André Carson

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on May 8, 2012, I missed rollcall votes Nos. 199 201 because of my primary election in Indiana. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 199, ``no'' on rollcall No. 200, and ``yes'' on rollcall No. 201.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on May 7, 2012, I missed rollcall votes Nos. 196 198 because of my primary election in Indiana. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 196, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 197, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 198. Personal Explanation

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, today, I am proud to honor the life of Reverend Boniface Hardin, a luminary of the civil rights movement and a pioneer in higher education from Indiana's Seventh Congressional District who passed away this past Saturday. Reverend Hardin became a Benedictine monk in 1953 at the young age of twenty, was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1959, and received a master of divinity degree in 1960. While serving as an associate pastor at the Holy Angels Catholic Church in Indianapolis, he became a vocal advocate for racial and socio-economic equality during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. His spiritual commitment and dedication to self-improvement led him to found the Martin Center in 1969 and later the Indianapolis Sickle Cell Center in 1977. Under his leadership, the Martin Center College became Martin University, a fully accredited institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees to low-income and minority adult learners. Recognizing his limitless compassion and unceasing commitment to education, Reverend Hardin was named a ``Living Legend'' in 2002 by the Indiana Historical Society for the indelible mark he made on the City of Indianapolis and the State of Indiana. It is with a heavy heart and profound sense of sadness that I express my condolences to the family and friends of Reverend Hardin. But it is with gratitude and admiration that I remember his life and contributions to our community. We were all truly lucky to have had such a caring, giving servant in our midst.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on its sixtieth anniversary, I am proud to honor an organization that has helped save hundreds of thousands of lives through volunteer blood donations and blood component distribution to more than 60 hospitals across the state. Indiana Blood Center was founded in 1952 and is headquartered in my district in Indianapolis. This esteemed non-profit community service organization delivers more than 700 components of blood each day and provides other vital assistance to modern medicine through specialized blood typing for organ transplants, viral marker testing, transfusion recipients, and the National Marrow Donor Program. The Center also serves as a vital link in the state's life science and healthcare infrastructure in the areas of prostate cancer treatment, pharmaceutical research, stem cell and bone marrow donation. It is the largest independent blood center in the state and ranks among the top 20 nationally. Indiana Blood Center is a member of America's Blood Centers, North America's largest network of community-based, independent and non-profit blood centers--which, coincidentally, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Every two seconds, someone, somewhere will need a transfusion and one out of every seven patients entering a hospital will need blood. Indiana Blood Center depends on the good people of Indiana and the nearly 4,000 organizations that host blood drives annually to meet the constant demand to serve the citizens of Indiana. I would like to recognize this valuable contribution to our community and congratulate Indiana Blood Center for its 60 years of faithful and dedicated stewardship of Indiana's blood supply.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of his retirement, I would like to congratulate Gilbert Holmes for a lifetime of trailblazing leadership and devoted public service. From humble roots growing up in Sparta, Illinois, Gil ascended to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, where he served valiantly for twenty years, including in Vietnam and as aide-de-camp to Major General Frederic Davison. Upon leaving the service, Gil applied his organizational acumen with venerable Hoosier organizations, including the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Methodist Hospital, and Lincoln National Corporation. From 1989 to 1996, Gil rendered distinguished public service as Commissioner of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and later, as President and CEO of IndyGo. Gil's career culminated in his selection as executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, where he has served ably for the past three years as both steward and advocate. Gil has spent his life combating prejudice, proving skeptics wrong, and empowering those with whom he works to achieve great things. On March 31, 2012, Gil will retire, leaving behind a legacy of lives bettered by his mentorship and leadership. On behalf of the 7th Congressional District of Indiana, I wish him well in his retirement and extend to him our gratitude for his commitment to his fellow Hoosiers and to the advancement of civil rights for all.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, from my first days in Congress, I always considered Donald Payne to be a mentor and a friend. He took me and others under his wing and showed us what it truly means to be a Member of Congress, not just a politician. He showed me, like he showed so many of us in this Chamber, how much more we accomplish through humility and cooperation than through bravado and partisanship. He was brilliant, and he put thought into every word he said; and because of that, Madam Speaker, his words carried weight on both sides of the aisle and in both Chambers. Most recently, I was privileged to serve under his leadership on the board of the Congressional Black Caucus, and I was able to see up close how he brought together the diverse personalities and opinions of the caucus in order to achieve a greater purpose. Congressman Payne made our caucus strong and united; and while we attempt to fill the gap he leaves behind, I know we will never have another leader like Donald Payne. Madam Speaker, learning to serve in the House is truly an honor, but it also comes with many challenges. As a young Member, I am continuing to grow and find my place amongst my distinguished colleagues; but I feel just a little more confident, and I felt a little more confident because I had a role model in Donald Payne. As long as I am given the privilege to serve in this great House, I look forward to carrying that legacy, the one that he started--to fight for the underprivileged, to bring attention to the critical issues that don't make the front page, Madam Speaker. I want to extend my deepest sympathies to his family and staff, and they know like I do how great a Member and how great a man he was. I'm reminded of a passage of a conversation that Jesus had with his disciples in the Book of Matthew, and they were dealing with this notion of leadership; and Jesus said very succinctly and very clearly and very wisely, and prophetically to them, when he said: ``He who wishes to be chief among you shall first be your servant.'' Let us remember and honor Donald Payne, a true public servant.

Mr. CARSON

Mr. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 75th Anniversary of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, one of our nation's most active and dynamic symphonic choruses. The Choir performs for tens of thousands of my constituents annually at storied venues, including this year's Super Bowl. I was fortunate to witness the Choir's incomparable artistry during this year's Celebration Gospel Festival, a moving tribute to Dr. King's legacy. Under the leadership of a phenomenal Board of Directors, as well as the guiding hands of artistic director Dr. Eric Stark, executive director Michael Pettry, General Manager Andrew Lannerd, and Operations Manager Stephanie Derybowski, the Choir adds to the cultural richness of the 7th District and provides invaluable inspiration to Hoosiers of all ages, races, and backgrounds. Since 1937, the Symphonic Choir has partnered with the venerable Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. This collaboration of successful independent arts organizations has entertained generations of music lovers throughout Central Indiana. I also commend the Symphonic Choir for spearheading educational initiatives benefitting students and teachers within Indianapolis Public Schools. Finally, I want to congratulate the 160 volunteer singers who tirelessly dedicate themselves to mastering their craft. Their selfless devotion to community enrichment is awe-inspiring. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir on 75 years of music and wishing them continued success for decades to come.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to join my colleagues to honor the life of former Congresswoman Katie Hall who passed last week at the age of 73. I met her as a young man. In fact, I had a chance to spend some time with her in the early eighties in San Francisco during the Democratic National Convention. But she quickly made a name for herself, to my colleague's point, not only as a strong advocate and leader in the State of Indiana, but as an educator. She knew that America's children were suffering, and she supported alternative education, Mr. Speaker. She understood that children had different needs, and she made sure that she was an advocate of different educational models to meet those needs. So my deepest sympathies go out to her family and friends who are mourning her passing. And we know that Indiana politics will not be the same. I thank my colleague for acknowledging me.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, in 2010, the Affordable Care Act delivered a $250 check to seniors in my district who were struggling to cover the gap between the cost of their prescription drugs and their Medicare coverage. In 2011, these same seniors benefited from an average savings of $648 on their medications. For my well-meaning Republican colleagues who say health reform is hurting Medicare beneficiaries, I ask them to imagine spending two and three times that amount on prescription drugs per month. For most seniors, $648 is a significant savings. And it is just the beginning. The Affordable Care Act will provide more efficient care by bundling Medicare services, investing in our health care workforce, and focusing on quality. Replacing Medicare with vouchers would erase the progress we have already made toward prescription drug coverage and lead to fewer choices for beneficiaries. I encourage my colleagues to work with me on solutions that guarantee continued access to health care for our seniors.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the great city of Indianapolis, my hometown, for doing an outstanding job as the host of Super Bowl XLVI. On Sunday, two teams played an incredible game; but I believe that the events leading up to kickoff, organized by countless community organizations, good corporate citizens, committed public leaders, and thousands of volunteers, were as impressive as any play on the field. Over 1 million visitors enjoyed the free festivities of Super Bowl Village, and a record 265,000 fans visited the NFL experience to test their passing and kicking skills and to meet their favorite players. So I was not surprised when Indianapolis received rave reviews for its accessibility, downtown amenities, civic commitment, and famed Hoosier hospitality. Yet this success, Mr. Speaker, did not stop with the blocks surrounding Lucas Oil Stadium. With Commissioner Goodell and the NFL's assistance, I am confident that the impact of this Super Bowl will last far longer than the memories of that final Hail Mary pass. Indianapolis embarked on an unprecedented effort to rebuild one of its hardest-hit areas. Even before the recession hit, Indianapolis' Near Eastside, a patchwork of neighborhoods just outside of downtown, led the Nation in foreclosures, and families were too often rattled by violent crime; but today, thanks to relentless efforts by community residents and with the Super Bowl as its springboard, Indianapolis' Near Eastside has been rejuvenated. It has been given new life through housing developments like the St. Clair Senior Apartments, Commonwealth Apartments, and Building a Living Legacy housing initiative. These new housing options will help seniors and low-income families stay in the community they love and access the services they rely on, like the John Boner Community Center and People's Health and Dental Center. They will help the homeless find a new start and working men and women to locate near their employers. On Super Bowl weekend, we also saw the grand opening of the Chase Near Eastside Legacy Center, which includes the area's only fitness center now offering low membership rates. This center will be home to the Youth Education Town. It is a facility that will provide classes to students of all ages through great national and local non-profits. While other host cities spend Super Bowl weekend breaking ground on projects, Indianapolis spent ours opening doors for these new facilities. Collectively, the Near Eastside redevelopment effort serves as a model, not only for what can be achieved throughout Indianapolis, but across this great Nation. Just a few years ago, the Near Eastside and all of Indianapolis were suffering the worst of the economic downturn. We had some of the Nation's highest unemployment, foreclosure and bankruptcy rates; but today our unemployment rate is near the national average and is getting better. Our critics counted us out many times, but this weekend showed that we are a modern city. Mr. Speaker, this weekend, Indianapolis showcased why it is America's best-kept secret. It showed that we are a prime destination for conventions and big events and that we have some of the best sports facilities anywhere. It is with great pride that I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Indianapolis, Indiana, and all of those who worked so hard to make this event a huge success.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on February 3, 2012, I missed rollcall votes 31, 32, and 33 because of district business. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall 31 and ``no'' on rollcall 32. I would also have voted ``yes'' on rollcall 33, because it is critical to support aviation jobs and safety in our skies. However, I am strongly opposed to the inclusion of anti-labor provisions that will increase from 35 percent to 50 percent the required number of employees who must show interest in forming a union before the National Mediation Board can allow election procedures to begin. These provisions will make it more difficult for American workers to organize for the protection of their rights, pay and safety. I encourage my colleagues to immediately begin consideration of legislation to reverse these misguided provisions.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on February 2, 2012, I missed rollcall votes 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30 because of district business. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall 21, ``no'' on rollcall 22, ``yes'' on rollcall 23, ``yes'' on rollcall 24, ``yes'' on rollcall 25, ``yes'' on rollcall 26, ``yes'' on rollcall 27, ``yes'' on rollcall 28, ``yes'' on rollcall 29, and ``no'' on rollcall 30. personal explanation

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize two organizations in Indianapolis, Crossroads Industrial Services and Bosma Enterprises. Both of these organizations are a part of the AbilityOne Program, which has helped more than 47,000 Americans who are blind or who have significant disabilities gain skills and training that ultimately led to gainful employment. Together, these organizations employ 189 people in Indianapolis, jobs made possible by the AbilityOne Program. This critical program harnesses the purchasing power of the federal government to buy products and services from participating community-based nonprofit agencies that are dedicated to training and employing individuals with disabilities. It affords Americans with disabilities the opportunity to acquire job skills and training, receive good wages and benefits, and gain greater independence and quality of life. This segment of the population has suffered from significant unemployment. Federal opportunities through the AbilityOne Program have played an important role in bringing people with disabilities into the workforce. For example, one of Bosmas Enterprises' employees Kevin Mossberger exemplifies how training and the AbilityOne Program can make a real difference in the life of someone. Kevin, who is in his early twenties obtained a degree in Business Management, but because of a genetic eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa was unable to find work in his small, southern Indiana hometown. His parents suggested he go to Bosma Enterprises' Rehabilitation Center to receive additional training to live independently and to help find employment. He did so and is now employed at Bosma Enterprises. Kevin says that the instruction he received taught him ``to live on his own and to have a whole new outlook.'' Kevin is not alone, earlier this year I was able to visit Crossroads Industrial Services and see firsthand the impact of the AbilityOne Program on not only its employees, but also the impact it has on our men and women in uniform. Crossroads employees are responsible for producing items that our service members rely on, like ballistic helmet pad sets, combat identification panels, and rocket launcher spare parts. It is with these important contributions that Crossroads, like Bosma, exemplifies the quality of work and determination to enhance the lives of disabled Americans that make the AbilityOne Program so invaluable. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I extend my support to the AbilityOne Program. I also want to commend the dedication and commitment to Jim Vento of Easter Seals Crossroads, Lou Moneymaker of Bosma Industries, and their staffs, for helping individuals who are blind or have a significant disability find employment. The impact of their work and that of each AbilityOne employee has an undeniably positive impact on our community.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on December 16, 2011, I missed rollcall vote 941. I was detained because of physical illness and could not make it to the floor. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 941. Stated against:

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I missed rollcall votes 818-820 because of a death in the family. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall 818, ``yes'' on rollcall 819 and ``yes'' on rollcall 820.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on November 1, 2011, I missed rollcall votes 816 and 817 because of a death in the family. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 816 and ``yea'' on rollcall 817.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, October 16, race fans everywhere mourned the tragic loss of Dan Wheldon from injuries suffered at the Las Vegas Indy 300. Though he was only 33 years old, Wheldon was highly-accomplished within the Indy Racing League. In 2003, Wheldon received the Indy Racing League's prestigious Rookie of the Year Award, which he followed up by winning the Indianapolis 500 in 2005 and 2011. Dan Wheldon was an incredible ambassador for the sport and the Indianapolis 500, the largest sporting event in the world, which is located in my District at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. His loss will be felt on and off the track. My deepest sympathies go to his wife, Susie, his two sons, Sebastian and Oliver, his family, his friends, and to the legion of fans around the world who are mourning his passing. Dan Wheldon's memory will remain in the hearts of race fans everywhere, and his achievements will never be forgotten at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the wonderful students, teachers and administrators at William Henry Burkhart Elementary School for the outstanding honor of winning the 2011 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award from the United States Department of Education. The Blue Ribbon Schools program honors schools that have taken successful measures toward maintaining and increasing student achievement. Located in my district in Indianapolis, Indiana, William Henry Burkhart Elementary School is a fine example of what can be accomplished when parents, teachers and administrators collaborate on preparing our students for a prosperous future. By emphasizing the importance and real world applications of subjects like math, science and language arts, William Henry Burkhart is enabling a new generation of community leaders. It is my hope that other schools and educators in Indiana will be inspired by the recognition and success of William Henry Burkhart Elementary School. In addition, I hope everyone at the school can keep up the hard work by inspiring these young students to continue to strive for success in school, career and life.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, providing everyone with access to affordable health care continues to be an important issue in this Congress, and it is even more critical to the individuals seeking preventive care and treatment. This October, I would like to ask you, our colleagues and our communities to join me in recognizing the impact breast cancer has had on families across the nation. Breast cancer is one of the leading cancers among women and tens of thousands die each year in this country as a result of this devastating illness. With proper education, screening and treatment, those deaths can be prevented. As we work to encourage research to find a cure, we must remember to be proactive by supporting breast cancer awareness that can save the lives of our mothers, sisters, wives and daughters.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, due to a previous commitment, I unavoidably missed two votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on passage of rollcall 725, and ``nay'' on passage of rollcall 726.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, as the House of Representatives continues to discuss how we can improve upon our nation's system of education, I would like to address my colleagues and constituents on the importance of collaboration on this issue. Our nation's young people play a vital role in the future of our country, and we must focus on the best interests of our children. Over 20,000 students in my state of Indiana attend public charter schools. Parents seeking fresh opportunities for their children are finding successful charter school programs within some communities that educate our children in new and innovative ways. Whereas misguided programs, such as private school vouchers, take money away from improving our schools, investing in well-managed charter schools is one way to improve upon existing public school systems. Through these efforts, public school educators are able to offer experiential learning programs that take creative approaches to teaching. H.R. 2218, the Empowering Parents through Quality Charter Schools Act, has come to a vote at a critical time in our nation's history. America is at a crossroads with record unemployment, staggering deficits and widespread public discontent. Members of Congress must make the tough decisions that will make preparing all American children for the global economy a priority. Although I realize the bill fails to address the needs to reform all of our schools, I decided to vote in support of Empowering Parents through Quality Charter Schools Act. I support the Charter Schools Program and believe we must continue to invest in school infrastructure and innovative teaching styles. I believe this legislation takes a positive step toward adding civil rights protections for students with disabilities and ensuring higher levels of overall quality within public charter schools. As the husband of a public school principal, I recognize the need to ensure that America's children are all equally prepared for the future. I pledge to continue working with all of my colleagues to invest in across-the-board improvements in all of our public schools and create incentives that include traditional public schools, students, parents and educators.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, it is very easy for some Members of Congress to blindly advocate across-the-board cuts to our investments in people. But I join those today to ask my colleagues to open their eyes to what these cuts really mean. They aren't abstract numbers. For the many people living in poverty, they mean lives irreparably damaged and critical opportunities lost. My home State, the great Hoosier State of Indiana, suffers from an average unemployment rate of 10 percent. Among veterans, that number is higher. And for wounded vets and others with physical limitations, the numbers are staggeringly higher. As a result of these economic times, Mr. Speaker, more families live in poverty and rely critically on your and my help. Valuable health care, education, housing, and job-training programs are necessary to provide them with the tools for survival. At this time, Mr. Speaker, when most of our communities are struggling to recover, we must not turn our backs on the people who are trying to overcome extreme poverty. I ask my colleagues to remember these vulnerable Americans. They're not burdens. They're our children, our working mothers, our police officers, our firefighters, our neighbors, our vets. They are our fellow Americans.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. I thank Congresswoman Jackson Lee. Mr. Speaker, voting is a fundamental right of every American. Yet here we are, decades after the civil rights movement, watching as States across this great Nation pass laws that threaten the ability of citizens to participate in our government. This trend is troubling and one that we must closely monitor. My State, the great Hoosier State of Indiana, was the first to impose a strict law requiring voters to present government-issued identification despite having no evidence of actual voter fraud. As other States follow suit, we risk broadening the threat to the rights of the poor, the elderly, the young, and minority voters. I do not believe the right to vote should hinge on one's ability to obtain specific identification. As a Nation, we should not allow laws that block the rights of vulnerable groups or discriminate. To do so would be to forfeit the fundamental quality of this right and the purpose behind it.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this bill would permit church pension plans to invest in collective trusts by correcting a technical error that resulted from the interaction of the securities laws and the Tax Code. In 2003, Mr. Speaker, Congress passed legislation that was intended to accomplish this goal, but the final law did not make the necessary corrections to the Securities Act of 1933. As such, IRS regulations currently prevent collective trusts from allowing investments by church plans. This bill will make it more cost-efficient for a religious organization to manage its pension plans by allowing the plan to manage its assets through a collective trust mechanism alongside the assets of other pension plans. Church pension plans will no longer have to be managed separately, which creates greater costs to the plan and its participants. The bill, Mr. Speaker, effectively provides another option for church pension plans and allows them to be managed much more like other kinds of pension plans, and will minimize costs. This bill is supported by the Church Alliance, a coalition of 37 denominational benefit programs that provide pensions and health benefits to more than 1 million clergy across this country, lay workers, and their family members. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this bill.