Jim Banks

Mr. BANKS

Mr. BANKS. Madam Speaker, the State of Indiana has so much to be proud of. Indiana provides a road map for the rest of the Nation when it comes to fiscal responsibility. There are few leaders in the House of Representatives who do as much for the conservative cause and promote fiscal responsibility as Representative Hice from the great State of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Hice).

Mr. BANKS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his comments tonight. Madam Speaker, as I said before, there are 140 members of the Republican Study Committee. Many of those 140 members are new freshman Members who were elected just beginning of this Congress, who are conservative Members who stepped up to the plate to preach fiscal responsibility, to keep the commitments that they made on the campaign trail. One of those new Members is my colleague and friend, Representative Hern from Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Kevin Hern).

Mr. BANKS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his comments. As the gentleman from Oklahoma said, the Republican Study Committee budget is the only budget proposal on the table. It is the only proposal that balances the budget, that begins to rein in wasteful government spending and begins to pay down a disastrous $22 trillion national debt. There are few Members in this Congress whom I have served with who have preached fiscal responsibility as much as my friend and my colleague from Georgia (Mr. Allen). Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen).

Mr. BANKS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia, a great friend and a great conservative in the House of Representatives, for being here tonight. Madam Speaker, when the chairman of the Republican Study Committee, Mike Johnson from Louisiana, asked me to take on this task as chairman of the Budget and Spending Task Force, I was very proud to do so, not just because I have enormous respect for Chairman Johnson as a conservative leader in this Congress, but because of the stature and reputation of the Republican Study Committee. At one point, our Vice President, from my home State, Mike Pence, one of the greatest conservative leaders in this Nation, was chairman of the Republican Study Committee. And so, too, was another man whom I respect just as much, one of the greatest leaders in our Nation, the Republican whip, Mr. Steve Scalise, from Louisiana, chair of the Republican Study Committee, too. The reputation of RSC is important because it is the conservative vehicle in the Congress to advance conservative principles. No one does that more on a daily basis than my friend from Louisiana (Mr. Scalise). Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Scalise).

Mr. BANKS. Madam Speaker, this Republican Study Committee budget proposal was a gigantic effort: over 300 member proposals from the 141 members of the Republican Study Committee who offered ideas and proposals to include in this budget proposal. Over the past several weeks, we met on a weekly basis, almost a dozen times, to put together this budget proposal, assembling a task force of eight conservative members, who gathered on a weekly basis to comb through the Federal budget to talk about ways that we could put forth something that conservatives, not just in Congress but throughout the country, could be very proud of. I am really proud that, on our task force, we had Members who came from different States, different perspectives, who had different ideas. That made the effort stronger and, in the end, it allowed us to produce a stronger budget proposal. One of those members, I am very proud to say, is my friend, the representative from Florida, my colleague, Representative Yoho. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Yoho).

Mr. BANKS. Madam Speaker, we need to confront this fiscal challenge now, as it is no longer a far-off concern. Currently, we are set to run trillion-dollar deficits in perpetuity. The Social Security trust fund will be bankrupt by 2035. The Medicare trust fund will be bankrupt by 2026. Without bold and immediate action, this growing debt will condemn America to a future that is less prosperous and less free. My colleagues and I from the Republican Study Committee are determined to make sure that this never materializes. The Republican Study Committee preserving the American freedom budget would not only prevent that bleak future, it would ensure even greater prosperity for all Americans for years and generations to come. I could not be prouder to lead this effort on behalf of the Republican Study Committee and its 141 conservative members. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BANKS

Mr. BANKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of volunteer firefighter Mitch Titus. Over 15 years ago, Chief Titus took the helm as chief of the Winona Lake Fire Department. While he worked a full-time job in excavation, he was also a very dedicated public servant. In the wake of his tragic passing on Sunday, Chief Titus has been described by fellow colleagues and friends as ``very dedicated and loyal,'' ``a fireman's firefighter,'' and ``a great guy, a great leader, a great fire leader.'' It is people like Mitch Titus who embody the very best that our Nation has to offer. While all of Kosciusko County and the rest of Indiana mourn his loss, his endless dedication to his county and to his fellow people will be remembered for many years to come. I offer my deepest condolences to his three children and his family and friends as we mourn the loss of Chief Titus.

Mr. BANKS

Mr. BANKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Clean Fuels National and the Clean Fuels National Fuel Summit held in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Hundreds of attendees spanning from Washington State to Pennsylvania will participate in this invitation-only forum. Business leaders will discuss important issues facing the industry, such as natural disaster preparation, card skimming and UST regulations. This forum would not be possible without the hard work of Clean Fuels National and the Vanover Family. Kas, Mike, and Gregg Vanover founded Clean Fuels National in 2000, on the idea of providing exceptional fuel filtration and tank cleaning services to Northeast Indiana. Nineteen years later, Clean Fuels National is the largest fuel filtration and tank cleaning company in the United States. However, its roots remain grounded in Northeast Indiana. The bedrock of Clean Fuels National lies in the close-knit support of the surrounding community and its loyal customers. Today, Clean Fuels National employs over 60 individuals from Northeast Indiana and is constantly expanding. I offer my congratulations to Clean Fuels National on all of their achievements, and best wishes for continued success in the years to come.

Mr. BANKS

Mr. BANKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Wayne High School's AFJROTC's 25th anniversary. AFJROTC Unit IN-941 was established in 1994 at Wayne High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, under the leadership of Major Ed Bennett and Senior Master Sergeant Bill Tester. Since its inception, AFJROTC Unit IN-941 has prepared over 2,800 cadets for military service and success in and out of the classroom. The mission of the AFJROTC is to develop citizens of character, dedicated to serving their nation and community. Now, two decades after its establishment, the Wayne High School AFJROTC continues to uphold the mission. Over the last five years, an average of 122 cadets have joined Unit IN-941. The unit has recorded an impressive 1647 Leadership Development Requirement hours with extracurricular activities such as Model Rocketry, the Academic Bowl and Junior Shooting. Cadets give back to our community by providing Color Guards for events and assisting with Honor Flights from Ft. Wayne. In fact, Unit IN-941 has logged over 4143 hours of community service and has set a goal of 1200 hours for 2019. Unit IN-941 has prepared its cadets for success. About five percent of all cadets pursue military-related careers after graduation. I recently had the privilege of appointing Wayne High School AFJROTC cadet Wendy Samayoa to the United States Air Force Academy. Every cadet who served in Unit In-941 at Wayne High School gained valuable skills and experiences that prepared them for life after high school. Congratulations to Wayne High School's AFJROTC Unit IN-941 on their 25th anniversary.

Mr. BANKS

Mr. BANKS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to mourn the loss of my friend, Kyle Forti. A native of DeKalb County, Kyle was the epitome of what it means to be a Hoosier. A strong man of faith, he held deep love for his God, his family, and his country. Mr. Speaker, as a young man, Kyle was one of the first to believe in me as I began running for public office. He worked tirelessly to help me advance the conservative values that we hold dear. On Sunday, though, Kyle's life was tragically cut short after his helicopter crashed in northern Kenya. No amount of words can describe my pride as I watched Kyle grow and develop into a husband to Hope, a father to Max, and a successful businessman. As his mother correctly stated, he had a passion for humanity and the human soul. Although he left us too soon, his love for people and passion for liberty will serve as an inspiration for me for the rest of my life.

Mr. BANKS

Mr. BANKS. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the majority party's attempts to take away Americans' Second Amendment rights. The legislation before the House this week is a constitutional overreach that would limit the rights of law-abiding citizens and does not address the serious issue of illegal gun transfers. Madam Speaker, criminals do not follow the law. According to the Department of Justice, 77 percent of State prison inmates convicted of a firearm crime either obtain their firearm through theft, off the black market, from a drug dealer, or on the street. This legislation would make criminals out of law-abiding citizens, instead, and infringe upon Second Amendment gun rights. I urge my colleagues to protect the constitutional right of the American people to keep and bear arms.

Mr. BANKS

Mr. BANKS. Mr. Speaker, like so many others, I have been deeply disturbed by the news out of the New York and Virginia State Legislatures, where infanticide is being legalized. Today I rise in strong support of H.R. 962, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. Mr. Speaker, a child born alive after a failed abortion is a living being just like any other baby born prematurely. Ending any life at 24 weeks or as a newborn is murder. The law just adopted in New York legalizes abortion up to 40 weeks, essentially up to the moment of birth, and this is atrocious. We are facing a moral crisis, and I fear for my children's future with today's officials supporting and signing bills into law like that of New York's. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to denounce the radical support for infanticide and join me in reaffirming and protecting the inalienable right to life. Let's do the right thing. Let's bring the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act up for a vote in this House and pass this bill to preserve the sanctity of life.

Mr. BANKS

Mr. BANKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the many accomplishments of Mr. Chris Moore. The Fort Wayne Mayor recently proclaimed February 22, 2019, as Chris Moore Day in honor of his more than thirty years of distinguished service to the community. Since 1989, Chris Moore has worked tirelessly to help his clients reach their financial goals and lead fiscally responsible lives. Chris is regarded as someone who builds a relationship of trust with each of his clients. This is shown in Moore & Associates Mission Statement which states, ``our mission is to build a long-term relationship that is the result of those things money cannot buy: trust, purpose and accomplishment; to become and remain our client's most trusted team of advisors and staff.'' Chris Moore has been a strong advocate and supporter of local charities. He donates his time and resources to ensuring that some of the most vulnerable members in our communities are taken care of. He supports local charities such as Hope House, Shepherd's House, Riley Children's Hospital, and Mad Anthony. He has been a proud sponsor of the Mad Anthony's Children's Foundation since 1995, often a participant in their Pro-Am charity golf outing. He is also a long-term fan, ticket holder, and supporter of local sports including the Fort Wayne Komets, Tincaps, and Mad Ants. I would like to thank Chris Moore for making our community a better place and congratulate him on this distinguished honor.

Mr. BANKS

Mr. BANKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the amazing life of Paul Ripley. On February 8, 2019, Mr. Ripley will receive the highest French order of merit for military and civil excellence, the French Legion of Honour. The Legion of Honour was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte as an order of merit for those who serve France and its people with honor. At the age of 95, Paul Ripley has lived a distinguished life. He was born in Smithton, Missouri, on February 28, 1923, and attended Smithton High School before going to work for a pipe company in Sedalia, Missouri. Paul answered the call to serve his nation during World War II. Upon entering the Army on April 6, 1943, he underwent basic training at Camp Blanding and was later deployed to France with the Ninth United States Army. Stationed at Army Headquarters near Rennes, Mr. Ripley was assigned to the Graves Registration Division, assisting with the identification and burial of his fallen brethren. He served honorably, ensuring that American servicemembers were buried with dignity and respect. Technician 5th grade Paul Ripley was honorably discharged on November 14, 1945. After returning home Mr. Ripley attended the University of Tulsa under the G.I. Bill and then entered the nursery products industry, becoming the first entrepreneur to sell products directly to large department stores such as Ames, Target and Sears. This innovation led to the creation of the modern gardening department at many national retailers. He moved his family to Fort Wayne, Indiana, so that he could expand his business and better connect with his clients. Throughout his career, Mr. Ripley received many awards and accolades for his ingenuity and ethics. I would like to congratulate Paul Ripley and his family on this distinguished honor.

Mr. BANKS

Mr. BANKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. John Elliott on retiring from his position as Vice President and Senior Trust Officer of 1st Source Bank in Warsaw, Indiana. For nearly fifty years, John has served the northeast Indiana community with distinction as an engaged citizen, cherished friend, and valued trust officer. John graduated with a business degree from The Ohio State University in 1966, and immediately began his storied career as a trust officer at First National Bank of Warsaw. To further his education, John enrolled at the ABA Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin, as well as the National Graduate Trust School at Northwestern University. John also spent countless hours consuming information at the Warsaw Public Library, with the ultimate goal of providing the best customer service possible. Using his foundation in academia, John Elliott devoted himself to his clients, ensuring they made sound decisions that would provide future financial security. John built a reputation for honesty, integrity and service. He was known as someone who could be counted on, day or night, to provide exceptional support. When First National Bank was purchased by National City Bank, John partnered with Steve Wessell to open a 1st Source Personal Trust Office where he continued to serve clients with honesty and integrity. John has held numerous board positions and is a longtime member of the Warsaw Educational Foundation, Right to Life Advisory Board, and the Warsaw Plan Commission. In 2008, John Elliott was awarded the Earnestine M. Raclin Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Warsaw/ Kosciusko County Man of the Year for his service to the community. In 2018, he was awarded Optimist of the Year by the Warsaw Optimist Club. I wish John, his wife Elaine, and their family all the best in this new chapter of life. Warsaw, Indiana thanks him for over 50 years of dedication and service.

Mr. BANKS

Mr. BANKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today because I believe there is a purpose and a God-given right to every life. It has been nearly 46 years since the tragic Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade, a decision that has denied the inalienable right to life to over 61 million innocent children. While we mourn the loss of millions of innocent lives, we reflect on the work left to be done. We gather together this week for the March for Life to celebrate the progress of the last 2 years. From the continuation of President Trump's expanded Mexico City policy to the landmark Protect Life Rule, the pro-life movement is making major strides promoting a culture of life in America. Friday, I will march alongside hundreds of thousands of Americans from all corners of this country in honor of those who never had a chance to march for themselves, but leading the march will be students from Bishop Dwenger High School in my district in Fort Wayne, Indiana, who will be joining us there that day. I can't wait to join them tomorrow as they carry out this honor on The National Mall, and I ask my colleagues to join me as we reaffirm the sacred nature of all life.

Mr. BANKS

Mr. BANKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Judge Paul R. Cherry on retiring from his position as Magistrate Judge of the United States District Court of the Northern District of Indiana. Judge Cherry graduated from Huntington University in 1973 and obtained his J.D. from Ohio Northern University School of Law in 1977. He began his distinguished legal career in private practice from 1978-1988 and was elected as the DeKalb County Prosecuting Attorney three years later. Judge Cherry went on to become a DeKalb County Circuit Court Judge and on October 1, 2003, he was appointed to the United States Court of the Northern District of Indiana as a Magistrate Judge. Judge Cherry has had a distinguished career on the bench and has helped to keep our community safe. He has tried two capital cases, numerous drug related cases, and conducted his hearings in a fair and professional manner. In his spare time Judge Cherry is a member of several bar associations and has served as an adjunct faculty member at Huntington University, Calumet College, and Valparaiso Law School. I applaud Judge Cherry on all his accomplishments and thank him for a lifetime of service to our community.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3530) to reauthorize the Museum and Library Services Act.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. 3530.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 3530, the Museum and Library Services Act of 2018. The Institute of Museum and Library Services was first established through the Museum and Library Services Act of 1996 to coordinate our Federal museum and library programs. The majority of the funding that the IMLS receives supports the Library Grants to States Program. This specific program provides population-based formula grants to improve library services according to each State's 5-year plan. It also provides funding for library and museum services and professional development for library and museum professionals and aspiring professionals through competitive grants. The Museum and Library Services Act of 2018 reauthorizes the IMLS and the programs under the law through fiscal year 2025 and authorizes level funding for 6 years equal to the amounts in current law. The legislation also provides key reforms to the IMLS and its programs. S. 3530 updates provisions of the law to reflect the evolving role of libraries and museums in our society. It recognizes libraries as community hubs equipped to serve community needs, and the legislation highlights the unique educational role that museums play. The bill increases the set-asides for services for Native Americans and codifies a museum professional development program in a way that mirrors the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program. Lastly, the legislation puts an emphasis on the needs of rural communities and funds activities that will serve geographically diverse areas. This is commonsense reauthorization legislation that affirms the important role that libraries and museums play in our communities. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx).

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, this bill is commonsense reauthorization legislation. I urge my colleagues to support S. 3530 and affirm the important role that libraries and museums play in our communities. I yield back the balance of my time

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mayor Norm Yoder of Auburn, Indiana who announced his intent to retire next year. A native of DeKalb County, Mayor Yoder graduated from DeKalb High School in 1967 and received a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Purdue University in 1972. Mayor Yoder then returned to his beloved DeKalb County and started several businesses, including Yoder & Yoder Concrete & Construction and Auburn Skatin' Station. He joined the Auburn Board of Public Works in 1990 and served on the Eckhart Public Library Board from 1992 to 1999. In 2000, Norm Yoder was elected by the people of Auburn to serve as mayor and has since been reelected five times. During his time in office, Mayor Yoder enacted several policies that positively impacted his fellow citizens. He led the revitalization of downtown into a thriving small-town commerce center and oversaw the development of Rieke Park. Mayor Yoder created Auburn Essential Services, a local provider of telecommunication services, so that the citizens of Auburn could join the information revolution. Mayor Yoder will leave Auburn a more prosperous community, and his leadership will long be remembered. I wish Mayor Yoder, his wife Peg and his family the very best as he moves on to the next chapter of his life. Our community will miss his leadership and dedication.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Brooks Construction Company of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Brooks Construction recently received the HIRE Vets Medallion Program award. The HIRE Vets program, administered by the Department of Labor, recognizes businesses for their commitment to recruiting, employing and retaining veterans. Brooks Construction was recently awarded a gold medal in the medium employer category. Brooks Construction Company was founded in 1909 by John Foster Brooks and has served our community well for over a century. Today, Brooks Construction is a leader in road construction and repair in northeast Indiana. In addition to its commitment to our veterans, Brooks Construction has supported many local charities and organizations in the greater Fort Wayne area. I applaud Brooks Construction Company for its commitment to our veterans. As a member of the House Veterans Affairs committee and a veteran myself, I am pleased to see northeast Indiana embracing the unique skills that our veterans bring to the workforce. I applaud the efforts of companies like Brooks Construction to hire the men and women that have given so much to serve our nation. Congratulations to Brooks Construction Company and I thank them for their commitment to our veterans and our community.