André Carson

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, Representative Hanabusa for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak in support of my bill, H.R. 4851, the Kennedy-King National Commemorative Site Act. I also thank my colleagues on the Natural Resources Committee for their very prompt consideration of this bill, including Chairman Bishop and Ranking Member Grijalva. H.R. 4851 is a bipartisan and bicameral bill with the full support of the entire congressional delegation, including my good friend and colleague Congresswoman Susan Brooks; including my mentor, one of my heroes, Representative John Lewis; and my buddy, Representative Joe Kennedy. I thank them for joining the delegation of original cosponsors of Hoosiers. Mr. Speaker, I introduced the Kennedy-King National Commemorative Site Act at the request of my constituents to provide formal National Park Service recognition to the site where Senator Robert F. Kennedy gave an extraordinary speech in Indianapolis in the spring of 1968. This recognition, as well as addition to the African American Civil Rights Network, will help this location--set on a community board over there-- remain visible and accessible for the inspiration of present and future generations. Mr. Speaker, some of my colleagues may have heard the story, as it was previously mentioned by my other colleague, that Robert Kennedy had a scheduled speech in the great Hoosier State in the city of Indianapolis during his campaign for the Presidency. However, just before he was to give those remarks, Mr. Speaker, he was told of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. Before the news became widely known, his advisers said he shouldn't speak at all. They suggested he should stand back. But Robert F. Kennedy wanted to speak. Despite the risks of outbursts or interruptions, he had something important to say in person and face-to- face for all who were gathered. He changed his planned remarks on the fly and broke the news of Dr. King's assassination to the large crowd assembled in the park. He called for a nonviolent response to Dr. King's death. Robert Kennedy's speech has been described as one of the greatest addresses of the 20th century, as a call for unity and nonviolence in a time of great unrest. Mr. Speaker, I include the text of the speech in today's Record. Full Text of Robert F. Kennedy's Speech: Indianapolis, April 4, 1968 Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm only going to talk to you just for a minute or so this evening, because I have some very sad news for all of you. Could you lower those signs, please? I have some very sad news for all of you, and, I think, sad news for all of our fellow citizens, and people who love peace all over the world; and that is that Martin Luther King was shot and was killed tonight in Memphis, Tennessee. Martin Luther King dedicated his life to love and to justice between fellow human beings. He died in the cause of that effort. In this difficult day, in this difficult time for the United States, it's perhaps well to ask what kind of a nation we are and what direction we want to move in. For those of you who are black considering the evidence evidently is that there were white people who were responsible you can be filled with bitterness, and with hatred, and a desire for revenge. We can move in that direction as a country, in greater polarization black people amongst blacks, and white amongst whites, filled with hatred toward one another. Or we can make an effort, as Martin Luther King did, to understand, and to comprehend, and replace that violence, that stain of bloodshed that has spread across our land, with an effort to understand, compassion, and love. For those of you who are black and are tempted to fill with hatred and mistrust of the injustice of such an act, against all white people, I would only say that I can also feel in my own heart the same kind of feeling. I had a member of my family killed, but he was killed by a white man. But we have to make an effort in the United States. We have to make an effort to understand, to get beyond, or go beyond these rather difficult times. My favorite poet was Aeschylus. And he once wrote: Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God. What we need in the United States is not division; what we need in the United States is not hatred; what we need in the United States is not violence and lawlessness, but is love, and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice toward those who still suffer within our country, whether they be white or whether they be black. So I ask you tonight to return home, to say a prayer for the family of Martin Luther King yeah, ifs true but more importantly to say a prayer for our own country, which all of us love a prayer for understanding and that compassion of which I spoke. We can do well in this country. We will have difficult times. We've had difficult times in the past, but we and we will have difficult times in the future. It is not the end of violence; it is not the end of lawlessness; and it's not the end of disorder. But the vast majority of white people and the vast majority of black people in this country want to live together, want to improve the quality of our life, and want justice for all human beings that abide in our land. And let's dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world. Let us dedicate ourselves to that, and say a prayer for our country and for our people. Thank you very much.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, as we approach the 50th anniversary of RFK's speech, it becomes very clear that America needs this national treasure to be preserved and promoted beyond the residents of Indianapolis. This powerful message of nonviolence in response to violence is more timely and important than ever. The Smithsonian has described 1968 as ``the year that shattered America.'' It was a time when divisions were sharp and the morale of this country was low. Many stirred up hatred and fear with venomous rhetoric, which drove people long left out of America's bounty to the limits of their very humanity. Many cities erupted in flames and violent riots. When other cities expressed their justified pain, anger, and disenfranchisement with destruction, Robert Kennedy's calm voice of reason changed the hearts and minds of people who were feeling so much pain. Indianapolis was the only major city in America that did not burn in that season of pain and violent disruption. JFK was assassinated. Martin Luther King was assassinated. And just 2 months after RFK's emotional speech in Indianapolis, he, too, was assassinated. But in his youth and his ability to feel the pain of others, RFK called on those who were hurting to turn away from violence and hate and practice what MLK practiced. This message and this special place needs to be shared with all Americans across the country today and into the future. The amendment approved by the committee will add the Kennedy-King site to a new civil rights network, Mr. Speaker, and it will designate the location as a commemorative site. This is a timely first step, and I look forward to seeing the bill signed into law this year. And after this step, our constituents and I will continue to count on congressional support for our efforts to establish the Kennedy-King National Historic Site as a unit of the National Park system in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I again thank my good friend, Congresswoman Susan Brooks, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this great bill.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, during Roll Call Vote number 102 on H.R. 5247, I mistakenly recorded my vote as nay when I should have voted yea.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Department of Homeland Security Reserve Service Act, a bill that establishes a reserve service for five agencies within the Department of Homeland Security: the United States Secret Service, Federal Protective Service, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Transportation Security Administration. Personnel shortages in each of these agencies are well documented. Many current or former directors have made public statements linking personnel shortages to gaps in hiring processes, issues with retention of employees, and temporary or ongoing surges in need. The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Government Accountability Office, and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform have issued reports spotlighting these issues. The implication is clear. Many agencies within the Department of Homeland Security lack the workforce necessary to carry out their critical missions during surges in need. These shortages are a matter of national security. By way of example, the United States Secret Service has faced hiring and retention issues for years. In August 2017, the Director asked Congress for additional funds because these shortages, coupled with surges in need, caused more than 1,000 agents work hundreds of hours of uncompensated overtime. Representatives Jon Katko (R-New York) and Elijah Cummings (D-MD) subsequently introduced a bill allowing the Secret Service to raise special agents' salaries and overtime caps for 2017 and 2018. While I support the measure, it does not solve the larger issue. Also, repeatedly increasing and lowering salary caps is inefficient and costly. There is precedent for reserve services in the Department of Homeland Security. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) responded to Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Jose, and Hurricane Maria by mobilizing temporary on-call reservists and Cadre On-Call Response/ Recovery (CORE) personnel to assist with rescue and recovery. The Department of Homeland Security Reserve Service Act establishes adapts this model for other pervasive, yet unpredictable national security requirements. The bill establishes a reserve service, comprised of skilled, ready-to-work former employees, including retirees that can be temporarily mobilized to fill personnel shortages and meet emergent demands. This reserve service allows components to be innovative in structure and application. While some positions could mirror existing ones, components are encouraged to find new ways to call upon a reservist's skill set, in whole or in part. For example, if a retired United States Secret Service agent has expertise in planning for the United Nations General Assembly, but is not able or does not want to carry a gun and/or meet the physical demands required in some protective missions, they could fill a critical planning role, freeing permanent personnel or other gun carriers for other assignments. Under this bill agencies are urged to find innovative approaches that decouple skills held by reserve service members from those required of full-time employees. Rather than maintaining the status quo, this program represents an opportunity to curb costs by capitalizing on investments taxpayers and agencies have already made in the human capital of former employees while simultaneously preserving institutional knowledge and experience. I urge my colleagues to join me in helping the Department of Homeland Security perform their mission critical duties of investigation, patrol, response, security, protection, recovery, and inspection by supporting this act.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 101 on H.R. 1119, I mistakenly recorded my vote as ``yea'' when I should have voted ``nay.''

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to introduce the Rare disease Advancement, Research, and Education (RARE) Act. This important, bipartisan legislation would address many of the issues facing rare disease patients and families. Today, Rare Disease Day, many of these individuals are sharing their stories and educating communities of researchers, health professionals, governments, families, and friends about how rare diseases affect them. I am proud to introduce the RARE Act not only in recognition of these efforts, but moreover to address the many unique challenges facing the rare disease patient community. Almost 7,000 rare diseases affect nearly 30,000,000 Americans, and many lack an effective treatment. There remains much Congress can do to improve rare disease awareness, education, research, surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment, and to address common challenges faced by rare disease patients. Over the course of my time in Congress, I have met with countless rare disease patients and their families. Each story is unique--and in many cases heartbreaking--but it is essential that Congress address some of the root causes behind these stories. Rare diseases cross the medical spectrum, but individuals with rare diseases face some common challenges. In large part due to their limited patient population size, these individuals may have difficulty obtaining an accurate diagnosis, finding physicians or treatment centers with expertise in their disease, and ultimately finding appropriate treatment options and cures. While over 450 drugs have been approved for the treatment of rare diseases, millions of Americans suffering from a rare disease have no approved treatment options. For decades, Congress has worked to support advancements in rare disease, with legislation ranging from the Orphan Drug Act to the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act to most recently, the 21st Century Cures Act. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health have made important strides, prioritizing research, development, and approval of treatment targeting rare diseases. Nonetheless, it remains clear that there remains much policymakers can do to further these critical efforts. The RARE Act would represent an important step in this direction, addressing some of the commonalities between rare diseases and aiming to improve rare disease treatment, research, and diagnostics. First, the RARE Act would expand our understanding of rare diseases by enhancing an existing and successful program: the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network. The Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is made up of 21 research `centers of excellence' studying rare diseases in an interdisciplinary way, working with patients and others on clinical studies and other research. Second, the RARE Act would fill critical gaps in our healthcare system, improving coordination, surveillance, and awareness of rare diseases. For example, the RARE Act would require the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to create a National Rare Disease or Condition Surveillance System. Modelled off of similar systems for other conditions, this formalized infrastructure would track rare disease data, helping researchers to understand commonalities between diseases. The RARE Act would also require the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to expand and intensify its work to ensure that health professionals are aware of rare disease diagnoses and treatments. And it would mandate an updated report on rare disease efforts from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, to ensure that Congress has the best tools possible to address these issues. Passage of the RARE Act would represent a major stride in combating these unique diseases and conditions, and enhance the federal government, non-profit, and private sectors capacities to improve patients' lives. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the RARE Act.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on January 22, 2018, I missed rollcall vote No. 44 because of illness. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no''.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to introduce a bill to establish a unit of the National Park System to preserve, protect, and interpret for the benefit of present and future generations the site of Senator Robert Kennedy's April 4, 1968 speech associated with the Kennedy-King Park in Indianapolis, Indiana. Some of my colleagues might not be aware that on April 4, 1968, Robert Kennedy had scheduled a speech in Indianapolis, Indiana during his campaign for the presidency of the United States. However, just before he was to give his remarks, Mr. Kennedy was told of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. before the news became widely known publicly. Mr. Kennedy changed his planned remarks to inform the large crowd gathered in the local park of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and called for a nonviolent response to Mr. King's death. Mr. Kennedy's speech has been described as one of the greatest addresses of the 20th Century as a call for unity and non-violence in a time of great unrest. In 1994, a memorial sculpture to honor Mr. Kennedy and Dr. King was erected on the park site. The site of this impactful speech should be preserved as a national treasure and the 50th anniversary of the speech is a fitting time for preservation. I urge my colleagues to join me in helping to establish the Kennedy- King National Historic site as a unit of the National Park System in Indianapolis, Indiana by supporting this act. I include in the Record, the text of Mr. Kennedy's speech: full text of robert f. kennedy's speech: indianapolis, april 4, 1968 ``Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm only going to talk to you just for a minute or so this evening, because I have some very sad news for all of you. Could you lower those signs, please? I have some very sad news for all of you, and, I think, sad news for all of our fellow citizens, and people who love peace all over the world; and that is that Martin Luther King was shot and was killed tonight in Memphis, Tennessee. Martin Luther King dedicated his life to love and to justice between fellow human beings. He died in the cause of that effort. In this difficult day, in this difficult time for the United States, it's perhaps well to ask what kind of a nation we are and what direction we want to move in. For those of you who are black considering the evidence evidently is that there were white people who were responsible you can be filled with bitterness, and with hatred, and a desire for revenge. We can move in that direction as a country, in greater polarization black people amongst blacks, and white amongst whites, filled with hatred toward one another. Or we can make an effort, as Martin Luther King did, to understand, and to comprehend, and replace that violence, that stain of bloodshed that has spread across our land, with an effort to understand, compassion, and love. For those of you who are black and are tempted to fill with hatred and mistrust of the injustice of such an act, against all white people, I would only say that I can also feel in my own heart the same kind of feeling. I had a member of my family killed, but he was killed by a white man. But we have to make an effort in the United States. We have to make an effort to understand, to get beyond, or go beyond these rather difficult times. My favorite poet was Aeschylus. And he once wrote: Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God. What we need in the United States is not division; what we need in the United States is not hatred; what we need in the United States is not violence and lawlessness, but is love, and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice toward those who still suffer within our country, whether they be white or whether they be black. So I ask you tonight to return home, to say a prayer for the family of Martin Luther King yeah, it's true but more importantly to say a prayer for our own country, which all of us love a prayer for understanding and that compassion of which I spoke. We can do well in this country. We will have difficult times. We've had difficult times in the past, but we and we will have difficult times in the future. It is not the end of violence; it is not the end of lawlessness; and it's not the end of disorder. But the vast majority of white people and the vast majority of black people in this country want to live together, want to improve the quality of our life, and want justice for all human beings that abide in our land. And let's dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world. Let us dedicate ourselves to that, and say a prayer for our country and for our people. Thank you very much.''

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring a resolution recognizing the needs of children of incarcerated parents. The U.S. continues to lead the world in the rate of incarceration with over 2.3 million people behind bars. Not only does the system disproportionately impact the lives of low income families and minorities--it also hurts the goals of rehabilitation and breaking the cycle of violence in our communities. As Congress works to address the problems facing our criminal justice system, we should do so with more than just the offenders and ex- offenders in mind. We need to raise awareness of the unique problems faced by children of incarcerated parents. When families are separated by the criminal justice system, it turns their whole world upside down. The family often loses a source of income and child care. Some children are forced to enter the foster care system. Without the proper resources and nurturing, these children are more likely to follow in the footsteps of their parents and face a life of crime themselves. Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this important resolution.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring the Recidivism Reduction Act to help streamline our Social Security system and reinstate fairness for ex-offenders who have served their time. The Recidivism Reduction Act will quickly restore federal disability benefits for eligible individuals after incarceration. Access to federal disability and health care benefits is a critical component of successful re-entry into the community when individuals are released from prison or jail, especially among the mentally ill. Typically, federal disability benefits are either suspended or terminated depending on the length of incarceration. However, upon release these benefits should be reinstated promptly to help provide access to essential treatment services and supports, housing and necessary income. Currently, due to barriers in federal law, it often takes several months to reinstate benefits. Addressing this delay will help foster successful transitions into the community and reduce the likelihood of recidivism. The bill does not grant individuals new benefits; rather it removes bureaucratic hurdles to ensure that individuals promptly receive the benefits to which they are entitled in order to break the cycle of recidivism. When individuals have prompt access to disability and medical benefits after incarceration, they are better equipped to transition successfully into the community, which would help reduce prison overcrowding and save taxpayer money. By cosponsoring the Recidivism Reduction Act, we can make the technical corrections to current law that will make a real difference.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to welcome my constituent as our guest chaplain today, Reverend Dr. Anthony Gibson. He is a lifelong Hoosier and a bright young leader from Indiana's faith community. Reverend Gibson is the presiding elder of the Indiana Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and the former pastor of the Saint Mark Temple AME Zion Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. The AME Zion Church is a 221-year-old denomination founded in New York City in 1796 that spread across the country, including the Indiana church that was established in 1907. Dr. Gibson was born in Gary, Indiana. He later attended Indiana University in Bloomington, where he completed a double major in journalism and African-American Studies. He furthered his education at the Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, with a master's of divinity degree, and he earned his doctorate of philosophy in theology from Trinity Bible College and Seminary. He most recently graduated from Strayer University with a master's degree in human resource management, with a specialization in organizational development. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Reverend Dr. Gibson for his willingness to travel to Washington, D.C., to share his spiritual love and guidance with the House today. I pray, Mr. Speaker, that his words warm the hearts of my colleagues as we work together to carry out the people's business with compassion and courage.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of a dynamic political activist, Burnetta Sloss-Tanner, who passed away on October 23, 2017. She was my confidant, drill instructor, surrogate, auntie, war time general and tireless campaigner. She was a dear friend to me and my family and a friend to Hoosiers everywhere, especially the powerless. ``Ms. Burnetta'', known for her trademark sequined hat, was a pillar in Democratic politics throughout Indianapolis. She long served as the 4th Ward Chair for the Marion County Democratic Party and had a deep love for grassroots politics, holding monthly meetings in her home to train candidates, elected officials, and volunteers on strategy and mobilizing our community. Without Ms. Burnetta, neither me, nor my grandmother, Congresswoman Julia Carson, would have been elected to Congress. I am certain many local and state elected officials can credit her for their successes as well. Not only was Ms. Burnetta a legend in political circles, she was also beloved by the community. She worked with the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, the Center Township Trustee's office, and countless other organizations. She was a woman of great faith with a passion for gospel music. She studied under several notable gospel artists, mentored countless others, and was a founding member and director of the award winning Jordan-Aires Gospel Choir. She will always be remembered for her work as a gospel radio personality, hosting The Heartbeat of Good Gospel Music on WTLC. Her passion for, and contributions to, gospel music earned her the title of ``The First Lady of Gospel Music'' of Indianapolis. Ms. Burnetta served as a source of change, strength and faith for so many, leaving a lasting impression on generations to come. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to know her. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring our beloved Burnetta Sloss-Tanner for her remarkable service to the City of Indianapolis, the State of Indiana, and our nation.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on October 23, 2017, I missed rollcall votes 569, 570, and 571 for health reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall 569, ``yes'' on rollcall 570, and ``yes'' on rollcall 571.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Higher Education Employment and Transparency Act. This important legislation would help ensure that students are adequately informed of their choices as they navigate the process of applying to college. While a college degree is as valuable as ever, the choices facing students as they attempt to choose the right school remain daunting. While most students cite employment as a prime motivator for college attendance, they nevertheless are often inadequately informed about the employment outcomes at various institutions of higher education and for various fields. Navigating the college application process is hard enough. While in some cases data on employment and earnings information does exist, in too many cases it is unclear or not easily accessible to prospective students. Making this information more transparent--and pointing prospective students in the right direction--would go a long way in ensuring that students are making the best choices tailored to their individual needs. The Higher Education Employment and Transparency Act seeks to tackle these challenges. This bill represents one piece ofthe puzzle to ensure data on higher education outcomes is presented in a manner that is clear, transparent, standardized, and above all easily accessible to prospective students. Without requiring the collection of new data, the bill would give students better access to higher-quality information about the schools they are considering. The legislation would make a number of key changes: First, it would expand on current requirements for Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) to disseminate certain information to prospective and enrolled students, through appropriate publications, mailings, and electronic media. The Higher Education Employment and Transparency Act would update this requirement to include disaggregated earnings and employment information, and require the use of data from more reliable sources. Second, it would expand and improve the College Navigator, which is already a useful tool presenting a variety ofinformation about IHEs. The Higher Education Employment and Transparency Act would require additional information to be included on this site, in addition to what is currently required: a link to a page with that same, higher-quality information that IHEs are newly required to disclose; a link to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook website, which includes regional data on starting salaries in all major occupations; and, a link to a website that provides information about former students' employment and earnings information, based on high- quality federal or state data. Last, under this legislation, IREs would also be required to provide prominent links on their own websites to each of these new pieces of information. While disagreements exist regarding potential longer-term changes to our higher education data regime, this bill is a key step that would improve students' access to data that already exists. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise with a profound sense of sadness, as I grieve with the City of Indianapolis and the entire law enforcement community, over the loss of a true public servant. Today, we remember Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Deputy Chief Jim Waters, who dedicated his life to serving others. Deputy Chief Waters served our city for nearly 30 years, in a variety of roles in city government and on the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. In all his roles, Deputy Chief Waters was known as a bridge builder and someone who worked alongside community members to improve and protect our city. Deputy Chief Waters was a decorated police officer who came from a long line of public servants. He rose through the ranks of IMPD, serving as District Commander of the East District, Assistant Chief, as well as Deputy Chief. His service did not go unnoticed; he was awarded the Medal of Bravery and Mayor's Community Service Award for his commitment to protecting Hoosiers. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our thoughts and prayers to Deputy Chief Waters' wife, Sherry, his children and his entire family. Deputy Chief Waters left a lasting legacy on the Indianapolis community and I am grateful for his years of dedicated service to our city.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to re-introduce the bipartisan Interstate Teaching Mobility Act. This broadly supported and bipartisan proposal would authorize the Secretary of Education to work with an outside entity to create a voluntary, interstate teacher licensing program that would allow eligible teachers to transfer their licenses between states. Our country's systems of teacher licensure create problems for teachers, students, and schools alike. Licensing and certification requirements for teachers are inconsistent from state to state, and even within states, with hundreds of licensure tests in use and other requirements varying substantially. The level of rigor is also highly variable--with the bar far too low in many cases. As a result of these differences, the majority of states do not accept out-of-state teaching credentials. For teachers, this poses clear obstacles. A teacher licensed in one state who wishes to teach in another may have to complete additional requirements, such as exams or coursework, or pay additional fees, even if he has already completed an approved credentialing program or has a strong teaching record. As our nation's workforce becomes increasingly mobile, these requirements dramatically decrease the mobility of our nation's teaching workforce. For military spouses, who frequently relocate--among whom teaching is the second most common profession--or out-of-state college graduates wishing to teach in their home state, this problem is particularly acute. These roadblocks likely deter many prospective teachers from entering this vital profession. The system also presents a real problem for school districts, as schools across the country face a growing teacher shortage. Across the board, teacher education enrollment dropped 35 percent from 2009 to 2014; however, the types of shortages vary across states. Limited licensure policies make it even more difficult for school administrators to fill teaching positions--and for students, the consequence results in less access to high-quality teachers. The Interstate Teaching Mobility Act would direct the Department of Education to create a new, voluntary program for states to participate in an interstate teaching application process. Teachers licensed or certified in one participating state would be eligible to teach in another. A participating state would be required to adhere to standards of content knowledge, pedagogical assessment, and performance assessment identified as sufficiently rigorous by an outside organization. This would ensure high standards for our teachers, while maintaining the essential role of the states in setting specific requirements for teaching in the state or obtaining licenses in the state. With programs like the one envisioned by this bill, teachers could far more easily transfer their skills to another participating state. Teachers would benefit from the ability to more easily relocate, while schools and districts would have superior options for filling teacher shortages. Above all, students will benefit from rigorous standards set by their home state and will have increased access to high-quality teachers. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the Interstate Teaching Mobility Act.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Intelligence Committee, I am proud of the bipartisanship that allowed us to put this bill together. Our committee, which normally operates quietly, has gotten more attention than normal this year as we conduct the critical business of investigating Russian intervention in our elections. But we still do our day job--overseeing intelligence programs and providing support to the men and women of our intelligence community who fight to keep our country safe. This bill is the culmination of this cooperation. Our country is facing a wide array of pervasive and complex threats. Our near-peer adversaries, Russia and China, are rapidly growing their military capabilities and regularly, unashamedly violating international law. A nuclear weapons stockpile and functioning ICBM program now sit in the hands of an unpredictable North Korean dictator. And the so-called caliphate started by ISIS is losing ground, only to increase homegrown attacks against the United States and its allies. My constituents, like all Americans, are rightly concerned. But they can feel confident that we are working with the intelligence community on ways to address them. As the Ranking Member of the Emerging Threats Subcommittee, I am particularly interested in supporting our intelligence professionals who assess and prevent terrorist threats to our homeland--while protecting the civil rights and liberties of innocent Americans. I'm working to ensure they use their expertise, as well as that in the private sector, to find and remove online propaganda used to recruit would-be attackers. I'm also proud to include language that will enable the IC and private sector to temporarily exchange IT talent in order to better tackle some of the toughest cybersecurity challenges. Mr. Speaker, Chairman Nunes and Ranking Member Schiff have led this process with bipartisan professionalism. This bill is stronger because it reflects the input of all of our members. The full House should have this same opportunity--not be forced to vote up or down under suspension. Republican leadership owes it to our members to return to regular order so our bill can benefit from the input of the full House.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Friendship Missionary Baptist Church on 100 years of service and dedication to the Indianapolis community. As we celebrate its centennial on July 9, 2017, I extend my gratitude to Pastor Ronald Covington and First Lady Kim Covington for their leadership of this community. Friendship Missionary Baptist Church first opened its doors on the west side of Indianapolis in 1917, under the leadership of Reverend B.T. Westbrook. Since then, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church has gone above and beyond to enrich our community through its youth programs and extensive charitable work, including the redevelopment of the Friendship Westside Center for Excellence. Mr. Speaker, I would once again like to congratulate Friendship Missionary Baptist Church on their 100th anniversary. I am proud to know that organizations such as Friendship Missionary are flourishing and strengthening our community.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, in June of 2017, Marsh Supermarkets grocery stores announced the closure of many stores throughout the Midwest. Many of these stores were located in my district where already many families lack a car or reliable public transportation to get to the nearest alternative, often located over a mile away. Today, thousands of my constituents are struggling to find the food they need, with many forced to rely on fast food restaurants and convenience stores. These options are neither healthy nor affordable. Sadly, this situation is not unique. Over 29 million people, almost 10 percent of the U.S. population, live without ready access to affordable, nutritious food and over 2 million people have no transportation to get to their nearest store. Many have seen their local stores close their doors during the recent economic downturn. Others lost access years ago and are now facing the serious long-term impacts of obesity, diabetes, malnutrition and other diet related ailments. Unfortunately, residents in these low-income areas tend to spend less on groceries, leaving little financial incentive for traditional grocery chains to make costly investments for new locations. In the wealthiest country on Earth, nutritious food should be an expectation, not a luxury. That is why I am introducing the Food Deserts Act, which creates new avenues to fund stores in underserved communities. This bill will create USDA funded, state operated revolving funds that will issue low interest loans for the operation of grocery stores in food deserts. The bill ensures that recipients of these loans, including for-profit, non-profit and municipal entities, will provide affordable, healthy food, including fresh produce and staples like milk, bread and meat. It will also ensure that USDA professionals are available to provide technical assistance to recipients who need it. Access to healthy food is something that most of us take for granted. But despite our own experiences, we need to remember that millions of our constituents are struggling every day to feed their families. With this market driven approach, I hope to complement existing federal programs and efforts around the country by ensuring a stable lending stream for struggling grocery stores and sustainable access to food for communities in need.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize tomorrow, and each Friday before Memorial Day, as National Poppy Day. National Poppy Day encourages all Americans to wear a red poppy flower as a symbol to remember the fallen and support the living heroes who have worn our nation's uniform. Following World War I, the red poppy became an internationally recognized symbol of the blood shed by those who fought for their countries. Although it originated almost a century ago, the poppy is just as relevant today. Throughout our history, countless Americans have laid down their lives to protect and defend the country and the people they love. America's living veterans have served in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and many other conflicts around the world. They fought for us and many bare scars that will stay with them for life. As Americans, we have an obligation to remember the service and sacrifice of these brave men and women and their families, who have helped build the country we love today. By recognizing National Poppy Day, we stand with these brave men and women and with the families of all those who did not make it home. While we all agree with the sentiment, the symbolism behind the poppy is better known around the world than it is here in the United States. It is worn in England and Canada, on Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day and Poppy Day, to commemorate members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty. This year the United States commemorates the 100th anniversary of its entrance into World War I. The American Legion, our largest wartime veterans organization which has a track record of promoting National Poppy Day, is approaching its 100th anniversary. There is no more appropriate time for us, as a nation, to recognize this historic symbol of service. As the proud author of H. Res. 309, a resolution recognizing National Poppy Day, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in promoting this visible recognition of those who have served our nation in uniform.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to re- introduce the Young Americans Financial Literacy Act. Financial literacy is critical to ensuring future financial responsibility. Studies have shown that 87 percent of Americans believe finance education should be taught in schools and 92 percent of K-12 teachers believe that financial education should be taught in school, but only 12 percent of teachers actually teach the subject. Yet, according to a 2016 survey, only 1 in 3 states require high school students to take a personal finance course, and only five States require high school students to take a semester long personal finance course. I believe that Congress has an opportunity and a responsibility to address the pressing needs of individuals faced with the loss of their financial stability and the challenges of economic uncertainty. This should include financial literacy education reform and long-term solutions to prevent future personal financial disasters. Research- based financial literacy education programs are needed to reach individuals at all ages and socioeconomic levels, particularly those facing unique and challenging financial situations, such as high school graduates entering the workforce, soon-to-be and recent college graduates, young families, and to address the unique needs of military personnel and their families. High school and college students who are exposed to cumulative financial education show an increase in financial knowledge, which in turn drives increasingly responsible behavior as they become young adults. According to the Government Accountability Office, giving Americans the information they need to make effective financial decisions can be key to their well-being and to the country's economic health. The recent financial crisis, when many borrowers failed to fully understand the risks associated with certain financial products, underscored the need to improve individuals' financial literacy and empower all Americans to make informed financial decisions. This is especially true for young people as they are earning their first paychecks, securing student aid, and establishing their financial independence. Therefore, focusing economic education and financial literacy efforts and best practices for young people between the ages of 8 through 24 is of utmost Importance. I believe America should be leading the world with the best-educated students who will drive our economic innovation and success, so please join me in cosponsoring the Young Americans Financial Literacy Act. This act: Establishes a grant program in the Bureau of Consumer Financial protection to develop and implement financial literacy programs for young people ages eight to twenty-four; Incentivizes the development of partnerships between institutions or higher education, local educational agencies, non-profit organizations, and financial institutions to develop programs aimed at young Americans in different phases of their life; Ensures the development of evidence-based instructional material that is geared towards targeted groups and addresses unique life situations, including bankruptcy, foreclosure, student loans, credit card misuse; and Conducts ongoing assessment and accountability of the program over the short-and long-term to ensure that grand money achieves the greatest impact. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting the Young Americans Financial Literacy Act.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to introduce a bill to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to reauthorize the pre-disaster hazard mitigation program. First authorized in 2000, the pre-disaster hazard mitigation program has a proven history of saving taxpayer money by investing in cost effective projects that are designed to reduce injuries, loss of life, and damage and destruction of property in the event of a disaster. As the old adage goes: an ounce of prevention is worth its weight in gold. This is true for the pre-disaster hazard mitigation program. The Multi Hazard Mitigation Council of the National Institute of Building Sciences has found that for every $1 spent on mitigation, $4 were saved in potential disaster costs. Other benefits and indirect savings at the local level and within the business sector were also identified. Moreover, the Congressional Budget Office confirmed the cost savings of the program. Using a different analysis, the CBO found in 2007 that for every $1 spent on mitigation, $3 was saved in potential disaster costs. But it is not just empirical studies that have confirmed the benefits of this program. There are numerous examples of flood control projects, voluntary acquisitions of real property located in flood zones, and the construction of safe rooms that have saved lives and prevented future damage. Areas that have experienced flood damage in the past, and have flooded again, experienced reduced or no damage thanks to effective mitigation. For instance, in Iowa, pre-disaster mitigation funds were used to purchase riverfront homes from homeowners that had suffered flood damage and then converted to green space. When the area subsequently flooded again, there was no new damage, thanks to the pre- disaster mitigation efforts. With today's ongoing fiscal challenges, increasingly severe storms, and escalating effects of climate change, it makes sense for our country to prepare for these disasters now in order to prevent or reduce damage. Smart planning to mitigate the adverse impact of disasters not only saves lives, but saves money--especially over the long run. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy when there were initial damage estimates in the billions of dollars, many Members from both sides of the aisle streamed to the floor to express sympathy to the victims, as well as decry the extent of the damage and large costs. This program represents an opportunity to curb similar costs in the future while also saving lives and protecting property. It is time to reauthorize the Pre-Disaster Hazard Mitigation Program at a sufficient level to make an impact. I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the 2017 Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet High School's Varsity Boys Basketball Team. The Tigers were crowned the Division 3A Indiana State Boys Basketball Champions on March 25, 2017 after a thrilling last second basket to clinch victory over Twin Lakes 73-71 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Crispus Attucks basketball program is one of our country's most legendary basketball programs, as it was the first all-black school in the country to win an open state championship in 1955. This year's team was supported by our entire community and especially alumni. NBA Hall of Famer and leader of the 1955 and 1956 championship teams, Oscar Robertson, cheered on the Tigers and following their victory placed the championship medals around the necks of the players, coaches, and support staff. This is the team's fourth state title, but the first since 1959. The Tigers were led to a 25-4 record by first year Head Coach Chris Hawkins who has inspired the student athletes to excel. Additionally, all Attucks fans and in particular the student body should be recognized for their enthusiasm and pride in this team. The young men on this team should be proud of their accomplishment. It is an honor to join the entire Indianapolis community in recognizing these outstanding student athletes.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to offer my congratulations to the Charles A. Tindley Accelerated School Varsity Boys Basketball Team. The Tindley Tigers secured the Division 1A Indiana State Boys Basketball Championship on March 25, 2017 at Bankers Life Field House after a 51-49 victory over Lafayette Central Catholic. This is the Tigers first appearance in the state finals and the team made it count by clinching the school's first state championship in any sport. The game's last minute shot and stolen inbound pass secured the win for the Tindley Tigers, who were led by Head Coach Bob Wonell. The Tindley Tigers have secured their place in the storied history of Indiana basketball. I extend my congratulations to the student athletes, coaching staff, school and our entire Indianapolis community on their accomplishment this season.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, today I rise before you to offer a word of congratulations to the Ben Davis High School Varsity Boys Basketball Team. The Giants captured the Division 4A Indiana State Boys Basketball Championship on March 25, 2017 at Bankers Life Field House in Indianapolis after a 55-52 win over Fort Wayne North Side. This team's achievements would not have been possible without, Head Coach Mark James, who is in his 35th year coaching the Giants and boasted that ``it's been a team effort all year.'' The entire team, including the players, coaches, managers and fans should be proud of their record, including a 14 game winning streak, and for bringing their school a third championship. Winning a state championship is reaching the pinnacle of basketball and the entire Indianapolis community is proud to celebrate their accomplishments this season.