Susan Brooks

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from southern Indiana for sharing. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Stivers). He is from central southern Ohio's 15th District. He is a dedicated soldier. I understand Mr. Stivers has been a long time in the Army National Guard, actually over 30 years, and is now a brigadier general in the Ohio Army National Guard. I thank him for that service and ask that he please share with us the stories he has been hearing about how it has been impacting those in the Buckeye State.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio for his comments. When he shared about people breathing easier, I know that a bank teller that I spoke with in Sheridan, Indiana, shared with me that that extra in her paycheck is allowing her to pay more for daycare rather than her husband having to work quite so hard at that second job. So it is helping her pay their daycare bill and it is helping them breathe a little bit easier. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Washington (Mrs. McMorris Rodgers). Mrs. McMorris Rodgers represents eastern Washington's Fifth District. I have the pleasure of working alongside her on the Energy and Commerce Committee, and we have heard about 1 million more jobs created, 4 million more people receiving bonuses, 90 percent of people with more money in their paychecks. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to hearing how tax cuts are impacting the State of Washington.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Washington, and I love her message of more jobs as she just talked about bigger paychecks, fairer taxes. It is happening in her State and all across the country. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Johnson), who, prior to coming to Congress, also served our country. He retired as a lieutenant colonel from the United States Air Force, and I am very fortunate because I get to serve with him, also, on the Energy and Commerce Committee. I ask the gentleman to please share with us how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is helping eastern Ohio.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio for sharing with us how it is impacting eastern and southeastern Ohio. I yield to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Davidson), who represents the Eighth Congressional District and also served his country as a United States Army Ranger and had been in business prior to coming here to the people's House.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio for his comments, and I agree with him. Everyone is hiring. There are so many job openings right now. As the gentleman said, there are a million new jobs. Everyone is competing at a higher level, and they have to compete in order to retain those employees in order to keep those employees happy. So things are really buzzing along, and I thank the gentleman for being here this evening and sharing what is going on in southern Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, but as we have heard from Members from Indiana, Ohio, and Washington, because everyone is hiring and people have to compete, there are companies throughout Indiana, companies like First Merchants Bank, one of the first in Indiana to announce they were going to have an hourly wage increase and $500 bonus for nonsenior management; a company in my district, one of the larger employers, Hoosier Park Casino, all employees received a $500 bonus after the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was announced; Fifth Third Bank, $1,000 bonuses to over 13,000 employees, and they also raised the minimum wage. These are the types of stories that we have heard, whether it is from small companies or from large, national companies and companies that do business all across the country. They are competing for workers, and when they are competing for workers, the workers and the employees are winning because everyone is hiring and everyone is trying to compete. Mr. Speaker, I thank all of my colleagues for the opportunity to highlight the benefits of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Every Member of Congress has this duty to their constituents and to try to make sure that we promote and make sure that the benefits of historic tax reform have extended all across the country, as we have heard today, and have impacted Americans from all walks of life. Moving forward, we have to continue to implement these types of policies that will encourage economic growth, create those jobs, ensure that our Tax Code continues to support the policies to make sure that the welfare of American citizens in the 21st century is at the highest so that we can have the best for all Americans in the 21st century. I want to thank all my colleagues for taking the time to participate this evening, as we have gone late into the evening. I look forward to working for the benefit of all of our constituents all across the country. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to have been a part of the passage of this historic Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and I yield back the balance of my time

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 5329, the Poison Center Network Enhancement Act of 2018, a bill that reauthorizes the national network of poison control centers, as we have heard, that offers free, confidential, expert medical advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We heard during an Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing that this past summer the Georgia poison control center was the first public health entity to detect and respond to a deadly opioid outbreak where yellow pills were being sold, stamped with the brand Percocet that, in fact, contained substances chemically similar to fentanyl. Without calls to poison control centers to report this drug, these pills could have gone undetected indefinitely. Poison control centers are fielding almost 192 cases a day of opioid abuse and misuse. In 1 month alone, there were 9,039 opioid exposures related to poison control centers nationwide. They are essential in combating the opioid crisis because these are the centers that compile the data that can be used to discover hotspots for opioid abuse and misuse and save lives. I want to thank all my colleagues, especially Representative Engel, Representative DeGette, and Representative Barton, who have been strong voices, as well as Chairman Walden and Ranking Member Pallone, for supporting this and so many other impactful bills. On behalf, most importantly, of the 1,526 Hoosiers who have died of an opioid overdose in 2016, I want to urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 5329.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Patricia ``Pat'' Keiffner on the occasion of her retirement from IBJ Media. For the past twenty-three years, Pat devoted her life to providing exceptional service to her co-workers, authors, IBJ partners, and vendors. In her more than two decades of service, Pat published various statewide publications focusing on education and launched over 400 books. The people of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District are forever grateful for Pat's commitment to literature and educating the next generation of Indiana students through her work in publishing. Before residing in the Hoosier state, Pat earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Sociology from Morehead State University in Kentucky. She later attended Southern Methodist University, where she earned her Master's in English. Passionate about education, Pat began her career as a secondary and post-secondary English coordinator and instructor at Plano Senior High School in Texas. After four years of teaching, Pat became the Dean of Academic Affairs at Sawyer Business College, and then was Senior Security Coordinator for Northrop Grumman, and later General Manager at the Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce. These positions led her to Indianapolis where she started her own press firm, Magna Graphic/ Midwest Incorporated. Her leadership at Magna Graphic/ Midwest Inc. prepared her for her career at IBJ Media where she has been influential in the management of various projects and publications. During her career at IBJ Media, Pat stood out as a leader. Her role in revamping the graphic production and print processes was instrumental in the financial successes of the firm. Along with her superb management skills, Pat brought her passion for education into the publishing world. Pat started the Custom Publishing division of IBJ Media, responsible for launching several statewide education publications including Next Indiana, GRAD, and Career Ready. The Custom Publishing division is also responsible for producing publications for grades K-10, reaching hundreds of thousands of students across the State of Indiana. Relationship oriented, Pat developed long-term partnerships with the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and the Indiana Department of Workforce Development making these highly respected publications possible. During her time with IBJ Media, Pat's influence reached beyond the education sector. Pat was responsible for overseeing more than forty custom publications annually for government, not-for-profits, and various industries. She also oversaw the expansion from print to web and mobile apps. Her many awards are a testament to the exceptional work ethic of this incredibly talented individual. A hard worker, Pat published hundreds of books through IBJ Book Publishing, three of which were picked up by national publishers including Simon & Schuster. Most recently, one of these books received the National Jewish Book Award. Of particular note, Pat published Breaking Cardinal Rules, which drew national attention as a #1 best seller of basketball books. Pat's impact on her community goes far beyond publishing. Rooted in a desire to make positive change, Pat used her extensive expertise to create successful public and private sector partnerships and received the Presidential Citation from Ronald Reagan for her statewide initiatives. Pat's dedication to her community is evidenced by her service on the boards of Community Health Network Foundation, Little Red Door, Teachers' Treasures, Lugar Series, and Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce's ChamberAction. The Indiana Commission for Women recognized Pat as a Trailblazer as a recipient of the Torchbearer Award for her work with public/private partnerships. Pat has made a remarkable impression on her community and the lives of her friends, family, and colleagues. She has truly left a legacy of success at IBJ Media that will be built upon for years to come. On behalf of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District, I would like to congratulate Pat Keiffner on her extraordinary career and extend my gratitude for all the wonderful contributions she has made to our Hoosier community. While I know Pat will be missed, I wish the very best to her husband John and the rest of her family as she enjoys a well-deserved retirement.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National Police Week to remember all members of law enforcement who have given their lives to protect and serve others. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial here in Washington, D.C., displays the names of law enforcement officers who have fallen in the line of duty, dating back to 1791. One of the names added this year was Lieutenant Aaron Allan of the Southport Police Department, the first police officer from the Department to be killed in the line of duty. When responding to an overturned vehicle last summer, Lieutenant Allan was shot and killed by the driver of the vehicle he was trying to assist. Sadly, we already know an officer who will also be listed in the memorial next year with Lieutenant Allan's name: Boone County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Pickett. Last night, I joined members of the Indiana Concerns of Police Survivors, COPS, who are the spouses, children, and parents of fallen police officers. These people selflessly work to provide resources to people like them: families who have also experienced the pain of losing their loved ones in the line of duty. These volunteers help people cope with tragedy and loss and are incredibly strong and inspiring members of our communities. Today, may we honor the valor and commitment of our fallen heroes and support those who are missing their loved ones.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 181 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 182.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life of an outstanding public servant, Jeffrey Holt, of the Lawrence Fire Department. For over two decades Jeffrey served the city and residents of Lawrence, Indiana, and we mourn his unexpected death. The people of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District are forever grateful for Jeffrey Holt's commitment to making the City of Lawrence a safer, better place to live. The Lawrence Fire Department was established in 1859, and is located in Lawrence, Indiana. The department consists of five firehouses and provides fire and rescue protection to over 47,000 residents for 22 square miles. Being a firefighter is not for the faint of heart. Those who answer the call of duty are motivated by a sense of pride in their community and extraordinary care for their fellow citizens. Although he was not born in Indiana, Jeffrey was a life-long Hoosier. A graduate of Benton Central High School, Jeffrey began his career in public service with the Otterbein Fire Department. Starting as a firefighter, Jeffrey quickly took on an expanded role within the department, becoming an EMT before joining the Purdue Fire Department in 1985. In 1994 Jeffrey attended paramedic training at Methodist Hospital. After completing his training, Jeffrey began his career with the Lawrence Fire Department in 1996. He served as a Firefighter, Paramedic, Engineer, Lieutenant, Division Chief of Training, and Deputy Chief of Operations. Jeffrey was passionate about music and was the lead singer of several bands including; the Rich Kids, Renegade, Midian, Illicit Affair, Winston Wolf, and Paper Valley. Jeffrey and his wife Dr. Lindi Holt were married for almost 20 years. In addition to his wife, Jeffrey is survived by his parents Dr. Donald and Marilyn Holt, step children, Jennifer and Rachel, and many other loving family members. Jeffrey will be forever missed by his family as well as his colleagues and friends in Lawrence and at the Lawrence Fire Department. The people of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District are grateful for Jeffrey's service to our Hoosier community. I extend my deepest condolences to Jeffrey's family, the Lawrence Fire Department, the City of Lawrence, his friends, and his fellow firefighters who mourn his loss.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, May 7, 2018, I missed votes because I was attending an event in my district. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on roll call votes no. 167 and 168.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the retirement of Kathy Richardson from the Indiana State House of Representatives after 25 years. For more than two decades, Representative Richardson served her constituents in Indiana's 29th district with distinction. On behalf of Indiana's Fifth District, we are forever grateful for her contributions to our community and the State of Indiana. Representative Kathy Richardson is a life-long Hoosier. Born and raised in Hamilton County, Kathy graduated from Noblesville High School in 1974. She began her career in public service working in the Hamilton County Clerk's office filing traffic tickets at the age of 19. She eventually worked her way up to Deputy Clerk, and was elected Hamilton County Clerk in 1982. In 1992, when few women ran for state offices, Richardson was successfully elected to the Indiana State House, representing the 29th district. Kathy continued to work with the Hamilton County Clerk's Office as the Election Administrator for Hamilton County. While serving as Indiana's 29th Representative, Kathy has continued her service with the Clerk's Office. A born leader, Kathy has stood out among her peers. During her time in the Indiana General Assembly, she served as an elected member of the House Republican leadership. Kathy broke barriers as Republican Caucus Chair, becoming the first woman in Indiana's history to serve in an elected caucus leadership. As Caucus Chair, Kathy guided members and staff in making legislative decisions, while spearheading caucus meetings. Kathy also served on the Elections and Apportionment and Legislative Council, where her years of experience and knowledge brought a high degree of leadership and success. Kathy's leadership created long lasting, positive change in the State of Indiana. During her tenure, Kathy partnered with Governors Mitch Daniels, Mike Pence, and Eric Holcomb to deliver balanced budgets, lower taxes, and bring jobs to the state. In 2011, Kathy was influential in drawing new redistricting maps for the Indiana House, Senate, and Congressional Districts to reflect the changes in Census data. As a prominent member of the House Elections Committee, Kathy was a crucial contributor to several of Indiana's election reform initiatives. Her guidance and no-nonsense leadership style throughout the process was instrumental in its passage. Kathy was influential in the creation of the Hamilton County Youth Assistance program in Westfield, which works with youth who are at risk prior to entering the courts system. Due to her leadership, and the program's success, it is now being replicated in other communities around the State of Indiana. Kathy's lifetime of service to her community has been invaluable not only to her district but to the entire state of Indiana. Thanks to work on the economy and job creation, Indiana continues to be a great place to live and do business. Kathy's hard work and invaluable leadership helped make the Indiana General Assembly successful for so many years. On behalf of all Hoosiers, I wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to Representative Richardson for her lifetime of service. I wish the very best to Kathy, her husband Perry Williams as well as the rest of her family as she moves into the next phase of her career in public service.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Judge Patricia Gifford, who recently passed away, unexpectedly, just shy of her 80th birthday. She was a pillar in the Marion County, Indianapolis, Indiana, community; a role model for so many lawyers and judges; and a dear friend. She will be forever remembered for inspiring women and redefining the role of women in the courtroom. She was one of only two females in her law school class. She was part of a team of the first women in the country appointed to prosecute only sex crimes cases, primarily rape cases, and she was the sixth female to assume the bench in Indiana. In 1992, Judge Gifford gained international recognition for presiding over the famous rape trial of former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson. The extensive international media coverage could have easily turned that trial into a circus, but not under her watch. Judge Gifford was widely praised throughout the country for keeping order throughout the trial and presiding over a fair trial. Those of us who practiced in her court expected nothing less. She retired after a 30-year distinguished career on the bench. The people of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District, and especially those in Marion County, are forever grateful for Judge Gifford's many contributions to our Hoosier community. We join her family--her husband, Bob Butsch; her daughter, Jennifer Butsch Petit; and her family--in mourning our loss.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Judge Patricia Gifford, a pillar in the Marion County community and one of the people who inspired me to seek a career in public service. For three decades, Judge Gifford served as Superior Court Judge of the Criminal Division in Marion County, Indiana. She was a pioneer in her field, and will be forever remembered for inspiring women in the legal profession. The people of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District, and especially in Marion County, are forever grateful for Judge Gifford's contributions to our Hoosier community. A life-long Hoosier, Judge Gifford grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 1960, she graduated from the College of William and Mary and began her career as a school teacher before earning her law degree. After graduating from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in 1968, Judge Gifford became an associate at the law firm of Runnels and Rademacher. In 1969, she began her career in public service as Deputy Attorney General and later as Marion County Deputy Prosecutor under Noble F. Pearcy. While serving as Marion County Deputy Prosecutor, Judge Gifford was simultaneously a partner at the law firm of Moriarty & Gifford. She later became a referee for the Marion Juvenile Court in 1975, before serving as Superior Judge. Winning her first election in 1978, Judge Gifford was a well revered leader in the Marion County Republican Party. She went on to win re-election to the bench four more times. Throughout her three decades on the bench, Judge Gifford constantly redefined the role of women in the courtroom. She was one of the first women in the U.S. appointed to prosecute only sex offense cases. In 1978, she became the sixth female to be elected to a Hoosier trial court. Known for her sharp demeanor and even-handed leadership, Judge Gifford had strict business like control over the courtroom. Although tough, her reputation as a courteous and fair judge was known throughout the entire Indiana legal community. In 1992, Judge Gifford gained national recognition for presiding over former heavy weight boxing champion Mike Tyson's rape trial. The extensive international media coverage could have easily turned the trial into a circus. Judge Gifford did not allow that to happen, and was widely praised for keeping order throughout the trial. In an exceptional 30-year career as a trial judge, thousands of defendants, victims, attorneys, and jurors appeared in her courtroom. She was an extraordinarily fair judge who upheld the highest ideals of equal justice under the law. Judge Gifford retired in 2008. Even in retirement, her accomplishments paved the way for women on the bench, and Judge Gifford remains an inspiration to the legal community across the State of Indiana. Judge Gifford's work was not only greatly appreciated, but also recognized and awarded by her peers. She was the recipient of numerous awards including Sagamore of the Wabash, Distinguished Hoosier, Indianapolis Bar Association Silver Gavel Award, and the Indianapolis Legal Aid Society Lifetime Achievement Award. She was an active member of the Indianapolis Bar Association, and would have received her fifty year pin this year. In Marion County, Judge Gifford's contributions to the community went beyond her duties on the bench. A woman of faith, she served four terms as a member of the Board of Directors for the Board of Church Extension and of the Disciples of Christ, and served twice as Chairperson. Judge Gifford also served as President of the Third Christian Church Board of Directors and was a member of the Board of Directors of Indianapolis Legal Aid Society, Christian Theological Seminary, and Saint Richard School. Judge Gifford's legacy as a brilliant judge and community leader will live on through her countless contributions to the Hoosier State. As a lawyer who practiced regularly in her court for thirteen years and then as a dear friend, I, along with so many others, will greatly miss Judge Gifford. On behalf of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District, I want to extend my most heartfelt condolences to her husband; Robert Butsch, daughter; Jennifer Butsch Petit, son-in-law; Michael Petit, and three grandsons; Jack, George, and Samuel Petit and all who mourn her loss and cherish her memory.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Anne Korb Shane for the results of her lifetime commitment to the City of Indianapolis and the State of Indiana. Throughout her decades of effort in the public, private and nonprofit sectors, Anne has provided solid, innovative thinking and effective leadership that turned promising new ideas into flourishing programs and institutions benefitting all Hoosiers. Anne's inclusive and humble leadership style is rooted in the belief that impactful, cross-sector, systems-level change, enabled by talent, is required to address the opportunities and challenges we face as a city and state. Her leadership in establishing and then chairing Teach for America (TFA) Indiana--now in its tenth year--is a prime example of Anne's impact. Without a diverse, top tier talent pipeline, a thriving environment for education reform would not have been or still be possible. Her vision and leadership a decade ago brought smart, committed talent to the City of Indianapolis. These able educators have been great teachers, have moved into school and community leadership, and strengthened the fabric and core of our city and state. Anne's leadership of TFA Indiana echoes her other wide and deep civic contributions. A lifelong Hoosier, she was born in Evansville, Indiana and earned degrees from DePauw and Indiana University. Early in her career, Anne served in the Marion County Prosecutor's Office, Chief of Staff for Indianapolis Mayor Stephen Goldsmith, and President of the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee. In her volunteer capacity, she served as President of the Indianapolis Junior League and chaired the Special Events and Volunteers Division for Super Bowl XLVI. She led governmental transition teams at the local and state level, served as President of the Indianapolis Garden Club, and is a life trustee of the Indiana Nature Conservancy. Her efforts, spanning decades, have helped keep families safe; the government of Indianapolis operational, efficient and effective; our neighborhoods welcoming and supportive; our economy gaining strength; our natural environment respected and preserved; and even our flowers blooming and beautiful. In recent times, Anne's leadership has focused on nurturing our region's talent and the ecosystem that builds, nurtures, attracts and retains it. Along with her leadership of Teach for America Indiana, Anne has served on the Mayor's Charter School Board and the Board of Trustees for Ivy Tech Community College. She helped lead and build the Hoosier resources and capacity of the Mind Trust, Donor's Choose, and Stand for Children. She led the efforts of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, Purdue University and Notre Dame that created the I-STEM Resource Network and increased the number of Hoosier students successfully completing advanced placement exams in math and science courses. She helped create BioCrossroads, Indiana's leading initiative to grow the life sciences sector through workforce development, scientific collaborations, effective marketing, and new business formation. She served as a community development and education consultant to Lilly Endowment, and she was instrumental in the startups and leadership of Indy Hub and Develop Indy. The full positive impact of Anne's talent efforts is difficult to overstate. Suffice it to say that they span from effective solutions to urban education challenges, to early foundations for addressing our ongoing workforce needs and opportunities, to reducing educational disparities in underserved and high poverty areas, to the ongoing push for stronger statewide STEM education, to stronger school and district leadership, to the high positive impact of great teachers on the learning and life preparation of their students--all of which allow our citizens, families, neighborhoods, communities and state to learn, grow and prosper. All the while, over and over again, Anne has dedicated her personal time and energy to mentor and develop leadership talent in Indianapolis and Central Indiana, giving them wise counsel and encouraging them to make their mark in our communities, which they have, individually serving in important civic and educational leadership positions and collectively strengthening the region's talent that will lead our city and state into the future. In fact, I too was encouraged by Anne in 1997, to follow in her footsteps to give back to my community by serving as a Deputy Mayor of Indianapolis in the Goldsmith Administration. From one woman's enduring efforts, waves of benefit for all. On behalf of the citizens of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District, I congratulate and thank Anne, and I wish her all the best as her family, friends, and fellow citizens celebrate her service, leadership and accomplishments. It is my privilege to honor her. We are forever grateful for Anne Shane's contributions to the Hoosier community and our country, for her deep commitment, humble servant leadership, amazing energy, and profound positive impacts and results.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the lives of two outstanding public servants, Madison County volunteer firefighters Kyle Hibst and David Wittkamper who lost their lives in a plane crash on April 2, 2018. Kyle and David both were active members in their community and served as volunteer firefighters with the Pipe Creek Township. The Pipe Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1960 and is located in Elwood, Indiana. The department is all-volunteer and provides fire and rescue protection to more than 4,000 residents of Pipe Creek Township. As volunteer firefighters, Kyle and David donated their time to provide emergency services for Pipe Creek Township. Being a volunteer firefighter is not for the faint of heart. Those who answer the call of duty are motivated by a sense of pride in their community. The dedication and service of volunteer firefighters across Indiana is essential to the safety of our communities. A life-long Hoosier, Kyle graduated from Elwood Community High School in 2005 and began a career in public service in 2011, when he joined the Pipe Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department. In addition to his work at the fire department, Kyle was the owner of Anytime Fitness in Elwood and also an area field manager for U-Haul. Kyle and his wife Kimberley, were married for four years. Kyle was a beloved husband and a devoted father who enjoyed spending time outdoors with his son, Grayson, and watching Notre Dame Football. In addition to his wife and son, Kyle is survived by his parents; Frederick and Rebecca Hibst; his two sisters, Kirsten Hibst and Kacie Johns, and many other loving family members. Raised in a family of public servants, David followed the legacy of his father and grandfather by becoming a firefighter in the same department where they had both served. David graduated from Indiana Christian Academy, in Anderson, and joined the Pipe Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department in May 2007, serving selflessly for 11 years. David was even training to become an EMT to expand his role within his community. When David wasn't volunteering, he worked as a fork lift operator at Red Gold in Elwood. David and his wife Autumn were married for 5 years; she was his soulmate. In addition to his wife, David is survived by his parents, Melvin and Darlene Wittkamper; sister, Megan (husband Chad) Welsh; brother, Devin Wittkamper, and many other loving family members. Kyle and David will be forever missed by their families as well as their colleagues and friends in Elwood and at the Pipe Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department. The people of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District are grateful for Kyle's and David's service to our Hoosier community and it is my privilege to honor them today. On behalf of all Hoosiers, I would like to recognize Kyle and David for their impact and service to our community. I extend my deepest condolences to Kyle and David's families, the Pipe Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department, their friends, and their fellow volunteer firefighters who mourn their loss. My thoughts and prayers are with them.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, the right-to-try legislation will be considered on the House floor today. This is about giving people hope to try. It is about hope to try investigational drugs which have passed the first of three phases of the FDA clinical trial process, the safety testing phase. And these investigational drugs could possibly prolong or save the lives of terminally ill patients. I like to remind my colleagues that a little boy was in Washington, D.C., on the House floor just last week when we first voted on this legislation. Prior to that vote, I had met Jordan during an Energy and Commerce Committee hearing focusing on the implementation of the 21st Century Cures Act. Jordan McLinn is a second grader from Indianapolis who may look like any other healthy child, but he has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, or DMD, a fatal, degenerative condition which causes muscle weakness. DMD is caused by an absence of dystrophin, a protein that helps keep muscle cells intact. Oftentimes, kids born with DMD are wheelchair-bound by age 12, and they have a life expectancy of just 25 years old. DMD is a genetic disease that is typically passed on to boys through their mother's X chromosome. But sometimes the mother is not a carrier, there is no family history of the disease, but a child is born with the disease anyway. This is what happened to Jordan McLinn. His mother, Laura, is not a carrier. This disease does not run in their family. Jordan was born with DMD, but it was not diagnosed until he was 4 years old. So can you imagine what this family has been through? After Jordan was diagnosed, his family hit the ground running, trying to find the best possible treatment options and therapies for people with DMD. His mother, Laura, was quoted in The Indianapolis Star today in an article focused on the right-to-try bill saying: ``The reason we have remained on this journey and fighting so hard for it is not necessarily for Jordan immediately. It's for all the patients that we've met along the way.'' Jordan and his family have been on this journey advocating this fair and compassionate bill in Indiana and beyond for Jordan but also for so many others. In 2015, then-Governor Mike Pence signed Indiana's right- to-try law with Jordan McLinn by his side. Now a total of 38 States have already passed laws that take a variety of approaches to helping vulnerable patients. By passing this legislation in the House today, we will increase access--nationwide--to unapproved, investigational drugs for patients with a terminal illness. In that same IndyStar article I mentioned earlier, Laura shared that Jordan has always wanted to be a firefighter, but now, after coming to the Nation's Capital many times, he has aspirations to be something else. He now wants to be President of the United States. This bill allows Jordan to have those big dreams, and it will be providing patients across this country with hope. Yes, it is hope, hope for patients that they may find the cure someday that they have been searching and fighting for, hope for patients and their families that there will be more time to make more memories that can last a lifetime. In closing, I would just like to emphasize how critically important it is that Congress join together to support the bill for the millions of Americans who fight for their lives because of a terminal illness. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, nearly 50 years ago, on April 4, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was shot and killed in Memphis, Tennessee. That same night, Senator Robert F. Kennedy was scheduled to deliver a campaign speech in Indianapolis, the city which my friend and colleague, Representative Andre Carson, and I both represent in Congress. Instead, Senator Kennedy broke the news to Hoosiers about what had just happened. His speech calmed a volatile crowd and called for a nonviolent reaction to the assassination. He pleaded with the crowd to remain committed to the ideals and peaceful movement of Dr. King during a time of turmoil, confusion, and despair. It has been called one of the most important and historic speeches of the 20th century. Unlike other cities which erupted into violence and riots following Dr. King's assassination, Indianapolis did not burn. The hallowed grounds where Senator Kennedy's remarks were delivered is known in Indianapolis as Kennedy-King Park. Thanks to H.R. 4851, it will be given the national recognition it deserves for its significance in the civil rights movement. I am proud to support this legislation to honor this historic moment. I thank Chairman Bishop; Ranking Member Grijalva; especially my colleague and good friend from across the aisle, Representative Carson, who has led the charge to recognize this park. Before I close, I want to share a small portion of the words shared by Senator Kennedy just about 50 years ago that I think we cannot recite enough in this country: ``What we need in the United States is not division; what we need in the United States is not hatred; what we need in the United States is not violence or lawlessness; but love and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice towards those who still suffer within our country.'' As my good friend has just said, Senator Kennedy's words are still very relevant today. Maybe even more relevant today. I encourage all of my colleagues to remember and reflect upon them as we approach the 50th anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I am also happy to share that anyone traveling to or from Indianapolis in the coming weeks will be able to hear and read Senator Kennedy's remarks at an exhibition prominently displayed at the Indianapolis International Airport to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr. King's assassination in April. I am proud that this body will be adding this special place to the African American Civil Rights Network. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to shine light on the ongoing tragedy in Syria. Today marks 7 years of civil war in Syria, 7 years of indiscriminate killing of women and children, 7 years of intermittent chemical attacks on civilians by the Assad regime, 7 years of bombings, of people thrown out of their homes, of children whose youth has been stolen from them. The ongoing tragedy in eastern Ghouta is just the most recent of horrific events perpetrated by the Assad regime and their Iranian- backed militia. The White Helmets group reports that 800 civilians have been killed in the past 2 weeks as the Assad regime continues to pound the rebel- held area, despite the ongoing humanitarian cease-fire. The blatant disregard regime forces have for civilian life is nothing short of despicable. We must continue to be engaged in efforts to support the Syrian Democratic Forces and other allies that believe in a free, democratic, and independent Syria. Without U.S. leadership, the carnage will continue and we will be left with meaningless U.N. resolutions. We must stand with our allies to stop this devastating carnage that is tearing apart families and ruining countless lives.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his leadership, and I thank the Members who have come before us today to speak about their experiences, like my colleague who suffered from a horrific act of gun violence last year. I also want to speak on behalf of the thousands of students who stood up all around the country. They have asked us to take action to address gun violence. Our children do deserve to be safe while they are at school, to feel safe and to be safe. I am the mother of a teacher, sister of a teacher, and daughter of a new teacher. We want our schools to be safe. We in this country have focused on violence in our communities for a very long time. When I was deputy mayor of Indianapolis in the late nineties, we were very focused on reducing gun violence and homicides of all kinds in the city of Indianapolis. Later, as U.S. attorney in the southern district of Indiana, I led what was called Project Safe Neighborhoods, which I understand that Attorney General Sessions is reinvigorating to reduce the gun violence in all of our communities, which includes our schools. As our colleague from Florida just said, this is a very complex problem. This is something that we have been paying attention to for many years and, in fact, decades. It is going to take complex solutions, but this bill is a very important part of the solution. In fact, last year, my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee worked to enact 21st Century Cures Act, which included a number of mental health provisions. One of those reforms ensured that State and local governments can use grant funding from the Department of Justice to develop and operate school-based mental health crisis intervention teams. Today we will reauthorize that Department of Justice program for another 10 years with this bill. I read this morning in The Indianapolis Star, the new movement about walk up, not just walk out. It is important for students and everybody to walk up to those people who they have concerns about in their schools or those people who are lonely, and those people who need help or who just need a friend. The STOP School Violence Act authorizes $75 million in annual funding to support increased security and training and increase the use of anonymous reporting systems. In one school in my district, over 100 tips were sent into that school system with the anonymous reporting on the night of the Parkland shooting, and teachers worked around the clock on shifts all night to run down all of those tips. That is what is critically important, that people continue to report and that law enforcement working with school officials continue to investigate. These tips come from outside the school. They come from inside the school. This is critically important. They come from social media. They come from conversations. It is important to share. This bill increases the amount of funding that can go to schools for anonymous reporting systems. That is just one of the things it does. This bill will add more resources. It is not enough. I am not saying that it is enough. It is one of the many steps. In fact, in this appropriations bill, I want to encourage my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to continue to increase funding for school safety and mental health programs in the omnibus bill and in budgets going forward. We know this bill is one important step. I want to applaud one of my colleagues, Sheriff Rutherford, a Member from Florida. He and another Member from Florida introduced this bill 1 week before the shooting. They, along with many colleagues, have focused on school security for many years. We do have to do more. This is an important step. It is a critical step. And when men like Sheriff Rutherford have devoted his life to protecting and serving his community and his schools in his community, we need to listen to him. This is a very important step. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.'' We will not stop. We have heard the young people. We have heard their families. We are going to continue to listen. We will continue to fight for safety in schools in our communities.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life of an outstanding public servant, Boone County Deputy Jacob Pickett, who served his city and country with principle and integrity. Tragically, Deputy Pickett was killed in the line of duty on March 2, 2018. Deputy Pickett, or ``Jake'' as he was known to his family and friends, served in law enforcement for the last eight years. Jake made the decision every day to put his life on the line to make Indiana a safer place. A true Hoosier, Jake graduated from Brownsburg High School and then graduated from the Marion County Sheriffs Office Training Academy in 2010. In 2014, he was a member of class 202 and completed training with the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy as a pistol expert. Jake served with the Boone County Sheriff's Office for three years. Before joining the Boone County Sheriff's Office, he served as a Deputy with the Tipton County Sheriff Department. Jake also worked in the Marion County Jail. Although, I did not have the good fortune of knowing Deputy Pickett, I am incredibly proud of his heroic and brave actions to protect his fellow Hoosiers. On March 2, Jake pinned on his badge and went to work on what he thought would be an ordinary day on the job. He was out on patrol, and joined officers from the Lebanon Police Department in pursuit of three suspects. Deputy Pickett was on foot in pursuit of the suspects when he was fatally shot. Jake laid down his life to protect his community from a dangerous individual. His last moments demonstrate the bravery, commitment, and sacrifice that he and his brothers and sisters in uniform display every day while working to make Indiana a safer and better state. Each and every day, officers like Jake put their lives in harm's way to protect us. For the last two years, Jake led the Boone County Sheriff's Department K-9 team. His partner was Brik, a brown and black German shepherd-Belgian Malinois. They began working together in March 2016, and Brik rarely left Jake's side. On Tuesday, when Boone County Sheriff Mike Nielsen and prosecutors held a news conference to announce charges against the man accused of fatally shooting Jake, Brik was there with Sheriff Nielsen. I join with Sheriff Nielsen and all of Boone County in mourning Jake's loss. As Sheriff Nielsen said, ``There will forever be a loss felt in our community for him. He was a warrior, and he died laying down his life for you. He will never be forgotten.'' Day after day, Jake displayed the compassion and integrity of a true public servant. In uniform, Jake would greet children at school. When off-duty, Jake spent time saving rescue animals. Jake's selflessness extended in death. He was an organ donor, and his heart saved the life of another patient at St. Vincent's Hospital in Indianapolis. Jake and his wife, Jennifer, were married for ten years and have two young sons. Jake was a beloved husband and a devoted father. In addition to his wife and two sons, Jake is survived by his parents, Marlin and Rebecca Pickett; his sister Kristi Woo and niece Hannah Woo; his parents-in-law, Jon and Carol Lindstrom; his brothers-in-law, Jeremy Lindstrom and Christopher Lindstrom. Deputy Pickett is a hero. Jake will be forever missed by his colleagues at the Boone County Sheriff's office and by his family. The people of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District are eternally grateful for Jake's contributions to our Hoosier community and it is my privilege to honor him today. On behalf of all Hoosiers, I would like to salute Deputy Jacob Pickett for his impact and service to our community. His work with the Boone County Sheriff's Department and the K-9 unit were unmatched, and his presence will be greatly missed. I extend my deepest condolences to Jake's family, the Boone County Sheriff's Department, his friends, and the fellow officers who mourn his loss. My thoughts and prayers are with them.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Deputy Jacob Pickett of the Boone County Sheriff's Office, who paid the ultimate sacrifice and sacrificed his life on the job last Friday. As Boone County Sheriff Mike Nielsen said about Jake, as those who are close to him called him: There will forever be a loss felt in our community for him. He was a warrior, and he died laying down his life for you. He will never be forgotten. Last Friday morning, 34-year-old Boone County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Pickett was attempting to arrest a person who had an outstanding warrant. As is so common, one department helped out another, and Deputy Pickett joined police officers from the Lebanon Police Department in pursuit. During that pursuit, he was fatally shot. Tragically, he will never return home to his loved ones and is leaving behind a wife, Jen, two very young children, and his beloved K-9 partner, a German Shepherd named Brick. The last time a Boone County officer was killed in the line of duty was over 80 years ago, in 1935. Deputy Pickett also served as a Tipton County Sheriff's Department deputy and served at the Marion County Jail, all counties I represent in the Fifth District of Indiana. He has led the Boone County Sheriff's Department K-9 Team for the last 2 years and worked with Brick around the clock. He was known by his childhood friend as a good guy all around who was kind, compassionate, and generous. He dedicated his life to serving others and continues to do so even now, as an organ donor. As Sheriff Nielsen said, that thin blue line was crossed. I offer my deepest condolences to Deputy Pickett's family, to the Boone County Sheriff's Department and their friends, the men and women in law enforcement who mourn his loss and will cherish his memory forever.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the bipartisan Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 Reform Act, introduced by the House Administration chairman, Mr. Harper, and the ranking member, Mr. Brady. I also want to thank my colleagues who have helped lead the effort, Representative Byrne and Representative Speier, along with my colleague, the ranking member of the House Ethics Committee, Representative Deutch. Current law, the CAA, as we call it, was enacted over 20 years ago, and it has become so outdated. The proposed reforms in this CAA Reform Act work to improve our response to harassment and discrimination so that allegations of wrongdoing can be investigated swifter, fairer, and in a more efficient manner. This legislation prioritizes protecting the victims while ensuring due process for the accused. Congress must be a force for justice in order to ensure all employees have a safe workplace environment that is free of sexual harassment or discrimination of any kind, because it is completely unacceptable to be subjected to harassment or discrimination of any kind at any workplace in our country. The element of the CAA that allowed for silencing of victims and spending taxpayer dollars to settle claims for Members of Congress must be changed. The CAA Reform Act will increase transparency and accountability in Congress and create a more victim-friendly process. It ensures sexual harassment and discrimination settlements made, moving forward, will no longer be secret. This bill will protect taxpayer dollars by requiring Members of Congress who have an award or judgment against them for harassment to personally pay for any settlement. As chairwoman of the House Ethics Committee, I am proud to work alongside the ranking member, Representative Deutch, on this important, bipartisan legislation. I want to thank our colleagues who worked to ensure that, in order for the Ethics Committee to fulfill its obligation of the House to investigate and potentially discipline Members and staff, now the committee must be given information on potential bad actors. The CAA Reform Act ensures the Ethics Committee is given that information.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. It provides an automatic referral to the Ethics Committee upon disposition of claims before the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights, currently known as the Office of Compliance, so now the House Ethics Committee can quickly investigate allegations of wrongdoing while protecting the identity of the accuser and ensuring due process for the accused. By supporting this Reform Act, we are showing the Nation that Congress is taking strong bipartisan action to improve the workplace called the people's House and the conduct of those who work in it.