Erin Houchin

Mrs. HOUCHIN

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment. I thank the gentlewoman from Wyoming for yielding and for her leadership on this issue. I share the concern of many of my constituents with respect to the World Health Organization or the WHO, particularly with respect to the recent track record related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, I supported President Trump's efforts to remove the United States from the WHO. Our tax dollars are precious. Tax dollars should only be spent on necessary programs and necessary programs only. We should be prioritizing our limited resources within organizations that have a track record of delivering for the American people. Frankly, based on the WHO's own record, I struggle to say the WHO fits into that category. We have had to make a lot of tough decisions about what to spend taxpayer dollars on, about what to cut and what not to cut. An international organization with a dangerous record of protecting the world from the spread of diseases just does not meet the simple threshold. Are American taxpayers getting what they are paying for? Again, I thank the gentlewoman from Wyoming for her efforts to bring this to the floor. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mrs. HOUCHIN

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, let me start by saying killing a baby is not healthcare if it is done in an elective abortion. Clearly, the Hyde amendment gives exceptions for life of the mother, rape, and incest. Mr. Speaker, we shouldn't really have to be here talking about this issue today, but we are. The amendment we are speaking in support of today would repeal the Department of Defense's policy that facilitates elective abortion at taxpayers' expense. Whether those funds are for travel or any other purpose related to abortion, they are illegal. Mr. Speaker, it seems pretty cut and dry to me and many of my colleagues that what the Department of Defense is doing now is not in line with longstanding and current law, according to the Hyde amendment. While the administration might disagree with the Supreme Court's decision with respect to Dobbs, that does not give them the right to circumvent the law. Taxpayer funds should not be spent on elective abortion, period. Republicans are not the ones polarizing this country or injecting wokeness and politics into the institutions entrusted with our defense. It is quite the contrary.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, what we are trying to do is strip those things out of the Department of Defense and return them to their sacred duty of defending the country. I voted in support of this amendment during the House consideration of the NDAA because it was the right thing to do. As the House just agreed to proceed in conference, I strongly encourage House conferees to advocate for its inclusion in the final product in conference. This is an issue about the rule of law and pushing back on an administration that has demonstrated its appetite to ignore it. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman of the Armed Services Committee for his leadership as we head into conference.

Mrs. HOUCHIN

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, last month, back home in Sellersburg, Indiana, Silver Creek High School's baseball team made history by winning the program's first-ever class 3A State title. It is truly an honor and a privilege to recognize Silver Creek High School on the House floor. This is not only an impressive victory, but a testament to the guidance and leadership of Coach Joe Decker and his coaching staff who worked diligently to mold these young men not only into State champions--but future leaders. I hope Coach Decker enjoys this well-deserved retirement. The players' countless hours of practice, preparation, and teamwork has finally paid off and will, without a doubt, inspire future generations of players and coaches to strive for both excellence and good sportsmanship. They have not only made their school proud but the entire community and their Congresswoman. Mr. Speaker, I look forward with great anticipation to see what they will accomplish next. I congratulate them, once again, on their first-ever State championship win. I am sure it won't be their last. Activist Proposals at the SEC

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Financial Services Committee, a member of the ESG Working Group, and the Representative of the Ninth District of Indiana, I can say with certainty that we need the Securities and Exchange Commission to be transparent and accountable to the American people. In my work with committee, one issue I have been particularly focused on is the shareholder proposal process. In the current system, activists can persistently resubmit similar far-left proposals year after year despite those proposals being previously rejected by a majority of shareholders. This shift in focus toward advancing environmental, social, and political policies distracts from the primary purpose of our public markets which is to enable companies to raise capital, foster economic growth, and provide a return on investment for everyday investors. The SEC's recent proposals would make this problem worse by allowing more and more politically motivated shareholder proposals to be considered. This busy work provides no benefit to business. So why would we allow these already decided upon political topics to plague our boardrooms? It is simply not fair to companies, including the ones across my district, to have to continuously invest resources in fighting or litigating activist proposals that clearly do not benefit the company or its shareholders, especially when similar proposals have already been rejected. The SEC proposals defy logic and sound investment strategy. That is why last week I introduced the No Expensive, Stifling Governance Act, or the No ESG Act, as the very first bill of its kind to be introduced in Congress. The No ESG Act would stop this burdensome rule from being enacted and help put an end to redundant and onerous shareholder proposals. More specifically, for companies listening back home, this would address the SEC's proposed amendments on rule 14a-8. While the current system benefits a small group of activists over everyday investors, this proposed rule would increase the burden on shareholders and businesses and divert attention away from the issues that actually matter. The bottom line is that southern Indiana companies shouldn't be forced to become political platforms where politics overshadow sound financial decisionmaking. When I said that my priority was to improve the financial landscape for the Ninth District, I meant it. Accomplishing that depends heavily on putting forth legislation that would make a real difference, and the No ESG Act is that kind of legislation. I am glad to be contending on behalf of the State of Indiana to solve this problem that has been overlooked for far too long.

Mrs. HOUCHIN

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 597 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Scanlon), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, last night, the Rules Committee met and produced a rule, House Resolution 597, providing for consideration of two measures, H.R. 3935 and H.R. 3941. The rule provides for H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, to be considered under a structured rule with 104 amendments made in order. It provides 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, or their designees, and provides for one motion to recommit. The rule also provides for consideration of H.R. 3941, the Schools Not Shelters Act, under a structured rule with 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, or their designees. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this rule and in support of the underlying pieces of legislation. H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, was subject to a thorough committee process, one that saw a 2-day markup and eventually passed out of committee in an overwhelming fashion. This is a work product the whole House can be proud of. Chairman Graves and his team, working with Ranking Member Larsen and his team, have produced a comprehensive and timely bill. I am sure I am joined by all of my colleagues in thanking them for their hard work. As Chairman Cole mentioned in his opening remarks at the Rules Committee hearing yesterday, since the birth of flight, the United States has been a world leader in aviation safety and innovation. Mr. Speaker, I firmly believe this bill follows in and adds to that tradition. Our aviation industry needs certainty, and it needs opportunities to innovate. At the same time, we need to ensure that there are proper guardrails for safety. I believe the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee delivered on these goals. As a testament to meeting the mark, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure has provided a lengthy list of groups in the aviation industry that are supportive of this bill. Aviation plays a crucial role in the American economy. This holds true in each and every congressional district represented by this body, whether that be large international airports or smaller regional airports in districts like mine. In preparing for the bill's passage, I have spoken to local aviation officials in southern Indiana to gather input. One of my constituents even referred to the underlying bill as ``one of the best'' FAA reauthorization bills they have seen. Comments like this give me great confidence in the policies we are advancing and the importance of this bill. Mr. Speaker, the United States must remain the leader in aviation safety. We must preserve the United States' position as a world leader in providing an efficient, innovative, and safe aviation transportation system. Simply put, we must remain at the forefront of global aviation, and this FAA reauthorization is a strong illustration of our leadership. Mr. Speaker, I will move on to H.R. 3941, the Schools Not Shelters Act. I am proud to cosponsor H.R. 3941. As a member of the Education and the Workforce Committee, we were presented with staggering statistics that provide further evidence of Biden's border crisis. We learned that over 2,500 migrants are pouring into New York City weekly with over 87,000 migrants arriving since last spring. It is obvious that action must be taken. These statistics from our larger cities preview what could happen across the country if action is not taken. We know some Democrats are willing, even eager, to ignore Federal immigration law, and that is why I am concerned with proposals to house illegal migrants in our schools and what that means for our students and school safety all across the country. While every child should have access to all the resources they need to be successful in their education, K-12 facilities should be used for educational purposes, not as housing units for illegal immigrants. Colleges and university campuses should not be distracted from meeting the educational needs of students because the Biden administration has failed to secure the southern border. I am sympathetic to the issues created by this administration leading to the influx of migrants into the interior of the United States, but I vehemently disagree that these problems should be borne by our schools and their students. That is why this legislation is necessary and why I am, again, proud to be a cosponsor. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy).

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. McClain).

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Langworthy).

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I will note that new laws will not keep guns from criminals any more than the current ones that we have. This legislation does not defund schools. I think there is a disconnect from my colleagues on the other side of the aisle because we have before us legislation that would simply say that schools need to be focused on education and not on housing illegal migrants--migrants that the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. McClain) pointed out have no background checks--and that they have no ability to verify and determine if they would be safe. Meanwhile, parents of students in my school corporation have to have background checks to go in for classroom parties. We are not defunding schools. We are simply saying that schools cannot house these migrants as a matter of safety for our children. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Van Orden).

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Malliotakis).

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Molinaro).

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from New York.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. We face another week of big legislation under consideration for a vote on the House floor to better the lives of everyday Americans. Both the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act and the Schools Not Shelters Act are important steps in delivering on our promise for a nation that is safe. Republicans are keeping our Commitment to America. With the passage of these two bills, we can continue to lead in aviation safety and innovation and keep the promise to our students that schools are a place dedicated to learning and safety. I look forward to moving these promises out of the House this week, and I ask my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on the previous question and ``yes'' on the rule.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mrs. HOUCHIN

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, Kovener's Korner Ice Cream has been a summertime staple in Seymour, Indiana, for decades. In fact, Kovener's Korner opened in 1949 as one of Seymour's very first drive-in restaurants, serving up sweet treats and their famous chocolate malt- flavored ice cream. During its 75 years in business, this family-owned brick store on 2nd Street has employed hundreds of Hoosiers, with the majority being young adults in high school or college. As we celebrate their 75th season, I am bringing well-deserved appreciation all the way from the House floor. I thank them for not only their delicious ice cream, but their commitment to the community and a summertime tradition for generations of families in Seymour. We are proud to have so many special small businesses in southern Indiana, and Kovener's Korner is an exceptional example.

Mrs. HOUCHIN

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, this National Police Week is a special one for me as a new Member of Congress. I promise to always protect our police officers, just as they protect our communities back home. Regardless of which side of the aisle you are on, on that we should all agree. It is important that the American people see us supporting law enforcement as we debate a vote on this week's police bills and throughout the 118th Congress. The legislation provided for in this rule are commonsense measures including: Allowing law enforcement officers to purchase retiring service weapons, making assaulting a law enforcement officer a deportable offense, and stating clearly that we appreciate the dedication of the men and women of law enforcement. There is no better message than showing our officers, ``We are behind you.'' I know law enforcement officers in southern Indiana and across the State who are listening right now and would appreciate it. I am in awe of the incredible work they do to keep us safe, as they agree to take the oath to protect and serve, knowing that does not guarantee them a safe return to their family at the end of the day. I saw the true weight of this when I visited the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial last Thursday. The memorial displayed name after name after name of those who didn't return home. Too many names. One of those names of fallen officers was Officer Benton Bertram from Charlestown, Indiana. To see his name surrounded by so many selfless, brave heroes puts it in perspective. They didn't run from danger; they ran toward it. With unwavering gratitude, we won't forget their sacrifice. This is just the start of why it is so important we act this week on the House floor. As an Indiana State senator, I fought for and secured a pay raise for our State police officers. Many of them thanked me. I always responded; it was the least we could do for their service. Mr. Speaker, I will continue to take advantage of every opportunity to support the police and all law enforcement officers and will actively seek out opportunities to work with anyone willing to provide our officers with the resources and the support they deserve. Mr. Speaker, my message to the police officers in southern Indiana is: Know you always have a fighter for you here on the House floor, in House committee rooms, and here in Congress. God bless our men and women in blue.

Mrs. HOUCHIN

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, ask Hoosiers in New Albany what LifeSpan Resources is and they will tell you it is a key part of the community. Their organization works to support independence and quality of life for people across southern Indiana through their advocacy and client services, and they have great leaders, like Lora Clark, leading the charge. Happy 50 years of helping Hoosiers in Clark, Floyd, Harrison, and Scott Counties live independently. That is 50 years of home-delivered meals, transportation assistance, and numerous in-home services. I am sorry I missed the big celebration at IU Southeast in New Albany last week, but I am proud of the work you do. On behalf of Hoosiers across our district, I congratulate and thank them for 50 years.

Mrs. HOUCHIN

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 298 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Leger Fernandez), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.