as a saddened community and a grateful nation.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in remembering the Honorable Katie Hall for her tremendous contributions to the people of her community, the State of Indiana, and the United States of America. Her life of public service is to be admired. Her legacy will serve as an inspiration to us all.

I would express my appreciation to the dean of our delegation, Mr. Burton, for asking for a moment of silence and the Speaker's indulgence.

Mr. Burton rightfully pointed out Mrs. Hall's ascendancy into the Congress and the sponsorship of the legislation that led to Dr. King's birthday being declared a national holiday. But I would also point out to my colleagues that Mrs. Hall also served in the Indiana House as well as the Indiana Senate, and following her service in the United States Congress also served as clerk for the City of Gary for 15 years, from 1988 to 2003.

She does leave a granddaughter, two daughters, and a husband. My sympathies, and all of ours, go out to the family, as well.

I also think that Mrs. Hall probably would want to be most remembered for her role as an educator who taught young people in the Gary public school system. She certainly always served her family, she always served those she taught and represented, and she certainly has served her country.

Again, our sympathies go to the family, and I deeply appreciate the respect shown by the gentleman from Indiana.

Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness and great respect that I take this time to remember one of northwest Indiana's most valued citizens and my predecessor, former Congresswoman, Katie Beatrice Hall. Throughout her prestigious career, Katie's contributions to the people of northwest Indiana and across the Nation are exemplary, and she is worthy of the highest praise. Mrs. Hall passed away on Monday, February 20, 2012, but her legacy will live on forever in the hearts and minds of those she served.

Congresswoman Hall grew up in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, during the pre-civil rights era. Segregation laws were strict in the South during that time, and she learned early in life how to succeed despite great opposition. In 1960, Katie earned a bachelor's degree from Mississippi Valley State University. Later, she moved to Indiana and continued her education, earning a master's degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, in 1968.

The Congresswoman's involvement in politics began when she campaigned for former Mayor of Gary Richard Hatcher. Her work on the campaign further fueled her desire to serve others and inspired her to run for elected office. Prior to becoming a Member of Congress, she served in the Indiana House of

Representatives from 1974 to 1976 and was then elected to the Indiana Senate, serving from 1976 to 1982. As a member of the Indiana General Assembly, Mrs. Hall was influential in establishing the Genesis Center, Hudson-Campbell Fitness Center, and the Adam Benjamin Metro Center, in Gary. Katie also served as the Chair for the Lake County Democratic Committee from 1978 to 1980 and for the Indiana Democratic Convention in 1980. In 1982, following the untimely passing of United States Congressman Adam Benjamin, Jr., Katie won the special election to complete his term in office and to represent the First Congressional District of Indiana in the 98th Congress, becoming the first African American from Indiana elected to serve in the United States House of Representatives. While in office, Katie served as chairwoman of the Post Office and Civil Services Subcommittee on Census and Population. During her time in Congress, Representative Hall made a truly historic contribution through her sponsorship of the bill that made Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday a national holiday. This bill had been stalled in the House for fourteen years, and through her passion and persistence, Katie was successful in establishing this recognition of Dr. King. Mrs. Hall was a trailblazer for the Civil Rights Movement and a devoted public servant to her community, state, and Nation. In the years following her term, Katie continued her life of public service as city clerk for Gary, Indiana from 1988 to 2003.

Katie Hall leaves behind a loving family. She is survived by her cherished husband, John Henry Hall, as well as her adoring daughters, Jacqueline and Junifer, and her beloved granddaughter, Kristina. She also leaves behind many other dear friends and family members, as well as a saddened community and a grateful nation.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in remembering the Honorable Katie Hall for her tremendous contributions to the people of her community, the State of Indiana, and the United States of America. Her life of public service is to be admired. Her legacy will serve as an inspiration to us all.

Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere respect that I rise to congratulate Reverend R.T. Mitchell, Pastor of New Revelation Missionary Baptist Church in Gary, Indiana, and his wife, Mrs. Irene Robinson Mitchell, on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. The members of New Revelation will be honoring Reverend and Mrs. Mitchell with a celebration of their anniversary and the renewal of their marriage vows on Saturday, February 25, 2012, at The Chateau in Merrillville, Indiana.

Reverend Mitchell was born in Pittsview, Alabama, and graduated from Glenville High School. He continued his education at Moody Bible Institute and Indiana Christian Bible College, graduating with a degree in External Bible Study. The Pastor also holds a Bachelor of Theology degree and has pursued significant additional Evangelical studies.

Reverend Mitchell was called into the ministry in May 1975 before being ordained on April 6, 1977. On January 22, 1978, Reverend Mitchell became the Pastor of New Revelation Missionary Baptist Church and has served in that capacity for the past thirty-four years. During his time at New Revelation, Pastor Mitchell has taken on many responsibilities and had much success. He has served as President of the Baptist Ministers' Conference of Gary and Vicinity and as President of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Baptist State Convention of Indiana. Reverend Mitchell has also served on numerous boards and committees for organizations in Gary and throughout Northwest Indiana including: the Northwest Indiana Food Bank, the Thelma Marshall Children's Home, the Second Chance Foundation of Gary, and the Calumet Project. He currently serves on the City of Gary Zoning Board, and he has served as President of the Interfaith Federation Clergy Caucus and as a Chaplain of the Gary Police Department. Throughout the years, Reverend Mitchell has also been heavily involved with ministering to the incarcerated in his community. For his outstanding contributions to the community and his commitment to civil rights, in 2010, Reverend Mitchell was honored with the prestigious Drum Major Award by the Gary Frontiers Service Club at its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast.

Mrs. Irene Mitchell, was born and raised in East Chicago, Indiana. As the youngest child of Albert Ervin and Mary Jane Robinson, she was born into a family that loved the Lord and served Him with joy. As a young person, Irene was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, where she participated in various organizations. Later on, she went on to serve as the President of the Gospel Chorus and was involved in Sunday School and with the Nurses.

Education has always been important to Mrs. Mitchell. Following her graduation from East Chicago Roosevelt High School, Mrs. Mitchell later attended Indiana University through its extension located in East Chicago and has earned her Certificate of Completion from Moody Bible Institute. Additionally, Mrs. Mitchell's devout faith and eagerness to learn has since led her to participate in numerous seminars and religious classes.

Mrs. Mitchell has served as President of the Minister Wives Coterie of Gary and as Secretary of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Baptist State Convention of Indiana, Women's Department. At New Revelation, she has also served as President of the General Mission and as Chairperson of New Revelation Youth Ministry, and she has also been involved with the Men and Women Day Service and One Church One School. In addition to various ministries in the community, Mrs. Mitchell is currently the Sunday School teacher at New Revelation and is a member of Ruth Circle and Christian Education.

Reverend and Mrs. Mitchell are the proud parents of two daughters, Arlene and Artice, and six adoring grandchildren: Robert, Jerrel, Jeremy, Christian, Ashton, and Isaiah.

My colleagues, Pastor and Mrs. Mitchell have led lives dedicated to Our Lord, to each other, and to their family. They have tirelessly ministered to their congregation and have selflessly given of themselves, their time, and their talents to the greater community of Northwest Indiana. Few remain untouched by their generous natures and limitless devotion to be of service. I am very fortunate and proud to consider them friends.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to consider Reverend R.T. Mitchell and his wonderful life companion, Irene, as my friends. At this time I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Reverend and Mrs. Mitchell as they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Their unselfish and lifelong dedication to their church, their community, and to each other, is worthy of our admiration, and I wish them many more happy years to come.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and sincere admiration that I rise to celebrate Black History Month and its 2012 theme--Black Women in American Culture and History. This year's theme offers us the opportunity to reflect on the outstanding accomplishments of African American women who often faced not only racial discrimination, but gender discrimination as well.

The innumerable contributions made by African American women throughout history have played a major role in shaping our great nation. From historical heroes, such as the leader of the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman, and the courageous civil rights activist, Rosa Parks, to modern leaders, including First Lady Michelle Obama, and locally, the Honorable Karen Freeman-Wilson, Mayor of the City of Gary, Indiana, the American people have been blessed and inspired by extraordinary African American women who have at many times, against all odds, strengthened our union.

As the Representative of the First Congressional District of Indiana, I have had the opportunity and pleasure to know and work with Mayor Freeman-Wilson. Mayor Freeman-Wilson's first term began this year, and her victory is an extraordinary example of how far our nation has come. With her recent election, Mayor Freeman-Wilson became the first female mayor of the city of Gary and the first African American female mayor in the State of Indiana.

Standing on the shoulders of the brave African American women who fought so hard for their rights, Mayor Freeman-Wilson continues to inspire and is a role model for women of all races. Mayor Freeman- Wilson grew up in Gary and was taught by her parents the importance of hard work and public service at an early age. She eventually graduated from Harvard Law School but quickly realized her calling was to be a public servant. She has held many prestigious positions throughout her career including: presiding judge for the Gary City Court, Attorney General for the State of Indiana, Executive Director of the National Drug Court Institute, and Director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission. She is also active in numerous organizations and charitable groups aimed at protecting human rights, promoting the quality of life, and combating substance abuse. In particular, Mayor Freeman-Wilson's work with the Second Chance Foundation, an organization she helped found to fight substance abuse, is truly admirable.

It is leaders like Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson who become an inspiration for future generations. We honor her, along with all of the courageous African American women, past and present and across the nation, for their courage and tenacity to help create better communities and a better nation.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in remembering the many strong African American women who have left their mark in history and have fought for equality for all races and genders. They are worthy of the highest praise. Through the efforts of these honorable individuals, we are reminded of how far we have come as a nation, while recognizing that there is still much progress to be made.