Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, we recently marked the passage of seven years since peaceful protests against the ineffective, cruel, and undemocratic regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad were escalated by President Assad into a brutal civil war. It has cost hundreds of thousands of lives, displaced 6.1 million people inside Syria, caused another 5.4 million Syrians to flee to nearby countries, and left nearly 3 million people in besieged areas. Assad has gassed his own people, and dropped barrel bombs on his own cities. Assad's actions set the conditions for ISIS to metastasize into Syria, prosper, and spread terror and chaos in the region. He and his closest friends on the international stage, President Putin of Russia and the leadership of Iran, demonstrate no regard for the safety or wellbeing of the Syrian people.

The continuation of this war into its eighth year is a tragedy. The United States is right to stand in opposition to Assad's brutality and against the countless non-state groups that have seized on the chaos to pursue their own agendas, many of which are apocalyptic and dangerous to our national security.

Consistent with our national interest, we must do everything in our power to bring this conflict to a halt and prevent Syria, its ungoverned spaces, and the refugee camps on the territory of Syria's neighbors from becoming a breeding ground for the next generation of radical terrorists. This effort requires continued efforts by the military and our intelligence services, but also demands muscular diplomacy to find a lasting political solution and robust foreign aid to provide a generation of Syrians with opportunities other than picking up a rifle.

Until a lasting solution is found I believe our country needs to do so much more to relieve the suffering of those injured and displaced. We are an immigrant nation of 330 million, and yet from Fiscal Year 2011 to the end of February this year, we permitted less than 22,000 refugees from Syria to enter the United States. This is a failure to act compassionately, and I fear that history will judge America harshly for its tepid response to the torment and suffering of untold souls.

I encourage my colleagues and the Administration to not lose sight of the ongoing violence perpetrated by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his allies and to redouble our efforts to bring this horrific humanitarian crisis to a close.

Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the initiative of Mr. Chuck Hughes and Dr. Gordon E. Bradshaw from the city of Gary Chamber of Commerce. Their dedicated efforts have created the Community Civility Counts initiative and a World Civility Day, which will celebrate its third annual occurrence on April 12.

World Civility Day was established as a day to become more aware of our behavior toward others and to think about how we can bring more understanding into our lives and the lives of others.

We live in a time when we can all benefit from being a little bit more civil. We live in a time when a kind gesture can have a great consequence for creating a just and tolerant society.

I congratulate the initiative and dedicated work of Mr. Hughes and Dr. Bradshaw. I ask my colleagues to join me this World Civility Day and every day to do our part to bring a little more empathy into our world.

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 March 9, 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 March 9, 2018, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, will take their oaths of citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Domingo Virruete, Bernadette Augustynski, Haroldas Vysniauskas, Jose Otoniel Campos, Maria Georgina Rivera, Jorge Robles, Humberto Morales Jr., Ernestina Caro, Omar Awad Sobih, Maria Francisca Aguliar, Katie Rizhkov, Haneen Mohammad Al-Zeer, Rania Shwqi Abudayyeh, Christine Nasr Mousa, Tannya Marisa Viramontes, Paul Alejandro Beltran, Jimmy Trang, Lissette Jesus Sayan Thompson, George Gonzalez, Luis Alberto Salazar, Ana M. Ramirez, Hina Naz Chaudhry, Beth Wanjiru Kavolu, Said Saad, and Karoline R. Stiglich.

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 March 9, 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 February 8, 2018, I was absent from the House and missed Roll Call votes 64 and 65.

Had I been present for Roll Call 64, on passage of H.R. 1153, the Mortgage Choice Act of 2017, I would have voted No.

Had I been present for Roll Call 65, on approving the Journal, I would have voted No.

Mr. Speaker, the first observation I would make is: When I was raised by my parents, I was taught not to whine and not to blame others for problems that arose, but, rather, to work hard to solve them.

I think it is long past time for people in this body to blame people in another body for the collective inability of the Congress of the United States to make a decision about something so important as the budget of the United States of America.

It is a leadership issue for the Democratic leadership and the Republican leadership of the House to come to an agreement to overturn the caps of the Budget Control Act. It is time for the Democratic and Republican leadership of the Senate to do the same and for those two bodies to come to an agreement collectively to meet our constitutional responsibilities.

A few days ago, I was on this floor and said that we were confronted with a number problem. That is, what is our total spending for this fiscal year? We are in the 129th day of it for the Department of Defense. What is the total budget number for all of our domestic spending so that we can have a strong and vibrant economy and people?

We still have a number problem. For the sake of the country, for the sake of

this institution, for the sake of our committee and the good work that Chairman Frelinghuysen, Mrs. Lowey, and the members of our committee have done repeatedly, please let us have some leadership.

Lewis Carroll wrote ``Through the Looking Glass,'' and there was an interchange in that story:

`` `Well, in our country,' said Alice, still panting a little, `you'd generally get to somewhere else--if you ran very fast for a long time, as we've been doing.' ''

`` `A slow sort of country!' said the Queen. `Now, here, you see, it takes all the running you can do, to keep in the same place.' ''

In September, we did the first CR to December 8 because it was going to be different then, but we are in the same place. Then we did a CR for December 22 because it was going to be different then, but we are in the same place. Then we did a CR for January 19 because it was going to be different and a new year, but we are in the same place.

Today, we have February 8 because it was going to be different on February 8, and now it is going to be the fifth time we have done a continuing resolution to March 23 because it is going to be different next month. That is fine.

We did our Defense Appropriations bill. We did it in July; then we did it in September; then we did it in December; then we did it in February--four times between CRs, repeatedly doing the same Defense Appropriations bill. We have done it nine times. If we go through this sequence one more time, Mr. Speaker, I am not going to be able to keep track of my numbers anymore.

This is a numbers problem, and I would conclude by noting that I, for one, did not vote for the Budget Control Act, and I would note that an independently elected Congress set it aside for 2 years because they knew a mistake had been made. Then a subsequently elected Congress did away with the Budget Control Act because they had a 2-year deal because they knew they had made a mistake.

There are negotiations--apparently taking place as we meet here today--to set it aside for another 2 years because they know we made a mistake within our legislation, because Chairman Frelinghuysen, Mrs. Lowey, my chairwoman, Ms. Granger, and I, everybody has been honest. We are going to set aside sequestration because we need to spend additional moneys on defense.

How many times does Congress have to hit its head with a hammer to not fix this problem permanently? Three different independently elected Congresses have overturned a really rotten bill, and we are still in the same place. It is time to stop for the sake of this country.

Give the chairman, give the ranking member, give the committees in both Houses numbers so we can complete our bills. The last time I looked, every department of this country has completed their work on fiscal year 2019, are going to present us with their budgets next week, and they don't know what we are doing this year.

Mr. Speaker, this is unbecoming of a great nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I take this time to recognize Black History Month and its 2018 theme, African Americans in Times of War. This year's theme reflects on the crucial role of African Americans in the military. Throughout our history, millions of African American men and women have bravely served our country, and their contributions to the betterment of our nation are to be revered. We applaud those who continue to work so diligently to improve and expand upon military opportunities for African American men and women, but we must always acknowledge that there is more progress to be made.

We take this time to honor and reflect on the struggles and triumphs of African American people throughout America's history. African Americans have played a major role in every war, from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War. However, for a large majority of those wars, these brave individuals failed to receive ample recognition for their achievements. Let us take the time this month to recount and praise the African American men and women who served our country during wartime, and to commend those who serve in the military today.

The First Congressional District of Indiana, which I proudly serve, has a rich history steeped in military service. The late Quentin Smith, of Gary, Indiana, serves as a perfect example of what this year's theme means to the community of Northwest Indiana and the entire country. Quentin Smith was a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, the renowned African American World War II air corps. This group escorted and protected bombers as they flew missions over Europe, and they seldom lost a plane. For his bravery, courage, and heroism, Quentin Smith, along with his fellow Airmen, was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. Following his military career, Mr. Smith continued to serve his community, especially the youth, through teaching and serving as the first principal of Gary West Side High School. A committed public servant, Mr. Smith was also involved in local government as a member of the Gary City Council, among many other exemplary accomplishments. Mr. Smith passed away in 2013 at the age of 94, but his legacy will live on for generations to come. For his truly honorable military career and his dedication to his community, Quentin Smith is held in our highest esteem.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other colleagues join me in celebrating Black History Month and honoring the African American men and women who served in the past while commending those who serve today. We are forever indebted for their contributions to protecting our great nation, and we thank them for their perseverance, sacrifice, and struggle.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

(Mr. VISCLOSKY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I first want to start by associating myself with the remarks of my chairwoman and suggest to this body that it is time for Congress to begin to govern and run the day-to-day operation of the Government of the United States in a timely fashion.

Mr. Speaker, this is the third iteration of the fiscal year 2018 Defense Appropriations Act that has been brought to the floor. I, for one, have

nothing more to say about the merits of this legislation that would not be redundant. However, I do want to reiterate my profound respect for the exceptional work that has been put into this legislation, time and time again, by Chairwoman Granger, all of the members of our subcommittee, and our superlative staff.

Today, January 30, 2018, Congress is 122 days late. We are 122 days past the start of the current fiscal year and 122 days past the time that the legislation we are considering today for the third time should have been completed, conferenced, and signed into law.

Mr. Speaker, we have a number problem. As an appropriator, I ask for a number to craft a bill that, by law, does not violate the Budget Control Act. We need a number so that Chairwoman Granger, our subcommittee members, and I can make decisions on how best to move forward so our military leaders are not hindered and forced to comply with the constraints of continuing resolutions. As an appropriator, all I want is a number. Give us a number, and we will finish our work for this fiscal year and give the certainty that has been repeatedly asked for by the Department of Defense and our 17 intelligence agencies.

Unfortunately, operating under the fourth continuing resolution and passing essentially the same Defense Appropriations measure for a third time does nothing--nothing--to solve the number problem, nor does it remedy the slight inconvenience that this bill exceeds the Budget Control Act by $35 billion.

Today's legislation does recognize this inconvenience by obviating sequestration. I guess that is what passes as budget control in these days in this Congress.

Some may say that we must pass this bill today to support our men and women in uniform. I would respond by saying that today's 60 minutes of theater continues to avoid meaningfully addressing the needs of our troops. If we were serious about that, we would have solved our number problem and allowed the chair and ranking member of the full committee, and the subcommittee chairs and ranking members of all 12 committees, to negotiate a realistic budget figure last summer so that we could have completed our bill last September. That would be helping our troops.

I would also add that if we don't agree to an overall domestic discretionary number, then we will continue to disinvest in the true security of this Nation--our people.

We need a domestic number so we can make decisions and give direction to all Federal agencies so they can plan on how to best invest in our national economy, jobs, and the health and prosperity of our people. The International Trade Commission needs direction so they can fully enforce our trade laws. Customs and Border Protection needs direction. This government needs timely decisions and certainty.

According to the Department of Defense, 71 percent of people aged 17 to 24 years of age in the United States would fail to qualify for military enlistment because of physical or mental health issues, low educational scores, or major criminal convictions. General Joseph Dunford, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has testified that the strength of the United States military is a direct reflection of the strength of U.S. society.

I would propose that improving the strength of our country is not just a robust defense number that I desperately want. We need a robust domestic number that allows for the critical investments necessary for the success of our economy, the creation of jobs, and for the people of this country.

Our number problem is solvable. Give us a negotiated budget number so we can stop wasting everybody's time and the money of the American taxpayers. Then we can truly start supporting the strength of our national security, our troops, and our national economy.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey), who is the ranking member on the full committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum), who is the ranking member on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee and a member of the Defense Subcommittee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur), the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies, and also a member of the Subcommittee on Defense.

Mr. Speaker, I yield the gentlewoman from Ohio an additional 30 seconds.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee), my friend and a senior member of the Appropriations Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield the gentlewoman from California an additional 1 minute.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz), the ranking member on the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I would simply close at the point where I began and ask the Members of this institution at large--the United States Congress, both Houses--to please give the Appropriations Committees numbers for defense and discretionary spending so that under the leadership of Chairman Frelinghuysen and Mrs. Lowey, in this case under Chairwoman Granger, myself, and the other 11 subcommittees, we can finish our work. It is less than 2 weeks before we will begin fiscal year 2019. I would ask my colleagues to please give us those numbers so that we can do our work effectively.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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 Friday, February 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 February 2, 2018, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, will take their oaths of citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Patrick Joseph Fay, Monica Soledad Aguayo Paredes, Feda Izzedin Aljobeh, Olalak Khamkhosy Baccam, Henriette Uwimpuhwe Balinda, Carolina Brambila, Sandra Campos, Jazman Abigail Cruz, Felix Dorado Amaro, Maria Echeverria, Oluwole Elenitoba-Johnson, Maria Isabel Galicia, Omar Agustin Garcia, Martin Herrera, Naomi Juarez, Katalin Csiszar Moore, Cain Eliseo Morales Jurado, Grissel Morelos, Mung San Myi Shi, Otilia Snezana Nikolovski, Hernan Osorio, Ashok Patel, Elena Rangel, Delia Ruiz, Jorge Luis Sullon, Susan Oluwaiemisi, Aleksandar Todorovich, Hannah Tran, Pedro Vargas, and Otoniel Verdugo.

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 February 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 and admiration that I recognize Laborers International Union of North America Local 81 as the organization celebrates its 100th anniversary. A century of dedication, hard work, and perseverance is certainly an amazing accomplishment, and the leaders and members of Local 81 are to be commended. In honor of this milestone, a 100th anniversary ceremony will take place on Thursday, January 25, 2018, at the Local 81 Union Hall in Valparaiso, Indiana.

Laborers Local 81 was founded in 1918 in Gary, Indiana. In the early days, union members and leaders helped to build the foundation for the future success of the organization. Prior to the late 1950's and early 1960's, union members worked without receiving health insurance, retirement benefits, or pension benefits. Many of these individuals banded together, went on strike, and fought for these benefits, thus allowing today's members to obtain these benefits for themselves and their families. Under the leadership of Laborers International Union of North America General President Terry O'Sullivan, as well as Local 81 President and Business Manager, Mike Campbell, Local 81 looks forward to advancement and success over the next 100 years, striving to ``stay united in justice, honor, and strength.''

Laborers Local 81 represents some of the hardest workers in Northwest Indiana. They are the men and women who help construct our roads, bridges, and buildings. They install waterlines, sewer lines, and gas lines. They work to remove hazardous waste and pour concrete, among many other important jobs. They help to build America every day, and I am truly grateful for their service.

Northwest Indiana has a rich history of excellence in its craftsmanship and loyalty by its tradesmen. Local 81 is an outstanding example of these qualities. The leaders and members of Local 81 have demonstrated their loyalty to their union and the Northwest Indiana community through their hard work and tireless dedication.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating the honorable leaders and members of Laborers Local 81, as well as all of the hard working union men and women throughout the United States. For their outstanding commitment to their trade and to improving their communities, these outstanding individuals are worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere gratitude that I take this time to recognize

the Veterans Views radio program, broadcasting out of Hammond, Indiana. For nearly a decade, the program's hosts, past and present, have been tireless advocates for veterans residing in Indiana's First Congressional District, across the nation, and abroad. As Veterans Views approaches its 10th anniversary, I commend those involved for not only bringing veterans' issues to the forefront, but for giving those who served a voice.

From its humble beginnings on a cable access channel, before shifting to its current radio format, several local veterans who once made personal sacrifices to defend our country assembled to serve their veteran brothers and sisters in another way. Selflessly, these individuals provided an avenue by which veterans could share their collective experiences, and in doing so, forged a path of public service that has improved the lives of many veterans. Local veterans Ernie Dillon, Bill Emerson, Patrick O'Donnell, Dennis Shults, and Donald Shults combined their experiences and knowledge to create a platform where veterans in the community might seek support or assistance or discuss pertinent issues.

Currently, Veterans Views, hosted by Ernie Dillon, Patrick O'Donnell, Bill Emerson, and David Hinshaw, airs weekly on WJOB 1230 AM and also shares its message via livestream, allowing veterans throughout the country and around the world to participate. The focus of the show remains to help fellow veterans understand issues ranging from benefits and health care to finances and employment. The dedicated hosts are keenly aware of developments within the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense, while keeping up-to-date on matters that may potentially affect their audience.

Veterans Views is to be commended for its efforts to safeguard the well-being of those to whom we are indebted for the courage and sacrifice exhibited during their service. In recognition of these efforts, the program has received numerous accolades over the years, including the Excellence in Communication award, presented by the American Legion Department of Indiana in 2011, in addition to being honored by the Indiana General Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in recognizing Veterans Views and thanking all of those associated with this integral program for their service on behalf of veterans everywhere, and in particular, to those living within Indiana's First Congressional District. For their unwavering dedication to the brave men and women who have defended our nation, the hosts, producers, and sponsors of Veterans Views are worthy of the highest commendation.

Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and reflect on his life and work, we are reminded of the challenges that democracy poses to us and the delicate nature of liberty. Dr. King's life and, unfortunately, his untimely death, remind us that we must continually work to secure and protect our freedoms. In his courage to act, his willingness to meet challenges, and his ability to achieve, Dr. King embodied all that is good and true in the battle for liberty.

The spirit of Dr. King lives on in the citizens of communities throughout our nation. It lives on in the people whose actions reflect the spirit of resolve and achievement that will help move our country into the future. I am honored to rise today to recognize several individuals from Indiana's First Congressional District who will be recognized during the 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast on Saturday, January 13, 2018, at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, Indiana. The Gary Frontiers Service Club, which was founded in 1952, sponsors this annual breakfast.

The Gary Frontiers Service Club will pay tribute to local individuals who have for decades selflessly contributed to improving the quality of life for the people of Gary. This year, Earmon Irons will be honored with the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award. Additionally, several individuals will be recognized as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Marchers at this year's breakfast including Chareice White, Mark Spencer, Roma Ivey, Henry L. Jones, Dharathula Harris, and Dr. Janet Seabrook.

Though very different in nature, the achievements of each of these individuals reflect many of the same attributes that Dr. King possessed, as well as the values he advocated. Like Dr. King, these individuals saw challenges and faced them with unwavering strength and determination. Each one of the honored guests' greatness has been found in their willingness to serve with ``a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.'' They set goals and work selflessly to make them a reality.

Mr. Speaker, I invite you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending these honorees, as well as the Gary Frontiers Service Club officers, President Oliver Gilliam, who also served as the MLK Breakfast Chairman, Vice President Charles Jackson, Recording Secretary Linnal Ford, Financial Secretary Melvin Ward, and Treasurer/ Seventh District Director Floyd Donaldson, and all members of the service club for their initiative, determination, and dedication to serving the people of Northwest Indiana.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and sincerity that I take this time to congratulate thirty individuals who took their oaths of citizenship on Friday, January 5, 2018. This memorable occasion was 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 January 5, 2018, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, took their oaths of citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Drago Pupac, Branka Pupac, Diep Dinh Do, Asma Aftab, Niranjan Awasthi, Magdalena Anna Skupien, Claudio Eduardo Diaz Ayala, Maria Griselda Rodriguez Diaz, Carmela Velazquez, Florencia Stoll, Susan Pandey Joshi, Mamoon Arif Raza, Jayakumar Chockalingam, Syed Muhammad Aftab, Sergiy Igorovyc Mosendz, Leah Nyokabi Wambui, Heidie Principe Kuskye, Krystyna Zofia Kret, Chiamara Chibueze Ugochukwu Anokwute, Rubinely Calderon, Carlos Cortes, Andrea Gianelli Cunanan, J. Refugio Garcia, Marie Grace Healy, Manuel Herbert Leyva, Ume Ruman Khaja, Maria Marquez, Cristian Alberto Osoria, Amy Hui Ren, and Federico Santamaria.

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 became citizens of the United States of America on January 5, 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 December 13, 2017 and December 14, 2017, I was absent from the House and missed rollcall votes 676 through 684.

Had I been present for rollcall 676, on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 658, providing for consideration of H.R. 1638, the Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act, and providing for consideration of H.R. 4324, the Strengthening Oversight of Iran's Access to Finance Act, I would have voted ``No.''

Had I been present for rollcall 677, on agreeing to the resolution, H. Res. 658, Providing for consideration of H.R. 1638, the Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act, and providing for consideration of H.R. 4324, the Strengthening Oversight of Iran's Access to Finance Act, I would have voted ``No.''

Had I been present for rollcall 678, on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 657, providing for consideration of H.R. 2396, the Privacy Notification Technical Clarifications Act; and providing for consideration of H.R. 4015, the Corporate Governance Reform and Transparency Act of 2017, I would have voted ``No.''

Had I been present for rollcall 679, on agreeing to the resolution on H. Res. 657, providing for consideration of H.R. 2396, the Privacy Notification Technical Clarifications Act; and providing for consideration of H.R. 4015, the Corporate Governance Reform and Transparency Act of 2017, I would have voted ``No.''

Had I been present for rollcall 680, on passage of H.R. 1638, the Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act, I would have voted ``No.''

Had I been present for rollcall 681, on motion to recommit with instructions for H.R. 2396, the Privacy Notification Technical Clarification Act, I would have voted ``Aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall 682, on passage of H.R. 2396, the Privacy Notification Technical Clarification Act, I would have voted ``No.''

Had I been present for rollcall 683, on motion to recommit with instructions for H.R. 4324, the Strengthening Oversight of Iran's Access to Finance Act, I would have voted ``Aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall 684, on passage of H.R. 4324, the Strengthening Oversight of Iran's Access to Finance Act, I would have voted ``No.''

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I congratulate the Northwest Indiana Islamic Center, as its members and leaders join together to celebrate the center's 25th anniversary. In honor of this special occasion, the Northwest Indiana Islamic Center will be hosting an anniversary dinner on December 10, 2017, at the Avalon Manor in Merrillville, Indiana.

In the early 1990's, a small group of the Muslim population in Northwest Indiana decided to purchase property in the area with a vision to provide a spiritual home for its members, offering religious education and a place for prayer, worship, and community services. The original structure, completed in 1992, was quickly outgrown as the membership grew. In 1999, a new prayer hall and community center were completed. Today, the center is home to over one hundred families, and Friday prayer services are attended by more than three hundred individuals. The Northwest Indiana Islamic Center provides numerous activities and services, accommodating Muslim and non-Muslim individuals and families throughout

Northwest Indiana. These include consultation services, Qur'an reading and memorization services, ceremonial and religious services, interfaith dialogues, humanitarian relief services, and numerous youth programs, to name a few. In addition, there are two Islamic weekend schools and two Islamic full-time schools on its premises.

Northwest Indiana is not only grateful, but proud to have the support of the Northwest Indiana Islamic Center for the past twenty- five years. I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to recognize the exceptional leadership of this noteworthy organization. The Board of Trustees includes Arshad Malak, Hakam Safadi, Hytham Rifai, Nabil Shabeeb, and Wahbi Adad. The Board of Directors is comprised of President Abdul Fatah Adisa, Vice President Omar Estwani, Treasurer Isam Abdo, and Secretary Ferass Safadi, as well as former Presidents Fadel Shaaban and Shahabul Arfeen, and Osama Salameh, Ashraf Tebry, and Rami Musleh. For their significant contributions to their community, the members and leaders of the Northwest Indiana Islamic Center are worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating the Northwest Indiana Islamic Center on its 25th anniversary. For their remarkable dedication to service and for touching the lives of countless individuals, the organization's leaders and members are worthy of the blessings that have been bestowed upon them.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I congratulate Ivy Tech Community College and its regional partners who recently celebrated their 13th Annual Northwest Indiana Innovation Induction Ceremony. At the ceremony, which reflects the ``Spirit of Innovation'' in Indiana, nineteen individuals and twenty- one teams were inducted as members of the 2017-2018 Class of the Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana. Of these individuals, several members were inducted as Society Fellows for their exceptional efforts in innovation. These individuals are Dr. Teresa A. Eineman, Norman-David P. Fischer, Chris Mahlmann, and Michael E. Schrage. Also honored were the recipients of the Leonardo da Vinci Accelerating Greatness Award for Team Innovation, which include the Plate Accelerating Cooling Technology Team, a project of ArcelorMittal Global R&D, East Chicago, and its partners in France, along with Burns Harbor Plate, and the Arconic Power and Propulsion La Porte Engineering Team. The Hammond Group Incorporated was honored with the Chanute Prize for Team Innovation. In addition, Chenn Q. Zhou, Ph.D. was named the 2017- 2018 Gerald I. Lamkin Fellow for Innovation and Service. For their truly remarkable contributions to the community of Northwest Indiana

and their unwavering commitment to cultivate a culture of innovation, these honorees were inducted at Horseshoe Casino, Hammond, on October 26, 2017.

The Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana was created by Ivy Tech with the goal of highlighting and encouraging innovative individuals and groups within the not-for-profit, public, and private sectors, as well as building a culture of innovation in Northwest Indiana. The Lake County Campus is led by Chancellor R. Louie Gonzalez, Ivy Tech Community College. The importance of innovation in Northwest Indiana, as well as globally, is crucial in today's ever-changing economy.

The fellows selected by the Society of Innovators were chosen for their innovative leadership throughout Northwest Indiana and beyond. Dr. Teresa A. Eineman, Superintendent, Crown Point Community School Corporation, implemented a continuous improvement model that applies proven business practices to education and has led to the overwhelming success of the high performing school district. Norman-David P. Fischer, Chief Engineer, The Fischer Group, invented an energy efficient compressed air desiccant dryer, a unique design that creates energy savings without using plant air for the drying process. The invention has been used at ArcelorMittal, providing over seven million kilowatts of energy savings annually. Chris Mahlmann is the founder of Ideas in Motion Media, which is an on line ``good news'' company that covers Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties. Today, the company produces four editions and serves approximately 65,000 readers. Michael Schrage, Chairman, President, and CEO of Centier Bank in Merrillville, transformed a small family bank into the largest bank of deposit in Northwest Indiana; as well as Indiana's largest private bank.

The Leonardo da Vinci Accelerating Greatness Award for Team Innovation was presented to the ArcelorMittal Global R&D Center, East Chicago, and its partners in France, along with Burns Harbor Plate, for creating a unique accelerating cooling technology called ACCtec, which greatly improves steel plate production and will make ArcelorMittal more competitive globally. The award was also presented to the Arconic Power and Propulsion La Porte Engineering Team. This group pioneered the manufacturing process for a newly invented single-piece casting for Pratt & Whitney's next generation Pure Power' Geared TurbofanTM jet engine. The casting is nicknamed the ``cornerstone'' because its implementation laid the foundation for a $100 million plant expansion. The expansion has captured growing demand for advanced jet engine components and created more than 300 advanced manufacturing jobs since 2015.

The Chanute Prize for Team Innovation was presented to The Hammond Group, Incorporated (HGI). In 2015, HGI completed its cutting-edge Lead Acid Battery Laboratory, which was created to improve battery performance in order to successfully meet the demands from automobile manufacturers and renewable energy markets.

Chenn Q. Zhou, Ph.D. is the recipient of the 2017 Gerald I. Lamkin Fellow for Innovation and Service Award. Dr. Zhou is the founding director of the Steel Manufacturing Simulation and Visualization Consortium established at Purdue University Northwest. She has helped to successfully advance the steel industry by focusing on new and innovative technologies, including simulation and visualization.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending these noteworthy, inspiring innovators. The contributions each has made to society here in Northwest Indiana and worldwide are immeasurable and lifelong. For their truly brilliant innovative ideas, projects, and leadership, these recipients are worthy of the highest commendation.