André Carson

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. A recent report entitled ``Money Matters on Campus'', conducted by Higher One and EVERFI, highlights that the state of financial literacy among young adults is not improving. Only seventeen states require some form of high school financial training, even though studies show students who receive financial literacy are considerably more fiscally responsible. Such students are more accountable with credit, more financially cautious and more averse to incurring debt. When students participated in a purely financial knowledge- based survey, only 12% answered correctly about what things to consider if one has too many credit cards. Young adults are consistently exhibiting deficient understanding of financial literacy and how to plan for future economic goals. Just over half of the students in the survey knew the formula for calculating net worth; while only 12% knew the general rule for how many months financial planners recommend to have set aside in case of an emergency. Young adults consistently exhibit deficient understanding of financial literacy and how to plan for future economic goals. Last year, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development released a global report of financial literacy which ranked the United States in the middle of eighteen countries surveyed. 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 of 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 grant 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 am pleased to introduce the Equality for All Resolution--which declares that gay, lesbian, and transgender people should be protected from discrimination under the law. Earlier this month, I watched as Indiana--my home state--enacted the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, giving businesses the right to refuse service based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Over the last few weeks, I've heard from businesses, religious organizations, community leaders, and countless concerned Americans. It's clear that the vast majority of Americans oppose this kind of discrimination. Yet, in 2015, it is still legal in over 30 states to discriminate in the workplace, to refuse to sell or rent a home, or to turn someone away from your business--just because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. As elected representatives, we have a responsibility to show that America is better than this. I would like to thank the 126 colleagues who join me today as original cosponsors of this resolution. I encourage every Member of the House to join me in supporting the Equality for All resolution.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, today, I am pleased to introduce a bill to offer law enforcement retirement to Federal Protective Service (FPS) law enforcement officers. This bill provides retirement parity to FPS law enforcement officers with all other law enforcement officers within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The lack of law enforcement retirement for FPS law enforcement officers has hurt morale and has contributed to a high rate of attrition of FPS law enforcement officers when compared to attrition rates of other law enforcement agencies within DHS. By providing these enhanced retirement provisions to new hires within the Federal Protective Service, and crediting the service of current FPS law enforcement officers after enactment of the bill with the new provisions, we can begin to strengthen the morale and resolve of the Federal Protective Service. FPS is responsible for delivering security and law enforcement services for the 8,700 assets that the General Services Administration (GSA) owns, controls, or leases across the country. The Federal Protective Service is part of the frontline defense for these Federal buildings, which include Federal courthouses, Social Security Administration buildings, Agency headquarters, and other buildings. FPS law enforcement officers are authorized to carry firearms and empowered to make arrests related to the protection of buildings, grounds, and property owned by the Federal government and persons on the property. Like other law enforcement officers within DHS, FPS officers receive the same training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and often risk their lives in protection of the nearly 1 million Federal employees and visitors to Federal buildings. As a former law enforcement officer I have a deep appreciation for their service and the sacrifices that FPS law enforcement officers make on a regular basis. By providing this retirement provision I believe it will help the Federal Protective Service thrive in its mission of protecting Federal facilities, their occupants, and visitors with superior law enforcement and protective security services. I look forward to working with my colleagues to consider this legislation and pass it as soon as possible.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to the Equality for All resolution, which declares that gay, lesbian, and transgendered people should be protected from discrimination under the law. Earlier this month, Mr. Speaker, I watched as my State, the great Hoosier State of Indiana, enacted the Religious Freedom and Restoration Act, giving businesses the right to refuse service based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Over the last few weeks, Mr. Speaker, I have heard from businesses, religious organizations, community leaders, and countless concerned citizens. It is clear, Mr. Speaker, that the vast majority of Americans oppose this kind of discrimination; yet in 2015, it is still legal in over 30 States to discriminate in the workplace, to refuse to sell or rent a home or to turn someone away from your business just because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender, Mr. Speaker. As elected representatives, we have responsibility to show America that we are better than this. I encourage all of my colleagues to join us in supporting the Equality for All resolution.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, April 10th of this year will mark the 36th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). This important legislation has defined the relationship between our two countries and led to one of our most stable and reliable democratic alliances. Today, Taiwan is an important strategic partner, providing a first line of defense for our interests in the Pacific and deterring aggression from countries in the region. This is why it is so important that we do what we can to support Taiwan's military capabilities. Taiwan has also developed into an economic powerhouse over the last three decades. Its rapidly growing economy has allowed it to become one of the United States largest trading partners. In fact, Taiwan's imports of American goods exceeded $36 billion in 2012, a number that continues to grow every year. Many Hoosiers take advantage of this robust trade relationship, helping to build Indiana's economy and create good paying jobs. Since coming to Congress, I have had an opportunity to travel to Taiwan and to interact with many Taiwanese-Americans. I appreciate their friendship and hospitality. On its 36th anniversary, I am pleased that the TRA continues to guide U.S.-Taiwan relations so we can further strengthen this important partnership.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

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

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield 10 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wilson), the author of the bill.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1092, as amended, which designates the Federal building located in Miramar, Florida, as the Benjamin P. Grogan and Jerry L. Dove Federal Bureau of Investigation Miami Field Office. I would also like to thank my dear friend and pioneer and legend, the gentlelady from Florida, Madam Frederica Wilson, who really is a Floridian icon, but I want to recognize her for her dedicated work with law enforcement officers, including the two who died in the line of duty. On April 11, 1989, Mr. Speaker, FBI Agents Jerry Dove and Benjamin Grogan were killed in southwest Miami, Florida. While these two FBI agents were investigating a spate of violent armed robberies, they observed a vehicle suspected to be connected to the robberies. When the agents attempted to stop the vehicle and the suspects refused, a high- speed chase ensued. A gun battle followed, and Special Agents Dove and Grogan were killed. Five other agents were injured in the attack. Now, since this incident, Mr. Speaker, every April 11, the Miami FBI field office has held a special ceremony to honor Special Agents Dove and Grogan and other law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty. As a former police officer, I have a deep appreciation of this honor being bestowed today. Naming this new facility after FBI Special Agents Jerry Dove and Benjamin P. Grogan is a fitting tribute to these two law enforcement officers who gave their lives in service and protection of the citizens of Miami, Florida. I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting H.R. 1092, as amended. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for his thoughts and, quite frankly, I appreciate that this is really a part of our ongoing discussion; however, I respectfully disagree. I understand, Mr. Chairman, that some of my colleagues believe that such a strategy should be left to the States; however, it is critically important that we remember one fact: a child does not learn differently based on what State they live in. A State that fails to hold schools accountable hurts the students, even if their standards were approved by the General Assembly. Parents should not have to worry about their child getting an inferior education just because of the State that they live in, Mr. Chairman. While States like mine--the great Hoosier State of Indiana--are holding robust debates about assessments, we still do not have a clear strategy to address the needs of our students or our teachers. This amendment, Mr. Chairman, merely sets forth a plan to address the problems we are facing across the country and increase the likelihood that our students will receive a quality education. This is something for us to think about, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, while I believe that this amendment addresses a very important issue, it will not solve the wide array of programs with the underlying bill. This bill ignores the needs of students living in poverty, students with disabilities, and English language learners. It fails to target those schools that are truly in need and allows portability that will hurt these struggling schools even further. It cuts State accountability standards. It block grants critical title I funds, effectively increasing chances that funds will not reach their intended targets, Mr. Chairman. This bill is nowhere near what our students, parents, and teachers need. I encourage my colleagues, Mr. Chairman, to support my amendment and vote against the underlying bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to present an amendment to help prepare vulnerable and at-risk students for the future. Too many children suffer because we effectively do not have the coordinated efforts to research and apply data on student achievement in a way that would really benefit them. This amendment supports the creation of a national strategy for the collection, analysis, and assessment of student achievement data. This data will be used to structure systems that better serve our students. In addition, it will advance teacher professional development, educational administration, and international education comparisons. Preparing students for college and careers should be a priority of our system of education. But doing this successfully requires evidence- based tools we need to properly assess what is working and what is not working. My amendment, Mr. Chair, will help ensure that all students leave our elementary and secondary schools prepared to meet the demands of our global society. I reserve the balance of my time.

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. In 2005, the Multi Hazard Mitigation Council of the National Institute of Building Sciences found that for every $1 spent on mitigation, $4 was saved in potential disaster costs. Other corollary 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 am proud to reintroduce legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Muhammad Ali in recognition of his contributions to our nation. I believe it is long past time to recognize and honor an American civil rights activist and sporting legend with Congress' highest honor. Over the course of his illustrious career, Muhammad Ali has produced some of our nation's most lasting sports memories. From winning a Gold Medal at the 1960 Summer Olympics to lighting the Olympic torch at the 1996 Summer Olympics, his influence as an athlete and a humanitarian has spanned over fifty years. Despite having been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in the 1980s, Ali has devoted his life to charitable organizations. Ali and his wife, Lonnie, are founding directors of the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center and Movement Disorders Clinic in Phoenix, AZ and have helped raise over $50 million for Parkinson's research. In addition to helping families cope with illness, Ali has led efforts to provide meals for the hungry and has helped countless organizations such as the Make-A-Wish-Foundation and the Special Olympics. Muhammad Ali's humanitarian efforts go beyond his charitable activities in the United States. In 1990 Muhammad Ali travelled to the Middle East to seek the release of American and British hostages that were being held as human shields in the first Gulf War. After his intervention, 15 hostages were freed. Thanks to his devotion to diplomatic causes and racial harmony, Ali is the recipient of many accolades, including being chosen as a ``U.N. Messenger of Peace'' in 1998 and receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005. Through his unyielding dedication to his sport and to struggling populations around the world, Muhammad Ali serves as an example of service and self-sacrifice for generations of Americans. The Congressional Gold Medal is a fitting commemoration of his life and work, for which he is deservingly known as ``the Greatest.'' Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing one of our nation's most lasting and influential figures by signing on to this important legislation.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. I have to acknowledge my colleague, my friend, my brother, and leader, not only nationwide but internationally, but especially in Brooklyn, for his boldness, his tenacity, Mr. Speaker, his intestinal fortitude, and his ability as a sitting Member of Congress to still speak truth to power, Congressman Jeffries. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to express my deepest condolences to the Brown family, who lost their son far too soon. As a parent, I can only imagine their pain and grief, Mr. Speaker. No parent should have to go through such an ordeal. As a young African American man, I can relate to the frustration being felt on the streets of Ferguson and streets across our country. The history of this great Nation, Mr. Speaker, past and present, is plagued with incidents of bigotry and discrimination in our justice system. Racial injustice continues to afflict our communities, and with each incident like this one, old wounds are reopened. The feelings felt in Ferguson are real and cannot and should not be discounted. Mr. Speaker, many right now feel abandoned by our justice system or unfairly singled out for suspicion. These are very legitimate concerns that cannot be ignored or overshadowed by those who have turned to violence. Now, as a former police officer, Mr. Speaker, I want to say I do respect our system of justice, but I also recognize the shortcomings. We certainly have a long way to go to guarantee our country's children of color are protected equally under the law in every instance, every neighborhood, and all across this great Nation. Mr. Speaker, no community should have to doubt whether justice has prevailed when a decision like this one has been handed down. We must not let Michael Brown's death be in vain. That would be a disgrace. That would be a tragedy. Today, our Nation is still struggling to heal. But this cannot truly happen until we honestly assess how justice is provided across our country. This process starts with peaceful protests, yes, but it ends with lasting reforms that protect all Americans equally, Mr. Speaker. This will not be easy or quick. But what is clear is that this march toward a better, more equitable country must begin with a unified front. Now through this tragedy we should bring about lasting change. And so tonight on that note, I want to ask, Mr. Speaker, all of my colleagues, my fellow Americans, to stand with the Congressional Black Caucus to make this dream a reality.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank my very esteemed colleague from Florida, Chairman Mica. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to be an original cosponsor of H.R. 5448, which reauthorizes the Kennedy Center through fiscal year 2019 for operations, repairs, and capital projects. The authorization levels in this bill are derived from the Kennedy Center's 2014 comprehensive building plan and are supported by the Kennedy Center. The Kennedy Center is, first and foremost, a Presidential memorial. We have a responsibility to fund its maintenance, consistent with the dignity of a memorial to the 35th President of the United States of America. Now, I strongly believe, Mr. Speaker, that allocating funding for proactive maintenance and repairs is in the best interest of our taxpayers. The Kennedy Center is one of the Nation's busiest arts facilities. It presents more than 2,000 performances annually and hosts thousands of theatergoers, visitors, and tourists. To Chairman Mica's point, the Kennedy Center also provides educational programs for teachers and students from prekindergarten through college across the U.S. This includes a variety of events and activities across the great Hoosier State of Indiana. These programs are supported by performance fees and donations and include professional development for arts, teachers, specially-designed concerts, phenomenal training programs for talented young musicians, and other outreach projects. The Kennedy Center is providing tremendous value to taxpayers through educational opportunities and performances, promoting their mission of being a national cultural center. President Kennedy once said, ``After the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we will be remembered not for our victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contributions to the human spirit.'' In conclusion, I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting the John F. Kennedy Reauthorization Act of 2014, so we can continue this phenomenal work. I yield back the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. CARSON of Indiana asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

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

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to my good friend from Florida, Representative Murphy.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlelady from New Mexico, Madam Lujan Grisham.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of S. 898. S. 898 directs the Administrator of the GSA to transfer the old Federal post office in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to the Amy Biehl High School Foundation in exchange for its fair market value. The Amy Biehl High School is a public charter school that is sponsored by the foundation that was founded in 1999 and has been residing in the Old Post Office building since 2006. Currently, the public charter school has a long-term lease agreement with the GSA for a nominal rent. The GSA has indicated to the committee that the agency has no need for the facility and that this directed sale supports the GSA's efforts to downsize and dispose of underutilized properties. My own subcommittee has approved a nearly identical bill. Now, Mr. Speaker, I would also like to acknowledge the memory of Amy Biehl. Ms. Biehl was a 26-year-old Fulbright Scholar working in South Africa when she was tragically attacked and killed in 1993. In the aftermath, Amy's parents, Linda and Peter Biehl, started a foundation to build on their daughter's work toward peace, reconciliation, and multiculturalism in South Africa. The new school, which is located in New Mexico, builds on this great work. Now, approving this bill to transfer the building at its fair market value will promote Amy's legacy and benefit the taxpayers. I will continue to support efforts by both the committee and the administration to reduce our Federal footprint. I support this bill, Mr. Speaker, and I urge my colleagues to approve it. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of S. 1934, introduced by Senator John Barrasso. It directs the Administrator of the General Services Administration to transfer the Clifford P. Hansen Federal Courthouse and the land underneath to Teton County, Wyoming. The GSA has indicated to the committee that the agency has no need for the facility. This directed sale supports the GSA's efforts to downsize and dispose of underutilized properties. However, this bill breaks with precedent. Although the local municipality is required to pay for the fair market value of the building, the bill directs the land underneath the building to be sold for a nominal value. Typically, the building and the land underneath would all be valued at a fair market value when being sold. The committee has consistently upheld the bipartisan principle that taxpayers are entitled to the full value of their assets in any sale. Nevertheless, the committee is supporting this unusual transaction because the underlying land was originally donated to the GSA by the local municipality, which is why I am supporting selling the land back to them for a nominal value. The bill provides taxpayers with further protections, Mr. Speaker. The legislation requires that the future use of this property be restricted to public purposes. I urge the GSA to interpret this language consistent with restrictions typically used by the GSA when considering land transfers for public purposes under title 40. I continue to support efforts to shrink the Federal footprint where appropriate while protecting taxpayer interests, and I urge Members to approve this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise with a profound sense of sadness, as I grieve with so many of my fellow Hoosiers over the loss of a young man who cared deeply for his community. Today, we remember Haris Suleman, a 17-year-old student who passed away last week in a plane crash. For the past month, Haris had been piloting a single-engine aircraft around the world with the hope of setting a world record and raising money to help build schools in his family's native country of Pakistan. He was a determined young man, who took interest in being a pilot after years of flying with his father, Babar. Sadly, his father, who accompanied him on this trip, is still missing. Haris was going to be a high school senior this fall and he dreamed of becoming an engineer like his father. Although he was only with us for a short time, Haris made a positive and lasting impact in his community, and his passing is a great loss for so many. May his determination to reach his goals and his commitment to help others serve as an example for all of us to follow. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our thoughts and prayers to Haris Suleman's family.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my sadness and outrage over the violence that has ravaged my Indianapolis congressional district. Eighty people, Mr. Speaker, have been murdered so far in 2014. In the last year alone, two police officers--Officer Rod Bradway and Officer Perry Renn--were senselessly gunned down in the line of duty. Enough is enough. I am calling on my fellow Hoosiers to end this violence, and I am asking my colleagues here in Congress and in the administration for help. With violence on the rise, police levels in Indianapolis have dropped below 1,500 officers, the lowest number in 7 years. We need increased funding for law enforcement and programs that keep our children off of our streets. We need the resources to not only combat crime, but prevent it from happening in the first place. It is time for us to end the violence and make our streets safe again.

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 Officer Perry Renn, a fallen Hoosier who dedicated his life to serving others. Over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, Officer Renn responded to a call where shots had already been fired at the scene. Upon his arrival, he acted without regard to his own life in order to protect those of his fellow officers and innocent bystanders. In doing so, he made the ultimate sacrifice. As a 20 year veteran of the IMPD, this was not the first time Officer Renn had risked his own life in an effort to protect his fellow Hoosiers. In 2003, he received the department's Medal of Bravery and later received a Letter of Commendation for his valiant effort to save lives after a stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair. Officer Renn's years of heroism, dedication and self-sacrifice have left a lasting legacy on the Indianapolis community. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our thoughts and prayers to Officer Renn's wife and family, and pay tribute to his life by maintaining our steadfast support for local law enforcement officers who selflessly serve in our communities.