Luke Messer

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Chris Lowery for his contribution to our state and his community. From his time at the Batesville Casket Company, to his role with Hillenbrand, and now as senior vice president with Ivy Tech Community College, Chris has dedicated himself to making his community a great place to live. He was also instrumental in helping my office with the 6th District Scholars Program, which recognized outstanding 8th grade students from our community. Our state is better off because of Chris' extraordinary leadership and service. On a personal note, Chris is among my closest friends in politics. He was one of my earliest and most vocal supporters and is a loyal friend and wise adviser. I want to thank Chris for his support of my work in Congress. I wish him continued success in all that God has planned for him and his family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Eric and Lori Wallien for their contributions to our state and their community. The Walliens are important business leaders in Shelby County. Without a doubt, they have made a positive and lasting impact in Shelbyville and embody exactly what ``Hoosier hospitality'' is meant to be. Our state is better off today because of Eric and Lori's extraordinary leadership and service in their community. On a personal note, their daughter, Hannah, worked for our team as an intern in both my Washington, DC office and state office. She is a dynamic young leader with a big future in front of her. Jennifer and I cherish our friendship with the Walliens. They were among my earliest and most vocal supporters and they are loyal friends and wise advisers. I want to thank Eric and Lori for their friendship and incredible support of my work in Congress and we wish them continued success in all that God has planned for their family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Claudia Thornberg for her contribution to our state and Randolph County. Claudia has served in various positions in Randolph County throughout her career, including as Clerk of the Circuit Court and as the Voter Registration Deputy. She has made an incredible impact on her fellow Hoosiers through her service. On a personal note, I've known Claudia for nearly twenty years, dating back to my first campaign for Congress in 2000. Claudia and her husband, Ed, were among my earliest and most vocal supporters. They are loyal friends and wise advisers. I want to thank Claudia and Ed for their friendship and support of my work in Congress. I wish them continued success in all that God has planned for their family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize David and Ruth Nutty for their contributions to our state and Fayette County. David and Ruth have made a positive and lasting impact in Fayette County through public and community service. Our state is better off today because of their extraordinary leadership and service. On a personal note, the Nuttys were among my earliest and most vocal supporters. They are loyal friends and wise advisers. I want to thank David and Ruth for their friendship and support of my work in Congress. I wish them continued success in all that God has planned for their family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize former State Representative Cleo Duncan for her contribution to our state. For 16 years, Cleo represented Southeastern Indiana with honor and integrity in the Indiana General Assembly. As a former school teacher, Cleo worked to ensure Indiana's students were best equipped to succeed. It was an honor to serve with her during my time at the Statehouse. On a personal note, I've known Cleo and her husband, John, since childhood. Their kids went to school with my brother and me, and their family has always been kind to us. The Duncans were among my earliest and most vocal supporters. They are loyal confidants and wise advisers. I want to thank Cleo and John for their friendship and support of my work in Congress. I wish them continued success in all that God has planned for their family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Di and Tony Schantz for their contributions to our state and their community. The Schantzs have made a positive and lasting impact in Ripley and Franklin counties. Our state is better off today because of their extraordinary leadership and service in their community. On a personal note, I will be forever grateful for Di and Tony's prayers and their constant positive encouragement. Di has one of the best smiles you will ever see and both Di and Tony live lives that embody the principles of putting family first. The Schantzs were among my earliest and most vocal supporters. I want to thank Di and Tony for their friendship and support of my work in Congress. I wish them continued success in all that God has planned for their family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Dave Adams for his contribution to our state and Shelby County. As Superintendent of Shelbyville Central Schools, Dave dedicates himself to Hoosier students and teachers every single day. Dave also served on our 6th Congressional District Education Advisory Committee and regularly met with my team to discuss important education issues in Indiana. Our state is better off today because of his extraordinary leadership and service, and I wish him the best in his retirement in 2019. On a personal note, I have known Dave for over 20 years, and I'm proud of the work we did together to improve high school graduation rates in our state and Shelby County. Dave is a loyal confidant and wise adviser. Dave and his wife, Cindy, are among my closest friends in public life. They were among my earliest and most vocal supporters. I want to thank them for their friendship and support of my work in Congress. I wish them continued success in all that God has planned for their family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Dana and Audra Caldwell for their contributions to our state and their community. The Caldwells are an institution in East Central Indiana and are some of the best people I have had the pleasure of knowing during my time in Congress. They are both very involved in the community and have spent years volunteering their time and resources for community organizations. Dana and Audra's embodiment of ``Hoosier hospitality'' has truly made a difference in their community and I know our state is better off today because of their extraordinary leadership and service. For six years, the annual 6th District Messer family picnic was hosted at the Caldwell family farm. Our family is grateful for the Caldwell's extraordinary friendship. They are loyal confidants and wise advisers. I would also like to thank Dana and Audra for their incredible support of my work in Congress. The Messer family cherishes the time we get to spend with them and we wish the Caldwells all the best in whatever God has planned for their family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Chuck Waggoner for his contribution to our state and Jennings County. From his time with the Indiana State Police to his volunteer work with the United Way, and countless other endeavors, Chuck has served his community with honor and distinction. Our state is better off today because of his extraordinary leadership and service. On a personal note, Chuck was among my earliest and most vocal supporters. He is a loyal friend and wise adviser. I thank Chuck for his friendship and support of my work in Congress and wish him continued success in all that God has planned for him and his family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize State Senator Jean Leising for her contribution to our state. For nearly 18 years, Jean has represented East Central and Southeast Indiana with honor and integrity in the Indiana State Senate. As the Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Jean has been an advocate for farmers in her district, leading on issues that impact family farms across Indiana. She also continues to be a strong voice on education policy in the Indiana General Assembly, working to ensure our students and teachers are well equipped to succeed. Our state is better off today because of her extraordinary leadership and service. On a personal note, I have known Jean and her husband, Frank, for decades. I would like to thank them for their friendship and support of my work in Congress. I wish them continued success in all that God has planned for their family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Tom Chalfant for his contribution to our state and Randolph County. Tom is a farmer in Randolph County and also serves as a County Commissioner. He has been involved in Republican politics for decades and is extremely well respected by the community. He is also a member of the 6th District Agriculture Advisory Committee, where he meets with my team regularly to discuss emerging agriculture issues that are impacting Indiana farmers. Randolph County and our state are better off today because of his leadership and service. On a personal note, Tom is a friend in faith and was among my earliest and most vocal supporters. I want to thank him for his prayers and support of my work in Congress. I wish him continued success in all that God has planned for his family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Dominic Grote for his contribution to our state and the City of Madison. As a member of the 6th District Manufacturing Advisory Committee, Dominic regularly met with my team to discuss emerging manufacturing issues that are impacting Indiana. Dominic is an important business leader in the Madison community and Indiana is better off today because of his extraordinary leadership and service. On a personal note, Dominic is a loyal friend and wise adviser. I want to thank the Grote family for their friendship and incredible support of my work in Congress. I wish them continued success in all that God has planned for their family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Mayor Mike Pavey for his contribution to our state and the City of Rushville. Throughout his career, Mike has served Rush County and the City of Rushville with honor and integrity. From his time on the city council to his service as mayor, Mike has made improving the quality of life in the community his main priority. Several economic development initiatives, including being designated as a Stellar Community in 2016, have helped improve the City of Rushville. Without a doubt, our state is better off today because of his extraordinary leadership and service. On a personal note, Mike has been a loyal friend and wise adviser during my entire tenure in Congress. I want to thank him for his friendship and support of my work. I wish him continued success in all that God has planned for him and his family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Mayor Chuck Fewell for his contribution to our state and the City of Greenfield. Throughout his career, Chuck has dedicated himself to serving our country, our state, and the City of Greenfield with honor and integrity. As mayor, Chuck has made improving the quality of life in Greenfield his main priority. Greenfield is better off today because of his extraordinary leadership and service. On a personal note, Chuck is a loyal friend and wise adviser. Chuck is among my closest friends in politics. I want to thank him for his incredible support of my work in Congress. I wish Chuck continued success in all that God has planned for him and his family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Ann Ogle for her contribution to our state and her community. Ann has spent her career working at Cummins and dedicates much of her free time toward volunteering in the community. Bartholomew County and our state are better off today because of her extraordinary leadership and service. On a personal note, Ann and her late husband, Ted, are among my best friends in politics. They were among the first and most vocal supporters of my campaign for State Representative nearly twenty years ago. Jennifer and I cherish our friendship with the Ogles. They are great friends and wise advisers. I want to thank Ann for her friendship and support of my work in Congress. I wish her continued success in all that God has planned for her family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Rev. Matthew Barnes for his contribution to our state. For years, Matt has served as a pastor and spiritual leader at the Indiana Statehouse. Republicans and Democrats alike are blessed to have Matt around to pray with or turn to for guidance. I was fortunate to get to know Matt during my time in the Indiana General Assembly. Without a doubt, our state is better off today because of his extraordinary leadership and service. Most importantly, Matt is a brother in Christ, and I appreciate his prayers and encouragement over the years. I wish him continued success in all that God has planned for him and his family. No doubt, Matt is a man who will continue to serve the Lord.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Janice Silvey for her contribution to our state and Hancock County. Janice has spent her career in public service, working in the Hancock County Treasurer's office for over 40 years and serving as the Treasurer for the past six years. Hancock County is better off today because of her extraordinary leadership and service. On a personal note, I first met Janice almost a decade ago when I was running for Congress. She's an incredible woman and is unrelenting in her passion for advancing our shared Republican principles. She is a loyal friend and wise adviser. I want to thank Janice for her friendship and support of my work in Congress. I wish her continued success in all that God has planned for her family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Lee and Rose McNeely for their contribution to our state and Shelby County. The McNeelys have made a positive and lasting impact in their hometown of Shelbyville. Lee has had an incredible career as an attorney and is a founding partner of McNeely Stephenson, one of the top firms in the state. He has also served as a Trustee at our alma mater, Wabash College, and was President of the National Association of Wabash Men. I know our state is better off today because of the McNeely's extraordinary leadership and service to their community. On a personal note, Jennifer and I cherish our friendship with Lee and Rose. They are loyal friends and wise advisers, who were among my earliest and most vocal supporters in Shelby County. We wish them continued success in all that God has planned for their family.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the individuals who served on our 6th Congressional District Military Service Academy Nomination Board. As a Member of Congress, I have the honor of nominating young Hoosiers from Indiana's 6th Congressional District to the United States Military Service Academies. Each Member of Congress may nominate up to ten candidates for each available vacancy to the Military Academy at West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, and the Merchant Marine Academy. Each year, the members of the 6th Congressional District Military Service Academy Nomination Board work with my staff and I to evaluate the applications of young men and women from our District who are seeking admittance to a military academy. During my time in Congress, we have nominated more than 90 young men and women to these academies. Many of them have since graduated and are currently serving our country. I want to thank all of the members of the Nomination Board, including, Nate LaMar, Jan Frazier, Robert Morrow, David Martin, and Kelly Poltrack for their service. The Board's insight and experience has always been helpful to me and my staff. I appreciate their service on the Committee and their dedication to our country. I wish all of them continued success in whatever God has in store for them and their families.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a good friend, and tremendous public servant, State Representative Tim Brown, who was severely injured in a recent motorcycle crash. I had the pleasure of getting to know Doc Brown, a retired emergency room physician, during our time in the Indiana General Assembly. I know firsthand that Doc Brown is a wise and humble man with a great sense of humor and the common sense to never take himself, or his important work, too seriously. He's represented Hoosiers in the House since 1994 and, as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, he is a big reason why our state's fiscal health has become a model for the rest of the country. But more than that, Doc Brown is good man who has dedicated his life to serving his fellow Hoosiers with kindness and compassion. My family and I, along with all Hoosiers, continue to keep Doc Brown in our prayers and wish him a safe and speedy recovery.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from California, Chairman McClintock, for his help on this bill; the gentlewoman from Guam, my friend, Ms. Bordallo, for her support as well; Chairman Bishop and all the members and staff of the Natural Resources Committee for their important work and for bringing this legislation to the House floor today. Mr. Speaker, I also want to recognize my son, Hudson, I guess named after a river, for tagging along with me and being here as well. Mr. Speaker, as most of us learned in high school history, in 1803, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were commissioned by President Jefferson to find a water route to the Pacific Ocean across the United States. This bill, the Eastern Legacy Extension Act, formally recognizes the important role States like Indiana, my home State, played in the expedition by extending the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail to the east. Currently, the trail only marks the western portion of Lewis and Clark's expedition. However, these explorers, as other speakers have said, traveled nearly 1,000 miles along the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers in States like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois before arriving in present day Missouri. In fact, the town of Clarksville, Indiana, is named after William Clark after he famously stopped there to recruit members for the expedition. To properly recognize this historic expedition and preserve the entire route Lewis and Clark took, Congress previously requested the National Park Service to study extending the trail along the route they took east of the Mississippi. In February 2018, the final study was released, recommending that Congress designate the eastern leg of the expedition as part of the trail. This bill makes that a reality, and by recognizing the eastern portions of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, we make the entire national trail stronger. This legislation will increase tourism opportunities for communities in Indiana and the rest of the 4,900-mile route and promote historic appreciation for the role Lewis and Clark played in making our country what it is today. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation for their work on this legislation and, again, thank the committee and the chairmen for their work, too. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this historic bipartisan compromise that rolls back some of the most harmful policies from the Dodd-Frank Act and will help grow our economy. The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act includes bipartisan legislation that I authored to help communities in Indiana and across the United States save money on roads, bridges, and schools. It reverses a backward banking rule that gave foreign countries an advantage over American cities and towns. This will drive down the cost of borrowing and make it cheaper for cities and towns to finance local infrastructure projects. Ultimately, this bill saves taxpayer dollars. That is why it has passed the House twice. It is supported by numerous advocacy groups, and my good friend, the State treasurer of Indiana, Kelly Mitchell. I applaud this bill's inclusion in this banking reform package, and I urge my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying bill.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend, Jacqueline Linda Blasdel, who recently passed away at the age of 80 in Greensburg, Indiana. Jackie married Bill Blasdel on September 27, 1963, and they moved to Greensburg, Indiana in 1968. Bill and Jackie were both very active in the community. Jackie's extraordinary civic leadership included service as president of the American Cancer Society, a founding member of both Tree County Players and Tree City Singers, board member of Tulip Trace Girl Scout Council, Vice Chair of the Decatur County Republican Party, and President of the Chamber of Commerce. Jackie was also a 30 year member of the United Methodist Church and a member of the Greensburg Wesleyan Church. In 1974, Jackie started the WB Panel company with Bill, which was later incorporated with an industrial oven company to form Blasdel Enterprises. Jackie was the CEO for over 35 years. In 2007, she was awarded the Distinguished Hoosier Award from Governor Mitch Daniels and a state recognition from the Republican Party. In 2010, Jackie and Bill were recognized with the Greensburg Decatur County Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award. I got to know Jackie during her time as Vice-Chair of the Republican Party. Jackie and Bill have both been supporters and friends throughout my political career. Jackie was a wise mentor--always encouraging, never ruffled and quick to offer her advice with a smile. I will miss her. Jackie is survived by her husband, Bill; two sons, Jack (Pam) Blasdel and Tim (Carol) Blasdel; three daughters, Jill Blasdel, Beth (Greg DeWitt) Blasdel, and Becky Blasdel; three grandsons, Todd Blasdel, Matt (Sara) Blasdel, Michael (Brittany Nicole) Blasdel; three granddaughters, Brittany K. Blasdel, Grace Vanderbur and Olivia Vanderbur; four great grandchildren, Miles, Bailey, Malcolm, and Jace Blasdel; two sisters, Eleanor Lorton, and Marjie Bauer; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 18 farms in the Sixth Congressional District of Indiana who have received a Hoosier Homestead Award for their commitment to Indiana agriculture. In honor of Indiana's rich agricultural heritage, the Hoosier Homestead Award Program recognizes farms that have been owned by the same family for 100 years or more. I am proud that 18 farms within the Sixth Congressional District have met these qualifications and have received the Hoosier Homestead award. These include: William S. Emly Farm (Decatur County). Oesterling Homestead (Decatur County). Rosfeld Farm (Franklin County). Meyer Family Farm (Franklin County). Kolb Farm (Franklin County). Funke Farm (Jennings County). Hobson Farm (Randolph County). Huffman Family Farm (Randolph County). Timke Farm (Ripley County). Kohlman Farm (Ripley County). Huber Farm (Ripley County). Crum Farm (Ripley County). Francis Graham Farms Inc. (Rush County). Linville Farm (Shelby County). Dake Farm (Shelby County). Crandell Farm (Switzerland County). Romerill Farm (Switzerland County). Gavin-Beck Family Homestead (Union County). On behalf of the entire Sixth Congressional District of Indiana, it is my privilege to recognize these farms for this award and their lasting impact and commitment on our community.

Mr. MESSER

Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Morristown High School men's basketball team on winning the 2018 Class A IHSAA Boys Basketball State Championship. Morristown faced off against Southwood High School on March 24th at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Yellow Jackets defeated the Knights 89-60, winning their first men's basketball state championship and setting 10 Class A finals records, including most points and largest margin of victory. I am proud of these young men for their hard work and for the Hoosier sportsmanship that they displayed throughout the season. I want to commend Coach Scott McClelland as well as the assistant coaches who led these young men to a historic victory. Congrats, Yellow Jackets, on winning the state title.