Susan Brooks

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5116) to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to train Department of Homeland Security personnel how to effectively deter, detect, disrupt, and prevent human trafficking during the course of their primary roles and responsibilities, and for other purposes.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, it is with a burdened heart I rise today to honor the life of a truly outstanding public servant, Officer Perry Renn. For more than three decades Officer Renn served his country and the City of Indianapolis with courage and integrity. Tragically, Officer Renn was killed in the line of duty on July 5, 2014. Officer Perry Renn protected the citizens of Indianapolis for 21 years as a member of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. A career police officer, Renn made the conscious decision every day to place himself in harm's way to make Indianapolis a safer and more prosperous city. It was in this pursuit that he ultimately gave his life. On the night of his passing, Officer Renn was responding to a call of shots being fired in a residential neighborhood. Day after day, Officer Renn displayed the compassion and integrity of a true public servant. After graduating from East High School in Phoenix, AZ, he began a 10 year enlistment in the United States Army's 82nd Airborne Division. During this time, Renn served his country as a paratrooper and jumpmaster. He served two tours in Korea and also helped to restore constitutional government to the island nation of Grenada during the 1983 liberation of the country, Operation Urgent Fury. Yet another example of Officer Renn's heroism was shown in 2003 when he received the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department's Medal of Bravery for preventing an armed man from taking his own life. Every single day, Officer Renn displayed his admirable character and passion for helping others. Few men and women are brave enough to answer the call of duty like Officer Renn. When he pinned on his badge the evening of July 5, no one could have dreamed that he would give his life so selflessly protecting the city he called home. As a former Deputy Mayor of Indianapolis and a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I am forever grateful to Officer Renn and to police forces all across the nation who work tirelessly to protect and serve their fellow Americans. Officer Renn is a hero. His lifetime of service to the United States of America and the City of Indianapolis will never be forgotten. My condolences and well wishes go out to his wife, Lynn, and Officer Renn's entire family during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with them.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of Americans who want to fill the 4.6 million open jobs that are in this country today. I rise in support of the Hoosiers who want to fill 150 open jobs in the small community of Hartford City, Indiana, and I rise in support of this bipartisan SKILLS Act, the legislation that will help Americans get the skills they need to fill these job openings. Employers tell me, day in and day out, that they can't find the workers with the skills necessary to fill open jobs, and by streamlining our bureaucratic Federal workforce training system, the SKILLS Act will provide workers faster access to in-demand job training. I am proud to say the SKILLS Act also includes an amendment I offered, giving States and those local workforce boards more flexibility to support local job training programs that demonstrate success. Programs like EmployIndy's PriorITize program provides technology training to so many adults who lack the technology skills they need. When it comes to our workforce training system, it is time to make smarter investments; this bill does that. It is time to choose people over paperwork; this bill does that. Madam Speaker, there are 4.6 million open jobs in this country. Let's fill those jobs. Let's pass the SKILLS Act.

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 extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4263, the Social Media Working Group Act of 2014. As chairwoman of the Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, I introduced this bill, along with Ranking Member Payne, Chairman McCaul, and Representatives Palazzo and Swalwell, in response to testimony we received at two social media hearings the subcommittee held last year. Social media is transforming the way the Nation is communicating before, during, and after a disaster. There are countless examples from recent disasters of how citizens are turning to Facebook, Twitter, and even Instagram for public safety information to comfort survivors and request assistance. We have seen how vital social media is becoming in preparedness and response efforts, particularly during Superstorm Sandy and in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings. I recently sent out tweets to inform my own constituents about a tornado warning and recommended that they follow local news outlets for the most up-to-date information. And just last week, FEMA, the National Weather Service, and emergency management agencies along the east coast used social media to alert citizens about Hurricane Arthur, the first named storm of the 2014 hurricane season. This morning I had the opportunity, along with Chairman McCaul, to visit the American Red Cross' Digital Operations Center, the first ever social media center for humanitarian relief. I was impressed to hear that during Superstorm Sandy, the Red Cross analyzed over 2.5 million pieces of social data and sent over 300 different pieces of information to operation teams to help with decisionmaking. Last year, the subcommittee held two hearings that focused on this new reality. One of the key takeaways from these hearings was that during and after a disaster there needs to be better communication between the public and private sector, specifically with how to utilize social media as a communications tool. H.R. 4263 addresses this recommendation by authorizing and enhancing the Department of Homeland Security's Virtual Social Media Working Group to ensure information sharing between the Department and appropriate stakeholders and the leveraging of best practices. Additionally, this bill will increase stakeholder participation, particularly among the private sector and Federal response agencies, creating a ``whole community'' dialogue on this issue. The bill will require the group to submit an annual report to Congress highlighting best practices, lessons learned, and any recommendations. Lastly, this bill will require the group to meet in person or virtually at least twice a year and will not be a financial burden on the Department. In today's day and age where new social media platforms and technologies can change the game almost instantly, we must ensure our first responders are nimble enough to adapt to an ever-changing landscape. This group is but one way to help facilitate this. The Committee on Homeland Security approved H.R. 4263 last month by a bipartisan voice vote. I certainly appreciate the manner in which my ranking member, Mr. Payne, has worked with me on passage of this with our committee. I urge Members to join me and the rest of our committee in supporting this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, we have seen the rise in the use of social media both before, during, and after disasters. This legislation will help to ensure we are leveraging best practices, sharing and incorporating lessons learned for the use of social media in this area. I urge all Members to join me in supporting this bill, and 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. 4263) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the Department of Homeland Security to establish a social media working group, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4289) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Under Secretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security to take administrative action to achieve and maintain interoperable communications capabilities among the components of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.

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

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4289, the Department of Homeland Security Interoperable Communications Act, introduced by the gentleman from New Jersey and the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, Mr. Payne. I am happy to be an original cosponsor of this important legislation, which the Committee on Homeland Security also approved last month by a bipartisan voice vote. This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to include, among the responsibilities of the Department of Homeland Security's Under Secretary for Management, achieving and maintaining interoperable communications among the Department's components. H.R. 4289 addresses the findings and recommendations of a November 2012 DHS Office of Inspector General report, which stated that the Department does not have the appropriate oversight or governance structure to ensure communications interoperability among its own components. The Department has been in the forefront on working with stakeholders to provide our Nation's first responders with the resources and tools needed to have effective interoperable communications. Now the Department needs to practice what they preach. It is vital that the Department's own components are able to effectively communicate day to day and, most importantly, during emergencies. In order to ensure the Department is taking the necessary steps to achieve and maintain interoperable communications capabilities, H.R. 4289 requires the Department's Under Secretary for Management to submit an interoperable communications strategy to the Department of Homeland Security no later than 120 days after enactment. I applaud the ranking member for his work and leadership on bringing this to the floor. I urge all Members to join me in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, it is vital that the various component agencies of the Department of Homeland Security are able to communicate on a daily basis, and particularly in times of crisis. As the ranking member has pointed out, it is not only our first responders, but all of our Federal agencies that deal with crisis daily. Right now, numerous components, including being led in part by ICE, FEMA, and CBP, are working together to respond to the influx of unaccompanied alien children across our southern border. They must communicate together with one another. It is so important as they address this crisis. This is just one example of the latest reason why communications interoperability must be achieved and maintained between and among Department of Homeland Security's components. I urge all Members to join the ranking member and myself in supporting this very important bipartisan legislation.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. I yield to the gentlewoman from Texas.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Reclaiming my time, I reiterate that I urge all Members to join Ranking Member Payne and I in supporting this bipartisan legislation. The gentlewoman from Texas has been very involved as well on the issues involving the unaccompanied alien children and interoperable communications issues. I appreciate her comments, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, it is time to unleash the power of America's abundant natural resources in order to capitalize on our ingenuity and create thousands of good-paying jobs in my home State of Indiana and across the Nation. I urge its passage.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Domestic Prosperity and Global Freedom Act, and I applaud my colleague from Colorado for his leadership. This bill will expedite exports of liquefied natural gas, or LNG, to our allies abroad by cutting the red tape and streamlining the regulatory process. As a Nation, this has the potential to revitalize our economy, allow us to become energy independent, and to strategically advance our interests overseas. Now, I know many Hoosiers back at home might be asking themselves: How does this help me? After all, we have limited natural gas wells and processing plants in Indiana. Let me state clearly that the answer is: yes, it will help them. The bill would be an economic boon to the Hoosier economy. As the Nation's leading manufacturing State, Indiana contributes to the LNG business heavily by making and manufacturing the equipment that makes the gas extraction possible. The natural gas and oil industry has already created 136,000 jobs in Indiana, and it makes up over 4.1 percent of our entire labor income. The future for Indiana looks even brighter with the expansion of LNG exports. It is estimated that Indiana's economy would grow by $2.2 billion a year and produce as many as 12,800 new jobs by simply allowing shipments of gas to our trusted allies. Just last week, I received a letter from the CEO of the Ports of Indiana that urged the passage of this legislation. He supports the passage because of the significant competitive advantage it will give our State, in terms of our geography and infrastructure, which will allow Indiana to further capitalize on LNG exports. Now is the time to allow American entrepreneurship to increase domestic energy production and fuel job creation, but unfortunately, the administration has refused, time and time again, to get out of the way of this entrepreneurship. The administration refuses to approve licenses for LNG exports, and as I speak now, there are 24 pending applications awaiting action from the Department of Energy. One has been waiting 917 days and counting.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Rabbi Sandy Sasso for her 36 years of service to the Indianapolis community. The people of the Fifth Congressional District and the entire City of Indianapolis are forever grateful for Rabbi Sasso's nearly 4 decades of community leadership and spiritual guidance. Over the years, Rabbi Sasso's leadership has been a critical part of so many people's religious journey. Her dedication in guiding Congregation Beth-El Zedeck is a model for community and religious leaders everywhere. As the first female to be ordained from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, Rabbi Sasso has been a trailblazer for women of faith all over the country. Her journey proves to young women everywhere that through hard work and discipline, their dreams can become reality. Rabbi Sasso's path to becoming an accomplished theologian wasn't without critics. Many thought that the traditional role of men in the rabbinate should be upheld. However, Rabbi Sasso never let the naysayers deter her from fulfilling a lifelong dream. After completing both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Temple University, she continued to relentlessly pursue her goal, eventually becoming just the second female ever to be ordained in the United States. However, Rabbi Sasso's accomplishments are not just limited to her admirable work in the synagogue. She is also a mother, an award-winning children's book author, a major organizer for the Indianapolis Spirit and Place Festival, and so much more. While her time as the leader of Beth-El Zedeck may be coming to a close, I am certain that her tenure as a pillar in the Indianapolis community is nowhere near its end. On behalf of the grateful constituents of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District, I congratulate Rabbi Sasso on the occasion of her retirement. Thank you, Rabbi, for your decades of dedicated leadership with Beth-El Zedeck. Best wishes to you as you pursue new challenges in the many bright years ahead of you.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, the 2014 Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1, and as the chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, I urge citizens in hurricane-prone areas to prepare themselves and their families. Preparation saves lives. Heavy winds, storm surge, and flooding are some of the hazards that must be considered when preparing for hurricanes, and I urge families and individuals to develop emergency plans. I also urge families and individuals to build an emergency kit that includes important supplies such as basic medicines. Previous disasters have shown that survivors can be on their own for many days before assistance arrives. Information on how to prepare for emergencies, including how to build these kits, can be found at the Department of Homeland Security's ready.gov Web site or at fema.gov. I urge citizens to find their local emergency management agencies and Red Cross chapters on Facebook and Twitter to receive updates before and during storms. Please take these simple steps to prepare yourselves and your family should disaster strike, because preparation saves lives.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. William ``Bill'' Hardacre of Anderson, Indiana. He passed away on May 11, 2014, at the age of 82. A man of deep faith, Bill worked for decades toward the improvement of his city and country. He served both the United States and Anderson with integrity and honor. A lifelong Hoosier and Anderson resident, Bill graduated from Anderson High School. He then earned a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Indiana University. Upon completion of his degree, Bill served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1952 through 1954. Returning to Anderson, Bill joined the family business, Best Ever Dairy, as treasurer. During his 35-year career with the company, it grew from a local operation to a business serving central Indiana and beyond. After retiring, he continued his business ventures by developing both residential and commercial properties in Anderson and founding, E.V.I., an electric vehicle manufacturing firm now based in California. Not only was Bill an accomplished businessman, he also played an exceptionally active role in the Anderson community. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, where he was a lay leader for more than two decades. He also held leadership positions at the Christian Center, Fine Arts Center, Evening Exchange Club, the Harter House, and was a member of the board of trustees at Anderson University for 15 years. Yet another example of Bill's dedication to the Anderson community was his work to save and restore the historic Paramount Theatre. Built in 1929, the Paramount was a major attraction for decades. A true architectural gem, its grandeur was a source of admiration and pride for the entire Anderson community. However, by 1989 the building had fallen into severe disrepair. Along with a group of community leaders, Bill formed the Paramount Theatre Heritage Foundation, saving the historic landmark from demolition and preserving its beauty for future generations. He then went on to serve as the Foundation's first President and was a member of the board of directors until his passing. Bill Hardacre is an irreplaceable member of the Anderson community whose legacy will live on for generations to come. Without his tireless devotion, Anderson would not be the wonderful community it is today. He worked for a lifetime toward making his hometown a more prosperous city. I will never forget my initial visit with Bill at the Toast Cafee or our talks at Lake Wawasee, discussing the issues facing Indiana's 5th Congressional District and beyond. I want to thank Bill's wife, Ann Hardacre, and the rest of his family for sharing Bill with myself and so many others. He touched our lives and served as a shining example for all those working to make a better life for future generations.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3610, the Stop Exploitation Through Trafficking Act, and I want to thank the chairman and all of my colleagues who have worked so hard on a bipartisan basis to get the bills to this point. Madam Speaker, there is a silent epidemic affecting all of our communities across the country that goes unnoticed and unpunished. Sex trafficking is one of the most misunderstood yet prevalent crimes occurring every day in every State in America. According to the Trafficking in Persons Report produced by the State Department, 27 million men, women, and children are victims of some form of human trafficking. Sadly, it disproportionately affects young women between the age of 12 and 14, who fall victim to organized crime networks and are trafficked nationally. Unfortunately, in my home State of Indiana, we are not immune to this problem. Just recently, a man was arrested after being stopped for a routine traffic violation in Hancock County. He was found to be transporting 12- and 13-year-olds to another community to work off a debt that their family owed. In Indianapolis, earlier this year, a man was arrested for trafficking four victims, including three minors, into prostitution. One of them was a 12-year-old with mental disabilities. I know of this nationwide problem firsthand because I was a U.S. attorney from 2001 to 2007. In 2006, we started a task force called IPATH, the Indiana Protection of Abused and Trafficked Humans task force. It is still led by Assistant United States Attorney Gayle Helart and Indiana Deputy Attorney General Abby Kuzma. It builds upon the premise that we have to combat human trafficking by integrating Federal, State, local, and nonprofit resources to make sure we do more on the enforcement side and help with services for the victims. So I am very proud to be a sponsor of this bill, which does combat and bring together these holistic strategies. In my time as U.S. attorney, what I learned is the hardest part of combating human trafficking is identifying the victims and getting them to come forward. Victims feel hopeless. And they are scared. It is the nature of the trafficker to prey upon their fears and threaten them and threaten their families' safety. So I am pleased that we are coming together. These statutory changes are important. It does provide those safe harbor laws which makes sure these minors are victims rather than criminals. I am particularly pleased with the human trafficking hotline. We have got to educate citizens in our communities to know what they are seeing so that they can report these crimes. It is unacceptable that a country like ours actually almost harbors traffickers who are selling these people into modern-day slavery. Our law enforcement and nonprofit organizations are working hard. They have come a long way to raise awareness. But Congress needs to act decisively today and provide these necessary tools. This bill, and others, which I am so pleased have bipartisan support, will do just that. It is time that we hold these morally-depraved traffickers accountable.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Success and Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools Act. In this day and age, we must recognize that no single educational model will meet the needs of every child. We need multiple pathways to success that empower educators, parents, and students. I recently visited the Indiana Math and Science Academy North, a college prep charter school in Indianapolis. IMSA North is helping students like Samuel, who was not being challenged academically at his old school. He moved to IMSA North in 2010 and has been a star student ever since. In fact, he received the sixth-highest score in robotics at this year's First Tech Challenge World Championships. His parents say IMSA has answered their prayers. This legislation will help more students like Samuel thrive. It provides grants for quality charter schools and gives States the flexibility to support innovative school models. It will ensure charter schools can find suitable facilities and will encourage more collaboration between traditional public schools. Mr. Speaker, let's give every child access to a great education. Let's pass the Success and Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools Act.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, who is being awarded the prestigious National Medal for Museum and Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services on May 8, 2014. This award recognizes ``institutions that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities'' and is highly selective, as only ten institutions receive the award annually. It is also the highest award any American museum or library can receive. The largest children's museum in the world, the Children's Museum of Indianapolis has been a mainstay of Indianapolis' cultural landscape since its founding in 1925, and is recognized as the global leader of museums for children. Among its many renowned permanent exhibits are a recreation of the tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh Seti I, a forty-three foot glass masterpiece by the famed artist Dale Chihuly, the SpaceQuest Planetarium where children can view and understand the Indiana night sky, and a working carousel from 1917. There is also the Dinosphere, which displays full-size dinosaur skeletons, including Leonardo the mummified dinosaur. From May 10, 2014 through November 2, 2014, the Children's Museum of Indianapolis will be the only museum in the United States to display the famed Chinese Terra Cotta Warriors as part of its permanent exhibit ``Take Me There: China.'' As a longtime Indianapolis resident who raised two children in our beautiful city, I especially appreciate all that the Children's Museum does for Hoosier children every day of the year. During Halloween, the museum presents its famous Haunted House, and during the holiday season the main staircase is transformed into the magical Yule Slide. Like many Hoosier parents, I have fond memories of taking my children to the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, and was so moved by the museum's work that I was inspired to serve on its Board, which was one of the great honors of my career. I am pleased to continue working with the museum as a distinguished advisor helping to advance its important mission. 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 our children's curiosity and provide them with hands-on opportunities to learn about the world around them. The Children's Museum does just that, and undeniably inspires the more than one million visitors who come to experience the museum each year. I am proud to recognize the Children's Museum of Indianapolis today for its outstanding work in winning the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, and wish the museum continued success as it seeks to educate Indiana's children and families.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 133 Years of Faithful Service by the Daughters of Charity to Central Indiana. In 1633, the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul were co- founded by Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac in Paris, France, to ``Serve Jesus Christ corporally and spiritually in the person of the poor.'' Over time, their work expanded worldwide with St. Elizabeth Ann Seton founding the Daughters of Charity community in the United States before the Civil War. The Daughters of Charity in the United States were quickly recognized for their faithful ministry to people in need in the areas of health care, social services, education and spiritual care. Noting this, Bishop Francis Silas Chatard of Indianapolis worked with the Daughters of Charity in Emmitsburg, Maryland, to begin a ministry of health care available for all people in need living in the growing city of Indianapolis. With $34.77 in their pockets, four Daughters of Charity arrived in Indianapolis on April 26, 1881, to start a healing ministry--today known as the St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital. The Sisters brought with them a mission that is lived and celebrated by the St. Vincent Health ministry to this day: ``We have a mission, a reason for being here, to keep health care human; human for our patients, human for our families, human for our doctors and human for all associates. The poor will come and the rich will come, if they know they are going to be treated as people.'' Two hundred ninety-five Daughters of Charity have served in the St. Vincent ministry over the past 133 years, in whatever ways they were most needed. They have been an inspiration to St. Vincent associates, physicians, volunteers and the broader community. As a former member of the St. Vincent Indianapolis Board of Directors who served with two Daughters of Charity, I witnessed firsthand their critical role in responding to human needs in the midst of ever-changing social, technological, human, and economic circumstances. At the same time, the Daughters of Charity have remained responsive to contemporary health needs, as seen by the relocation and expansion of services; the establishment and operation of a nursing school; the support and expansion of training programs for physicians; the development of values-based relationships and innovative partnerships with physicians and community organizations; and the willingness to discern and redeploy resources to address greatest needs. 2014 marks a transition for the Daughters of Charity and St. Vincent Health in Indianapolis. The Daughters have deemed the ministry of St. Vincent Health to be fully prepared to continue their ministry to the Central Indiana community in the original spirit of the Daughters of Charity, and therefore are assigning their Indianapolis-based Sisters to other works of charity around the United States. Mr. Speaker, as we mark this transition, I simply want to take this moment to recognize the extraordinary and lasting contributions made by the Daughters of Charity to the improving health and well-being--body, mind, and spirit--of the people of Central Indiana, noting particularly their dedication to serving and advocating for persons who are poor and most vulnerable. I join with the St. Vincent Health Community in thanking the Daughters of Charity for the work that began the healing ministry of St. Vincent Health in 1881 and continues to thrive today.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 150th anniversary of Omega Christian Church, in White River Township, Hamilton County, Indiana. It is a pleasure to congratulate the church in celebration of this special occasion. Omega Christian Church was founded during some of our nation's darkest days, in 1863 during the midst of the Civil War. At the time of the church's founding, the surrounding neighborhood was known as Bethany but later came to be called Omega. Exemplifying the best of the hardworking and enterprising Hoosier spirit, the residents built the church themselves using local timber. Joseph Lacy oversaw the construction, and Dr. Silas Blount gave the dedicatory sermon in November of 1863. Knowles Shaw (1834-1878), an early minister of the church, became a prominent evangelist and composer of religious music and is best known for the hymn ``Bringing in the Sheaves''. In the years following the war, the community around the church began to grow and prosper. After construction was finished on the church, a sawmill, general store, doctor's office, blacksmith shop, and post office were also established. In 1926, the church was moved and enlarged to make room for the growing congregation. The framework and sanctuary of the church are original and are still in use today, making the Omega Christian Church the oldest building in White River Township. The church continued to grow and expand throughout the following years. While the physical building has changed, the mission of the Omega Christian Church remains unchanged from its founding in 1863: to serve God and His people, and to be a light in the community where stability, comfort, strength, and family can be found, all in the name of Jesus Christ. Today the Church reaches out to serve in other ministries far beyond the dreams of its pioneer founders, including supporting the Damou Christian Mission near Jacmel on the southern coast of Haiti. The Mission maintains a school for more than a thousand students, an assisted living facility for the elderly, and two orphanages established following the tragic earthquake of 2010. Today, I am proud to recognize ``the small country church that cares'' and thank them for their contributions to the spiritual well- being of their community and the world. May the next 150 years be equally blessed.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the outstanding work of Bosma Industries and the AbilityOne Program. AbilityOne is an outstanding program committed to providing ``employment opportunities for people who are blind or have significant disabilities in the manufacture and delivery of products and services to the Federal Government.'' Unfortunately, over 70 percent of those who are blind and visually impaired are unemployed. Thanks to the efforts of AbilityOne, over 50,000 people who are blind or have significant disabilities have found gainful employment. Since 1915, Indiana's very own Bosma Enterprises has been a partner of the program by providing job training, employment services, rehabilitation and outreach programs for people who are blind or visually impaired. In fact, Bosma is Indiana's largest employer of people with vision loss. Last year alone, Bosma helped 179 blind people find gainful employment and assisted over 700 people in acclimating to their vision loss. This is about more than numbers though. It is about the people they are assisting. Take the example of Robert. In the sixth grade, he was diagnosed with a learning disability and he also has impaired hearing and a speech impediment. Despite these obstacles, Robert was able to graduate high school. He then went on to earn a certification in welding from the Upper Valley Joint Vocational School in Ohio. Unfortunately, Robert's vision then began to decline. While Robert's vision declined, he was able to work at Walmart for 15 years. Then, in 2010, he lost his vision entirely to glaucoma and was no longer able to work. A year after he was declared legally blind, Robert found Bosma Industries and a whole new purpose in life. He went through the rehabilitation program and later began utilizing Bosma's employment services. First, Robert was taught how to acclimate himself to the outside world. He was hesitant to leave the comfort of his community but with Bosma's orientation to mobility training he began to come out of his shell. Robert learned how to build a computer, write a check, repair a broken door and other life skills. He even learned sculpting and pottery at Bosma. Bosma got Robert ready to take on the world through counseling, workshops on resume writing and how to find different ways of performing everyday tasks. Robert currently enjoys his time volunteering at Goodwill Industries, and hopes it will lead to a paid position soon. Bosma Industries empowers people to succeed. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to extend my support to the AbilityOne Program. I also want to thank Lou Moneymaker, the President and CEO of Bosma Industries and their staff for their dedication and support to changing the lives of Hoosiers struggling with blindness or vision loss. They have forever transformed these lives and have had a positive impact on all of our communities.