Susan Brooks

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. ``. . . provided, that the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct. ``This amendment shall not be so construed as to affect the election or term of any Senator chosen before it becomes valid as part of the Constitution.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute of a true American hero, Staff Sergeant Matthew R. Ammerman. Tragically, on December 3, 2014, Sergeant Ammerman was killed when his unit came under fire in the Zabul province of Afghanistan. I, along with people from across the United States, stand in eternal gratitude for the dedication, service and sacrifice of this young man. A native of Noblesville, Indiana, Ammerman joined the Army in July 2004. He was deployed in 2006 to Iraq, where he served for 14 months. In 2009, he served as an assistant gunner, fire team leader and squad leader in Afghanistan. In 2012, he volunteered for the Special Forces and graduated in 2013 as a Special Forces Communications Sergeant. Sergeant Ammerman again answered the call of duty in late 2014 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His many awards are a testament to the exceptional character of this incredibly talented and immensely brave young man. His accomplishments include the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, the Non- Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon and the NATO Medal. He also received the Special Forces Tab, the Ranger Tab, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and the Driver and Mechanic Badge. Staff Sergeant Matthew Ammerman will forever be remembered as a man willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice to defend the freedoms that we so cherish. Staff Sergeant Ammerman is survived by his wife, Emily Ammerman, his aunt and uncle, Dave and Dorothy Francis, and brothers, Kevin and Anthony Ammerman. I join all Americans in praying for their comfort in this time of grief and the safe return of all those continuing to protect the United States abroad.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute of a true American hero, Staff Sergeant Matthew R. Ammerman. Tragically, on December 3, Sergeant Ammerman was killed when his unit came under fire in the Zabul province of Afghanistan. I, along with people from across the United States, stand in eternal gratitude for the dedication, service and sacrifice of this young man. A native of Noblesville, Indiana, Ammerman joined the Army in July 2004. He was deployed in 2006 to Iraq, where he served for 14 months. In 2009, he served as an assistant gunner, fire team leader and squad leader in Afghanistan. In 2012, he volunteered for the Special Forces and graduated in 2013 as a Special Forces communications sergeant. Sergeant Ammerman again answered the call of duty in late 2014 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His many awards are a testament to the exceptional character of this incredibly talented and immensely brave young man. His accomplishments include the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, the Non- Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon and NATO Medal. He also received the Special Forces Tab, the Ranger Tab, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Parachutist Badge and the Driver and Mechanic Badge. Staff Sergeant Matthew Ammerman will forever be remembered as a man willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice to defend the freedoms that we so cherish. However, I know his wife, Emily, and his mother, Susan, will always remember him as a loving husband, and a courageous son. I join all Americans in praying for their comfort in this time of grief and the safe return of all those continuing to protect the United States abroad.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I want to thank Chairman Kline, Ranking Member Miller, and Dr. Roe for working tirelessly on this incredibly difficult piece of legislation that I know impacts so many people. As you have heard, on the Health Subcommittee, we had over six different hearings on this matter examining the difficulties facing troubled multiemployer plans and the looming insolvency of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation that is tasked with backstopping pension plans. During those hearings, I heard from the president of North America's Building Trades Unions that said ultimately: ``In order for individual pensioners to receive benefits from our plans, the plans themselves must be preserved.'' Mr. Speaker, without this Kline-Miller pension reform, the insolvency of these plans is exactly what will happen, ultimately hurting those most in need. Just last month, PBGC released its annual report which showed the deficit in this insurance program has increased from $8.3 billion to $42.4 billion in just 1 year. At this rate, the PBGC anticipates the plans will become insolvent in the next decade. That means pensioners won't even be able to count on the minimum to backstop programs that are terminal. We must act now to give the trustees of these plans the tools necessary to allow the unions and their members the opportunity to salvage the multiemployer pension model. The longer we wait, the more the problem grows, and the more painful it becomes for pensioners and employers alike. Our constituents didn't send us here to take the easy path, but rather to do the hard work that must be done. That is why so much is at stake, and that is why this provision is so necessary. I urge its passage.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the service and sacrifice of Abdul-Rahman Peter Edward Kassig. Tragically before his time, Kassig was taken from this earth by the hands of the terrorist group ISIL. He will forever be remembered as a selfless man who gave his life in service to those who needed it most. I also honor his loving and dedicated parents, Ed and Paula Kassig, who live in Indianapolis. Although he was only 26 at the time of his death, Abdul-Rahman Peter Kassig dedicated his entire adult life to serving others. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Kassig graduated from North Central High School in 2006. Upon his graduation, Kassig served as a soldier in the U.S. Army as a member of the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. Deployed to the Middle East, he bravely served his country and returned to the United States with an Honorable Medical Discharge. After his tenure in the Army, Kassig attended Hanover College and Butler University. During this time, he also trained as an Emergency Medical Technician. In 2012, after seeing the suffering of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, he left higher education to use his medical training by providing humanitarian aid to those affected by the ongoing conflict in Syria. He founded a non-profit, Special Emergency Response Assistance (SERA), to provide Syrian refugees with medical supplies, medical assistance, clothing and food. Kassig also taught trauma care skills to others and thus spread his knowledge and good works to countless people. The compassion and selflessness that Kassig displayed is an inspiration to his fellow Hoosiers and everyone who dreams of a more peaceful world. The danger he faced did nothing to temper his resolve to help those who needed it most. Kassig and SERA were dedicated to providing acute logistical support and assistance in areas too difficult for other humanitarian organizations to effectively operate. Abdul-Rahman Peter Edward Kassig will be remembered as a young man of tremendous courage and integrity by family and friends from Indiana and across the globe. I join people of all faiths in praying for the comfort of those who mourn his death and a more peaceful world for all to live in.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this bill simply clarifies that State and local governments and emergency management officials may use existing FEMA State Homeland Security Grant Program and Urban Area Security Initiative funds, known as UASI, to work with a national lab or research facility. H.R. 3438 amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 by inserting a clarification into the ``allowable use'' section of the Homeland Security Grant Program Title. Providing this clarification will allow these State and local first responders to leverage the expertise at national labs, should they choose to do so. This is a simple, good government measure that will help maximize the use of limited Federal grant dollars. This bill will allow State and local officials to cut through FEMA's red tape, which makes it harder for first responders to work with Federal national labs and make the best decisions for their homeland security needs. This bill will eliminate hoops that State and local grant recipients have had to go through in order to gain access to this expertise. H.R. 3438 is a commonsense, bipartisan bill. It is similar to a bill sponsored by former Congressman Dan Lungren in the 112th Congress, which passed the House by voice vote. I want to thank my colleague from California (Mr. Swalwell) for continuing to work on this issue, and I urge passage of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, this is a bipartisan bill, and I too want to thank my colleague from California for picking up the torch that Congressman Lungren started that will permit this very important security coordination between our first responders, who work day in and day out on our behalf, and the national labs. As the Congressman from California has so eloquently stated, they have such incredible scientific expertise that needs to be shared with our first responders, and there is much good that can come from the passage of this bill. While FEMA is very careful in the manner in which it administers its grant dollars, we believe that this is one of those commonsense pieces of legislation that will make it much more efficient to allow those first responders to gain the incredible knowledge from our national labs, and so I urge its passage. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3438) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize use of grants under the Urban Area Security Initiative and the State Homeland Security Grant Program to work in conjunction with a Department of Energy national laboratory.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the outstanding career and accomplishments of Dr. Meredith Carter. For more than three decades, Dr. Carter has served as an educator, nonprofit administrator, member of the Hamilton County Council and so much more. Born on May 27, 1939, in Cutler, Indiana, Dr. Carter is a lifelong Hoosier. After graduating from Cutler High School, Dr. Carter earned both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in biology from Butler University. He then went on to earn an Ed.D. in Educational Administration from Ball State University. Dr. Carter began his tenure on the Hamilton County Council on January 1, 1983. Since then, he has been a leading contributor to the exceptional economic growth and development Hamilton County has experienced. His leadership played a critical role in endeavors such as the building of the County Judicial Center, remodeling of the County Courthouse and the building of multiple transportation infrastructure projects. Along with his academic achievements and 32 years as an elected official, Dr. Carter is a fixture in the Hoosier education and development communities. Dr. Carter taught for eight years in the public school system before completing a 38 year distinguished tenure as a professor, administrator and chancellor with Ivy Tech Community College. He also serves on the boards of JANUS Development Services, Inc and Aspire Indiana. JANUS is an organization committed to providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to join the workforce and play an active role in their community. Aspire Indiana provides comprehensive community mental health services, working on issues ranging from youth and family services to helping people overcome substance abuse. With these accomplishments and many more, it is clear to see that Meredith Carter has been a strong advocate for the people of Hamilton County and the State of Indiana. I am proud to represent a district with a legacy of dedicated public servants like Dr. Carter. Dr. Carter has dedicated his life in service to Hamilton County, the state of Indiana and the United States. I join the entire Hamilton County community in thanking Dr. Carter for his service and congratulating him on a remarkable career. Although his tenure as an elected official is coming to a close, Hamilton County looks forward to many more years of having Dr. Carter as a key figure in the community.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an outstanding school in my district that is being honored as a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School. It is a pleasure to congratulate the Merle Sidener Academy for High Ability Students in Indianapolis, Indiana in celebration of this special occasion. The National Blue Ribbon designation, given by the U.S. Department of Education, is awarded to both public and private schools across our great nation. Started by President Reagan and given annually since 1982, the award celebrates great American schools that achieve very high learning standards or are making significant improvements in the academic achievements of their students. In my district and across the country, the award recognizes the great educators, students and parents who have worked so hard to ensure Indiana's children reach their full potential and achieve academic success. For all of these reasons and many more, I am so proud that the Sidener Academy is receiving this prestigious designation. It is a wonderful acknowledgement of the school's commitment to providing young Hoosiers an exceptional education. While 420 schools nationwide received nominations, only 287 were chosen as National Blue Ribbon Schools, making this recognition all the more impressive. Since opening its doors in 2008 as a magnet school for Indianapolis' gifted and talented students, the Sidener Academy has grown to nearly 400 students and offers a 2nd-8th grade curriculum. The school was named in honor of Merle Sidener, a prominent figure in the Indianapolis community. After making a successful career in journalism, Sidener eventually served as the President of the Indianapolis Board of School Commissioners. As a member of the Education and the Workforce Committee, I also want to acknowledge how important it is to our nation's future to encourage and raise a new generation of Americans who have the skills and knowledge to succeed both in and out of the classroom. Students like those at the Sidener Academy give me hope that we will accomplish this vital mission. Their outstanding work is an inspiration to students, educators and parents across the nation. Once again, congratulations to the Sidener Academy. I am very proud of you.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an outstanding school in my district that is being honored as a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School. It is a pleasure to congratulate Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Junior High School in Fishers, Indiana in celebration of this special occasion. The National Blue Ribbon designation, given by the U.S. Department of Education, is awarded to both public and private schools across our great nation. Started by President Reagan and given annually since 1982, the award celebrates great American schools that achieve very high learning standards or are making significant improvements in the academic achievements of their students. In my district and across the country, the award recognizes the great educators, students and parents who have worked so hard to ensure Indiana's children reach their full potential and achieve academic success. For all of these reasons and many more, I am so proud that HSE Junior High is receiving this prestigious designation. It is a wonderful acknowledgement of the school's commitment to providing young Hoosiers an exceptional education. While 420 schools nationwide received nominations, only 287 were chosen as National Blue Ribbon Schools, making this recognition all the more impressive. Serving more than 1,200 students in the 7th and 8th grades, HSE is one of the largest junior high schools in Indiana's 5th district. The high level of performance displayed by HSE students is undoubtedly a product of the community's dedication to educational excellence. As a member of the Education and the Workforce Committee, I also want to acknowledge how important it is to our nation's future to encourage and raise a new generation of Americans who have the skills and knowledge to succeed both in and out of the classroom. Students like those at HSE Junior High School give me hope that we will accomplish this vital mission. Their outstanding work is an inspiration to students, educators and parents across the nation. Once again, congratulations to Hamilton Southeastern Junior High School. I am very proud of you.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, community foundations epitomize the philanthropic culture of the United States. Established in 1989, Community Foundation Week takes place from November 12-18th annually and honors the tremendous contributions of community foundations across our country. They hold a unique place in American society and provide hope and opportunity to millions of Americans. One hundred years ago, the world's first community foundation was established in Cleveland, Ohio. Since then more than 700 community foundations have been created in America inspiring millions of Americans to give back to this great country with their time, talent and treasure. Today, I would like to recognize the work of Indiana's community foundations that operate under the definitions supported by he National Standards for Community Foundations. Indiana is blessed to have a community foundation in every county, including nine in my district: Community Foundation of Howard County; Community Foundation of Grant County; Blackford County Community Foundation; Tipton County Community Foundation; Madison County Community Foundation; South Madison County Community Foundation; Legacy Fund; Community Foundation of Boone County; and The Indianapolis Foundation. These foundations are a model for how philanthropy can inspire communities to come together in support of a common cause. The Legacy Fund, the community foundation serving Hamilton County and an affiliate of Central Indiana Community Foundation, is helping to meet the needs of at-risk students in the county through the Youth Assistance Program (YAP). This innovative program is serving as a critical connector to keep students and their families on the right track. In collaboration with the county judicial system, schools, youth programs, law enforcement, and city leaders, students displaying negative behavior or facing a challenging situation at home or school are referred to YAP. The program in turn connects students to appropriate programs, classes, mentoring relationships, emergency supports, or counseling services, and families may be referred to services as well. All of this leads to an ultimate goal of self-sufficiency for families and keeping youth out of the judicial system at a young age. This is just one example of the extraordinary work of place-based philanthropy in local communities throughout the country. The spirit of generosity embodied by over 700 U.S.-based community foundations is a core American value. This week, I am honored to recognize these community foundations for their outstanding efforts.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Thank you to the gentleman from Nebraska for bringing together my colleagues, with tremendous energy--my colleagues who have the energy to talk about this package of bills that will encourage investment in our infrastructure, lower energy prices, and create good-paying jobs for millions of Americans. My home State of Indiana is especially well-positioned to take advantage of Chairman Upton's and what they are calling in Energy and Commerce the ``architecture of abundance'' that is embodied in the bill that we just voted on and passed. Last week, the commissioner of Indiana's Department of Environmental Management testified before the Energy and Commerce Committee that, in fact, 28,000 Hoosiers are employed in the coal industry and that our State sits on top of a 300-year supply of this abundant resource. By rolling back the disastrous proposed EPA regulations on coal-fired gas plants, this bill will save Hoosiers 32 percent on their electric rates and keep our businesses competitive. As the Nation's leading manufacturing State, Indiana heavily contributes to the oil and gas extraction business by producing the equipment that makes the energy renaissance possible. In fact, the industry already contributes $16.6 billion to the Hoosier economy, while supporting over 136,000 jobs. H.R. 2 will expedite LNG export applications and approve the Keystone pipeline, initiatives that we know would add billions of annual GDP to our economy and create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs. Make no mistake, I also fully understand the value that renewable resources play in our energy mix. My district alone is home to two ethanol plants, a wind farm, and a newly-opened solar plant. Renewables bolster Indiana's local economies while supporting 53,000 Hoosier jobs. This is a massive growth sector in our State, and H.R. 2 would continue to promote the development of alternative sources of energy for the benefit of our economy and the environment. The Congressman from Nebraska's bill makes pipelines more feasible; and, as the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service found, ``pipelines provide safer, less expensive transportation than railroads'' that currently carry gas and oil. Pipelines mean fewer spills, less emissions from vehicles transporting fuel, and better access to natural gas which produces 30 percent less emissions than petroleum. Republicans are committed to a responsible environmental policy that protects our children from pollutants and preserves our pristine wildlife for generations to come. However, American ingenuity and technological advancements have allowed U.S. energy-related carbon emissions to fall to their lowest levels in nearly two decades, showing we can tap into our vast natural resources while still being responsible stewards of our environment. Indiana Governor Mike Pence and 14 other Governors recently wrote to the President: The economic health of our Nation depends on accomplishing a balanced energy and environmental policy. Madam Speaker, that is exactly what this bill does. I hope the President listens, and I applaud the gentleman from Nebraska for his leadership on this issue.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Thank you. And the diverse all-of-the-above energy policy, if we use renewables in addition to oil and gas, that creates even more jobs, and I applaud you for your effort to always think about the environment as well.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 11th annual National Preparedness Month and to urge all Americans to be disaster aware and take action to prepare. According to FEMA, less than 40 percent of all Americans have an emergency plan. This startling fact is a reminder that our Nation must continue to prepare for all types of disasters. As congressional cochair of National Preparedness Month, I hope all Members will join me in promoting the importance of preparedness. The first 72 hours after a natural disaster or terrorist attack are critical. This September, urge your constituents and families to take action by creating an emergency kit that includes things like water, nonperishable food, phone chargers. Families should have communication plans and designate a meet-up point in case they get separated. And lastly, we should follow our first responders and Red Cross on social media. Taking these kinds of steps can save lives when disaster strikes. Mr. Speaker, this month and every month, let's pledge to be disaster aware and take action to prepare.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Sergeant, Kimberly Jayne Jowitt. Sadly, after a more than three-year battle with cancer, Sergeant Jowitt passed away on July 27, 2014. For more than three decades, she served the people of Hamilton County with a dedication that our community and the entire state of Indiana owe a debt of eternal gratitude. Born on August 2, 1955 in Indianapolis, IN, Sergeant Jowitt was a lifelong Hoosier. After graduating from Heritage Christian School and Indiana University Kelley School of Business, she was hired as a civilian employee by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office in 1978. During her career with the Sheriff's Office, which spanned an admirable 37 years, Sergeant Jowitt held several positions serving Hamilton County; most recently as an administrative sergeant handling special assignments. A career public servant, she worked tirelessly to make Hamilton County a better place to live. Although Sergeant Jowitt had many ups and downs during her battle against cancer, she remained faithfully optimistic and never lost her will to fight. She brought this same tenacity to her career serving Hamilton County becoming the first female officer, investigator and supervisor in the history of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. I am proud to represent a community with a legacy of female public servants as dedicated as Kim Jowitt. As a member of the House Homeland Security Committee and Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications, I know first-hand the important role that public servants like Sergeant Jowitt play every day. Without people like Kim Jowitt, who are willing to dedicate their entire career to public safety and service, Hamilton County would not be the safe, prosperous and vibrant community it is today. Sergeant Jowitt is survived by her husband, Noblesville Police Chief Kevin Jowitt, and her daughter, Crystal. My condolences and well wishes go out to Sergeant Jowitt's entire family and the Hamilton County law enforcement community. My thoughts and prayers are with them.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Majority Leader Eric Cantor and to support a country I know is so dear to his heart. Yes, Leader Cantor has been focused on making life better for the American people, and his recent contributions in the areas of workforce training and pediatric research will have a lasting impact on generations to come. He has also been a mentor and a friend to many new Members of the House. He and his wife, Diana, have led several freshman trips to Israel for many years, and I was very fortunate my husband and I were able to participate on one of those trips last summer. Seeing this innovative nation and preeminent ally is truly a life- changing experience. In Israel, I found a people that craves peace for all of its citizens of all faiths, even when faced with enemies who want nothing more than to erase Israel from the map. I want to say, loud and clear, that Members of this body are committed to Israel. We stand together with Israel and its obligation to defend its people from attacks from the terrorist group Hamas. We are so grateful we have had a member of our leadership team so committed to a strong and thriving Israel. Leader Cantor's efforts in Congress have lived up to the title he holds. He is a true leader. This is a tribute to that strong leadership for Israel.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 439 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5116, the Human Trafficking Detection Act of 2014, sponsored by the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Meadows). This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to implement a human trafficking awareness training program for Customs and Border Protection, Transportation Security Administration, and other DHS personnel which is tailored to their professional roles and responsibilities. Additionally, it directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to annually assess and update training, as needed, based on current human trafficking trends and then report to Congress on the number of suspected and confirmed trafficking cases reported by DHS officials. Lastly, it authorizes DHS to provide training curricula to non- Federal entities that request assistance in setting up their own programs. The Committee on Homeland Security expects that this bill will primarily codify already existing training programs within the Department, thereby having little or no implementation costs. Mr. Speaker, DHS plays a critical role in combating human trafficking which has, unfortunately, become one of the most profitable forms of transnational crime in the world, amounting to a $32 billion per year industry. Trafficked individuals are often forced into prostitution and labor, and an estimated 100,000 U.S. children are victims of trafficking each year. This modern-day form of slavery is a heinous stain on our society. Moreover, CBP personnel are often the first to come into contact with unaccompanied minors crossing the border, which we are seeing on a daily basis now. It has become a significant humanitarian crisis that must be addressed. While these children are crossing under a variety of circumstances, it is imperative that DHS personnel encountering them are adequately trained to detect potential victims of trafficking and respond most appropriately. As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security and chair of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, I believe it is critical that we continue to equip Department of Homeland Security personnel with up-to-date training and the tools to detect and counter this growing challenge, including Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, employees and others who often are working on the front lines with local communities, and we know they are working on the front lines of the southern border as we speak. H.R. 5116 would not only strengthen and codify training requirements for DHS, but it would also provide Congress with a clearer picture of the effectiveness of the training, as well as the number of suspected and confirmed instances of human trafficking reported by DHS officials. Finally, this bill will encourage partnerships between DHS, State, local, and tribal governments, as well as private organizations, to set up additional training programs, raise broader awareness, and further enable these entities to become a force multiplier in human trafficking detection and prevention efforts. I commend Congressman Meadows for introducing this bill, as well as the chairman of the full committee, Mr. McCall, the chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation Security, Mr. Hudson, and the ranking member of the subcommittee and the ranking member, who is here in the Chamber today, for the fact that we are working on this in a bipartisan way. I appreciate their continued attention to this critical issue. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5116, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Meadows), the sponsor of the legislation.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, as I close, this bill, which will ensure that valuable human trafficking awareness training is provided to DHS employees, and that is so very important, the gentlewoman from California reminded me that when I was United States attorney between 2001 and 2007, we started one of the human trafficking task forces in Indianapolis. At that time, human trafficking was not really a concept that law enforcement really understood, and so trafficking task forces did start up in this country. They have grown, and we have put a lot of resources at the local and State level educating law enforcement, nonprofit groups, and neighborhood groups to understand what human trafficking is. I think what this bill does is it strengthens for the Federal employees, the Department of Homeland Security employees, their training so that they, as the gentlewoman from California mentioned, they who have so many responsibilities, whether they are coming through our ports, whether they are coming through our airports, whether they are coming through our borders, they need the same type of training, if not enhanced training, than what they already have. And providing DHS employees with the tools to identify and appropriately respond to the potential victims of human trafficking will only serve as a force multiplier as we work to combat this terrible crime. I urge all Members to join me in supporting this legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my opposition to the EPA's proposed Waters of the U.S. rule. This rule will dramatically expand the Clean Water Act's jurisdiction by changing current law that limits EPA's authority to ``navigable waters.'' Under this new rule, EPA authority will apply to any body of water that has a bed, a bank, or a high water mark. Hoosier farmers explain to me that this new rule means that large puddles left after a storm will fall under the EPA's jurisdiction. Farmers may have to get a permit to perform even the most basic tasks on their own land. My constituents brought me these photos to show what changing the rule will mean. As you can see, this is not a stream, it is not a navigable body of water or a longstanding body of water. It should not be regulated by the EPA. It happened just after a large rainfall. Mr. Speaker, this rule change will prevent farmers from doing their jobs, put people out of work, and increase food prices. It is bad for our Nation's landowners, it is bad for our Nation's farmers, and it is bad for Americans trying to put an affordable meal on the table. Mr. Speaker, I ask EPA to withdraw this rule.