James Baird

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. In my district, agriculture isn't just a part of the economy; it is the economy. Our corn and soybean farmers feed our country, fuel our bioeconomy, and supply global markets, all while operating on tight margins and managing significant risks. This bill provides the certainty they need to plan, invest, and sustain operations that often span generations. It also strengthens the critical link between research and production. Institutions like Purdue University are driving advances in crop science, soil health, precision agriculture, and supply chain resilience, moving the innovation from the lab to the field and keeping American agriculture globally competitive. I am especially pleased this legislation includes provisions I have worked on to expand access to the technical expertise for conservation, strengthen local and regional processing capacity, improve coordination between the leading research agencies, and provide clarity for emerging agricultural technologies. These are the practical steps that help farmers adopt innovation and build more resilient supply chains. Just as important, this bill reaffirms our strong commitment to science-based standards, particularly at the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA's rigorous and data-driven review process ensures farmers have access to safe and effective crop protection tools while protecting consumers and the environment. We must maintain that gold standard while also ensuring that reviews are timely and predictable, so American producers remain competitive. Madam Speaker, this bill strengthens farm programs, invests in conservation, and supports our rural communities. It is about stability, innovation, and national security. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides to support this legislation.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, April 20, 2026, I was unable to cast my vote due to family obligations in Indiana. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 125, Passage of H.R. 1681, and YEA on Roll Call No. 126, Passage of H.R. 5200.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate four Boilermakers from Purdue University who competed in the NCAA wrestling championships. These student-athletes are Joey Blaze, a 165-pound weight class junior; Blake Boarman, a junior in the 133-pound weight class; 174- pound weight class senior Brody Baumann; and senior Ben Vanadia in the 197-pound weight class. Purdue junior Joey Blaze wrapped up a sixth place finish, becoming the 13th two-time All-American in Purdue wrestling history. Brody Baumann is a three-time NCAA qualifier and was one of the only three Indiana natives to qualify for the nationals in 2026. Blake Boarman went to the nationals for the second time, his first time as a Boilermaker. Competing in his fourth year, Ben Vanadia went to the nationals for the first time. Congratulations to these outstanding student-athletes. They should be proud of their hard work. Boiler up. Congratulating David Betourne

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I would like today to congratulate an un-bee- lievable young speller from northwest Indiana. David Betourne recently won the Scripps Regional Spelling Bee of northwest Indiana after seven rounds and nearly 2 hours of intense competition. David ultimately triumphed by spelling the word biomimicry, proving that every letter truly counts. With this impressive victory, Mr. Betourne now has the opportunity to represent the Lafayette area at the National Spelling Bee in May in our Nation's Capital. Competing on the national stage takes not only knowledge but focus, preparation, and a vocabulary that would impress the dictionary. I know David will do an excellent job, and I want him to know and remember that we are all rooting for him. I congratulate him again on this well-deserved and well-worded achievement. He will make Indiana proud. Congratulating Wabash College Track and Field Athletes

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate two Wabash College students who were honored at the North Coast Athletic Conference track and field. Quinn Sholar was named the 2026 NCAC Men's Field Athlete of the Year. Brock DeBello earned the NCAC Newcomer of the Year award as a freshman. Quinn Sholar won shot put with a top mark of 16.42 meters. He also made a conferencewide and school record throw of 18.69 meters to win a February 27 weight throw competition. As a freshman, Brock DeBello is having quite the season. Producing intense executions on the track, he broke a school record at the February 27 400-meter preliminaries with a time of 48.6 seconds. DeBello returned in the finals to secure a fourth-place finish at 47.47 seconds. Congratulations to these two and to the entire Wabash track and field team for an amazing championship run.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the extraordinary men and women of the Department of Homeland Security. At a time of complex and evolving threats, our commitment to homeland security must be unwavering. Despite this reality, some of my colleagues continue to block funding. This does not make us safer. Thousands of employees at FEMA, TSA, and CISA are working without pay. These are people who save lives, prevent attacks, support communities in crisis, and safeguard the systems that keep our country running. These personnel serving in high-risk roles face an unacceptable stress of doing their jobs without the resources they need. Supporting Homeland Security is not about ideology. It is about protecting the American people and ensuring our Nation is nearly and evenly taken care of during these threat periods. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to rise above partisanship and prove that the security of the United States will always come first. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Phil Deckard, the former mayor of Martinsville, Indiana, who passed away at the end of last year. Phil dedicated 57 years of his life to public service and leadership in Morgan County and served four terms as the mayor of Martinsville. Phil also served as the voice of the Martinsville Artesians, announcing football and basketball games at Martinsville High School. Phil Deckard also served in the United States Navy as an airman from 1958 to 1959, before serving in the United States Air Force for another 4 years. He was honorably discharged as an E4 Airman First Class. I am grateful for Phil's service to Indiana and our Nation. Our condolences and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time. Honoring Joe Root

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Joe Root, who has served Clinton County as a veteran service officer for 25 years and served with the Clinton County Sheriff's Office for 20 years. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1966 to 1970 and eventually became a VSO in 2001 to advocate for fellow veterans and ensure our veterans receive the benefits they rightfully deserve. Joe Root's commitment to our veterans in Indiana does not stop there. He helped establish the Clinton County War Memorial at the courthouse and has led Memorial Day veteran services and honored veterans with 100-year birthday celebrations. Mr. Speaker, I thank Joe Root for his selfless service to our country and to our Clinton County communities as well as his tireless advocacy on behalf of our Nation's veterans. Remembering Dr. Philip Low

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Philip Low, a remarkable scientist and teacher from Purdue University, who worked on breakthrough studies in drug discovery and cancer research. Dr. Low recently passed away at the age of 78. In his career, he served as Purdue University's Presidential Scholar for Drug Discovery and the Ralph C. Corley Distinguished Professor of Chemistry. He held over 100 U.S. patents and is listed on 600 other patents and 145 invention disclosures. He received some of the highest honors that can be given by Purdue University. Those who knew him well said ``he cared about everybody,'' and ``he spent every minute trying to do good.'' He certainly did, and his work truly helped save lives. I offer my condolences to his family and friends during this time. Dr. Low was an outstanding Hoosier. May he rest in peace. Catherine Myers Celebrates 20 Years in Community Journalism

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Catherine Myers from Hendricks County, who recently achieved a historic milestone, celebrating 20 years of publishing community journalism. Catherine Myers and her husband, Rick, started a community newspaper publishing business in 2005 when they launched the Business Leader, a newspaper featuring local businesses and business leaders in Hendricks County. They went on to acquire additional newspapers in other counties in central Indiana. Unfortunately, Rick Myers passed away from cancer in 2021. After Rick's passing, Catherine Myers dedicated herself to launching a new community paper, the Hendricks County Community CONNECT, which serves Avon, Brownsburg, Danville, and Plainfield. Catherine Myers has dedicated her life to bringing fresh perspectives and relevant content to our central Indiana communities. I thank her for her commitment to delivering local news, and I congratulate her on 20 years in the industry.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, due to a death in my family, I missed several votes the week of March 2, 2026. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 79, Previous question regarding H. Res. 1095; YEA on Roll Call No. 80, Passage on H. Res. 1095; YEA on Roll Call No. 81, Passage of S. 723; YEA on Roll Call No. 82, Passage of H.R. 6472; and YEA on Roll Call No. 83, Committee referral of H. Res. 1100.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express profound sadness on the passing of Captain Seth R. Koval of Mooresville, Indiana, and my gratitude for his service to our Nation. Captain Koval died during a refueling accident while supporting Operation Epic Fury. Captain Koval was a KC-135R Stratotanker instructor pilot for the 166th Air Refueling Squadron. He enlisted as a machinist in the Indiana Air National Guard in 2006 and graduated in 2011 from Purdue with a bachelor's degree. He joined the Ohio National Guard in 2017 and was commissioned on November 9, 2018. He eventually became advanced trained as an instructor pilot. He deployed multiple times over the past 12 years, including in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Spartan Shield, and Epic Fury. Captain Koval ultimately accumulated over 400 hours of flight in combat. Captain Koval was married for 19 years and was the father of a young son. I thank Captain Koval for his selfless service. My prayers are with his family.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, on February 24, 2026, I was unable to make it to the floor for three votes. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 71, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 6329; NAY on Roll Call No. 72, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass S. 2503; and YEA on Roll Call No. 73, On Ordering the Previous Question.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I was indisposed during this vote due to a vehicle accident. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 2; YEA on Roll Call No. 3; and NAY on Roll Call No. 4.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I was indisposed during this vote due to a vehicle accident. Had I been present, I would have voted present on Roll Call No. 1.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Steve Reeder, a dedicated local historian and the chair of the social studies department at Monrovia High School. He has taught at Monrovia High School for over 25 years. Steve spent nearly 2 years researching and writing ``Our Town,'' a book that chronicles the history of Monrovia and the surrounding areas in Morgan County. He first undertook the project to help his students with pride and to have pride in their community. ``Our Town'' was published earlier this year. Steve and his students have also helped with the installation of several local history markers in the community. In addition to getting published, Steve was honored by WISH TV with their Golden Apple Award, which recognizes exceptional teachers in central Indiana. I thank Steve for his decades of educating children and for supporting Morgan County communities.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Pioneer High School football team. The Pioneer Panthers had an incredible season and a well-deserved visit to the 1A State Championship finals. While the end of this football season wasn't what the Pioneer team really had hoped for, each and every one of the football players on this team should be proud of the hard work that allowed them to reach the State championship. Their dedication in every game is an inspiration to their school and community. I also thank the parents, teachers, staff, and coaches for all of their contributions and support throughout this football season. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Pioneer Panthers on reaching the IHSAA 1A Football State Championship. I know they will continue to deliver great successes on and off the football field in the years to come.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Gracyn Stevens from Kirklin, Indiana, who won the 13th annual National Cattlemen's Beef Association National Anthem Contest. Gracyn will sing ``The Star- Spangled Banner'' at CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. She will also sing before both ``Cowboys Night at the Opry'' shows at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Gracyn said that it was an honor to win this contest and represent an industry that she loves and that she will strive to make a meaningful impact on for years to come. Gracyn Stevens says she appreciates the lessons that she learned growing up showing cattle in 4-H. The cattle industry taught her that true success is about the effort and passion put into each project. I congratulate Gracyn on this outstanding achievement. I know she will make Indiana proud at CattleCon.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 315, S. 356, and YEA on Roll Call No. 316, H.R. 1676.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Indiana High School Athletic Association 3A football State champions, the Cascade Cadets. The Cascade High School football team triumphed over Fort Wayne Luers with a 29-14 victory, securing the first football State championship in the school's history. These outstanding athletes played their hardest at Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday. The Cascade Cadets secured a commanding lead in the first quarter and remained dominant throughout the game, ultimately emerging victorious. I congratulate these outstanding student athletes on winning the State championship, a fitting way to end their perfect season. The students on Cascade's football team should be extraordinarily proud of their tireless efforts and dedication. I know this win means so much to everyone in the Clayton community who was cheering them on to victory. Congratulations, again, to the Cascade Cadets on this historic championship.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Gary Steinhardt from Lafayette, Indiana. Gary Steinhardt served in the U.S. Army for 30 years and is a veteran of the Vietnam and Iraq wars. Gary has also served as a professor of agronomy at Purdue University, focusing on soil conservation and the preservation of agricultural land. He has been with Purdue for nearly 50 years. Gary has been a great advocate for veterans in Tippecanoe County for years. Gary has served in multiple positions within the VFW and the American Legion, such as post chaplain and commander of post 38. He has also been very active with other Vietnam veterans' organizations in the area, furthering legislation affecting veterans' issues. Gary was recently diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. My thoughts and prayers go out to Gary and his family during this time, and I thank him for his many years of selfless service to our country, our veterans, and Purdue University. Honoring Rick Lang

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Martinsville Police Chief Rick Lang, who is retiring from the Martinsville Police Department this month after over 50 years in law enforcement. He first became a law enforcement officer in 1974 and has spent most of his life faithfully serving the people of Morgan County with unwavering dedication. Rick Lang first served as the Martinsville police chief from 2015 to 2016 and took over for a second time as chief that year. Prior to serving as police chief, Rick Lang served as a Morgan County-based detective with the Indiana State Police. I thank Rick for his dedicated years of selfless service to our Martinsville and Morgan County communities, and I wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement as he begins this exciting new chapter in his life. Recognizing Brownsburg Bulldogs

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate back-to-back Indiana High School Athletic Association's 6A State champion football team of Brownsburg Bulldogs. The Brownsburg Bulldogs faced Westfield High School once again in the State finals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Brownsburg successfully defended its title as the reigning State football champion, defeating Westfield with a final score of 38-31. The Brownsburg football team finishes their remarkable season undefeated with a record of 14-0. I congratulate these outstanding student athletes on winning back-to- back State championships. Every one of these students should be incredibly proud of their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. I also thank the parents, the coaches, and the faculty, who gave their time and efforts for this team. They couldn't have won without their support. Once again, I congratulate the reigning State 6A football champions, the Brownsburg Bulldogs. Recognizing South Putnam Eagles

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the South Putnam High School football team on winning the IHSAA 1A State championship this year. The South Putnam Eagles took on Pioneer. After a back-and-forth battle in the first half, the South Putnam Eagles took on a commanding lead, achieved a decisive victory, and won with a final score of 55-29 against Pioneer. This historic victory is South Putnam's first State football championship since 1986. This State championship win is a testament to the South Putnam student athletes' dedication, teamwork, and perseverance. They should be incredibly proud of their hard work. I thank the parents, teachers, and Coach Chuck Sorrell for their support and efforts that helped this team succeed on and off of the field. Again, I congratulate the South Putnam Eagles on their State championship.