James Baird

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the memory of Tippecanoe County Council President Bryan Metzger. Originally from Milltown, Indiana, Bryan lived a life full of love and service to his community. Bryan first gained an appreciation for public service when he joined 4-H at just 10 years of age. Always an energetic member, Bryan knew he wanted to continue his work with 4-H. After graduating from Purdue University, Bryan accomplished just that, serving for decades with the 4-H Extension Services in White and Lawrence Counties, before settling in Tippecanoe County. His selflessness extended to other youth organizations in his community, having worked with the Court Appointed Special Advocate Association, the Cary Home for Children in Tippecanoe County, and countless other advocacy organizations. My friend and former colleague cared immensely about the growth and development of our young people, and any number of lives are better for his time and generous spirit. Bryan was also a devoted member of the Greater Lafayette Rotary Club, and he continued to work for his community through the Tippecanoe County Council following his retirement from the Extension Service in 2012 after 33 years of faithful service. Inexhaustible as ever, Bryan most recently served as president of the county council. Those who were fortunate enough to have known and worked with Bryan admired and respected his endless civic engagement. Described by his peers as dedicated and focused, Bryan embodied the 4-H pledge of head, heart, hands, and health in service to others, and he will be missed dearly by his community. Thank you for your service, Bryan.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for having this Special Order. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reflect on the 47th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision which has had a devastating effect on protecting the sanctity of life and advancing the rights of the unborn. This ill-fated decision has had drastic, negative consequences and has expanded the abhorrent practice of abortion across this country. But despite the devastating effects Roe v. Wade has had on the sanctity of life, I am inspired to see so many of my fellow Members of Congress join me in continuing the fight for the unborn. Whether it be by signing the discharge petition to bring the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act to the floor for a vote, or by cosponsoring legislation to prohibit the use of taxpayer funding in abortions, my House colleagues and I will continue to fight to protect life. Just a couple of weeks ago, I was proud to join 206 of my congressional colleagues in signing an amicus brief filed with the U.S. Supreme Court concerning the Louisiana case of June Medical Services v. Gee. I look forward to seeing the court review this case and others in hopes that they may issue a decision that reflects the will of the majority of Americans to protect the unborn.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I have just got a couple of words I would like to remind this body about. I have heard a lot of talk about patriotism, and I gave this arm in Vietnam. I have got a lot of good friends whose names are on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, so don't talk to me about patriotism, and how much I love this country when we are standing here debating an issue that we all know is not going anywhere. The last thing I would say to you is, while I was serving in Vietnam, there were many occasions when I didn't have the ability to do what I thought was necessary. I just say to you that this body couldn't make up their mind whether they wanted to be in that war or not, and I suggest we get with the right program and do it now.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Madam Speaker, for several months now, I have been very vocal about the importance of passing the USMCA for Indiana. I have heard from constituents about their desire to get this deal done. I have also encouraged my colleagues to push for a vote. So I applaud the leadership to get this historic deal accomplished. Today's passage of USMCA will give businesses and farmers across our district increased opportunity to grow. In 2018, our State exported more than $18 billion to Mexico and Canada. Under USMCA, that number will rise. This trade deal is a big win for our automotive industry and agricultural community and for the protection of our intellectual property. With this improved trade agreement, we will see better market access and job growth here at home. I am proud to support the passage of USMCA and look forward to supporting more victories for the U.S. economy.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Madam Speaker, today marks a sad day for America. Instead of getting to work to solve the issues of our time, the House Democrats have decided to try to discredit President Trump and undo the results of the 2016 election. The facts here are clear. The President did not commit any crimes. He did not break any laws. And there was no quid pro quo. This has been a secretive, misdirected process from the very beginning, and the American people see right through it. I look forward to voting against this impeachment charade and getting back to work to support the efforts of President Trump to continue growing our economy, creating jobs, and improving the lives of all Americans.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Madam Speaker, the totality of this process is just another reminder that my colleagues across the aisle are more focused on politics than policy. The American people deserve better. Our Republic deserves better. The brave men and women of our military, myself included, have fought for freedom and democracy all around the world. Yet, today, my colleagues are eroding those freedoms through a process that ignored facts, abused power, and was shrouded in secrecy. Those facts could not be more clear: The President committed no crime, broke no laws, and there was no quid pro quo. I look forward to doing the right thing, representing the Hoosiers in my district, and voting against this impeachment charade. I stand with President Trump and look forward to passing policies that continue to move our country forward.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the 60,000 direct and indirect jobs that the medical device industry brings to my home State. The last 4 years, Congress has worked together to continually suspend the medical device tax because they know that it doesn't make sense. This tax is a bane to innovation; it damages our manufacturing sector; it raises healthcare prices; and it hurts high-paying jobs. What our medical device industry needs more than anything is certainty. There has been enough upheaval in our healthcare system over the last decade to last us a lifetime. Let's show our support for the hardworking Americans, the good jobs, the patients, and the employers and permanently repeal this tax.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for the opportunity to express my thoughts about the rising trend in socialism. We have seen the effects of socialism, and you need not look very far to see the disastrous results that socialism has brought to countries across the globe. From the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 to the political and humanitarian crisis unfolding in Venezuela, socialism has brought about mass suffering, human rights violations, and rampant corruption. No other form of government has brought about such tragic results. Capitalism has stood the test of time, fueled by individual freedom and free market competition. The United States has flourished because of capitalism, becoming the world's largest economy and providing economic opportunity for hundreds of millions of citizens. We must stand for capitalism. Without it, humanity will recede and our progress will slow. I call your attention to the thousands of men and women who have served in uniform and some who gave all in an effort to protect the freedoms that we enjoy. Mr. Speaker, I never thought that I would feel the need to speak out against socialism before this great body, but I will do so so that generations to come will enjoy the same opportunities for prosperity that my generation was afforded. I thank the gentleman again for this opportunity.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 737, the Building Blocks of STEM Act. I was proud to join my colleague, the Chair of the Research and Technology Subcommittee, Representative Haley Stevens in introducing the House version of this legislation, which unanimously passed this Chamber in July, and am pleased to be speaking today on the nearly identical Senate version of the bill. As one of only two members of Congress with a PhD in science, I understand the importance of teaching STEM concepts and principles at an early age. Fostering the natural curiosity that children possess is critical to expanding their interests in science, technology, engineering, and math. Research confirms that kids as young as one, two, or three are capable of absorbing STEM concepts. Equally important is ensuring that we get more girls involved in the STEM fields, so that we have as many people as possible contributing to the knowledge base of our society. Like the House version, S. 737 directs NSF to fund research and grants that focus on early childhood and young women in STEM at the K through 12 level. This bill helps ensure we are preparing our future workforce to fill the jobs of the future. By passing this important legislation we will continue America's global leadership in science and technology. I ask my colleagues to support the bill and send it to the President's desk for his signature.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Chair, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 622.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Congressional Gold Star Family Fellowship Program Act sponsored by my colleague, Mr. Kelly. Mr. Speaker, our men and women in uniform are part of a long line of patriots whose unwavering commitment to our Nation has preserved the rich legacy of freedom that we each enjoy every day. Our military families are the forces behind our Armed Forces, and it is our duty to also support and care for them, especially when their loved one pays the ultimate sacrifice in service to our Nation. I am proud to support this legislation, named after two fallen American soldiers, Sergeant First Class Sean Cooley and Specialist Christopher Horton. This resolution will provide fellowships in congressional offices to Gold Star family members, giving them the opportunity to drive policy change here in Washington and serve our country in their own way. Our fallen men and women in uniform stepped forward and answered the call to serve. It is our turn to do our part to honor their legacy of service and sacrifice by keeping the ones that we leave behind in the forefront of our minds as we make decisions in this body. With passage of this legislation, we will send a message to our Gold Star families that they are not forgotten, and the American people stand behind them and support them. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleague in remembering the 36th anniversary of the appalling terrorist attack on American troops stationed in Beirut, Lebanon, on October 23, 1983. This horrific attack took the lives of 241 U.S. troops and injured countless others. This incident marked the highest single-day death toll for the United States Marine Corps since the Battle of Iwo Jima. My friend and fellow Hoosier, Greg Pence, was stationed in Beirut just 10 days before the terrorist attack and lost many fellow marines in the bombing. Here with us today, seated in the gallery, are a few of the Gold Star families who lost their loved ones and family members on that fateful day. Mr. Speaker, freedom truly is not free, and I thank them for their sacrifice and pay tribute to the brave servicemembers who paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend and protect the United States of America.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Kansas for allowing me to have the opportunity to speak on this important issue. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to lend my voice in support of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, better known as USMCA, which will expand markets for our farmers and manufacturers, while ensuring cheaper goods for Americans. In Indiana, our economy thrives because we are one of the larger manufacturing States in the country, and an agricultural center for the Nation. We make the steel that towers above the Nation's largest cities in skyscrapers. We build the cars that drive along the Nation's highways and byways, and we grow the crops that feed the Nation's citizens and livestock. We have built this economy, in part, through strong international relationships with countries as far away as Japan, and as close as Canada and Mexico. In fact, it is the partnerships with our closest neighbors to the north and south that are the strongest and most vital. In 2018, Canada was the Hoosier State's most significant international export market, purchasing 34 percent of all of the exports, for a total of $13 billion in products. The 72 Canadian companies which operate in Indiana employ over 15,600 citizens of our State. Mexico follows as our second biggest export market, purchasing 13.8 percent of our exports, injecting $5.5 billion into the Hoosier heartland. There are 2,000 manufacturing firms and 61,000 jobs in Indiana who rely on exports to these countries. Beyond the strengthening of our export market, USMCA will also increase the percentage of cars that must be built in North America to 75 percent and require that 40 percent of the auto content be built by workers earning $16 an hour or more. This is both a boon for manufacturers in the State and the Hoosier workers that are the lifeblood of our economy. This legislation also opens up Canadian markets to our U.S. turkey and dairy products and ensures that our agricultural producers have access to Mexico's markets tariff-free. Right now, due to the international trade conditions like the current delay in this deal, Hoosier manufacturers are seeing their growth stymied. The Hoosier farmers are hurting as corn, soy, and pork markets have taken major hits in the past few years. The longer we wait, the worse it gets. Nearly every day I hear from constituents who are anxious to get this trade deal passed so that we can keep our economy in high gear. Our farmers and manufacturers in the Fourth District need this deal for both the certainty and the prosperity it will provide. USMCA will further expand prosperity and ensure that the strong economic growth we have seen in the past 3 years continues. Mr. Speaker, I will close with this: Allow us to vote.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the positive impact that international automakers' investments have made in the United States and, specifically, in my home State of Indiana. Today, international automakers operate 30 manufacturing facilities across 12 States, including 3 in Indiana, and build more than 60 different vehicle models across the country. Eleven models are produced in my home State, including the Subaru Ascent, Impreza, Legacy, and Outback, which are all built in Lafayette, in our Fourth Congressional District. In addition to Subaru, Indiana is also home to Honda Manufacturing of Indiana and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana. Overall, international automakers in Indiana have directly employed more than 13,000 Hoosiers and helped support more than 126,000 local jobs via direct and indirect employment, produced over 1 million vehicles in 2018, and invested $7.5 billion in our State's economy. For 50 years and counting, international automakers have thrived in this country, thanks to an economy that welcomes investment, competition, and innovation. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the important role of international automakers in the United States.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1665, the Building Blocks of STEM Act. I was proud to join my colleague, the chair of the Research and Technology Subcommittee, Representative Haley Stevens, in introducing this legislation. As one of only two Members of Congress with a Ph.D. in science, I understand how important it is to start children off on the right foot by teaching STEM concepts and principles at an early age. Research shows that kids as young as 1, 2, or 3 are capable of absorbing STEM concepts. Children have a natural curiosity that can be fostered into an interest in science, technology, engineering, math, and computer science. Equally important is ensuring that we get more girls involved in the STEM fields so that we can have as many people as possible contributing to the knowledge base of our society. H.R. 1665 directs the NSF to fund research and studies that focus on early childhood and young women in STEM at the K-12 level. Investing in children early ensures that we are laying the groundwork to develop young innovators in STEM. Hoosiers know that to grow our Nation, we need everyone involved. This bill helps ensure that we are preparing students to fill the jobs of the future, continuing America's global leadership in science and technology. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Madam Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. BAIRD. Madam 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. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Oklahoma for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3153, the Expanding Findings for Federal Opioid Research and Treatment Act, also known as the EFFORT Act. The opioid crisis has, tragically, destroyed the lives of many Hoosiers. According to the most recent available data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in 2017, drug overdose deaths in Indiana increased by 22\1/2\ percent from the previous year. Indiana's 2017 rate of overdose deaths at over 29 per 100,000 was significantly higher than the national average. This epidemic does not discriminate, and we must use evidence-based policy to ensure the health and well-being of current and future generations. The National Science Foundation's research has increased what we know about addiction, and while this research is at the top of its class, gaps still remain in the prevention and treatment of opioid addiction. That is why I joined my colleague, Congresswoman Wexton, to introduce the EFFORT Act, directing the National Science Foundation, in consultation with the National Institutes of Health, to support merit- reviewed and competitively awarded research on the science of opioid addiction. By expanding basic research, we can promote collaboration and further understand how to better treat the multiple aspects of the opioid addiction. I hope we can see an end to this crisis soon, and I am proud that Congress is taking action to fight back. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Madam Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 and the triumph of the human spirit. On July 16, 1969, three Americans boarded a rocket at Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Florida. When they lifted off a few hours later with a flight path toward the unthinkable, humanity was changed forever. Millions of men, women, and children were inspired watching the extraordinary events unfold over the next 4 days as humanity took these first steps on the Moon. Fellow Purdue University alumnus Neil Armstrong's words: ``That is one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind'' will forever define that moment in history. The successful journey to the Moon brought with it a tremendous sense of triumph and pride. Our Nation found a bold, common goal that we reached through American ingenuity and determination. This is the spirit that carries us forward in exploration and innovation today. Right now we are looking at returning to the Moon within the next 5 years and eventually landing on Mars. Madam Speaker, what has been previously unheard of is now being thrust into the scope of reality. It is our responsibility to keep taking giant leaps to challenge what is perceived as impossible, and I look forward to the next chapter of American space exploration.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize our nation's dairy farmers. Since 1937, the month of June has been set aside to celebrate National Dairy Month. The dairy industry, and the products it produces, is extremely important to the agricultural sector and hundreds of millions of Americans and consumers around the world. It generates $38 billion of direct wages for 3 million jobs on 37,000 family-owned dairy farms and related industries. But times have been tough in recent years with narrow margins and low to no profitability. In fact, this is the fifth consecutive year that we've had low prices, pushing 2,700 dairy farmers out of business in 2018. That's why USDA's Dairy Margin Coverage Program is so important to the American dairy industry. The Dairy Margin Coverage program will provide farmers with better coverage for lower premiums, including a retro-active start which means our dairy farmers will be able to get help with over 5 months of tough losses. As we honor the dairy producers in our communities this month, I encourage all of our Hoosier dairy farmers to sign up for their program in order to secure much needed protection during times of uncertainty. I thank them for their tireless work for the American people.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Illinois for yielding me time. Madam Speaker, keeping our elections safe from cyberattacks and fraud is not and should not be a partisan priority. H.R. 2722 has been rushed to the House floor without giving the Science, Space, and Technology Committee the opportunity to hold even a single hearing on the bill or the subject matter. The problem with rushing this bill through Congress is that it will have a significant negative impact on NIST's ability to work with State and local governments to identify standards and best practices for election security. Our priority in Congress should be to develop useful tools that empower States and local officials to ensure their elections are secure, accessible, and accurate. In fact, our secretary of state in Indiana, Ms. Connie Lawson, has done a remarkable job leading the effort to add safeguards to our elections process, ensuring it is completed with integrity. Given the opportunity, I believe that our committee could come to an agreement, in a bipartisan manner, to update NIST's election and security activities. Congress should focus on legislation that provides much-needed improvements and reinforcements for local officials without overstepping the States' authority to maintain their elections. Madam Speaker, because of the lack of following regular order, the committee has never been given the opportunity to ensure those issues are addressed.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table H.R. 3401, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment. This bipartisan bill passed the Senate with 84 votes and could be sent to the President's desk for his signature today.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Dorothy ``Mom'' Brown for her dedication to the Phi Kappa Psi house at DePauw University. Few individuals have had an impact on Phi Kappa Psi as great as Dorothy, and we thank her for her selflessness. Prior to her time with Phi Kappa Psi, Dorothy graduated from Indiana University, receiving her Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Science in Administration and Supervision, and began a teaching career in Gary, Indiana. After serving as principal in Warren Township Schools in Indianapolis in the 1980's, Dorothy returned to her home in Greencastle in 1986 to teach in the education department at DePauw University. In 1993, Dorothy took on a new role as Housemother of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity. She quickly became an ``anchor'' of Phi Kappa Psi and made it a memorable experience for generations of young men over the next 26 years. She was honored in 2009 for her contributions to DePauw by the city of Greencastle as the DePauw Cultural Resource center was renamed in her honor. Whether during her time as an elementary school teacher or fraternity Housemother, she exemplified leadership and compassion. I am proud to call her a fellow Hoosier. On behalf of the 4th District of Indiana, I thank her for her dedication to her community, and I wish her the very best in retirement.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Dorothy ``Mom'' Brown for her dedication to the Phi Kappa Psi house at DePauw University. Few individuals have had an impact on Phi Kappa Psi as great as Dorothy, and we thank her for her selflessness. Prior to her time with Phi Kappa Psi, Dorothy graduated from Indiana University, receiving a bachelor's degree in education and a master of science in administration and supervision, and then began a teaching career in Gary, Indiana. After serving as a principal in Warren Township Schools in Indianapolis in the 1980s, Dorothy returned to her home in Greencastle in 1986 to teach in the Education Department at DePauw University. In 1993, Dorothy took a new role as housemother of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. She quickly became an anchor for the fraternity and made it a memorable experience for generations of young men over the next 26 years. She was honored in 2009 for her contributions to DePauw by the city of Greencastle, as the DePauw Cultural Resource Center was renamed in her honor. Whether during her time as an elementary school teacher or fraternity housemother, she exemplified leadership and compassion, and I am proud to call her a fellow Hoosier. On behalf of the Fourth District of Indiana, I thank her for her dedication to her community, and I wish her the very best in retirement.

Mr. BAIRD

Mr. BAIRD. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of my esteemed colleague's amendment to increase the funding for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant program at the USDA. In Indiana, many of our rural areas do not have access to adequate broadband coverage, putting them at a disadvantage in our global economy. In Indiana, many of our rural areas do not have the access that is necessary to be current. Broadband is important to education and healthcare, as well as economic development and agriculture. By responsibly increasing the funding for this program, we are providing educational opportunities and improved healthcare without any additional cost to the taxpayer. We must equip our students with our 21st century tools to further their education and ensure that all of our citizens have access to quality healthcare, regardless of their ZIP Code. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this amendment on behalf of rural communities across the Nation.