Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and sincerity that I take this time to congratulate twenty-five individuals who will take their oaths of citizenship on November 2, 2018. This memorable occasion will be held at the United States Courthouse and Federal Building in Hammond, Indiana.

America is a country founded by immigrants. From its beginning, settlers have come from countries around the world to the United States in search of better lives for their families. Oath ceremonies are a shining example of what is so great about the United States of America--that people from all over the world can come together and unite as members of a free, democratic nation. These individuals realize that nowhere else in the world offers a better opportunity for success than here in America.

On November 2, 2018, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, will take their oaths of citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Tantawy Antar Ahmed Tantawy, Caroline Frederika Martin, Jose Mario Carrera Nava, Guadalupe Castellanos de Cordero, Gurneet Singh Bajwa, Lucy Chavez Reyes, Geertrui Deroos, Aldo Estrada, Emmanuel Ntita, Gonzalo Torres, Yunae Chung, Kaynaff Zafar Sheikh, Dianne Amanda Torres, Steve Guga Magwegwe Nkosi, Fernando Diaz, Kristina Krstanovski, Elba Suarez, Jenny Thompson, Ornella Ntamikevyo, Noreljaleel Mohamad Elshobaly, Lorena Amaya, Dulce Maria Nolasco, Alice Jiang, Niren R. Shah, and Sandip R. Patel.

Although each individual has sought to become a citizen of the United States for his or her own reasons, be it for education, occupation, or to offer their loved ones better lives, each is inspired by the fact that the United States of America is, as Abraham Lincoln described it, a country ``. . . of the people, by the people, and for the people.'' They realize that the United States is truly a free nation. By seeking American citizenship, they have made the decision that they want to live in a place where, as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution, they can practice religion as they choose, speak their minds without fear of punishment, and assemble in peaceful protest should they choose to do so.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating these individuals who will become citizens of the United States of America on November 2, 2018. They, too, are American citizens, guaranteed the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We, as a free and democratic nation, congratulate them and welcome them.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I take the time to recognize the Izaak Walton League-Porter County Chapter (IWL- PCC) as the organization celebrates its 60th anniversary. In honor of this special occasion, the IWL-PCC will host a celebratory reception at the Portage Lakefront Park and Riverwalk on October 28, 2018.

The IWL-PCC is a not-for-profit organization located in Chesterton, Indiana, and serves as one of Northwest Indiana's greatest assets. The organization holds steadfast to its mission to conserve, maintain, protect, and restore the soil, forest, water, and other natural resources of the United States and other lands. These efforts have successfully led to the promotion and expansion of opportunities for education of the public on these resources and their enjoyment and wholesome utilization.

Organized by my good friends Herb and Charlotte Read in 1958, the IWL-PCC was established to help create the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, which has grown into an incredible national treasure consisting of 15,000 acres. Tom Dustin of the Fort Wayne Chapter and the late Joe Penfold, former Izaak Walton League of America Conservation Director, also played critical roles in the development and early success of the Porter County Chapter.

One of the Chapter's most important projects is its Family Nature Nights program where local schools are introduced to conservation and responsible outdoor recreation. Among their many contributions and achievements, the Porter County Chapter is responsible for the acquiring of several properties for conservation and preservation, including the Frame Little Calumet Conservation Area, the Carol Cook Wetland Overlook, and the Massauga Creek Unit of the Little Calumet Conservation Area. Additionally, the organization's partnership with the Save the Dunes Council, as well as the state and national offices of the Izaak Walton League, have played an instrumental role in the commendable success of the IWL-PCC.

As a member of the Chapter for over a decade, it gives me great pleasure to mention some of the inspiring leaders of the organization who have worked tirelessly to advocate for the conservation of natural resources. They include President Gary Brown, Vice President Jim Sweeney, Secretary Susan Swarner, Treasurer Liz McCloskey, Board members Don Frame and Bill Iltzche, and Executive Director Annette Hansen. I am also grateful for outstanding members such as Walt Breitinger, Bonnie Swarner, the late Terry McCloskey, and the gracious volunteers of the IWL-PCC.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating the Izaak Walton League-Porter County Chapter on its 60th anniversary. For the past 60 years, the Chapter's leadership, office holders, and volunteers have enhanced Northwest Indiana for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I take this time to recognize Timothy Fesko, former Indiana State Representative, who was recently appointed by Governor Eric Holcomb as the new chairman of the Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority. Tim's remarkable career and his years of selfless public service to the community of Northwest Indiana and beyond are truly admirable and worthy of the highest commendation.

Timothy Fesko graduated from Indiana University in 1965, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business and economics. In the private sector, Tim has had a very successful career as a business agent in real estate and insurance with the Don Powers Agency. In 1990, Mr. Fesko's desire to serve his community led him to run for office, and he was elected to the Indiana House of Representatives. Representative Fesko would serve in this capacity until stepping down in 1998.

Tim Fesko is a man of vision. For example, he saw the value of extending and improving the South Shore Commuter Line long before others. He also works hard throughout Northwest Indiana and across the state. Mr. Fesko has served as chairman of the Lake County Advancement Center for many years, and he was appointed by former Governor Mitch Daniels to serve on the Indiana Gaming Commission, a position he held for one term. Mr. Fesko continues to use his expertise and knowledge for the betterment of Northwest Indiana, and I wish him well on his newly appointed position as chairman of the Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority.

Throughout his career, Timothy Fesko has generously served his community by giving of his time and efforts to various organizations and civic activities that work to improve the quality of life for Northwest Indiana residents, including the Northwest Indiana Forum, Boy Scouts of America, Rotary Club of Munster, Tradewinds Rehabilitation Center, YMCA, Indiana Society of Chicago, Campagna Academy, and Crisis Center, Incorporated, to name a few. For his exceptional devotion to these earnest causes, Tim was awarded the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 2000 by Governor Frank O'Bannon, and in 2008 by Governor Mitch Daniels.

Tim's dedication to his community and state is exceeded only by his devotion to his wonderful family. He and his amazing wife, Frankie, have three children, Heather, Don, and Tim, and six beloved grandchildren, who are carrying on his family legacy.

I am proud that Tim Fesko is my friend, and I cannot thank him enough for all that he has done for me over the years. I am even more grateful for what he has done for so many for so long, strangers and friends alike. His is a life we should all seek to emulate.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Timothy Fesko for his lifetime of service. I would also like to wish him well on his newly appointed position with the Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority. For Mr. Fesko's truly remarkable career and his outstanding dedication to his community, he is worthy of our sincere appreciation.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to congratulate several of Northwest Indiana's finest citizens. The Northern Indiana Area Labor Federation, American Federation of Labor--Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), will recognize several individuals and organizations for their dedication and service during the Northern Indiana Area Labor Federation Community Labor Awards Reception, which will be held at Duneland Falls Banquet Center in Chesterton, Indiana, on Thursday, October 18, 2018. These individuals, in addition to all Northern Indiana Area Labor Federation members who have served Northwest Indiana so diligently for such a long period of time, are the epitome of the ideal American worker: loyal, dedicated, and hardworking.

At this year's event, several individuals and organizations will receive special recognition. North Township Trustee Frank J. Mrvan will be the recipient of the Service to Labor Award for his many years of support to the labor movement and his outstanding dedication to union members.

The Union Labor Award will be presented to Ryan Reithel, Business Manager, IBEW Local 697, for his unselfish devotion to the labor movement through its promotion in all areas: social, civic, educational, and political.

The Chicago UAW--Ford Community Service Team will be recognized with the Community Services Award for its exemplary work on behalf of the community and to the enhancement of the quality of life for residents and visitors of Northwest Indiana.

Lorenzo Crowell, Jr., SEIU Healthcare IN/IL, will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his many years of labor activism and his commitment to his community. For the exceptional service he has provided to the people of Northwest Indiana, he is worthy of our admiration and respect.

Tom Schmitt, USW 7-1, will be presented the George Meany Award for his significant contributions to the youth of our communities through his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America.

The President's Award will be presented to Indiana State Senator Karen Tallian and Indiana State Representative Chuck Moseley for their dedication to the labor movement and their noteworthy service to the organization. They are truly worthy of the honors bestowed upon them.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating these dedicated, honorable, and exemplary citizens, while commending all of the hardworking union men and women throughout America. They have shown commitment and courage toward their pursuits, and I am proud to represent each of them in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and sincerity that I take this time to congratulate thirty-one individuals who will take their oaths of citizenship on October 12, 2018. This memorable occasion will be held at the United States Courthouse and Federal Building in Hammond, Indiana.

America is a country founded by immigrants. From its beginning, settlers have come from countries around the world to the United States in search of better lives for their families. Oath ceremonies are a shining example of what is so great about the United States of America--that people from all over the world can come together and unite as members of a free, democratic nation. These individuals realize that nowhere else in the world offers a better opportunity for success than here in America.

On October 12, 2018, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, will take their oaths of citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Wafa M. Shahin, Maher S. Isleem, Noor M. Isleem, Daniela Ivette Ponce, David Seo, Marianne Bushra Abdelmalak, Joana Maritza Grose, Monica Ying Williams, Atanacio Serrano, Charity Gross, Beatriz Cervantes, Esther Maria Arellano, Cedrick Dizala Mukinay, Wassim Shwaiki, Maria Flores De Leon, Evelin Yamilet Sanchez, Liza Safwat Assad, Miguel Angel Lima, Carmen Marquez, Thelma Alvarez Portney, Vic Dey, Audrey Harriette Gilbertsen, Manar Haddad, Alberto Lopez, Shirley Oduro-Nkansah, Hadja Fatimah Ouattara, Susana Rodriguez Perez, Kim Hoang Pham, Maria Guadalupe Rodriguez, Ramon Sandoval Jr., and Adriana Figueroa Trejo.

Although each individual has sought to become a citizen of the United States for his or her own reasons, be it for education, occupation, or to offer their loved ones better lives, each is inspired by the fact that the United States of America is, as Abraham Lincoln described it, a country `` . . . of the people, by the people, and for the people.'' They realize that the United States is truly a free nation. By seeking American citizenship, they have made the decision that they want to live in a place where, as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution, they can practice religion as they choose, speak their minds without fear of punishment, and assemble in peaceful protest should they choose to do so.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating these individuals who will become citizens of the United States of America on October 12, 2018. They, too, are American citizens, guaranteed the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We, as a free and democratic nation, congratulate them and welcome them.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding.

Fiscal year 2019 starts on October 1, and it is wonderful to be here in September considering a conference report on two additional appropriation measures.

I would like to commend Chairman Frelinghuysen and Ranking Member Lowey for bringing a semblance of order back to the appropriations process. Along with their Senate counterparts they have managed to navigate an upset political situation that has completely stymied the process for years. When this two-bill package is signed into law, it will be the first time in 22 years that there have been five appropriation bills enacted before the start of the fiscal year.

I actually wish we had seven more bills conferenced and ready for enactment, but it appears those will have to be deferred until December. I hope that maturity, bipartisan cooperation, and responsible governance will also apply to their consideration and prompt enactment. Timeliness is as important as final dollar determinations.

I also would like to recognize and thank the Chairwoman, Kay Granger. She has been a joy to work with and a fine leader. She, along with every member of our subcommittee and our tremendous subcommittee staff and associate staff, have conducted themselves in a professional, bipartisan and collegial manner. As a result, this bill reflects the will of Congress.

Specific to the Department of Defense, this will be the first time in a decade that our military will not begin the fiscal year under a continuing resolution. Having timely appropriations should improve and stabilize budgeting at the Department, the services, our allies, and contractors.

I expect that this certainty will also allow the Department to better adhere to congressional direction, to spend the funding as appropriated, to increase transparency for budget exhibits, and to improve the quality and timeliness of communications to the committee, as has been referenced on pages 8, 9, 10, and 21 of the House Report.

Again, I thank my colleagues, Chairwoman Granger, and her wonderful staff.

Mr. Speaker, it is with deep respect and sincere appreciation that I rise to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month and its 2018 theme, Hispanics: One Endless Voice to Enhance our Traditions. From September 15, 2018, through October 15, 2018, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the people of the United States will once again celebrate the cultures and traditions and reflect on the many outstanding contributions our Hispanic brothers and sisters have made throughout our country's history.

Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins each year on September 15, recognizes the anniversaries of the independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile observe their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Since its inception as National Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, which later became National Hispanic Heritage Month in 1988, Americans have taken this time to not only honor the rich culture and traditions of Hispanic Americans, but also to reflect on the tremendous impact Hispanic Americans have had within their communities and throughout our nation. The tireless efforts of generations of Hispanic Americans have resulted in a better America.

America's success is reliant upon the rich heritage and cultural diversity of its people. Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the many Hispanic leaders and members of our communities who have added to the prosperity of the United States in every facet of our society.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to once again join me in recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month. Throughout America's history, present, and future, the Hispanic community has played and will continue to play a major role in enriching the quality of life for the people of the United States, and for their outstanding contributions they are worthy of our respect and gratitude.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I rise to commend the recipients of this year's NIPSCO Luminary Awards. The Luminary Awards were created to honor prominent individuals or organizations for their exemplary leadership. This year's honorees include Dr. Vanessa Allen-McCloud, The Nature Conservancy, Junior Achievement of Chicago, Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana, Denarie Kane, and the Multi Agency Academic Cooperative (MAAC) Foundation. For their outstanding contributions to the community in Northwest Indiana and beyond, the honorees will be recognized at a ceremony on Thursday, September 13, 2018, at NiSource Corporate Headquarters in Merrillville, Indiana.

Dr. Vanessa Allen-McCloud, president and chief executive officer of the Urban League of Northwest Indiana, is this year's recipient of the Community Leadership Award. For her remarkable dedication to public and social service, Dr. Allen-McCloud is worthy of the highest praise.

The recipient of this year's Environmental Stewardship Award is The Nature Conservancy. The organization has protected millions of acres of land and thousands of rivers throughout the world. We are truly grateful for their conservation efforts, here in the community of Northwest Indiana, and beyond.

The Education Award will be presented to Junior Achievement of Chicago and Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana. These economic and mentoring programs prepare students to achieve success and have made a tremendous positive impact on the youth of

our communities. We are truly thankful for their great work.

Denarie Kane, director of development for the city of Hobart, is this year's recipient of the Economic Development Award. The city of Hobart is thriving and will continue to flourish due to Ms. Kane's outstanding leadership and direction, and for her devotion and hard work, she is to be highly commended.

The Multi Agency Academic Cooperative Foundation is the recipient of the Public Safety Award. This noteworthy organization offers safety training opportunities for first responders and provides important public safety for our communities.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other colleagues to join me in commending these remarkable leaders, innovators, and organizations. For their outstanding contributions to the community of Northwest Indiana and their unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for its residents, each recipient is worthy of the honors bestowed upon them.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and sincerity that I take this time to congratulate thirty individuals who will take their oaths of citizenship on September 7, 2018. This memorable occasion will be held at the United States Courthouse and Federal Building in Hammond, Indiana.

America is a country founded by immigrants. From its beginning, settlers have come from countries around the world to the United States in search of better lives for their families. Oath ceremonies are a shining example of what is so great about the United States of America--that people from all over the world can come together and unite as members of a free, democratic nation. These individuals realize that nowhere else in the world offers a better opportunity for success than here in America.

On September 7, 2018, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, will take their oaths of citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Angelica Manalo Macchia, Farai Vanessa Gotora, Kehinde Montunrayo Ajibade, Ricardo Rodriguez Cervantes, Hongying Tu, Daniel Alvarado, Alexandra Espinoza, Rosana Hardaway, Claudia Hernandez, Primitivo H. Jorge, Hottensia Njeri Kabiru, Jose Lopez Perez, Angela Lugo, Ut Thi Nguyen, Lily Kieu Nguyen, Monique Nzumpatse Ntita, Anthonia Obaseki, Ma Buena Bentura Perez Vences, Elvia Rico, Yanely Soto, Margot Tutorow, Victor Manuel Velazquez, Enrique Zepeda, Ramiro Zepeda, Posseh Aisha Kamara, Efrain Esquivias, Xiaoli Yang, Arlet Orta, Jose M. Martinez, and Maria Santos Maya.

Although each individual has sought to become a citizen of the United States for his or her own reasons, be it for education, occupation, or to offer their loved ones better lives,

each is inspired by the fact that the United States of America is, as Abraham Lincoln described it, a country ``. . . of the people, by the people, and for the people.'' They realize that the United States is truly a free nation. By seeking American citizenship, they have made the decision that they want to live in a place where, as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution, they can practice religion as they choose, speak their minds without fear of punishment, and assemble in peaceful protest should they choose to do so.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating these individuals who will become citizens of the United States of America on September 7, 2018. They, too, are American citizens, guaranteed the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We, as a free and democratic nation, congratulate them and welcome them.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great enthusiasm that I honor Saint John the Baptist Church in Gary, Indiana, as the congregation commemorates the church's 100th anniversary. The church members and leaders will be celebrating this momentous milestone, ``100 Years on the Vine,'' with a Gala Banquet on September 21, 2018, followed by morning and evening services on September 23, 2018.

For the past 100 years, Saint John the Baptist has had numerous influential pastors lead its congregation in faith and community, including Reverend A.J. Allen, Reverend T.L. Ballou, Reverend Leon Davis, Reverend Ivor Moore, Reverend Julius James, Reverend Raymond McDonald II, Reverend Rodney Griffin, and the current pastor, Reverend R.E. Robinson, to name a few.

Saint John the Baptist's great history includes many poignant and significant moments. Because of Reverend Julius James' close friendship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Dr. King made his first visit to Gary, Indiana. After the passing of Dr. King, Pastor James established the Ecumenical Celebration, which honors the legacy and goodwill of Dr. King. At that time, the church also started its not-for-profit housing development, The Saint John's Homes, which supported fair employment and housing in Gary.

Reverend R.E. Robinson and the congregation continue to serve the citizens of Gary as well as the entire community throughout Northwest Indiana. Under Pastor Robinson's leadership, the congregation continues to grow, and numerous community projects have been completed. For their service and guidance to those most in need, the members and leadership of Saint John the Baptist Church are worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating Saint John the Baptist Church of Gary, Indiana, on its 100th anniversary. The congregation and leadership deserve the highest commendation for their devotion and commitment to the community of Northwest Indiana and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great admiration and respect that I stand before you today to honor Mr. Leroy Marsh for his outstanding coaching career and to wish him well upon his retirement from his position as the head coach of the Munster High School football team. Leroy's outstanding forty-five year career was driven by his dedication to making a difference in the lives of his students and athletes by building character and setting a good example. Coach Marsh deserves the utmost praise for his lifetime of devotion to the youth of his community as a coach, educator, and leader.

Leroy Marsh grew up in Northwest Indiana and graduated from East Chicago Roosevelt High School in 1986. He went on to further his education, earning a bachelor's degree from Augustana College in 1972 and then a master's degree from Purdue University Calumet in Hammond. Following college, Leroy became an educator and defensive coordinator at Munster High School, and in 1980, he was offered the head coaching position. Coach Marsh has had a noteworthy career, leading his team to five sectional titles, one regional title, and nine conference titles. He leaves the program with an impressive 228-166 record. In addition, he coached fifty-nine first: team all-state players and was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame. For his remarkable career, Leroy was named ``coach of the year'' several times by the Indiana Football Coaches Association. During his forty-five years of coaching at Munster, Coach Marsh has served as a tremendous inspiration to numerous students and athletes, and he is worthy of the highest praise.

In addition to coaching, Leroy's philanthropic efforts throughout Northwest Indiana have been a great source of pride. Among his numerous charitable endeavors, Mr. Marsh started the Mustang Toy Roundup, in which the football team helps to collect money for underprivileged children during the Christmas season. Additionally, in honor of their son, Ryan, who tragically passed away, Leroy and his wife, Jamie, created the Ryan Marsh Foundation. The organization helps send children with disabilities to Camp Riley in Indianapolis, an outstanding organization that allows these children to experience and attend summer camp. As you can see, Leroy Marsh is kind and giving and often puts others' needs before his own.

Mr. Marsh's dedication to his community is exceeded only by his devotion to his loving family. His wife, Jamie, runs the press box for football games, while his son, Chris, is a volunteer assistant on the field. In addition, his grandson, Patrick, is an offensive lineman for Wabash College. Football is a passion shared by the Marsh family.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending Mr. Leroy Marsh for his outstanding career and his lifetime of mentorship to Munster's youth. His impact will be felt for years to come through his countless selfless acts. I wish Leroy well on his retirement and thank him for his lifelong dedication to our community. For his many contributions, he is worthy of our highest gratitude and appreciation.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and sincerity that I take this time to congratulate thirty individuals who will take their oaths of citizenship on August 10, 2018. This memorable occasion will be held at the United States Courthouse and Federal Building in Hammond, Indiana.

America is a country founded by immigrants. From its beginning, settlers have come from countries around the world to the United States in search of better lives for their families. Oath ceremonies are a shining example of what is so great about the United States of America--that people from all over the world can come together and unite as members of a free, democratic nation. These individuals realize that nowhere else in the world offers a better opportunity for success than here in America.

On August 10, 2018, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, will take their oaths of citizenship in

Hammond, Indiana: Mark Andrew Abraham, Vanesa Anabel Miseres, Emeterio Garcia Betancourt, Abdullah Al Mamun, Adan Boussart Cruz, Haider Mohammed Abbas Al Kilidar, Marjorie Eldora Garbutt, Doaa Ayad Khalid Al Dulaimi, Eleftheria Nikolaos Fitousis, Maria de Jesus Ramirez Trejo, Lea Estialbo Tan, Oswaldo Rafael Gutierrez Mercado, Miguel Angel Morales Hernandez, Jai Prakash Agrawal, Hina Naz Chaudhry, Alaa George Issa Tadros, Xiaoyan Yang, Abdelhafid Erramnati, Yuliya Maroz, Gerardo Alvarez, Nana Kwesi Ampadu Annoh, Claudia Andrea Cespedes, Moon Tek Fisher, Maria Alejandra Hernandez, Jordan Dong Van Hoang, Patricia E. Leyva, Sandip Singh Lidhar, Himansu R. Parikh, Sherida Antoinette Parkes King and Julio Cesar Salazar.

Although each individual has sought to become a citizen of the United States for his or her own reasons, be it for education, occupation, or to offer their loved ones better lives, each is inspired by the fact that the United States of America is, as Abraham Lincoln described it, a country ``. . . of the people, by the people, and for the people.'' They realize that the United States is truly a free nation. By seeking American citizenship, they have made the decision that they want to live in a place where, as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution, they can practice religion as they choose, speak their minds without fear of punishment, and assemble in peaceful protest should they choose to do so.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating these individuals who will become citizens of the United States of America on August 10, 2018. They, too, are American citizens, guaranteed the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We, as a free and democratic nation, congratulate them and welcome them.

Mr. Speaker, on July 16, 2018, I was absent from the House and missed Roll Call votes 329 and 330.

Had I been present for Roll Call 329, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 4946, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1075 North Tustin Street in Orange, California, as the ``Specialist Trevor A. Win'E Post Office'', I would have voted ``Yes.''

Had I been present for Roll Call 330, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 4960, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 511 East Walnut Street in Columbia, Missouri, as the ``Spc. Sterling William Wyatt Post Office Building'', I would have voted ``Yes.''

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and sincerity that I take this time to congratulate the fifty individuals who will take their oath of citizenship on July 4, 2018. In true patriotic fashion, on the day of our great Nation's celebration of independence, a naturalization ceremony will take place, welcoming new citizens of the United States of America. This memorable occasion, coordinated by the League of Women Voters of the Calumet Area and presided over by Magistrate Judge Andrew Rodovich, will be held at The Pavilion at Wolf Lake in Hammond, Indiana.

America is a country founded by immigrants. From its beginning, settlers have come from countries around the world to the United States in search of better lives for their families. The oath ceremony is a shining example of what is so great about the United States of America--that people from all over the world can come together and unite as members of a free, democratic nation. These individuals realize that nowhere else in the world offers a better opportunity for success than here in America.

On July 4, 2018, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, will take their oaths of citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Issam Marzouki, Jose Antonio Guzman Gonzalez, Bilin Yu, Gonzalo Vargas Lopez, Anna Anatolevna Olekminskaya, Onecima Duarte, Dominic Gikonyo Mburu, Jose Roberto Juarez Diaz, Masauko Joseph Chimayi, Krzysztof Twardus, Carryl Joice Ignacio Kyle, Christina Berthier, Griselda Montanez Serrano, Tchinga Harvey Ndalama, Jose de Jesus Zamora Pulido, Maria del Socorro Lopez, Heng Fu, Francis Josue Silfa Sena, Edgar Israel Castro Alvarez, Mona Samir Abdelhalim Mohamed, Solomon Elileojor Egbeama, Justyna Maria Oldham, Arman Bautista Villanueva, Ivana Twardus, Tai Trong Hoang, Clasido Aguilar, Adewale Sterling Ajibade, Lily Chen Banks, Sergio E. Castro, Gerardo del Real, Berenice Flores, Antonia Garcia, Olga Abril Gibson Cabrera, Cesar Gonzalez, Mohamed Latif, Yogesh Maniar, Romelia Medina, Victor Manuel Mendoza, Alexander Jose Midence, Leticia S. Morris, Jane Wairimu Muchiri, Nicolas Nieto, Erika Valentina Palmerin, Heron Rodriguez, Porfirio Samaniego, Jacobo Sarabia, Angelina Serrano, Fatima Sheremetyeva, Abdou Rahmane Tamba, and Ben Van Vuong.

Although each individual has sought to become a citizen of the United States for his or her own reasons, be it for education, occupation, or to offer their loved ones better lives, each is inspired by the fact that the United States of America is, as Abraham Lincoln described it, a country ``. . . of the people, by the people, and for the people.'' They realize that the United States is truly a free nation. By seeking American citizenship, they have made the decision that they want to live in a place where, as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution, they can practice religion as they choose, speak their minds without fear of punishment, and assemble in peaceful protest should they choose to do so.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating these fifty individuals who will become citizens of the United States of America on July 4, 2018, the anniversary of our Nation's independence. They, too, will be American citizens, guaranteed the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We, as a free and democratic nation, congratulate them and welcome them.

Mr. Chair, I simply want to join the chairwoman. She has correctly pointed out that there is a significant increase in the bill, but I do support the amendment, as does the chairwoman.

As was pointed out, we do need to act quickly. Most of the 82,000 Americans that remain missing are from World War II, the Korean war, and Vietnam. With the most recent of those wars ending over 40 years ago, fewer and fewer immediate families of those missing are still alive. I do think we should have a sense of urgency.

Mr. Chair, I appreciate the gentleman's amendment, and I appreciate him yielding.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the gentleman's amendment.

Mr. Chairman, the gentleman is correct in his assertion that his amendment restores the cut made by the committee of $23.8 million in this program.

Mr. Chairman, I think it is important to point out for my colleagues that there is a misimpression of our subcommittee that we simply helter-skelter approve anything that the Department of Defense sends up, but we try to give discrete decisions to each program and to rearrange those moneys. There was a cut from the administration's request, and that money was put into readiness, which is a huge concern for the Department.

And, historically, on the program that the gentleman references, my remarks would very much mirror those of the gentlewoman from his last amendment. Historically, the Air Force, along with the Navy, overestimates that the cost of the missile just discussed, on average, the cost has been overestimated by 12 percent.

For the fiscal year 2019 budget submission, the unit cost is 16 percent more than the most recent contract for production. The budget request for this program has been adjusted for several years now, due to the overestimates submitted and other factors, such as revisions to delivery schedules, and a 21-month delay for components.

The committee works with the military services to ensure the program receives the funding needed to produce this munition, and adjustments are made. The subcommittee did make an adjustment. I believe it is in our Nation's interest to leave that $23.8 million in readiness.

Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I simply close by making the observation: the gentleman talks about choices. The committee did make a choice for readiness as opposed to munition, where we have a 21-month delay in components.

Mr. Chairman, I ask my colleagues to oppose the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the gentlewoman for yielding.

I, too, share her sentiment that we ought to encourage innovation, but I join her in opposition to the amendment. I am wary of providing funding for an organization within the department that makes commitments of almost $1 billion without carefully coordinating some of these activities within the department, as happened this past year with a cloud computing contract.

I am also concerned about the fact that the Defense Innovation Unit has found only a way, basically, to fund innovative activities in limited areas of the country; that is, the East Coast and the West Coast, with rarely anything in between.

I also add my concerns that the Defense Innovation Unit relies on Reserve officers to man their organizations when each of the Reserve chiefs have advised us that they cannot fill their own ranks.

So I do agree with the gentlewoman and her opposition, and I appreciate her yielding.