Susan Brooks

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

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 insert extraneous materials in the Record on the bill.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 2512, which would add the Zika virus to the FDA Priority Review Voucher program. S. 2512 is companion legislation to H.R. 4400, authored by Representative Butterfield and myself. Under the FDA Priority Review Voucher program, once a vaccine or therapy for a disease on the FDA Priority Review Voucher program has been developed, the manufacturer of that product receives a voucher that can be used to fast-track review by the FDA of another product in the development pipeline. At zero cost to the taxpayer, this is a significant incentive for private industry to invest the hundreds of millions of dollars and the many man-hours it takes to produce a vaccine or treatment. In a world where we can travel across oceans in a matter of hours, an outbreak that begins on a different continent can arrive in the United States in a very short period of time. As Americans travel to and from Central and South America, we are beginning to see more Zika cases here at home. This doesn't just affect citizens in tropical areas, but in places as far north as Indiana as well. In my district, a nurse educator at Indiana Wesleyan University contracted the disease in January when she traveled to Haiti to teach a seminar in transcultural nursing. Most people don't experience symptoms if they contract the Zika virus, but women who become pregnant or trying to become pregnant and their babies are at risk. For babies, that can include serious birth defects that may lead to mental and physical disabilities. The threat is multi-generational, and we still don't know a lot about this disease. We can't treat it right now and we can't prevent it right now. That is a huge problem. The Zika virus is not the only biological threat we face to our public health and national security. Right now, despite the steps taken during and after the Ebola epidemic, we remain largely reactionary in our response to pandemics and biological threats. We need to be more proactive in our response to all pathogens, like the Zika virus, that are a threat to our national security and the health of our citizens. A more proactive approach would be to incentivize the development of vaccines and treatments through the FDA Priority Review Voucher program, known as PRV, before they reach the advanced stage of contagion. This past October, a bipartisan Blue Ribbon Panel on Biodefense released a report on America's vulnerabilities to a biological event. The panel found that the underlying problem isn't a specific disease, but our country's inability to mobilize quickly and effectively to identify, contain, treat, and eliminate any kind of biological threat to people in the United States. Incentivizing the research into a neglected tropical disease like Zika is a necessary, but not final, step. Our work is not done. As we move forward, we need to expand the PRV program to other items on the Department of Homeland Security's Material Threat list. Doing so will put us on offense and better prepare us for the next outbreak, whatever it might be. Today we have an opportunity to take meaningful action in a fight against this deadly disease. I applaud Speaker Ryan and Leader McCarthy for recognizing the severity of the threat and allowing for this bill's timely consideration. I have welcomed the opportunity to have worked with Representative Butterfield on this important issue, and Chairman Green and others on the Energy and Commerce Committee who recognize that the Zika virus is of significant threat not only to people in other parts of the world, but actually the people in the United States. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Butterfield) for his leadership on this issue and for certainly bringing this to our attention as soon as it was brought to his attention that this needed to be resolved. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter).

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York for yielding, and I thank him for leading this Special Order. I want to also thank and commend him for his service to our country in his many years of service in the armed services. I rise today in honor of Women's History Month, as have those who have gone before me. One hundred years ago, the very first woman was elected to Congress. Her name was Representative Jeannette Rankin. She was elected by the people of the great State of Montana to serve in the House of Representatives. This was even a few years before women were given the right to vote in this country. Since then, 313 women have served in Congress as United States representatives, delegates, or Senators. So think about that: 100 years and only 313 women have been elected to represent their home districts and States in this country. I am very proud to be here with the gentlewoman from Tennessee, and we just heard from the gentlewoman from the State of Washington, and I am proud to be one of these 313 women. When I was elected, I joined my colleague from Indiana, Jackie Walorski, and we were, in fact, the first Republican women elected to represent the State of Indiana in 53 years. It had been 53 years since a representative--her name was Cecil Hardin--represented the western part of our State. She served in Congress for 10 years from 1949 to 1959. One hundred years after Representative Rankin made history by winning the first congressional seat held by women, women like me are still making history by running and winning elected office. Today, I serve in the House of Representatives with 84 women. As you have just heard, we are as diverse as the places we represent. Yet, as I talk to my colleagues, we all agree on one thing: We have much more work to do. Even though there are a record number of women in Congress, we are still just 20 percent of the total. We are not alone, however, in that gender disparity. From Congress to State legislatures, to governors and mayor's offices, women represent about one in five elected officials. That figure has remained relatively consistent since the 1990s. We have plateaued. It is not just in Congress. That same gender disparity can be seen at the Emmy Awards, in the executive boardroom, and in the newsroom. This Women's History Month, instead of just focusing on all of the incredible accomplishments and achievements of the women that have come before us, I also want to mention for a short time about our hopes and our goals for the future, our dreams for what women will be able to accomplish in the next 100 years. More women are now earning college degrees--associate's, bachelor's, and doctoral--than men today. These women, as they graduate, are actually more likely than their male counterparts to have a job lined up. These young women are the future history makers who will work on the front lines to fight cancer and to find a cure to cancer. They will serve with dignity in this Chamber and they will serve in leadership levels at all levels of government. They will be the women who will lead in the board room, and they will be the women who will build the next generation of technology. We know that there are women coming behind us who will be making a difference. I look forward to future Women's History Months when we can talk about those women and what they have achieved. Again, I want to thank Mr. Zeldin for giving us the opportunity to talk about women, both past, present, and future.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. I thank the gentleman. I must say that, certainly, when I started my path right out of college, I would not have ever guessed that I would have been here in the United States House of Representatives. I think, when people approach you and ask you to consider this type of public service, I hope that a lot of young women look to the women who are here and see that we have been able to do it and that they can as well. It is an honor to serve with the gentleman.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. I have to tell the gentleman that I think there have been a number of women role models in my life, women who have served as judges--Federal judges, State court judges--who have been tremendous mentors to the women of the bar. I have been an attorney for 30 years, and there is a sisterhood of those who practice law and who work to uphold the laws. We work together to try to support each other, not just in the courtrooms but on our professional career paths. They are women like Federal Judge Sarah Evans Barker, who is about to retire, and another Federal judge, Sue Shields, who was the first female judge in the State of Indiana. She was the first female judge at the State court level, and then she also served on the Federal bench as a magistrate. They have been strong role models and have helped us as lawyers to deal with our colleagues or with those we are bringing up through the ranks and offering that hand up as they have offered that hand up to me. We are, often, trying to make sure that women can overcome whatever obstacles they might have in continuing their career paths.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. I thank the gentleman. I only hope to make Cecil Harden's legacy proud, who served from 1949 to 1959, as a Member who is severing in this great Chamber from the great State of Indiana.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Deputy Carl Koontz, who was shot and killed Sunday while serving a warrant. A 3-year veteran of the Howard County Sheriff's Department, he was more than a deputy; he was a husband to Kassie, a father to baby Noah, a son, and a friend to his many fellow law enforcement officers. Yesterday, hundreds of Hoosiers lined the procession route from Indianapolis back to his hometown of Kokomo to pay their respects and honor his sacrifice. He was only 27 years old, and in his short life he served Howard County with courage and distinction. He was passionate about his job as a deputy, particularly his role as a school resource officer for the Northwestern School Corporation, where he was a role model as well as a protector of Hoosier children. I would also like to recognize Sergeant Jordan Buckley, who was also shot and injured, and wish him a speedy recovery. Law enforcement officers and first responders put their lives on the line each and every day. In memory of Deputy Koontz, I would ask everyone to please stand and thank all of our officers, the courageous law enforcement officers and first responders, for their service and sacrifice because on Sunday, Deputy Koontz paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series in celebration of its 25th anniversary. The Lugar Series is a political leadership development program aimed at increasing the number and influence of Hoosier Republican women in local, state, and national elected and appointed offices. It is my privilege to honor this strong Hoosier organization as it celebrates 25 years of excellence. The Lugar Series is named after former Indiana Senator Richard Lugar, but his involvement with the group goes far beyond his namesake. In 1989, Judy Singleton, an Indiana businesswoman and volunteer on Senator Lugar's campaign, shared her dream of seeing more women in key roles in our government and in the Republican Party with Senator Lugar. She told him about her idea to start a program to educate women on the ins-and- outs of getting involved with public service. He was immediately enthusiastic and from there the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series was born. Senator Lugar, Judy, and fellow co-founders Teresa Lubbers, Melissa Martin, Barbara Mayes, and Sue Ann Gilroy put this idea into action and in 1990 the Lugar Series graduated their first class of 12 women. Since its creation, 449 women have graduated from the Lugar Series. Women who are accepted in this program have demonstrated long-term success and leadership ability in their careers or in community service and have a keen interest in participating in public service. Hundreds of these women have gone on to serve in an elected or appointed office. They have served on and led numerous boards and commissions, served as staff members in various political and governmental offices, and/or been elected mayors, state legislators, county clerks and treasurers, school board members, city and town councilors, county commissioners, superior court judges, State Treasurer, State Auditor, and Lt. Governor of Indiana. Additionally, the success of the Lugar Series in Indiana led to the implementation of 19 similar programs across the country. To date, there are over 2,000 graduates nationwide. As a long-time advocate for women in public service and a current Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, I am familiar with the history of women in politics and the barriers to entry women face. When the Lugar Series was founded in 1990, there were 29 women serving in Congress out 535 members, with only 13 being Republican. Today, there are 104 women serving in Congress, including 28 Republicans. State legislatures, local offices, and other elected and appointed positions see similar trends. We have made small strides, but there is still much work to be done. As part of their program, the Lugar Series selects one outstanding Hoosier woman each year to receive the Nancy Maloley Outstanding Public Servant Award. Recipients have served in the public sector for a minimum of 5 years and display dedication to public service, a creative approach to problem solving, intellectual competency, and effective management and leadership. I was humbled and honored to receive this award in 2014. While there is still progress to be made, I am thrilled at the Lugar Series continued growth and success and look forward to seeing more women leaders emerge. On behalf of all women, I would like to extend a huge thank you to Judy, Teresa, Melissa, Barbara, Sue Ann, and particularly Senator Lugar for recognizing the importance of educating and empowering women to enter public service and starting this exemplary organization. The Lugar Series has experienced an exceedingly successful 25 years and I look forward to many more dreams being realized for years to come.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Indiana Supreme Court Justice Brent E. Dickson on the occasion of his retirement. Justice Dickson was appointed to the Indiana Supreme Court in 1986, served as Chief Justice for two years, and is the second longest-serving justice in the history of the Indiana Supreme Court. The people of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District are forever grateful for Justice Dickson's contributions to the Hoosier community and it is my privilege to honor him today. A lifelong Hoosier, Justice Dickson was born in Gary, Indiana, attended the public schools of Hobart, Indiana, and received his Bachelor's degree from Purdue University in 1964. He later attended Indiana University's Robert H. McKinney School of Law, of which I am also a proud alumna. Justice Dickson worked full-time as an insurance claims adjuster during law school and took classes at night. He received his Juris Doctorate in 1968. Prior to his time on the Indiana Supreme Court, he worked as a general practice lawyer in Lafayette, Indiana for seventeen years. In addition to private practice, Justice Dickson dedicated himself to serving others as an educator and a mediator. Upon graduating from law school, Justice Dickson worked as an adjunct professor at both of Indiana University's law schools--the Maurer School of Law in Bloomington and the Robert H. McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis. He taught evening classes specializing in Indiana Constitutional Law. Justice Dickson became the Indiana Supreme Court's 100th justice when he was appointed to the court in January of 1986 by then-Governor Robert Orr. During his tenure on the Indiana Supreme Court, Justice Dickson has served with 12 other justices. He served as chairman of multiple committees throughout the years and served as Chief Justice to the Indiana Supreme Court from May 15, 2012 to August 18, 2014. In total, Justice Dickson wrote 884 opinions in civil and criminal cases, many of them precedent-setting opinions. He authored opinions that led to major reforms of Indiana's property tax system and upheld the state's school voucher program. Among the significant contributions he is most known for was the court's adoption of a rule that kept police interrogations of suspects from being presented in court unless they were recorded. He also is known for his efforts to encourage civility among attorneys and increase legal services for Hoosiers who can't afford them. During his time on the bench he also co-founded the Sagamore Chapter of the American Inns of Court, was elected to be a member of the American Law Institute, and continues to be an active participant in a host of local, state, and national judicial and legal organizations. Throughout his career, Justice Dickson served Indiana with commitment and honor. His decades of hard work and public service did not go unnoticed; he received the Indiana State Bar Association's Litigation Section Civility Award in 2015 and the Indianapolis Bar Association's Silver Gavel Award in 2014. He's also an accomplished legal writer, having published several articles during his judicial career on constitutional law, capital punishment, and a variety of other issues in the justice system. Anyone who knows Justice Dickson knows that his partner in life, his wife Jan, has been an integral part of his success. As founder of the Judicial Family Institute, Jan is a nationally recognized leader in the judicial world. The two of them are passionate about their work with the Institute, which is a national organization dedicated to providing information on topics of concern and importance to the families of judges. They work as a team and Jan is an equal partner in her husband's long and illustrious career. Justice Dickson is a truly wonderful example of public service and has left a profound and lasting impact on the court. Though I am sad to see Justice Dickson retire from the court, I am happy to know he will continue his work as a mediator and have more time to focus on one of his favorite hobbies, playing the piano. On behalf of all Hoosiers, I'd like to congratulate Justice Dickson on his success and wish him, his wife Jan, and his entire family the best as he enjoys a well-deserved retirement.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Carmel High School Girls Swim team for winning the 2015-2016 Girls Swimming State Championship title. Last year, I was proud to honor this team for their 29th consecutive state championship title, which tied the national record for the most consecutive state championship wins in any sport. This year's win is even more momentous, as it marks their 30th consecutive state title and broke the national record for most consecutive state championship wins in any high school sport. This tremendous national record breaking win has been 30 years in the making. This state championship concluded the Greyhounds' already impressive season, and marked the teams' place in history as the best sports program in our nation's history. The Lady Greyhounds won 9 out of 11 events at the State Championship for a total of 438 points, far overshadowing the second-place team, which finished with 193.5 points. In accomplishing their 30th state title, there were other notable individual achievements. Senior Veronica Burchill broke her own state record in the 100-yard butterfly event, which she set at last year's state championship. Senior Claire Adams won the 100-yard backstroke, making her the first woman to win the 100-yard backstroke all four years of her high school career and the first swimmer in Indiana history to win 16 state titles (4 team championships and 12 individual). Claire also took home the Mental Attitude Award. Throughout the years, the Lady Greyhounds have demonstrated incredible dedication to their sport--training year-round and putting in countless hours in the pool and the weight room. They have been supported by their committed parents, coaches, and trainers, and led by head coach Chris Plumb. Coach Plumb has been coaching the Lady Greyhounds since 2006, leading them to 10 of their last 30 consecutive titles. He works tirelessly to inspire, teach, and motivate his swimmers to dream big and reach their goals. High school sports are a special experience. They teach discipline, build character, and allow young men and women to have experiences they will remember for a lifetime. This team exemplifies the wonderful attributes that high school sports teach, and I am proud to represent such a hardworking and highly regarded group of young women and coaches. The Greyhounds' 30th state championship title is momentous for each and every member of the Carmel High School swim team, both past and present. This team has been building a legacy for decades and I am thrilled that the current coaches and swimmers and all those that came before them are able to see this legacy come to fruition. I look forward to cheering the team on through another great season next year.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 124, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a beloved member of the Hamilton County, Indiana, community, Jim Belden. Jim was a dedicated public servant and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Sadly, he passed away after a battle with cancer. He will be dearly missed by the Hoosier community, but what a legacy he left. Jim left his mark as a family man, a teacher, a U.S. Navy veteran, and a 23-year member of the Hamilton County Council, but he is best known for being one of the best football coaches in Indiana, an Indiana Football Hall of Fame coach. I am the daughter of a high school football coach as well. For more than 30 years, Jim coached and mentored young men in Westfield, Noblesville, and Carmel High Schools. He led Carmel High School to four State championship titles and is the 12th winningest coach in Indiana State history. I attended his memorial service just last weekend. There were hundreds of players there. I heard from those whose lives had been touched. There were those he coached who were now not quite so young, because he coached in the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and the 2000s. I also heard from the students he taught, the assistant coaches, the faculty he worked with, the community he served, and, most importantly, his family, who loved him so dearly. I offer my deepest condolences to his family, especially his wife Bev. They had just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. We all mourn his loss and cherish his memory. What a legacy lives on in Jim Belden.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, last week a U.N. panel released a deeply troubling report on the grave and horrific atrocities taking place across Syria. The report was mandated by the U.N. Human Rights Commission to investigate and record all violations of international law since March 2011. The report outlines in painstaking detail the mass human rights abuses that innocent civilians must endure from both the Russian-backed Syrian offensive and terrorist groups like ISIS. Hospitals are deliberately targeted--33 in Aleppo alone--resulting in mass civilian casualties. In blatant disregard of core human rights law, starvation has systematically been used as a weapon of war. Over 450,000 people are currently trapped in besieged towns and villages in Syria, and thousands are at risk of starving to death. Schools and playgrounds and other public spaces are routinely shelled to inflict the maximum amount of terror on innocent civilians. The report tells of attacks on a girls school in Duma, where 19 civilians were killed. Even though there were no military objectives, government forces attacked the school twice, the second attack taking place during first aid evacuation efforts. Last month Secretary Kerry helped negotiate a temporary, 2-week cease-fire with Russia that was supposed to end the fighting and allow for the delivery of aid to besieged towns. Unfortunately, like the deal we struck with Russia on Assad's use of chemical weapons, this cease-fire merely locks in the gains achieved by the Assad regime and gives Russia outsized influence in shaping the future of the Middle East. Regardless, the terms of the agreement were almost immediately violated. Any hope of a sustained peace was dashed this week with the almost- immediate and predictable breach of the cease-fire agreement. On Sunday, the Syrian opposition released a letter documenting violations of the cease-fire agreement by the Assad regime, Russia, and Iranian-backed militia, which I will include in the Record. February 28, 2016. H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General, United Nations, New York. Excellency Secretary-General: I regret to inform you that hostilities committed by Russian, Iranian, the Syrian regime, and foreign militias and mercenaries allied to them have continued against the Syrian people despite the truce taking effect on the 27th February 2016. Right from the onset of the truce, a large number of violations have been committed by the regime and its allies in several parts of Syria. The regime has continued to target populated areas using helicopter raids to deploy explosive barrels, resulting in a large number of fatalities and causing significant injuries, most of whom were innocent women and children. There were seven recorded incidents of such breach. Furthermore, there have been twenty-four recorded breaches involving artillery shelling and five incidents recording offensive ground operations. Recorded breaches of the truce were registered in twenty-six different areas held by the moderate opposition. Moreover, today, Sunday 28th February, Russian fighter jets launched twenty-six air strikes against territory held by opposition groups which have announced and entered into the truce. Disturbingly significant is the fact that cluster bombs as well as thermobaric weapons were deployed, adding to the number of innocent civilian fatalities and horrifying injuries. In light of repeated breaches by the regime and its allies since the commencement of the truce, the growing number of fatalities, which currently stands at twenty-nine documented deaths, in addition to the dozens who have been injured as indiscriminate targeting of populated areas continues, we wish to clarify the following: It is most unfortunate that the Russian Ministry of Defense presented an erroneous map riddled with false military information (http://youtu.be/MaYvdEidSzsSent) and attributed this map to the United Nations for calculated political and military purposes, as purported areas of political influence and distribution of forces on Syrian territory. The sole purpose of that exercise was to exclude certain areas from the truce and to continue their systematic bombardment and forced displacement. Given the serious consequences of these violations on the Syrian people and on the unity and territorial integrity of Syria, we urge that you take the necessary measures to respond and counter false Russian allegations and put a stop to such practices. We call on the United Nations and the Friends of Syria Group to be mandated to specify the territory covered by the truce to prevent hostilities in the designated inclusion zones, such a task must be assumed by an impartial and transparent party. We also note that the absence of clear separation lines will result in the targeting of civilian populated areas by the regime and its allies, and henceforth constitute yet another flagrant violation of Security Council resolutions jeopardizing the truce. Although the Syrian opposition groups have demonstrated maximum levels of self-restrain and have thus far continued to adhere to their obligations to the truce, it seems likely that the regime and its allies' persistent crimes against the Syrian people will inevitably undermine international efforts for the continuation of the truce. We have agreed to the temporary truce as a response to sincere international efforts aiming to ease the suffering of the Syrian people and to assist in the implementation of the humanitarian provisions of UNSCR 2254, in particular: articles 12, 13 and 14. Failure to achieve any significant progress in this regard will leave us no option but to examine alternative measures to ensure the protection of the Syrian people and bring an end to the crimes committed against them. It is therefore of critical importance for the Security Council to stand firm and unwavering in its resolve. The persistent violations of the regime and the forces allied to it will undermine Security Council efforts for a political process, including the most recent, UNSCR 2268. It is abhorrent to pursue a political process through which the suffering of the Syrian people is used as a means to achieve political and military gains; under such circumstances, negotiations will be unfeasible. Excellency Secretary-General, the gravity of the situation, and the consequent clear and direct threat to peace and security at a regional and international level, require the United Nations to intervene immediately, to stop the crimes committed against the Syrian people and to preserve the unity and integrity of Syria. Yours respectfully, Dr. Riad Hijab, Coordinator General, The High Negotiations Committee.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. These violations discussed in this letter are comprised of barrel and cluster bomb attacks and a number of ground incursions against opposition groups who had entered into the truce. In the first 2 days alone, there were more than 29 documented deaths, mostly of women and children, and dozens of injuries. This is during the alleged cease-fire. Some believe that this far-off conflict isn't affecting communities across America. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say they are wrong. I routinely meet with Syrian Americans in Indiana who share stories of the devastation their loved ones are experiencing back in their homeland. Listening to them recount the struggles of their families reminds me that, if we are to adhere to our values as a Nation, we must defend the vulnerable and expand basic human liberty. Standing idly by as bombs rain down on hospitals or as Assad uses starvation as a method of warfare is an abdication of what we stand for as a Nation, but that is exactly what we have done. This President's insistence on diminishing American power abroad has empowered Putin to step into the leadership vacuum, has bolstered Assad in Syria, and has prolonged the conflict. We must not succumb to difficulty. We must take a stand and start meaningfully engaging our allies and strengthen the moderate Syrian forces, like the Kurds on the ground, to fight to replace the Assad regime. Both my constituents and the Nation's top military advisers know that doing so is the only way to bring any long-term stability to Syria.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a beloved member of the Indiana community, Jim Belden. Jim was a councilman in Hamilton County and an Indiana Football Hall of Fame coach. Sadly, Jim died at the age of 77 on February 14, 2016 after a battle with cancer. He will be dearly missed by the Hoosier community, but we will remember him forever through the spectacular legacy he left behind. Although he was born in Michigan, Jim spent most of his life in Indiana. He attended and played football at Shortridge High School in Indianapolis, where he was honored as an All-City and All-State Fullback. He graduated from Shortridge in 1957 and served in the United States Navy from 1958-1962. After serving our country in the Navy, he went on to play football for Butler University and was honored as an All-Conference Fullback. He graduated from Butler in 1963 and earned his master's degree in 1971 from Ball State University. Beginning with his first call to public service in the United States Navy, he served as a stellar example of selfless public service. He left his mark as a teacher, a family man, and a member of the Hamilton County Council, but what Jim is most known for is coaching football. Jim's career as a high school teacher and football coach spanned over 30 years at three Hamilton County Schools--Westfield High School from 1964 to 1967, Noblesville High School from 1967 to 1980, and Carmel High School from 1980 to 1996. Jim is the 12th winningest coach in Indiana state history, with an impressive lifetime record of 283 wins, 80 losses, and 2 ties. His extraordinary record included 25 Conference titles, 16 Sectional, 10 Regional, five Semi-State, one State-Runner up, and most notably, he led Carmel High School to 4 State Championship titles in 1980, 1981, 1986, and 1991. He retired from coaching football in 1996 and on April 24 of that year was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame. That honor followed many years of accolades. Beyond his long list of titles and State championships, he received ``Coach of the Year'' awards on many occasions, most notably from the Indiana Football Coaches Association, the Butler Alumni Association, and the Indiana Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. He was also awarded a Key to the City of Carmel, Noblesville recognized him with ``Jim Belden Day,'' and he received the prestigious Governor's Sagamore of the Wabash award, to name a few. He also ran a highly successful football camp for aspiring high school players for many years. As the daughter of a 30-year high school coach, I know the unquestionable and lasting impact Jim had on the many young men he coached, the students he taught, assistant coaches and faculty he worked with, and the schools and communities he served. In 1993, Jim began serving on the Hamilton County Council and won every election since. He was influential as a councilman and contributed significantly to the community. He helped ensure the expansion of Ivy Tech Community College in Noblesville with a vote to provide funding for the project and was a big proponent of planned upgrades to State Road 37. Jim loved coaching football and serving as an elected official in Hamilton County, but his pride and joy was his family. Jim is survived by his wife, Bev, son, Bo, daughter, Bamby, and 5 grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Randy, sister, Candy, and several nieces, nephews, and friends. Jim is a tremendous example of an effective and dedicated public servant. After decades of serving as a mentor and leader in the community, his impact and presence will not soon be forgotten. Please join me in thanking Jim's family and friends for sharing this truly remarkable man with the Hoosier community.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Black History Month and the remarkable contributions of Black Hoosiers to our State and country: Take, for instance, Madam C.J. Walker, a visionary leader who rose from being orphaned at age 7 to becoming an accomplished entrepreneur of hair care products and a prolific philanthropist in the Indianapolis community. She was also America's first self-made female millionaire; Or Emma Christy, Indianapolis' first female police officer, who patrolled the city's streets with the department's all-female unit, the largest in the world in 1921; Or the 1955 Crispus Attucks State Championship basketball team. It was the first all-Black team to win a State title. These are just some of the many African American Hoosiers who have helped shape Indiana's history, enriched our community, and transformed our Nation. As this month draws to a close, let us continue to honor and recognize all of the trailblazing Black Hoosiers who have contributed so much. We recognize that their great work has paved the path we walk today and leaves lasting legacies in their wake.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. I want to thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Dr. Murphy, for introducing this important legislation and arranging for this Special Order today. As I am sure it has already been stated, one in five Americans struggle with mental illness. One in five. This is a critical situation in the country, as we have just heard, a national tragedy. That is why we must address it with a comprehensive, community-based, mental health care proposal like the one we are talking about here today, and we must do it in a bipartisan way. So I am very pleased that we have colleagues from the other side of the aisle here as well this evening talking about it. We have all seen the tragic headlines about people who lose their battle with mental illness and their families who are often powerless to help them or prevent them from harming themselves or others. According to researchers, about half of the people with schizophrenia and 40 percent of people with bipolar disorder don't believe they are mentally ill. These individuals have the right to refuse therapy and medication, and under current law, their families are only able to intervene when their condition becomes suicidal or extremely dangerous. So in practical reality, my young adult children in their 20s, if they struggle with serious mental illness, I could be completely shut out from their diagnosis and treatment, unable to help them before their condition became completely debilitating. As a mother, as a parent, this is heartbreaking. It is further evidence that something has to change. We have all talked to too many families, whether it is at ceremonies remembering their lives when they have taken their lives or when they have overdosed. That is too late. This bill is important for all parents in America, the loved ones, the family members who desperately want to help but are unable to do so. But it is also important to every American regardless of whether or not they have a personal connection to mental illness. It is critically important when we look at our criminal justice system. Sixty years ago--and I think we talked about this a little bit earlier--there was one psychiatric bed for every 300 Americans. Fast- forward 50 years later, that number has shrunk to one psychiatric bed for every 3,000 Americans. Today, it is even less. The people, as you have mentioned, who work in our emergency rooms and in our criminal justice system are paying the price. Those people who work there are paying the price. The National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates that between 25 and 40 percent of people with mental illness will be jailed or incarcerated at some time in their lives. I am a former criminal defense attorney and a prosecutor. I can tell you not with respect to treatment, but dealing with them, either if they had been arrested or if we needed to prosecute them, I have seen the statistics--and these are real people. Our courts, jails, and prisons are full of people with mental illness. Most of them are not getting the treatment they need. In our State prisons and local jails, more than half of the women and three- quarters of the men have at least one mental health diagnosis. In Federal prisons, about half of all inmates, regardless of gender, struggle with some form of mental illness. We must reform the way we care for and treat people with mental illness. We can't rely on the prisons and jails to serve as the de facto mental health institutions that they have become, and we must make families the partner to ensure that patients with serious and debilitating illness can maintain a comprehensive regimen of care. I applaud the work of my colleague, Dr. Murphy, the only psychologist serving in Congress, for his leadership and for crafting the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, H.R. 2646. I am not going to go through all of the proposals because you have so many people. I am so pleased that you have people. I am sure that you have talked about all that is in the bill. But I must say, I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this proposal. It does focus on the programs that will help families and patients. It will improve that connectivity between primary care doctors, mental health professionals, and the patients and families. It will help with the existing shortage of in-patient psychiatric beds. It will bring accountability to programs like SAMHSA, to make sure that their resources are being used in the most effective and consistent way for patients. I just want to applaud Dr. Murphy and all of those who care deeply about mental illness, because I don't want to go to more of these ceremonies of family members who are remembering their family members who have died from suicide or who have died from an overdose. Thank you for your work.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life and legacy of Susan Jordan, the beloved principal of Amy Beverland Elementary School, who served the Lawrence, Indiana, community for 22 years as an educator. In January, when a bus accidentally lost control, Principal Jordan put herself between her students and the bus, saving their lives and losing her own. I am extraordinarily moved by her heroic sacrifice and the incredible outpouring of love and support from her students, fellow teachers, and the greater Lawrence community. Principal Jordan was known for her warmth and her passion for her students to achieve their very best. At the start of every school day, she stopped by each classroom to welcome and encourage her students. Under her leadership, Amy Beverland Elementary was named a Four Star School by the Indiana Department of Education, its designation for excellence. On behalf of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District, I offer my deepest sympathy to Principal Jordan's family and friends, the students who were injured, the Lawrence Township community, and all Hoosiers who mourn her loss and cherish her memory.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and missed the following votes. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``Yea'' on roll call number 46, regarding H.R. 2187--``Fair Investment Opportunities for Professional Experts.'' ``Yea'' on roll call number 47 regarding H.R. 4168--``Small Business Capital Formation Enhancement Act.'' ``Yea'' on roll call number 48, the previous question for H. Res. 594. ``Yea'' on roll call number 49 regarding H. Res. 594--``Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3700) to provide housing opportunities in the United States through modernization of various housing programs, and for other purposes.''

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

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 to insert extraneous materials into the Record.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Recently there has been a significant amount of debate surrounding liquid nicotine, ranging from its use as cigarette cessation to its use in public spaces. While there are differing points on the future of vaping, everyone can agree on the need to prevent the product from inadvertently reaching the hands of children. That is why my colleague from Connecticut (Ms. Esty) and I introduced the Child Nicotine Poisoning Prevention Act, which simply requires child safety packaging be added to liquid nicotine containers. The bill we are considering today and have already passed in the Senate is identical to our bill, which passed out of the Committee on Energy and Commerce in October of last year. Liquid nicotine, the product that is used in vaping pipes, is getting into the hands of children at a startling rate. I witnessed this firsthand when I had the opportunity to visit the Indiana Poison Control Centers last year. Their director, Dr. Jim Mowry, shared with me that exposures to e- cigarettes in Indiana alone have increased eightfold from 2011 to 2014. The numbers nationwide are even more startling, with poison control centers across the country showing a 14-fold increase in the exposure to e-cigarettes, from 271 cases in 2011 to just under 4,000 cases in 2014. Attracted by flavors like Skittles and Apple Jacks, curious children are often tempted to taste this liquid. Unfortunately, a single teaspoon of this liquid can be deadly to a child if it is either ingested or absorbed through the skin. Since there are no safety packaging requirements currently under Federal law, children aren't hindered in any way from having access to this potentially lethal product. With vaping becoming even more popular across the country and with an estimated 36 percent of e-cigarette users not locking up bottles of liquid nicotine or using childproof caps, I fear these calls to the poison control centers will only continue to rise. That is why the bill in front of us today is so important. Very simply, it solves the problem that we have by applying to liquid nicotine the existing childproofing requirements found in the Poison Prevention Act. We shield our children from hazardous products. Liquid nicotine should be no exception. Now, I know that the FDA also plans to regulate in this space and some have expressed worry about the overlapping regulations that this bill might impose. I am hopeful that the savings clause that we have added to the bill will allay the fears of those skeptics since it explicitly allows the FDA to continue its regulatory authority. There is a significant amount of debate about the FDA's authority in this area and when it will act. Regardless, since the FDA hasn't even produced a proposed rule yet, a final rule will likely not be finalized for over a year. That is a year of more calls to poison control centers across the country and a year of kids being needlessly exposed to an easily preventable danger. Let's solve the problem right now by passing this legislation and sending it to the President's desk today. In closing, I express my thanks to my colleague, the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. Esty). This is something that I know she has worked on for quite some time; so, I thank her for helping to spearhead this effort and for helping us to craft a bill that will protect children for generations to come. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 142) to require special packaging for liquid nicotine containers, and for other purposes.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.