Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Richard D. ``Dick'' Gilroy, a great Hoosier and valued friend who passed away on January 25, 2015. On that Sunday evening we lost a committed husband and father, as well as a dedicated community servant. I consider the words recorded on the floor of this House to be the official record of our nation. As such, please allow me to submit the following:

After law school, Dick Gilroy joined the office of former Indianapolis Mayor, Richard G. Lugar, where he served the citizens of the city admirably and where he met Sue Anne Starnes, who he would marry in 1973.

Having been a member of the United States Army Reserve, Dick Gilroy was a patriot who cared deeply for our nation and the ideals of American Exceptionalism. As one who believed deeply in the sacred American principle of ``innocent until proven guilty,'' Dick continued to serve the people of Indianapolis as a public defender, and later as a Magistrate Judge.

Always close to politics and public service, Dick Gilroy was the perfect spouse ``behind the scenes'' as his cherished wife ran for statewide office and served two celebrated terms as Indiana's 58th Secretary of State.

Mr. Speaker, we live in an age when the spouse of an elected official may often times play an integral role in the success of the official's public service. The unelected spouse will often share the work and time commitment of his/her partner. Dick Gilroy understood the significance of this role and executed it faithfully always supporting the efforts of his wife and understanding her commitment to public service. For that reason he was a tremendous asset to Sue Anne and her staff alike. In that role he greatly served the state and country he loved so much.

Dick believed in using his talents and passion to improve the lives of those in his church and community. He created Young Life basketball and tutoring program through Tabernacle Presbyterian Church and led the ministry for ten years. The program influenced the lives of those who participated and the volunteers who supported it. Dick is still referred to as ``Coach Gilroy'' by those who participated in the program.

As another Gilroy family friend recently remarked, Dick Gilroy was the ``salt-of-the-earth'' and one of the ``best'' human beings anyone would come across. Those of us who were lucky enough to ``experience'' Dick Gilroy, whether we are former Gilroy staffers, personal friends, professional colleagues, or community leaders, could not be more in agreement with these statements.

He was a caring and strong father, a loving husband, and a great mentor to young lawyers and public servants like me. Aside from coaching troubled kids, he played a great deal of sports himself, including hockey. I remember Dick telling me one time when I was playing as an adult that ``the only appropriate beverage after a hockey game is a LaBatt's Blue.'' Growing up in Detroit, and being so close to our northern neighbor, Dick was always allowed this one indiscretion.

Dick Gilroy leaves his wife of 41 years, who along with him, serves as a mentor and friend to Kathy and me. He also leaves his son, Grant, and two granddaughters. Dick has finally been reunited with the Gilroy's beloved daughter, Emily, who preceded him in death.

While leaders always lead, and the leadership that the Gilroy family has provided Indiana for so many years will certainly continue on, Hoosiers experienced a setback in losing Dick Gilroy so unexpectedly. Because so many of us gained so much from him and the quiet leadership he provided, he will always be cherished, missed, and emulated.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Congressman John T. Myers, an American patriot, a dedicated public servant and a great Hoosier who passed away on January 27, 2015. I consider the words recorded on the floor of this House to be the official record of our nation. As such, please allow me to submit the following:

John Myers was born and raised in Covington, Indiana and graduated from Covington High School. His service to our Nation began immediately after his high school graduation when he joined the United States Army. He later earned his B.S. at Indiana State University in 1951 and also attended Eastern Illinois University where he was a member of Sigma Pi.

Though working in the Indiana banking industry, Myers never abandoned his farming roots as he continued to work a farm in Fountain County. Before long however, Myers returned his attention to public service becoming a member of this honorable House of Representatives. He first took office in 1967, winning fifteen consecutive elections and continuing his admirable public service for 30 years before retiring in 1997.

During his tenure representing Indiana's 7th District in the United States Congress.

Mr. Myers became known locally as an essential player in the Lafayette Railroad Relocation Project, a three decades long project that moved the trains from city streets and into a dedicated corridor. The Main Street Bridge was in fact renamed in his honor after the pedestrian bridge was opened as part of the rail relocation project.

As Indiana Governor Pence noted while paying tribute to Congressman Myers, ``The legacy of public service he leaves behind is unmatched, and we do well to strive to emulate his example.''

Congressman Myers passed away in his Covington home leaving behind his wife Carol, daughters Carol Ann Myers and Lori Jan Kerns, seven grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

I offer my sincerest condolences to the Myers family. We grieve with you as we mourn the loss of a great Hoosier who lived a life of servant leadership while humbly representing our district in the U.S. House of Representatives for three decades. Congressman Myers legacy will not be forgotten. His example is a challenge to all of us to rededicate ourselves to serving in our communities and working with our neighbors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute an extraordinary Hoosier, Richard O. ``Dick'' Deignan, who passed away on January 13, 2015. I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for his and his late wife Joan's leadership and service in my hometown of Munster, Indiana, in the Indianapolis, Indiana community and in other parts of our state.

First, Mr. Deignan was willing to put the welfare of his fellow Americans above his own self interests. His service aboard the USS Hugh Purvis as a sailor in the United States Navy remained one of his proudest achievements and an obligation he was happy to undertake to ensure that our nation remained free and his children and grandchildren were afforded the same liberty promised by our Founding Fathers.

Mr. Deignan was an astute businessman and well known in our community, not only as a Burger King franchise owner, but for the way he trained his employees, many of whom were seeking their first job. He sought to hire high-quality employees, train them well and empower them. In doing so, what he really did was help grow responsible members of the community.

Dick built his business from nothing. Starting out, he had very little wealth or other resources. But what he, and so many others who have helped build and maintain this great country had, was a dream and the tireless work ethic to make it reality. He also recognized that what he and Joan built couldn't be done just anywhere in the world. Dick understood, and always promoted, our exceptionalism as the reason the United States had the ability to be the freest, most prosperous nation world history had ever seen, and the greatest force for good on earth.

In his free time, he was a staunch advocate and supporter of the Munster Booster Club, aiding the purchase of athletic and scholastic equipment and supplies for the Munster School System.

As a close friend of the Deignan children, Kerry and Owen, I quickly came to know the entire family, who lived on Chestnut Lane in Munster for years. They were typical of the best of American families, having and practicing the values we often talk about on this very floor.

Joan Deignan was one of the best teachers I had in grade school. And Dick was the very first community leader to support my successful bid for Indiana Secretary of State. They believed in me as a product of a community in which they believed even more.

Mr. Deignan leaves two children and three grandchildren to carry on his legacy of community service and joins Joan, in eternity. On behalf of Hoosiers, I am humbled to honor Dick here today. He will be missed for his friendship, leadership, work ethic and his character. His legacy is evidence that hard work combined with the opportunities of American exceptionalism can lead to the realization of the American Dream, however an individual wants to define it. Rest in peace my friend, and thank you for your example and leadership.

Madam Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 6 o'clock and 42 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, January 7, 2015, at 10 a.m. for morning-hour debate.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute a truly amazing Hoosier, Mrs. Karen L. Daily, who passed from this world to the next on December 7, 2014. I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for her leadership and service to our community, state, and country.

Karen served for many years as Deputy Clerk before her election by the people of Benton County to three non-consecutive terms as Clerk of the Circuit Court. As a member of the Association of Clerks of the Circuit Courts of Indiana, Karen was chosen several times by her peers to serve as Treasurer. She was actively involved in the organization, devoting time to advocate on behalf of her profession while also serving on the Legislative Committee.

Though I had known Karen for many years, it was not until after my election as Secretary of State that I realized how truly blessed the people of Indiana were to have such a tireless and professional public servant. She used her talents as a voice for rural communities on the Statewide Voter Registration System Steering Committee, a group tasked with the responsibility to develop and implement a single voter file for the State of Indiana. Each month, her leadership was evident in the actions taken by the committee to integrate the system statewide. Through her leadership, the system came online on time, worked well from the beginning, and saved Indiana millions of dollars.

Karen leaves four children, seven grandchildren and ten great- grandchildren to carry on her legacy of community service and joins her late husband Larry, in eternity. I am a better leader and public servant because of the lessons learned and advice received from Karen. She was a true friend and mentor.

On behalf of all Hoosiers, I am humbled to honor Karen here today. She will be missed for her friendship, leadership and most of all, her character. God bless you, Karen.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute a remarkable Hoosier, Mr. Edwin (Ed) J. Simcox, for his retirement as CEO of the Indiana Energy Association. I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for his leadership and service to our community, state, and country.

Ed was born in LaPorte, Indiana and holds an A.B degree in Government and Economics from Indiana University and a J.D. degree from the Indiana University School of Law. Ed served as President of the Indiana Electric Association and helped guide a merger with the Indiana Gas Association in 2004 to form the Indiana Energy Association, where he served as CEO from 2010 to 2014. He currently serves as the President Emeritus of the Indiana Energy Association.

Ed has served Hoosiers in numerous capacities at the state level, including as Secretary of the State Highway Commission, Secretary of the Indiana Public Service Commission, and legal deputy of the office of the Reporter of the Indiana Supreme Court.

Hoosiers might look at my early public service career and rightfully assume it is comparable to Ed's. We were both on staff before serving as Indiana Secretary of State for two terms. We were both among the youngest elected secretaries of state at the time we took office. We also earned our J.D. from Indiana University School of Law. As someone who followed a similar career path as me, I frequently sought his counsel, and continue to do so as a Member of Congress.

Ed has also served on many other boards and commissions over the years for both public and private entities. He has dedicated his professional life to serving Hoosiers and improving the quality of life in Indiana. On behalf of all Hoosiers, thank you Ed, for all you have done and continue to do for the people of Indiana. Enjoy your well- deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute a notable Hoosier, Mr. John Knochel, who after years of service to Tippecanoe County, Indiana, will be retiring on December 31, 2014. On behalf of the citizens of Tippecanoe County, I wish to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for his leadership and service to our community, state, and country.

John is a lifelong Hoosier and Tippecanoe County resident. He served as District 1 Tippecanoe County Commissioner since 1997. During those 17 years, he oversaw the construction of the County Parking Garage and organized the development of the Tippecanoe

County Community Corrections Center. Previously, he served the people of Tippecanoe County as a member of the County Council for two terms. During his time on the council, he oversaw the remodel and renovation of the Tippecanoe County Office Building and the unique and historic County Courthouse. His past service on the Tipmont REMC Board of Directors helped keep energy affordable to Hoosier families. He also shared his love of literature with younger generations while a member of the Tippecanoe Library Board.

I have known John and his family since the very beginning of my public service career. He has always been willing to share advice on a variety of good government measures. He is a role model for his friends, family, leaders in the community, and the citizens of Tippecanoe County.

I am honored to congratulate him on his retirement and thank him on behalf of the people of Tippecanoe County for his years of service to his community, his goodwill, and dedication in helping make Indiana a better place to live. John, thank you for sharing your talents and generosity in service to the Greater Lafayette area.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute a notable Hoosier, Mr. Kenny Hale, for his retirement from public service, most recently as President of the Morgan County Council. I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for his leadership and service to our community, state, and country.

Kenny was first elected to the Morgan County Council in 1999, and assumed a leadership role immediately. He served as the council's Vice President for his first six years on the body and has served as President for the past ten years. He also served as the county's plan director, 911 coordinator, floodplain administrator, county purchasing agent of land acquisition, and heavy equipment operator. In addition to serving the people of Morgan County, Kenny is an ASE and Moog Certified Technician, and a Certified Welder.

Kenny's leadership was critical in the county's coordinated response to several unforgettable disasters over the years, including the devastating F-3 tornado in 2002 and the massive floods of 2008. His generosity and expertise even extended outside of the county to fellow Hoosiers following the disastrous 2010 tornado that claimed lives in Henryville, Indiana.

Kenny has been recognized by his community and peers over the past several years. The Morgan County Sheriff's Department awarded him for coordinating the Jefferson Township Crime Watch program. He has been recognized by the Association of Indiana Counties as Outstanding County Councilman in 2004, and other organizations for his leadership, achievement and community service.

Kenny has been a dedicated public servant and I wish him well during his well-deserved retirement from public service, though I suspect we will see his continued leadership in the community for years to come. Thank you, Kenny, for your service and leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute an extraordinary Hoosier institution, The Columbia Club, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year. I wish to express my admiration and appreciation for the Club and its members' service to our community, state, and country.

The Columbia Club was originally formed in 1889 by local prominent Republicans as the Harrison Marching Society to support the presidential campaign of the last Hoosier president, Benjamin Harrison. After the election, the Society moved into a clubhouse on Monument Circle and changed its name to the Columbia Club to continue operating as a private club. As its membership grew, the Columbia Club became the premier private club in Indianapolis. No longer a partisan club; the Columbia Club welcomes Hoosiers of all political stripes and affiliations as members to share in fellowship.

The Columbia Club's members can also join associations within the Club. It hosts the Columbian Business Network, Columbian Veteran's Association, Columbia Club Devine Dames--a chapter of the National Red Hat Society, and the Harrison Society--the Club's premier group for young professionals.

In 1925, the current home of the Columbia Club was built on Indianapolis' famed Monument Circle on the very location that the original building was once located. In 1983, the current structure was added to the National

Register of Historic Places. Legend indicates that the founders of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indianapolis 500, met at the club to discuss construction of the famed track. It also served as host to discussions that eventually brought the NFL's Colts to Indianapolis.

The Columbia Club has hosted every Republican President since Benjamin Harrison while in office or as a candidate. Thousands of business leaders and politicians have been members of the Club as have famous Hoosiers like musician Hoagy Carmichael and Impressionist T.C. Steele. Each year the Club holds its annual Beefsteak Dinner, of which I had the honor to keynote on October 7, of this year.

Congratulations to the Columbia Club and all of its current and former members for the 125 years of excellence in our Indianapolis community.

Thank you, Chairman Kline, for your leadership on this issue.

I also want to thank Ranking Member Miller, Ranking Member Loebsack, our colleagues across the rotunda, and, of course, the staff, who put so much effort into this pro-work, pro-family bill today.

Mr. Speaker, the reauthorization of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Program is an example of what both parties and Houses of Congress can do when we are working together to find commonsense solutions to national issues.

I came to Congress to help all people build better lives for themselves and their families, and now, here with this bill, on this floor today, we get a chance to do that. We work together to protect children's early development and safety, as well as their parents' employment, by preserving State control over a Federal program that serves over a million and a half young Americans. This agreement prevents the administration from imposing early learning guidelines on our States, and it also limits the collection of unnecessary data on our children. At the same time, we have strengthened oversight and accountability at multiple levels of government.

Early childhood care quality will improve because we are enhancing families' access to provider information

while maintaining choice of provider. Families can choose between public and private providers, including religious providers. They can choose larger institutional settings or smaller, or even in-home operations.

As a Member of Congress and as a parent, I know that parents, not the Federal Government, are best positioned to choose child care providers, and this legislation ensures parents will have power over Federal bureaucracies, which are no substitute for a family. We are holding providers to strict safety standards, making sure child care professionals have the most up-to-date training. Parents who must either be working or seeking employment in order to take advantages of this program will have better information to guide their decisions.

Mr. Speaker, I certainly didn't learn about these improvements before working on the legislation from the ether. The day nursery in Avon, Indiana, was one of my first stops, and we were able to incorporate a lot of what we learned that day and every day after in our work and into this bill.

I thank those whom I met with in the Fourth District of Indiana, where commonsense solutions are part of everyday life, for their help in getting this legislation and the content of it crafted.

As chairman of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education, it is not only my duty to vote for good legislation but for results. Mr. Speaker, I am simply here today to ask my colleagues to vote for this legislation because it will get results. It is one of the things that we can do around here in a bipartisan- bicameral way to show the American people that we are worth our paychecks.

I thank the gentleman for yielding. I thank the gentleman for organizing this here tonight.

I think the gentleman is exactly right. We need leadership. Leaders are supposed to lead. When you look at what the gentleman rightly put here on the House floor in terms of the stack of work that sits in Harry Reid's--the Senate majority leader's--in-box, you realize what leadership isn't, and that is a real problem.

If my constituents, Mr. Speaker, saw that pile in my in-box, I don't know how much longer I would last. I wonder what the citizens and voters and taxpayers of Nevada think at this point.

Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education, I rise today to discuss with my colleagues the importance of improving education in our country.

This House has done excellent work in that regard. We understand here in the House--and parents, teachers, and school administrators are all too aware--that the current state of our education system threatens the American Dream for the current and future generations of students.

I know that we want to help create a better world and the possibility of a better life for our young students. Leaving the world in better shape than we found it is as much a part of our American exceptionalism as is the freedom we enjoy that allows us to pursue the American Dream.

To our credit, frankly, when American citizens see what is not being done in the Senate, they can look to the House for some great things that have been accomplished in terms of righting what is wrong on education.

Right now, sadly, we are not faring well on the international education stage. Our children are not reading at grade level, while math and science performance by U.S. students trails far beyond that of our counterparts in other developed countries. We are not competing to win in a 21st century world.

The comical irony of that--if it weren't just so plain sad--would be that the American education system is failing the students that its most passionate advocates claim to want to help. Sure, you can argue that somehow while we aren't universally successful, our best and brightest rival any in the world, and our leading institutions will continue to provide the high-quality instruction that will keep us afloat, but I would say to the gentleman of Georgia, Mr. Speaker, that the America I know, the America that I believe in--the America that my constituents and that, I think, Americans across the country believe in--doesn't include a two-tiered system. We want everyone to have an equal opportunity. We want everyone to only be limited by the capacity of their dreams.

At the subcommittee level, in what we call K-12 education and in a more broad sense on the Education and the Workforce Committee and then on the floor of the House, we have done some things to right that ship, as I explained.

One of those bills that passed the House was H.R. 10, the Success and Opportunity through Quality Charter Schools Act. This was a bipartisan bill. It passed on 5-9-14, just this year. The vote tally, Mr. Speaker, was 360-45. It has been in the Senate for 82 days. 360-45 is a huge bipartisan victory. It is one of the biggest bipartisan victories we have had on the floor of the House.

This is a charter school bill. It is school choice. I believe charter schools--like a majority of the people on the floor of this House believe--play a critical role in creating educational options for all children. Charter schools encompass two key principles American families want from our Nation's education system: choice and flexibility.

These innovative institutions will empower parents to play a more active role in their children's educations, open doors for teachers to pioneer fresh teaching methods, encourage State and local innovation, and help students escape poor-performing schools.

Why do we want to continue to shackle students to poor-performing schools and give them no choice and take away that equal opportunity for them to be successful? This bill, Mr. Speaker, did it. This bill now sits in Harry Reid's in-box.

Across the Nation, charter schools are leading the way in innovation and in improving education outcomes. In my home State of Indiana, for example, the Charles A. Tindley Accelerated School in Indianapolis-- which serves a predominantly low-income and minority student body-- expects every student, no matter his or her background or circumstances, to have a college acceptance letter upon graduation.

No matter his or her background or circumstances, one has to have a college acceptance letter upon graduation. The school's rigorous curriculum and laser focus on preparing students for higher education has helped 100 percent of its students to date gain acceptance into college. This bill sits, awaiting action in the Senate. It is not leadership.

That is right.

I would love at this point--I think we all would--to hear them say: We have a better idea, we are going to take it up, and we will show you.

I would take that as progress, sir. This is what we have heard: silence.

I think the gentleman is exactly right, if the American people show the Senate that the American people care as we know they do. This is still the home of the free. This is still an open republic, and it is still we, the people, who are in charge. We can make the change happen if we show the ``leaders'' of this country that we care.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reaffirm my support for one of our closest allies, Israel, as they combat a surge of violence against their sovereign country from the terrorist group Hamas.

The history of the Jewish people is one of faith, honor, and most importantly, survival. This situation is no different.

Hamas claims that Israel has no right to exist and uses tactics that are beneath the dignity of the human race as they carry out these attacks.

Israel has proven time and time again it is a willing and a waiting partner in the struggle for peace in the region. It continues to endure and defend against attack after attack, however, quite often without retaliation. Yet, faced with the pure evil that Hamas represents, no one should find fault in Israel's measured response and efforts to ensure these attacks are halted and halted for good.

We must continue to show our unwavering support for our friend and ally, Israel.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I understand my amendment is subject to a point of order due to scoring or budget concerns. While I intend to cooperate and withdraw this amendment, I would like to acknowledge that this body has a history of waiving points of order on similar legislation that would result in substantive regulatory reforms, which is exactly what my amendment could accomplish.

One specific example would be the REINS Act, of which I am a cosponsor, passed in this Congress and passed in the last Congress, which would very meaningfully overhaul our rulemaking system, much like this amendment would. Prior to the passage of that bill, we rightfully waived all points of order, including one being applied

against my amendment here this afternoon, presumably.

Mr. Chairman, I would propose that this body should wave points of order on legislation that would significantly and positively reform our regulatory process so that we can significantly help our economy by getting the boots of the regulatory and bureaucratic systems off the necks of those who create jobs in this country.

For too long, the executive branch has continued to build its power through expanding the regulatory state. The agencies that we in Congress have tasked with the execution of the laws we now pass is in contravention of our intent, acting improperly as legislative bodies, with no really direct accountability to the voter.

Whether through ``interpretive rules,'' ``general statements of policy,'' or through regulations themselves, administrative agencies have placed extreme burdens on all Americans without the transparency or electoral accountability that our Founders envisioned.

Today, that process has yielded nearly 175,000 pages of regulations, growing by roughly 1,500 pages per week, written by unelected people who rarely consider the impact on our economy or the lives of the people the rules impact. In fact, the only thing growing faster around here, Mr. Chairman, is our public debt load. This has been a decades- long abdication of duty by Congresses past, and we must correct it.

Currently, informal rulemaking is the method of choice for proposing rules and regulations around here and simply requires: one, publication of a rule; two, an opportunity for public comment, but has no requirement to give weight to those comments from the public. In fact, any time I have questioned an agency witness during my 3\1/2\ years here, not one has been able to answer one simple question, and that is: What weight do you give public comments during the rulemaking process? What formula do you use? They can't answer the question because the answer is this: they don't care; it doesn't matter. What everyone wants or what the comment may be, if it stands in the way of the agenda of the rule, it gets no weight.

So I am offering this amendment today to require all new rules and regulations to follow the formal rulemaking process which is already in law--it is in the Administrative Procedure Act--while leaving in place existing emergency exceptions to the rulemaking process, fully recognizing, though, that we have to address the definition of ``emergency'' at some point as well.

Several reforms passed by this House go a long way in providing relief to the end of the regulatory process--at least to improving it. My amendment provides relief at the beginning of the rulemaking process, slows the regulatory state, and increases transparency of this increasingly opaque and secret bureaucracy.

Formal rulemaking requires a trial-like procedure, requiring parties to make their case for or against a rule in public. As a result, the administration, no matter the party, must prove the worth of their rules and regulations on the Record rather than relying on a closed- door balancing of public comments. Again, there is a record made, so we know--just like all of America knows from the proceedings on the floor of this House, we know the reasons for the final makeup of the rule; and, if need be, we can further challenge the rule.

Mr. Chairman, my amendment is consistent with the intent of the 79th Congress, which created this law for the agency rulemaking process. In the Judiciary Committee report of the law, the committee stated that:

Matters of great import, or those where the public

submission of facts will be either useful to the agency or a

protection to the public, should naturally be accorded more

elaborate public procedures.

The formal rulemaking process, Mr. Chairman, does that. So while, Mr. Chairman, I think that, in order to protect the public and the Republic, the rampant regulatory state must be stopped and agencies must afford the public weighted input and transparency during rulemaking.

Out of respect for the chair and its appropriations process, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment at this time.

Well, I thank, first of all, the gentleman from Arizona for yielding his time and for his leadership here in the House of Representatives, especially this evening with the good work that he is managing here on the floor. I know, being his friend, that it is a labor of love for him as it is for almost all of us, and so I just want to, here, on the record, thank him for his continued service in the House.

I also want to thank the ranking member for his willingness in addressing and considering this legislation. It is important to the people of Indiana, and I am grateful for his leadership as well.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this legislation that I was honored to introduce and support in memory of the fallen soldiers of Fountain County, Indiana.

Lance Corporal Josh Witsman was a marine from Covington, Indiana, and was so very proud to have been born in the United States, and especially Indiana, which he often referred to as ``God's country.''

Lance Corporal Witsman firmly believed in the freedoms enshrined in our founding documents that have helped define our American exceptionalism. He felt humbled by, honored to, and responsible for fighting to uphold those very freedoms and standards which we talk about so often here on the House floor, and that Americans talk about throughout the country. He was not only humbled to serve his country, but he was humbled to serve next to his fellow military brothers, whom he would often boast to about how great Indiana was.

And, Mr. Speaker, he loved his family. He would often call his mother at home and sing the song, ``Paint Me a Birmingham,'' only to swap in his hometown of Covington for Birmingham. He couldn't wait to return home to Indiana to be with all of them.

Sadly, Mr. Speaker, that day never came. You see, Lance Corporal Josh Witsman died in the line of duty during his second tour of duty in Afghanistan while serving with Weapons Company 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, on May 30, 2012. He was just 23.

Josh's service and sacrifice were the inspiration for this bill, and it started with an idea from one of Josh's close friends. That friend, Noah Townsend, was in the supermarket one day, and he overheard a young Hoosier ask her parents who Josh Witsman was.

The child's parents explained that Josh was a soldier who had given his life for her freedom. Noah knew he had to find a way to make sure Josh's memory and his sacrifice would be remembered in his hometown of Covington.

Noah racked his brain for a few days trying to think what would be a fitting memorial for Josh and his service. Later that week, Noah would be driving down Liberty Street, and as he drove past the post office, it hit him--Congress renames post offices for individuals who have made some contribution to their city, State, or country, undoubtedly all deserved.

Certainly, Josh's sacrifice and that of his family is worthy of recognition in any number of ways, including naming a post office in the city he called home, but recognition of his own work wasn't Josh's way.

Before Noah Townsend came to me with this idea, he talked with Josh's parents. Josh's mother, Kayla Witsman, was thankful for the gesture, but she could hear her son saying: Mom, it is not just about me.

This young man, who gave his life for his country, and his mother's interpretation of what his wishes would have been is correct. There are so many heroes that have given their lives for this country worthy of a similar recognition.

In Fountain County, there have been nearly 50 families who have lost someone in service to their country. Let me assure you, Fountain County is not a large population center in Indiana. As wonderful and as welcoming as it is, full of great Hoosiers, it is a farming community. It is not big, except in geography, and 50 families from that community had some die serving their country.

That is why this legislation does not mention Josh Witsman's name. I am proposing that we rename this post office on behalf of not only the Witsman family, but all of the nearly 50 families in Fountain County who have lost loved ones in service to our Nation.

It is my hope, Mr. Speaker, that this will serve as an everlasting tribute to the sacrifices of these soldiers and their families.

In closing, I would also like to thank the entire Indiana House delegation for their support of this legislation as well. On behalf of Josh Witsman's family and all those who have sacrificed, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Kline, Dr. Foxx, the entire staff of the Education and the Workforce Committee, and everyone for working together on what is in every respect better. This bill is better than what is in current law.

I think we need to take just a minute and recognize that, because in a lot of ways and in a lot of different examples we don't recognize that. There are gains to be locked in, so let's do it. Let's start with this bill. If there is a gain to be locked in, let's lock it in and stand on the shoulders of that gain and continue working to improve not only this language, not only these programs, but everything we do around here.

As a member of the Education and the Workforce Committee, I know that a skilled workforce is essential for remaining economically competitive. In fact, every American knows that. If we are going to be competitive in a 21st century global world and win, then we need these programs and these precious dollars. Especially when we are at a time when we are $17.5 trillion in debt with more on the way, we need these programs working well. This bill does that. It reduces red tape and aims to end the fragmented nature of workforce services provided at the Federal, State, and local level. It eliminates 15 ineffective and duplicative programs, ensuring that our workforce investment is targeted and efficient.

I know and I take to heart what Ranking Member Miller said: some of us wish there are more programs reformed or even eliminated altogether; some of us wish there were 15 more programs added. But again, this is a step in the right direction. I urge my colleagues to lock in the gain. Let's stand on the shoulders of this and get to other matters.