Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I stand before you today to recognize the Hobart Chamber of Commerce 2010 award winners and to congratulate the recipient of the Mayor's Award, County Line Orchard. These outstanding recipients will be honored during the Chamber's Annual Christmas Open House and Installation, on December 3, 2010, at the Community Center in Hobart, Indiana.

The 2010 Outstanding Business Award recipients are: Regional Federal Credit Union, Centier Bank, and Ginter Realty. Regional Federal Credit Union was established by a group of teachers in 1961 and now has offices in Hammond, Portage, and Valparaiso, as well as ten student credit unions in these areas. Centier Bank, founded in 1895, has remained in the Schrage family for the past 115 years. Mike Schrage is the current Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, Centier has grown to include 48 braches in Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Saint Joseph, Marshall, and Tippecanoe counties. Centier Bank was recently named one of the Best Places to Work in Indiana by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. Ginter Realty is owned by Joyce and George Ginter, who started their business in 1965. The family-owned business is now managed by their daughter, Polly Koesters, who is the current owner and principal broker. Another daughter, Carrie Ledyard, is a real estate agent with the company. They are currently celebrating their 45th year in business. Each organization is dedicated to providing excellent business and customer service to their communities, and for that reason, they are to be commended.

The Outstanding Businessperson Award recipient is Kevin Grace. Kevin has worked for Strack and Van Til for the past 27 years. Currently, he is the manager at the Hobart location, a position that he has held for the past four years. Kevin's consistent dedication to his community, civic organizations, and sports teams is worthy of the highest praise.

Scott and William Frey are the recipients of the Visionary Award. In 1997, brothers Scott and William bought The Art Theatre, located in downtown Hobart. The two renovated and restored the theatre, which was first built in 1941. Today, the theatre attracts many visitors from surrounding communities. Scott and William have expanded their business to include the Art of Pizza restaurant, located next door to the theatre, which is set to open in 2011. For their outstanding commitment to their community, Scott and William Frey are to be honored.

The Legacy Award recipient is People's Bank. People's Bank is headquartered in Munster, with twelve branches located throughout Lake and Porter counties. David Bochnowski is the current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. This year, People's Bank is celebrating its 100th Anniversary of community banking. People's Bank and their commitment to exceptional customer service for the past 100 years is truly remarkable, and they are worthy of such a prestigious award.

County Line Orchard is the recipient of the Chamber of Commerce, Mayor's Award. County Line Orchard in Hobart attracts a very significant number of consumers to the area. In addition to their exemplary efforts that boost business locally, they also give back to the community. Throughout the year, County Line Orchard supports non- profit organizations. They also host a free Halloween party for children in the community. For their exceptional service to their community, I congratulate County Line Orchard on this esteemed award.

Madam Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring the Hobart Chamber of Commerce award winners. For their dedication and commitment to the community of Hobart, as well as Northwest Indiana, they are worthy of the honors bestowed upon them.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct honor to commend Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana Northwest and its regional partners, who recently celebrated their 6th Annual ``Spirit of Innovation'' Induction Ceremony in which twenty individuals and nine teams were inducted as members of the 2010-2011 class of the Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana. Six individuals were selected from these new members and inducted as Society Fellows for their exceptional efforts in innovation. These individuals are: Ralph W. Braun, the late Robert H. Forney, Jr., P. Scott Bening, Howard Cohen, Ph.D., Tom Sourlis, and Ernest Talarico, Jr., Ph.D. Also honored were two Chanute Prize team recipients: ``Exploration Earth: Mission Ocean'' and ``Dage-MTI.'' For their outstanding efforts, these honorees were recognized at an award and induction ceremony sponsored by The Society of Innovators. This prestigious event took place at the Pavilion Ballrooms at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana, on Thursday, October 21, 2010.

The Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana was created by Ivy Tech Community College with the goal of highlighting and encouraging innovative individuals and groups within

the non-for-profit, public, and private sectors, as well as building a ``Culture of Innovation'' in Northwest Indiana. The importance of innovation in Northwest Indiana, as well as globally, is crucial in today's ever-changing economy.

The six Fellows selected by the Society of Innovators were chosen for their remarkable diversity of innovation and the impact of their efforts throughout the community of Northwest Indiana. The 2010-2011 individuals named Society Fellows are as follows:

Ralph W. Braun is the CEO of The Braun Corporation in Winamac. Ralph is truly an inspiration. His personal challenge, being dependent upon a wheelchair for mobility, has inspired him to create a corporation that has become the largest manufacturer of wheelchair accessible mini-vans and lifts in the world. The late Robert H. Forney, Jr. is the former President and CEO of the Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc. Mr. Forney founded the Chicago-based Global FoodBanking Network, a foundation set up to fight hunger worldwide, in which independent food banks were established and work with over 30 countries. Tom Sourlis of MotarNet in Burns Harbor created a proper drainage system for masonry walls, changing the masonry construction industry. This original idea led to major support for local non-profit organizations. P. Scott Bening is the President and CEO of Monosol in Merrillville. His company has become the global leader in specialty water-soluble, polymer-based film manufacturing. His facilities are currently located in Portage, LaPorte, and Hartlebury, England. Howard Cohen, Ph.D., is the Chancellor of Purdue University Calumet (PUC) in Hammond. Throughout his tenure he has been the inspiration behind turning PUC into ``a high quality, regional, full-service University.'' Ernest Talarico, Jr. Ph.D., is the founder of the International Human Cadaver Prosection Program, a program that prepares cadavers for study with the goal of encouraging respect for donors and families. This program is based at Indiana University Northwest (IUN) and has brought professionals from around the world to Gary.

The recipients of the Chanute Prize for team innovation are: ``Exploration Earth: Mission Ocean'' and ``Dage-MTI.'' ``Exploration Earth: Mission Ocean'' is a submarine stimulation program geared toward enhancing the development of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills in elementary and middle school students. The Center for Science and Technology Education at PUC hosts this program, which is currently being expanded nationwide with a major grant from the U.S. Navy. ``Dage-MTI'' is a camera company located in Michigan City and is the oldest camera company in the United States. Current owners, John and Peggy Moore, rescued the store as it was about to close its doors seven years ago. ``Dage-MTI'' now offers some of the finest digital cameras for microscopic research in the world.

Madam Speaker, I ask you and my distinguished colleagues to join me in commending these outstanding innovators on being named Society Fellows and Chanute Prize winners. Their dedication and commitment to innovation is truly an inspiration. Their years of hard work have played a major role in shaping future development in Northwest Indiana and communities worldwide, and each recipient is worthy of the highest praise.

I appreciate the gentleman for yielding and would suggest that Mr. Burton is the dean of the Indiana delegation, and I would want to show him that respect.

But, Marlin, I would simply want to add my voice to Mr. Burton's on behalf of all of the members of the delegation and all of the Members of the House and certainly wish you every success in your endeavor of public service and in serving the people we all try to serve to the best of our ability. Welcome very strongly to the House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, it is with sincere admiration that I recognize the Asian American Medical Association, which hosted its 34th Annual Gala on Saturday, November 6, 2010, at the Avalon Manor in Merrillville, Indiana. Each year, the Asian American Medical Association pays tribute to prominent, outstanding citizens and organizations for their contributions to the community. In recognition of their efforts, these honorees are awarded the prestigious Crystal Globe Award at this annual banquet.

The Asian American Medical Association has always been a great asset to Northwest Indiana. Its members have selflessly dedicated themselves to providing quality medical services to the residents of Indiana's First Congressional District, and have always demonstrated exemplary service through their many cultural, scholastic, and charitable endeavors.

At this year's Annual Gala, the Asian American Medical Association will present the Crystal Globe Award to one of Northwest Indiana's finest citizens, Dr. M. Nabil Shabeeb, M.D., FACS.

A successful General Surgeon who runs his private practice in Northwest Indiana, Dr. Shabeeb has dedicated his life to medicine. His practice specializes in thyroid and parathyroid surgery, breast cancer surgery, and laparoscopic surgery, as well as cancer support group programs. In addition to his busy medical practice, Dr. Shabeeb has committed himself to many organizations and foundations that positively impact the medical community and the people of Northwest Indiana.

In 1977, Dr. Shabeeb graduated from the College of Human Medicine at Damascus University. He went on to complete his five-year residency at the University of Illinois Metropolitan Group Hospital in 1984. Soon after, he established his private practice in Northwest Indiana. Throughout his tenure, Dr. Shabeeb has gone above and beyond his medical duties as a General Surgeon, serving on numerous medical boards and dedicating much of his time to countless organizations. He has been a member of the Lake County Medical Society since 1984, and has served as a delegate and board member since 1992. At Community Hospital in Munster, Dr. Shabeeb served as Chairman of Surgery from 1992 to 1997, and President of Medical Staff from 1997 to 2001. Currently, Dr. Shabeeb serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Munster Medical Research Foundation, the Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana, and the Community Cancer Research Foundation. He is also a founding member and Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Cancer Resource Center, a program of the Community Cancer Research Foundation. The Cancer Resource Center is an exceptional program that provides support, counseling, and education to cancer patients and their family and friends free of charge. To date, visits to the center have totaled more than 19,000. For his outstanding commitment to medicine and his many community efforts, in April, 2010, Dr. Shabeeb received the ``Lifetime Achievement Award'' from the Syrian American Medical Society--Midwest Chapter, an educational and humanitarian medical organization.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending the Asian American Medical Association, as well as this year's Crystal Globe Award recipient, Dr. Nabil Shabeeb, for their outstanding contributions to their communities and beyond. Their unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of Northwest Indiana and throughout the United States is truly inspirational. For these reasons, the Asian American Medical Association, its members, and Dr. Shabeeb are to be recognized, and I am proud to serve as their representative in Washington, DC.

I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I want to thank Chairman Levin and Mr. Camp for bringing this bill to the floor. I want to thank Mr. Ryan and Mr. Murphy for their very, very good work on this bill.

This is a jobs issue, and there should be no doubt in anyone's mind that that is what we are talking about today.

In 1990, in the State of Indiana, 226,000 more people worked in manufacturing than in government. This year, 7,000 more people work in manufacturing than government, because 165,000 manufacturing employees lost their jobs. That is 165,000 families in the State of Indiana alone that lost good-paying manufacturing jobs. One of the causes is the currency manipulation by the Chinese Government.

We were told by the last administration if we just dialogue with the Chinese, we would solve this problem. We are told by the current administration, if we just dialogue with the Chinese, we will solve this problem. We were told by the Chinese on May 18, 2007, if we just dialogue on this problem, we will solve it.

The solution is on the floor today. I would ask my colleagues to strongly support passage of H.R. 2378, and give this administration the intestinal fortitude to stop dialoguing with the Chinese and to take serious action on jobs.

I strongly support H.R. 2378, the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act. I am proud to have the opportunity to speak in support of this bill that takes an important step in leveling the playing field for United States manufacturers.

At the outset of my remarks, I would like to applaud the leadership of the Ways and Means Committee, especially Chairman Levin and Ranking Member Camp for bringing this legislation to the Floor. I would also like to commend Representative Tim Ryan, the sponsor of the legislation, and Representative Tim Murphy, the Vice Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, for their tireless efforts advocating for this much-needed bill.

As the Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, I would like to focus my remarks on the steel industry. In the world of steel, China is of paramount concern. In 2009, China produced 47 percent of the world's total output of steel, which is 567.8 million tons. This is more than double the amount that China produced in 2003. By comparison, last year the United States produced approximately 60 million tons of steel, compared with approximately 100 million tons in 2003. While multiple factors contributed to China's unprecedented increase in production, paramount among them is China's currency manipulation. The undervalued Yuan is perpetuating a destructive trade imbalance and costing American jobs.

Congress must ensure that the U.S. remains a competitive place for manufacturing investment. This requires the U.S. to reverse the unsustainable imbalance that has allowed other nations to adopt policies supporting excessive exports of manufactured goods to the U.S., while we export debt and manufacturing jobs. And we must take action now, as evidenced by a recent report by the Economic Policy Institute, which estimates that the rising trade deficit with China will cost the U.S. over one-half of a million jobs in 2010.

I believe that the passage of H.R. 2378 represents a turning point in the battle to combat unfair Chinese trading practices. And I hope that its passage finally gives the Administration the intestinal fortitude to stop ``dialoguing'' with Beijing and start enforcing our trade laws.

Mr. Speaker, I again want to thank Representatives Ryan and Murphy and the Committee for bringing this important legislation to the Floor, and I urge my colleagues to support the measure.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct honor to congratulate the Croatian Sons Lodge Number 170 of the Croatian Fraternal Union on the festive occasion of its 103rd Anniversary and Golden Member banquet on Sunday, October 3, 2010.

This year, the Croatian Fraternal Union will hold this gala at the Croatian Center in Merrillville, Indiana. Traditionally, the anniversary celebration entails a formal recognition of the Union's Golden Members, those who have achieved fifty years of membership. This year's honorees who have attained fifty years of membership include: Franklin N. Boskovich, Diana L. Budzielek, Jerry John Cogelja, Mark C. Corey, Anne Marie Glivar, William M. Glivar, Carl A. Helsing, Patrick Joseph Kane, William R. Kaurich, William M. Maluvac, Robert Petrusha, Filomena Schmidt, Judith Surowiec, and Georgene S. Trippel.

These loyal and dedicated individuals share this prestigious honor with approximately 489 additional Lodge members who have previously attained this important designation.

This memorable day will begin with a mass at Saint Joseph the Worker Croatian Catholic Church in Gary, Indiana, with the Reverend Father Stephen Loncar officiating. The banquet will begin at 12:00 p.m.

Madam Speaker, I urge you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Lodge President John Miksich and all members of the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge Number 170 for their loyalty and radiant display of passion for their ethnicity. The Croatian community has played a key role in enriching the quality of life and culture of Northwest Indiana. It is my hope that this year will bring renewed hope and prosperity for all members of the Croatian community and their families.

Madam Speaker, on Thursday, September 16, 2010, I was absent from the House and missed rollcall votes 527 and 528.

Had I been present for rollcall 527, on agreeing to H. Res. 1620, providing for the consideration of H.R. 4785, the Rural Energy Savings Program Act, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall 528, on a motion to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate Amendments to H.R. 3562, a measure to designate the Federal building under construction at 1220 Echelon Parkway in Jackson, Mississippi, as the Chaney, Goodman, Schwerner Federal Building, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and admiration that I stand before you today to honor the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, AHEPA, Chapter 78, of Merrillville, Indiana, for being named Chapter of the Year during the association's national convention that was held in July of this year.

AHEPA Chapter 78 is to be commended for its outstanding service. AHEPA Chapter 78 was established on July 25, 1925. It currently consists of 130 members, with 13 being life members of over 50 years. In accordance with the AHEPA mission of community service, the members of Chapter 78 represent the best in all of us through their selfless giving, kindness, and generosity.

Most recently, the chapter has distinguished itself by donating significant funds to organizations throughout northwest Indiana, including Christian Haven House and Saints Monica and Luke Soup Kitchen.

For nearly two decades, the chapter has also worked tirelessly to provide safe, exceptionally well-maintained, and affordable housing for senior citizens who otherwise might today find themselves in very abject circumstances.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and the other distinguished colleagues join me in again congratulating the AHEPA Chapter 78 of Merrillville, Indiana.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I stand before you to honor Mr. Thomas A. Burke on his retirement from his position as Business Representative for the Chicago Pipe Fitters. Tom, a member of Pipe Fitters Local #597 for many years, has made the interests of his fellow tradesmen his top priority. For his devotion and lifetime of service to the Pipe Fitters, Tom was honored at a retirement dinner that took place Saturday, August 21, 2010.

Tom Burke has been a proud member of Local #597 since he began his apprenticeship 44 years ago. From the moment Tom began his apprenticeship, he received the unmarked title of second generation pipe fitter, following his father along with his brother, Dennis. Since his apprenticeship, Tom has held many positions, including journeyman, foreman, and superintendant. While working as a skilled and dedicated pipe fitter, Tom assumed numerous roles of leadership. He served for one term as a member of the Federation of Labor Board, joining an honorable group that stands up for working men and women, and giving his time to an organization that creates a united voice for Chicago's labor movement. He went on from there to serve one term on the Examining Board, dedicating his time and expertise in assisting with apprentice entrance examinations. His leadership roles continued as Tom served two plus terms on the Executive Board that made important decisions on various union matters. In such a prestigious position, Tom was able to display his well developed leadership skills, All of this past experience culminated in Tom's election to the office of Business Representative in 1998. He held this honorable office until his retirement in 2010.

Northwest Indiana has a rich history of excellence in its craftsmanship and loyalty from its tradesmen. From one leadership position to the next, Tom has continued that history as he displayed his unwavering dedication to the

members of the Pipe Fitters and other trades. He took on tasks that benefited not just tradesmen but also the greater community. The Pipe Fitters have supported and assisted the community through their unwavering dedication, and the community continues to turn to the trades when in need, and the Pipe Fitters have been one of its greatest assets.

Tom's dedication and loyalty to the trades is matched only by his devotion to his family. His commitment to his community is truly admirable, but his commitment to his family is most impressive. Tom and his devoted wife, Barbara, have one son, Brian, and one daughter, Shannon.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending Thomas A. Burke for his lifetime of leadership, service, and dedication to the community. He has given his time and efforts selflessly to the tradesmen he has worked with and represented, as well as to the people of Northwest Indiana. He has a personality that motivates those around him to work hard and be successful. His fellow officers and brother Pipe Fitters respect him and find him to be a role model and a true friend. For his service and uncompromising dedication, Thomas A. Burke is worthy of the highest praise, and I ask that you join me in wishing him well upon his retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today with a great sense of honor to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the enactment of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson on August 6, 1965, it is important for us as a group to honor this important piece of legislation that helped America fulfill its promise.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 ensured that African Americans' 15th Amendment rights were protected and enforced. The 15th Amendment guarantees every American their right to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any other State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. Before this piece of legislation was passed African Americans in many parts of the country were unable to exercise the most fundamental right of a democracy.

This historic piece of legislation was too meaningful to be forestalled by the habitual partisan fighting that has historically come to define Congress. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 32 to 74 and the Senate by a vote of 79 to 18. These margins evidence the fact that the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a bill that didn't just protect the rights of minorities in America, but helped the country heal past injustices and become closer to reaching the ultimate promise of ensuring equal freedom to all.

Although we have come a long way to ensuring the equal protection of rights of every single American, we must never stop fighting against the forces of hate and ignorance that exist. Much remains to be done before true equality can be found in both Northwest Indiana and America as a whole.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commemorating the Voting Rights Act of 1965. When we feel like today's struggles for equality are too much to handle, we must take the time to look back on how far we have come and find the strength to fight on from the advances in freedom and liberty that have occurred in our not so distant past.

Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and sincerity that I take this time to honor Mr. Fred Halpern, Mrs. Nancy Adams, and Dr. David Gross for their many years of service and dedication to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. For their exceptional contributions to such a worthy cause, each of them were honored with the ``Different Faces of MS'' Award at the Dream for a Cure event held at Strongbow Inn in Valparaiso, Indiana, on Friday, August, 20, 2010.

Since 1960, Mr. Fred Halpern has been the owner of Albert's Jewelers, which originated in East Chicago and is now located in Schererville. It is due to Fred's warm and enthusiastic personality that Albert's Jewelers has become the success it is today. Family has always been the core of Fred's life and it is no surprise that he has shaped his business by turning customers into family friends. Multiple Sclerosis became a part of Fred's life when the love of his life, his wife Donna, was diagnosed soon after their two children, Holly and Joshua were born. Fred has an enormous sense of pride and respect for Donna's courageous struggle and has said, ``Donna has been battling this disease for forty years and has never once complained. My wife has an amazing inner-strength, she loves to laugh and everyone who meets her loves her. She inspires me to do my best everyday.'' The Multiple Sclerosis Society has become a channel for Fred and Donna to give back to others who are struggling with this disease and they have been involved with the foundation for many years. Albert's Jewelers holds an auction each year in which the proceeds go to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Fred's business also participates in the MS walk each year. In addition, Albert's continues to concentrate on MS events throughout the area that contribute to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. For his continued passionate and enthusiastic devotion to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Fred is to be commended.

Mrs. Nancy Adams and her husband, Russ of Valparaiso, Indiana are the proud owners of Strongbow Inn. In 1999, Nancy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a prognosis that changed her life forever. After three years, Nancy was doing very well and decided that is was time to give back to the many people struggling with the disease. In 2003, Nancy rode in two bike-a-thons for Women Against Multiple Sclerosis (WAMS) and raised $20,000. She was also asked that year to host the first WAMS luncheon in Northwest Indiana. Nancy continues to donate her time and energy to the cause and has since hosted three WAMS luncheons and rode in three bike-a-thons. For Nancy, having MS is a blessing and has made her realize the importance of life. She and her beloved husband have three amazing children, Ashley, Courtney, and Matthew, with whom she has shared her journey. Nancy's lifelong commitment to the Multiple Sclerosis Society and its many members is an inspiring testament to her character.

Dr. David Gross of Schererville is an ophthalmologist and maintains three offices in Northwest Indiana. In 2002, Dr. Gross rode in his first MS bike tour at Eagle Creek and since has participated each year consecutively, making this year his 9th tour. With the help of many friends, colleagues, and family, David has been able to raise $175,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Other than through his patients, Dr. Gross has no personal ties to MS, but he has discovered the outstanding benefits that the Multiple Sclerosis Society provides for its patients and selflessly continues to support the cause. His commitment to the Multiple Sclerosis Society can only be matched by the devotion he has to his family. David and his wife Nancy have been married for 19 years and have three beautiful daughters; Sami, Rachel, and Elly. Dr. Gross's compassion and generosity are to be admired and he is worthy of the highest praise.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating these outstanding individuals as they are honored with the ``Different Faces of MS'' Award. Through their selfless devotion and service to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, they have been able to touch the lives of countless individuals, and each recipient is truly an inspiration to us all.

Madam Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month and its 2010 theme-- Celebrating History, Heritage, and the American Dream. From September 15, 2010 through October 15, 2010, the people of the United States will once again celebrate the histories, cultures, and traditions of our Hispanic American brothers and sisters. Since its inception as National Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, and became known as 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 countless contributions they have made that have led to improvements in their communities, and in turn, a better America.

As we reflect on the importance of the contributions that have been made by Hispanic

Americans, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to one individual in particular from the First Congressional District who has represented the epitome of leadership and civil service within Northwest Indiana, the Honorable Mara Candelaria Reardon, Indiana State Representative, District 12. A lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana, Representative Candelaria Reardon's continued dedication and commitment to her community is to be commended. Being the first Latina elected to the Indiana General Assembly, Representative Candelaria Reardon's service is an inspiration not only to the Hispanic community, but to women of every cultural background, which is fitting as we also recently celebrated the 90th Anniversary of the Woman's Right to Vote on August 26, 2010.

Mara Candelaria Reardon was born in East Chicago, Indiana. She is the daughter of Isabelino ``Cande'' Candelaria, the first Puerto Rican appointed to a city council in Indiana, and Victoria Soto Candelaria, the first Latina elected as President of the Indiana Federation of Teachers. Growing up in a family where community activism and Hispanic heritage were core values has undoubtedly been the foundation of her remarkable career.

Representative Candelaria Reardon has extensive experience in the public and private sectors. Her introduction to public service began while working for my office as a Federal Projects Coordinator. Mara Candelaria Reardon was elected Representative for Indiana State District 12 in 2006, and she continues to passionately serve the constituents of her district stating, ``Their concerns and goals will serve as the focal point of my efforts in the Indiana House of Representatives. I look forward to the opportunity of working with local officials and community leaders to ensure that their needs are addressed.'' Throughout her tenure in the Indiana General Assembly, a main goal for Representative Candelaria Reardon has been working to lower property taxes, fighting for realistic tax policies.

In addition to her impressive career, Representative Candelaria Reardon is involved in numerous commendable organizations. Currently, she serves as Treasurer of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, an organization that works to create and expand state legislation that supports minority communities throughout the state of Indiana. Recently, she was elected as Treasurer of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL). The NHCSL is a national organization that unites Hispanic state legislators who work to positively impact the quality of life within Hispanic communities across the United States. Through the NHCSL, Representative Candelaria Reardon is able to work on issues such as quality education, healthcare, affordable housing, comprehensive immigration reform, and job creation on behalf of the Hispanic community in her district and across the nation.

Mara's dedication to Indiana District 12 and the community of Northwest Indiana is exceeded only by her devotion to her wonderful family. She and her loving husband, Matthew, have two children, Christian and Victoria.

Madam Speaker, as we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, let us pay tribute to leaders such as Representative Mara Candelaria Reardon, who have contributed so much to the improvement of our communities and our nation. I respectfully ask that you and my other colleagues join me in commending Representative Candelaria Reardon for her lifetime of service to the Hispanic community and the community of Northwest Indiana. I am proud to serve as her representative in Washington, D.C.

Madam Speaker, I rise in celebration of the 90th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which enshrined into law on August 26, 1920, the right of American women to vote. It is with deep admiration and respect that I pay tribute today to the brave women in our history, particularly Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Susan B. Anthony, whose courage and determination blazed a trail in the fight for women's equality.

Since the adoption of the 19th Amendment, women have continued to reach significant milestones in that fight for women's equality, including having a greater presence in our government. Today, 17 women serve in the Senate and 76 in the House, and you, Madam Speaker, are making history as the first female Speaker of the House. Also noteworthy is the unprecedented participation of women in our judicial branch. The Supreme Court was without the service of a single woman for nearly 200 years until September 25, 1981, when Sandra Day O'Connor was confirmed as the first woman Supreme Court Justice. Today, for the first time in history, there are three women serving simultaneously on our Nation's highest court: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan.

While we acknowledge that much progress has been made in the fight for women's equality, we must also recognize that significant work remains to be done. For the first time in our Nation's history, women make up half of the entire U.S. workforce, yet according to the U.S. Department of Labor, they still do not receive compensation packages equivalent to those of their male counterparts.

My home state of Indiana reflects both these significant milestones in the fight for gender equality in the United States and the disparities that still exist. In 1920, Julia Nelson became the first woman to serve in our state legislature. Nine decades later, 31 of the 150 seats in the Indiana General Assembly are filled by women. Clearly, much work remains in our efforts for women's equality in our communities, our states, and our Nation.

Madam Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in marking the 90th anniversary of the legal guarantee of women's right to vote, and in acknowledging that the promise of freedom and equality in America requires our ongoing focus to diminish those remaining gender-based inequities. In doing so, we honor the memory of the pioneers of women's suffrage like Mott, Cady Stanton, and Anthony, and create better futures for our mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, and friends.

It is my honor to welcome to the Chamber Reverend Randy Scott, who led us in the opening prayer.

Reverend Scott has dedicated his life to the service of his community and fellow citizens in northwest Indiana. Before joining the church, Randy spent 37 years of his life as a member of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Local 374, in Hammond, Indiana.

After his retirement, Reverend Scott was touched by the Holy Spirit and realized that his life was destined for a higher purpose. He put his life in the hands of the Lord, who directed him to become a shepherd of His flock. Twenty-four years ago, Reverend Scott began ministering with the United Pentecostal Church International. Reverend Scott became the assistant pastor at the Pentecostals of South Lake Church in Merrillville, Indiana, where he has effectively ministered to the congregation for the past 20 years, enriching all those who pass through the doors. Reverend Scott has also dedicated himself to the Merrillville Clergy Association, where he has served as president for the past 3 years.

Reverend Scott is joined here today with his wife, Connie, and his daughter, Lydia.

It is my honor to welcome a man who encompasses so many of the wonderful qualities and experiences of the people of northwest Indiana, and I would like to personally thank Reverend Scott for offering this morning's prayer.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to stand here before you today to commemorate La Presencia Puertorriquena, or the Puerto Rican Presence, a celebration in honor of Puerto Rican heritage. On July 29, 2010, the patrons of Northwest Indiana will come together in East Chicago to celebrate, learn, and understand one another's differences through festivities of the diverse ethnic heritage. Through the variety of Puerto Rican showcases and spotlights, people will learn the history, heritage, culture, and much more about the commonwealth.

La Presencia Puertorriquena, which embarks on its 29th celebration, is done in coordination each year with a significant event: Puerto Rico's unification to the United States through a commonwealth, which occurred on July 25, 1952. Each year, as over 5,000 people flock to line the streets of East Chicago, the initiation of Puerto Rico as a part of the United States is celebrated. With this celebration, the entire history and culture of Puerto Rico is presented to the people of Northwest Indiana for a memorable experience.

In an array of ways, families and folk who attend can share an educational and warm Puerto Rican influenced experience. During the festivities, Puerto Rican ethnic heritage is put on display. Relics, traditional instruments, drawings, paintings, and a variety of other items representative of Puerto Rican culture fill the East Chicago library. Many talented individuals find themselves performing for these festivities through music and dance. Each year, people reminisce about native regalia, delectable food, stylistic art, and the notorious island coqui, a tiny frog known throughout the island of Puerto Rico for its relentless chirping. It is an educational experience the whole family can enjoy. People are left with memories and knowledge about the culture, heritage, and diverse values of the Puerto Rico.

For the past twenty-nine years, La Presencia Puertorriquena has brought together thousands, including an assortment of local sponsors, business and civic leaders, politicians, non-profit organizations, and people of a variety of heritages to appreciate the Puerto Rican presence in Northwest Indiana and come together.

Madam Speaker, at this time, let us pay tribute to the Puerto Rican people and their influence in the Northwest Indiana area. As we celebrate the welcoming of Puerto Rico as a commonwealth, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Puerto Rican contributions and culture in the Northwest Indiana area. Their efforts in the community to educate and serve the people are to be commended.