Jim Banks

Mr. BANKS of Indiana

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of a balanced budget amendment which should be one of several steps that we take in Congress to control spending. As a State senator, I worked with Governors Mitch Daniels and Mike Pence to balance Indiana's budget every single year, while lowering taxes and investing in key priorities. Today, Indiana has a $1.8 billion rainy-day fund and a AAA credit rating. Sadly, Washington, D.C., has not followed Indiana's example. According to the latest estimates from the CBO, the Federal Government is set to run $82 trillion in deficits over the next 30 years. This is simply unsustainable. We cannot allow this crippling debt that will burden our children and grandchildren to continue growing. In the short term, I applaud the Trump administration's decision to use the rescission tool to rein in Federal spending. The legislation that we are considering today, which would force Congress to balance the budget, should be part of a comprehensive effort to address spending and get America's finances back in order. This amendment will ensure Congress has no excuses and reforms the broken congressional budget process. Hoosier families know how to live within their means and follow a budget, and Washington ought to do the same.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Northeast Indiana Base Community Council and its annual Race for the Warrior. Across eleven counties in northeast Indiana, the NIBCC is working with over 30 community groups, making my district one of America's most engaged regions when it comes to supporting our military. The Race for the Warrior is the hallmark for the NIBCC. In its fourth year, proceeds from the event raise funds for the NIBCC Military Support Fund. This fund provides one-time grants to local military members for emergency relief, as well as other military and veterans support programs. I am proud of the work the NIBCC does on behalf of our active duty servicemembers, veterans, and their families in my district.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, the 2018 session of the Indiana General Assembly will draw to a close, and with it, so will the career of one of the Hoosier State's most distinguished legislators. Senate President Pro Tempore Senator David Long recently announced that, after 22 years of public service, he will retire later this year. Under his transformational leadership, our State enacted sweeping education reforms, balanced the budget, delivered historic tax cuts, advanced the cause of life, and passed right-to-work legislation. Senator Long played a pivotal role in our State's progress over the last decade and a half, and his impact in Indiana will be felt for generations to come. My wife, Amanda, and I both had the honor of serving with David in the State Senate, and we are proud to call him a mentor and friend. During my time at the statehouse, I learned so much from Senator Long; and in my work here in the Congress, I am constantly reminded of lessons I learned from him when we served together. Hoosiers deeply appreciate Senator Long's incredible record of accomplishment during his time in office. I wish him; his wife, Melissa; and his family the very best in the years to come.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Whitley County Councilman Glen Larue. For 11 years, Councilman Larue has represented Columbia Township. Additionally, Glen has served as dispatcher for the Whitley County Sheriff's Department and as a Columbia City volunteer fireman. I had the honor of serving with Councilman Larue in 2009 and 2010 and I saw firsthand his dedication and commitment to public service. I wish him the best as he begins the next chapter of his life. Whitley County and Columbia Township will miss his leadership and commitment to public service.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sergeant First Class Sammy L. Davis and congratulate him on receiving the Sachem Award. The Sachem Award, our state's highest honor, is given annually to a Hoosier with a lifetime of excellence and moral virtue that has brought credit and honor to the state of Indiana. Sergeant First Class Davis has certainly met the criteria for this prestigious award. As a cannoneer with the 4th Artillery Regiment of the 9th Infantry Division, Sammy was stationed in South Vietnam in 1967. One day, his unit fell under heavy machine gun and mortar fire from the Vietcong. Without hesitation, Sammy manned a howitzer to provide cover for his unit. The howitzer caught fire and Sammy was blown into a foxhole after being struck by an enemy rifle round. Sergeant Davis courageously returned to the burning artillery piece to continue returning fire on the enemy. Although he sustained serious injuries from an enemy mortar round, Sammy picked up an air mattress and crossed a nearby river to rescue his wounded comrades. For his actions, President Lyndon B. Johnson awarded Sammy the Congressional Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism at the risk of his life in 1968. Additionally, Sergeant First Class Davis was awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal for his actions. I would like to congratulate Sammy and his wife, Dixie, on receiving this important award. Hoosiers are proud of the accomplishments of Sergeant First Class Sammy L. Davis and thank him for his service to our nation.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Allen County Judge Daniel Heath and to congratulate him on his retirement. For years Judge Heath has been an integral figure in our community. After graduating from what is now the Indiana University McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis, Judge Heath and his family returned to Fort Wayne, wherein he began his career in public service. Judge Heath took a job as a District Representative for then- Congressman Dan Coats. In this capacity, Judge Heath managed an outstanding constituent service operation that served the people of northeast Indiana. Judge Heath then served as Fort Wayne Mayor Paul Helmke's Chief of Staff and Safety Director, before running for Congress in 1989. Though he was defeated in a close race, Judge Heath never stopped serving his community. In 1996, he was elected to the bench in Allen County. Having served in the Civil Division of the Allen Superior Court for 17 years, Judge Heath went on to serve in the family division in 2013. In this role, Judge Heath spearheaded many important initiatives in our community, including the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative, a program designed to lower the number of young offenders incarcerated in Allen County, and BrightSteps, a program designed to enhance early childhood development. Allen County benefited greatly from Judge Heath's dedication to the community, and we will miss his leadership. I wish him and his family the best in his retirement and future endeavors.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 78th birthday of coach Leland Etzler of Monroeville, Indiana. From 1965 to 2004, Leland coached the Woodlan Warriors' Junior/Senior High School football, basketball, and track teams. He finished his football career with an overall record of 287-117-4. Among his many distinguished achievements at Woodlan, Coach Etzler was named Conference Coach of the Year from 1971 to 1973 and in 1996. Additionally, he was named IFCA Coach of the Year in 1996, and the Ball State Alumni Coach of the Year in 1981. He also orchestrated three perfect seasons in 1965, 1968, 1970, and was a State Runner-up in 1981. In recognition of his accomplishments, Coach Etzler received the National Football Foundation's Distinguished American Award in 2005, and he was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 2001. I would like to wish a happy birthday to Coach Etzler.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Whitley County Councilman Jim Bayman. For 36 years, Councilman Bayman has represented all or parts of Washington, Cleveland, Jefferson and Columbia Townships. I had the honor of serving with Councilman Bayman in 2009 and 2010, and I saw firsthand the positive influence he has had on the people of his district and our County. Councilman Bayman is hard-working, honest and a caring public servant. I wish him the best as he begins the next chapter of his life. Whitley County will miss his leadership and commitment to public service.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Stan Coburn of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Stan recently surpassed his 50th year of employment at the USPS. Stan joined the USPS in 1968, only to be drafted into the Marines shortly thereafter. He served as a helicopter machine gunner during the conflict in Vietnam, then returned to his position at the Post Office one year later. During his career, Stan has been stationed at every Post Office in the Fort Wayne area, and has worked every shift available. Stan has said that he still feels like he has another five years of service left in him. Northeast Indiana is thankful for Stan's many years of service and commitment to our community. In fact, February 6, 2018, was Stan Coburn Day in Fort Wayne. I would like to show appreciation to Stan for his dedication to Hoosiers in my district, and congratulate him on reaching this milestone.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 911 system and to honor its founder, Congressman Ed Roush from Huntington, Indiana. As the representative for my northeast Indiana district, the late Congressman Roush was a driving force behind the efforts to create one central telephone number that citizens could use in a time of crisis to receive help. Launching a one-man crusade in the House, Congressman Roush wrote to all 50 Governors and countless public servants to gain support for an emergency phone number that was easy to remember under stress and short enough to dial quickly. On March 1, 1968, the congressman's efforts were successful, and the 911 system went live in Huntington, Indiana, with Congressman Roush placing the first test call. Due to his efforts, Huntington led the way for other municipalities to adopt the important emergency system that has saved so many lives. Hoosiers are proud of the late Congressman Roush for his leadership 50 years ago on this initiative. We as a nation are safer due to his efforts and the everyday lifesaving actions of 911 operators and first responders.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Unity Performing Arts Foundation of Fort Wayne, Indiana, along with its CEO and founder, Marshall White. Since 2000, Unity Performing Arts has focused on empowering and developing young men and women in the areas of artistry, character, and leadership. Through faith based community programming, young Hoosiers learn values that last a lifetime. The Expressions Creative Writing program creates an avenue for students to express themselves through pen and paper, and the Voices of Unity Choir holds all participants to a standard of excellence, both on and off the stage. Nearly 18 years later, programs of the Unity Performing Arts Foundation continue to be successful in developing young leaders in our community. Unity Performing Arts Foundation has truly had a meaningful impact on northeast Indiana, and I wish this important program continued success.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Madam Speaker, anyone who believes in human rights should support giving care to every infant born alive, even after an abortion attempt. This bill ensures that any child who is born as the result of an attempted abortion--a child who is literally outside of the mother's womb--is cared for just like any other newborn baby. Regardless of our differences on the issue of life, I think all of us can come together to protect the lives of children who are already born. We have seen horrible cases where the lives of children were ended immediately after being born, or even neglected and left to die, as in Kermit Gosnell's clinic. Today I urge my colleagues to do the right thing and protect our Nation's children from violence by voting for this important piece of legislation.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Whitley County Councilman James Bayman. For 36 years, Councilman Bayman has represented the townships of Washington, Cleveland, Jefferson and the South precinct of my home town, Columbia City. I had the honor of serving with Councilman Bayman from 2008 through 2010, and I saw firsthand the positive influence he has had on the people of District 4. Councilman Bayman is hard-working, honest and a caring public servant. I wish him the best as he begins the next chapter of his life. Whitley County will miss his leadership and commitment to public service.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kate's Kart, a group founded in memory of Kate Layman. Monday marked 10 years since Kate's life was cut short due to a heart condition at the age of 18 months. During Kate's final moments here on Earth, listening to stories brought a sense of comfort and joy. Today, Kate's memory lives on through Kate's Kart. This organization brings joy to thousands of hospitalized children throughout northeast Indiana by giving them free books. In the 10 years that it has operated, Kate's Kart has passed out over 186,000 books. Kate's Kart is particularly near and dear to my heart because Mr. Layman, Kate's father, was my middle school history teacher, and he helped spark my interest in government. I want to recognize the life-changing work of Kate's Kart. Truly, Kate's legacy lives on through this organization and its impact on children throughout northeast Indiana.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his tireless efforts on behalf of the unborn. Mr. Speaker, our Nation was founded on the universal principle that all people have a God-given right to life. ``All'' includes every single human being, regardless of race, gender, or age. Throughout our Nation's history, we have continually fought to draw closer to this ideal. However, there is still so much more work to do. Forty-five years ago, the Supreme Court made a tragic decision in Roe v. Wade, and since then, more than 60 million innocent lives have been lost. Every single one of those lives was important and unique. Tonight, as we reflect on those lives lost as a result of Roe v. Wade, we also celebrate that our culture is increasingly recognizing the value of human life. A recent Marist Poll found that an overwhelming majority of the American people want substantial limits on abortion. Another poll found that 61 percent of Americans opposed using tax dollars to fund abortions within the United States, while 83 percent of respondents opposed subsidizing abortions outside of the United States. Last year, the House took an important step by passing the Pain- Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. This bill would prohibit any elective abortion attempt on an unborn child who is 20 weeks or older, the age at which research shows us that children are able to feel pain. Sixty-three percent of Americans support a 20-week abortion ban, and I am hopeful that our colleagues in the Senate will pass this bill later this month. We also must work to ensure that taxpayer dollars do not continue to support the abortion industry, including Planned Parenthood, our Nation's largest abortion provider. Life is a precious and sacred gift worth fighting for. Tonight, I urge my colleagues to stand for human rights and equal justice by standing for our Nation's most vulnerable, the unborn. Let's make the cause of life the cause of our time.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize seven exceptional students from Whitko High School in South Whitley, Indiana. In September 2017, Whitko High School students participated in the 48th World School Children's Art Exhibition in Taipei, Taiwan. The exhibition is designed to promote artistic exploration and highlight the artistic achievements of students from 42 nations. I would like to congratulate Whitko High School students Brielle Harrison, Megan Licata, Trysten Tucker, Chase Meade, Derek Stouder, and Katarina Rojas on being selected to participate in this prestigious contest. I also would like to congratulate Julia Seifert, whose painting ``Indian Lore'' received a bronze prize. On behalf of northeast Indiana, I would like to congratulate these young artists on their accomplishments. I know that each of these students has a very bright future.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Joe George, a sailor who showed exceptional bravery during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Joe defied direct orders from his superior officer and saved the lives of six men trapped on the embattled USS Arizona. Mr. Speaker, for years, Joe's family and two veterans he saved have petitioned the Navy to acknowledge his bravery. I first heard his story from Warsaw, Indiana, middle school students Keller Bailey, Jason Benyousky, Ryun Hoffert, Geoffrey Hochstetler, and their adviser, Richard Rooker, regarding the National History Day project. I introduced a resolution that highlights Joe's courage and calls for the Navy to recognize his selfless actions during the attack. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the Navy has recently announced that Joe George will be posthumously awarded the Bronze Star for his heroism. Joe George was an American hero and a shining example of the courage of the Greatest Generation.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Father Solanus Casey and to celebrate his upcoming beatification on Saturday, November 18th. Father Casey was born in Oak Grove, Wisconsin, the son of Irish immigrants. Though he faced challenges in the early part of his life, Father Casey's love for God guided him to the priesthood. Thus, he joined the Capuchin Order and was ordained a simplex priest. On July 31, 1904, he celebrated his first Mass. Father Solanus' journey took him to all parts on the country. He was assigned to monasteries in New York, Detroit, and most importantly Huntington, Indiana, where he served the Capuchin novitiate of Saint Felix. He was known for his kind demeanor, his ``attitude of gratitude,'' and his devotion to the Church and God. He served the people of Huntington with distinction from 1946 to 1956. Shortly after, Father Solanus passed away on July 31, 1957. After years of research and advocacy by the Father Solanus Guild, Father Solanus will be recognized as another step farther along the path to Sainthood this weekend. I am particularly pleased that the Catholic Church is recognizing a man who touched so many lives in Northeast Indiana. Father Solanus still has a strong following to this day, and I would like to congratulate the Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend for all of its efforts throughout the years to celebrate the life and memory of this generous man. I am excited to celebrate this momentous occasion with all of my constituents whose lives have been touched by Father Solanus and his ministry. Father Solanus Casey truly lived a noble, Christian life.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor of my time in Congress to serve on the House Armed Services Committee with Chairman Thornberry, and I am grateful for his leadership. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the fiscal year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act conference report. As the most recently deployed veteran serving in Congress, I have seen the national security challenges facing our country, firsthand. While these challenges are not easily solved, this legislation represents a significant step forward. Whether it is giving our troops a well-deserved raise, significantly increasing end strength numbers for each of the services, allowing for the continued transfer of excess defense articles to allies abroad who are in need, or funding our vital missile defense programs, this legislation begins the long process of rebuilding and reforming our military so we are ready for whatever comes next. Mr. Speaker, my gratitude goes out to those serving both here at home and abroad, and I urge my colleagues to support this important bipartisan legislation.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, let me first thank the gentleman from Florida for his continued efforts to support our veterans. As a proud member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, it is great to work on such a bipartisan committee with Ranking Member Walz and other members who care deeply about our American veterans. Mr. Speaker, sadly, every single day 20 veterans take their own lives. In 1 year, the total is nearly as many people who live in my hometown of Columbia City, Indiana. Veterans account for 18 percent of suicides, even though they are only 8\1/2\ percent of the total population. Our female veterans are 2\1/2\ times more likely to commit suicide than civilian women. We can't allow this to continue. Just one veteran suicide a day is a horrible tragedy, let alone 20. Our veterans were vigilant in fighting for our freedoms. We must be just as vigilant in fighting for their needs. Mr. Speaker, the bill before us today seeks to enable the VA's Veterans Crisis Line, or VCL, to be even more effective in this fight. As has already been mentioned, since 2007, it has fielded nearly 2.8 million calls and 67,000 text messages. But there is no overarching approach to ensure the VA knows the effectiveness of the VCL in preventing future suicide attempts after the initial phone call or how well the crisis line connects veterans to the mental healthcare services of the VA. That is why, with this bill, we can harness the power of data analytics to improve the functionality of the VCL and the VA's mental healthcare services. The VCL is a critical tool, and we must do everything we can to help it play as large a role as possible. We must ensure that our veterans who seek care can access it so that they can find a long-term solution to their difficulties. Mr. Speaker, we must ensure our veterans know they are not alone after the phone call. I have spoken with veterans service organizations throughout this bill's progress. I thank them for their feedback and for looking out for our veterans. I would like to thank Congressman Moulton, who was my lead on the other side of the aisle, for his work as a partner on this bill, as well, and for his dedication to our veteran population. I would also like to thank the entire Indiana delegation from both sides of the aisle for cosponsoring this bill and showing the Hoosier State's strong commitment to preventing veteran suicide. I ask my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 4173.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Roe for his hard work on behalf of our veterans as chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. I am very proud to serve on that committee under his leadership. Mr. Speaker, because our veterans answered the call and served our country, we, in turn, must serve them and their families. This commitment extends to assisting them in medical recovery, in successfully transitioning to the civilian workforce, and, just as importantly, in properly memorializing their lives when they are gone. Current law provides memorial headstones for veterans and for their spouses and children when the remains of the deceased cannot be found. This can occur in unfortunate cases, such as a boating or a plane accident. Public Law 105-368 provides headstones for spouses, and it was enacted in 1998. Public Law 109-461 provides headstones for dependent children, and it was enacted in 2006. Both groups are eligible for this benefit as of the date of enactment. However, as has already been said, it is unfortunate that these two laws did not go into effect at the same time, potentially opening the door for a parent to receive this benefit, but not a child. Mr. Speaker, my bill, H.R. 3656, would amend title 38 of the United States Code to provide for a consistent eligibility date for spouses and dependent children. The date for both would be set at the current date for spouses: November 11, 1998. This bill is especially necessary for the few tragic cases in which a spouse and a dependent child both passed away in the same accident during a period when these two laws were not in sync. We need to correct this situation. My legislation is a practical fix to take care of our veterans and their families, and to keep our commitment to them. Therefore, I ask my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 3656.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, four U.S. servicemembers were killed in Niger by Islamic militants. We thank these American heroes who paid the ultimate price for our country. Their service will never be forgotten. As we learn more about this situation, many of my constituents have asked why American personnel are in Niger to begin with. Today, we have U.S. servicemembers around the globe fighting or advising operations against ISIS, al-Qaida, and other terrorist groups on several continents. However, they are doing so under war authorization that Congress passed in 2001 and 2002, in the wake of the September 11 attacks. Rather than continuing to fight ISIS under an authorization passed by Congress 16 years ago, it is time to pass a new authorization for the use of military force that is focused on present-day and future threats. The authorizations passed by Congress in 2001 and 2002 are out of date. I have introduced new AUMF legislation that addresses the modern threats we face. The Constitution grants Congress the power of declaring war, and we need to take that obligation seriously and debate these important issues. My bill is a good starting point.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on Monday night, I had the privilege of attending the Allen County Right to Life's 20th annual Uniting Our City for Life Banquet. The event was a wonderful time with fellow Hoosiers who share a common concern for the sanctity of innocent human life, from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death. It also was a celebration of the fact that our culture increasingly is recognizing the value of human life. A poll released last year found that a majority of young Americans support increasing restrictions that protect the unborn. Another recent poll found that 61 percent of Americans oppose using tax dollars to fund abortions. This growing recognition that life is a precious and sacred gift is due, in large part, to the tireless efforts of organizations like Allen County Right to Life. I want to express special thanks to Allen County Right to Life Executive Director Cathie Humbarger and Operations Director Abigail Lorenzen for all they do in northeast Indiana to promote life and defend the unborn. I also want to congratulate Pat Miller on receiving the Daniel Award for pro-life commitment during Monday night's dinner. Throughout his career, he has been a consistent and compassionate voice for the cause of life, and there is no one more deserving of this prestigious award.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, the last time Congress passed fundamental tax reform, I was 7 years old. It is long past time that our broken Tax Code is fixed and our country gets back on a path to robust and sustained economic growth. As we consider tax reform legislation, we should look to my home State of Indiana for inspiration. During my time as a State senator, Indiana lowered business taxes by nearly 50 percent, and rates are scheduled to fall even further in the coming years. By 2022, the Hoosier State will have the third lowest corporate tax rate in the Nation. At the same time, Indiana has removed many special interest loopholes and carve-outs to make the system simple and fair for all Hoosier taxpayers. According to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, Indiana has the eighth best business tax climate in the country, a number that will only get better as tax rates continue to go down. The results speak for themselves: Indiana has an unemployment rate below 4 percent, strong economic growth, a AAA credit rating, and a $1.8 billion surplus in the bank. Lower taxes combined with simplicity and fairness--this is the model that we need to embrace if our country is going to return to sustained 3 percent and greater growth.

Mr. BANKS of Indiana

Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank my distinguished colleague for yielding. I, too, rise today in strong support of H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. This bill would prohibit any elective abortion attempt of an unborn child who is 20 weeks or older, the age at which research shows children are able to feel pain. I think it is worth noting that this landmark legislation is projected to save between 12,000 and 18,000 lives each year. These are individuals who will become fathers, mothers, technological innovators, servicemembers, and hardworking contributors to our great Nation Ten years ago, studies began to emerge proving that an unborn child is able to feel pain as early as 20 weeks post-fertilization. So as our Nation's understanding of fetal pain has become more advanced, protections for pain-capable unborn children have been signed into law in 20 States, including my home State of Indiana. But that is not enough. Despite claims from many pro-abortion groups, late-term abortion is neither safe or, unfortunately, rare. As recently as 2014, it was estimated that 430 abortion facilities in the United States were willing to perform abortions on unborn children 20 weeks or older. This sort of late-term abortion--at the point when the child can actually feel the procedure--will continue to happen without a Federal prohibition. Sixty percent of women, 56 percent of Independents, and 46 percent of Democrats support this sort of legislation. It has broad public support. Let's ensure that all 50 States have protections for vulnerable pain- capable unborn children. I have advocated for these protections my entire career, from the State house in Indiana to here in the United States Congress. That is why today I express my strong support for the passage of H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, introduced by my distinguished colleague, Congressman Trent Franks of Arizona. I urge my colleagues tomorrow as well to support this important legislation.