Frank Mrvan

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, on January 16, 2025, I missed roll call vote No. 17. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on ROll Call No. 17 (On Passage of H.R. 30).

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to congratulate the members and leaders of the Hammond, Indiana Carpenters Union Local No. 599 as they commemorate the organization's 125th anniversary. In honor of this momentous occasion, Hammond Carpenters Local No. 599 will recognize union members for their outstanding service during a pin ceremony and anniversary celebration on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the Hellenic Banquet Center in Merrillville, Indiana. Hammond Carpenters Local No. 599 is a remarkable organization representing skilled craftsmen throughout Northwest Indiana and beyond. I would like to acknowledge the members being honored for their hard work and devotion to their trade. The graduated apprentices who will be honored include: Daniel Almeida, Sean Anderson, Trystan Arch, Joseph Armstrong, Robert Chicvara, Donald Collard, Brian Derby, Jaclyn Flores, Anthony Gibson, Austin Haney, Amber Jetmund, Isaiah Jimenez, Roy Meyer, Brian Orzechowicz, Matt Resunenko, Alex Salgado and Arnell Washington. The members who will be honored for 10 years of service include: Gregory Carns, Joshua Clausen, Jose Cordero, Tom Drakos, Adam Ibarra, Joshua Lindquist, Jakob Winarski, and Gregory Woosley. The members who will be honored for 15 years of service include: Andrew Denham, Brian Jamka, Cory Kliajic, Chad Kuhn, Thomas Lashenik, Kyle Lazzaroni, Gary Nord, Daniel Prendergast, Daniel Rademacher, Jason Shultz, Stephan Sosnowski, John Terpstra, and Bert Williams. The members who will be honored for 20 years of service include: Jack Bonick, Josh Bridegroom, Robert Buczek, Rick Companik, Todd Dapshis, Shane Eaker, Alberto Gomez, Todd Hemann, Jose Marquez, Sebert Meadows, Henry Quintana, Darryl Ramos, Jason Swigon, and Adam VanAmstel. The members who will be honored for 25 years of service include: Marc Bozetarnik, Jeff Buesing, John Erickson, Justin Fischer, Chris Gorski, Roy Hamende, Sr., Don Hancock, Gary Jenczalik, Darrin Jendreas, George Jeronimo, Alfonso Martrinez, Daniel Miller, Adam Nagel, Edwin Pina, Jeff Sellers, James Stuppy, Scott Talaga, and Chris Tauber. The members who will be awarded for 30 years of service include: Phil Baran, Sylvia Cabrales, Brian Hensley, Eric Long, James Prahlow, and David Thomas. The members who will be honored for 35 years of service include: John Adams, James Ballard, Michael Brown, Duane Dedelow, Daniel Deflorio, John Dorsey, James Golub, Carl Harbison, Tom John, Craig McGuane, Kenneth Morgan, Randall Norris, James Slagle, and David Turczi. The members who will be honored for 40 years of service are Kevin McCarthy and Michael Rodriguez. The members who will be honored for 45 years of service include: Terry Eckrich, Fred Kuhn, Richard Meyers, Brian Morton, and Thomas Perez. The members who will be honored for 50 years of service are Daniel Brown and Timothy Foley. The members who will be honored for 55 years of service include: Greg Argentine, Charles Gibbs, Rudy Medellin, and Michael Schaller. The members who will be honored for 60 years of service include: Robert Lowry, Bernard Ritchey, and Darrel Sills. Lastly, but most noteworthy, Ron Carlson will be honored for his 70 years of service. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating the Hammond, Indiana Carpenters Union Local No. 599 on its 125th Anniversary. Northwest Indiana has a rich history of excellence in its craftsmanship and loyalty among its tradesmen and women. Carpenters Union Local No. 599, and all unions, work tirelessly to ensure safe working conditions, living wages, and growth opportunities for its employees. For their significant contributions to working families and the development of the region, the leaders and members of Carpenters Union Local No. 599 are worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month and its 2024 theme, Pioneers of Change Shaping the Future Together. From September 15, 2024, through October 15, 2024, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the people of the United States will reflect on the outstanding contributions Hispanic Americans have made for the future success of our great Nation. Hispanic Heritage Month begins each year on September 15 and recognizes the anniversaries of the independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile observe their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. This month, we take the time to commend the many inspiring Hispanic leaders that work to create programs and opportunities that are crucial for the progress of the Hispanic community in Northwest Indiana and beyond. I am proud and honored to highlight recent efforts made in the region to strengthen educational opportunities for the Hispanic community. In 2020, Indiana University Northwest in Gary, Indiana, was designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the United States Department of Education. Purdue University Northwest in Hammond, Indiana, received the same designation in 2024. The Hispanic-Serving Institution designation provides universities with resources for the implementation of programs, facilities, and services to enhance educational opportunities for Hispanic Americans. I believe that this remarkable program not only empowers the Hispanic community throughout Northwest Indiana but is truly vital for the prosperity of our country. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and in honoring the leaders and members of the Hispanic community who have worked to improve the quality of life for all Americans for generations to come. Our Nation's success is reliant upon the rich heritage and cultural diversity of its people.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I take this time to recognize Sandra Noe and to congratulate her on her retirement from her position as Chief Executive Officer of Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana. Sandra's efforts to improve the quality- of-life for the aging community and those faced with disabilities throughout Northwest Indiana make her worthy of the utmost praise and our sincere gratitude. For her 38 years of unwavering dedication to the organization, Sandra will be honored at a retirement celebration taking place on Friday, July 19, 2024. Since its humble beginnings in 1977, Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana has seen consistent growth, and its immense impact has been a source of pride throughout the community. During her illustrious tenure, Sandra has been instrumental in every aspect of the organization, from managing human resources to developing computer programs for food purchases and inventory control to assisting in a building expansion to construct two central kitchens. A testament to Sandra's outstanding leadership, Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana now delivers more than 2,000 meals each day to children and adults throughout the region and recently reached an incredible milestone, having served its 9 millionth meal. Under Sandra's direction, the organization has continued to thrive, and we as a community are truly grateful for her service. In addition to her impressive career, Sandra has dedicated much of her time to charitable endeavors and organizations throughout the region. She has served on advisory boards for the Indiana University Northwest School of Public and Environmental Affairs, the advisory committee for Northwest Indiana Community Action, and as a board member and finance committee member for Meals on Wheels America. Notably, Sandra is a proud founding member of the board of the 219 Health Network, and she was named the 2015 recipient of the Influential Woman of Northwest Indiana Women in Non-Profit Award by the Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association, a prestigious accolade befitting her noteworthy career. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in recognizing the remarkable work of Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana and the lifetime of selfless service and tireless dedication of Sandra Noe. Her commitment to the Northwest Indiana community serves as an inspiration to us all, and we extend our best wishes upon her retirement in the years to come.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep appreciation for the inclusion of community project funding requests in the fiscal year 2025 appropriations measure that will support police departments throughout Indiana's First Congressional District. I am proud that these funds will directly assist with the purchase of equipment and technology that will enhance the abilities of police officers to protect themselves and our communities. This positive action would not occur without the thoughtful engagement of the House appropriations leaders and the dedicated law enforcement personnel from eight municipalities in northwest Indiana, including Crown Point, Dyer, East Chicago, Griffith, Hobart, La Porte, Schererville, and Valparaiso. I look forward to continuing to work with all of my congressional colleagues to finalize these critical requests as soon as possible.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, on June 5, 2024, I missed Roll Call votes 243, 244, 245, 246, and 247. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 243; YEA on Roll Call No. 244; YEA on Roll Call No. 245; YEA on Roll Call No. 246; and NAY on Roll Call No. 247.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere appreciation that I take this time to recognize Drive Clean Indiana as the organization celebrates its 25th anniversary on June 15, 2024. Through sustainable transportation and energy efforts, Drive Clean Indiana has enhanced the quality of life for residents and visitors of Northwest Indiana and throughout the state for the past 25 years. Drive Clean Indiana, which originated as South Shore Clean Cities, Inc. before its statewide expansion in 2022, is a member-based, nonprofit coalition that aims to encourage the use of domestic fuels, improve air quality, strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on imported oil, and build the state and local economies. On June 15, 1999, South Shore Clean Cities was founded as the 71st Clean Cities & Communities coalition by the United States Department of Energy. Under the initial leadership of Liz Williams and Deb McClelland-Parker, the coalition continued to grow, serving Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties in Northwest Indiana. In 2005, Carl and Lorrie Lisek became co- coordinators of South Shore Clean Cities. Then, in 2011, Lorrie became the Executive Director of Wisconsin Clean Cities while Carl was named Executive Director of South Shore Clean Cities, a position in which he remains today with Drive Clean Indiana. Drive Clean Indiana's dedicated team has been recognized with countless awards and accolades throughout the years, and the organization is truly worthy of each of these honors. And I would be remiss if I did not mention that, in 2015, Carl and Lorrie were both inducted into the United States Department of Energy's Clean Cities & Communities Hall of Fame. Drive Clean Indiana's transition to the statewide coalition is a testament to its extraordinary results. The organization has consistently exceeded expectations and surpassed its goals, while its membership has seen immense growth. Since its inception, the organization has managed many programs and projects including NIPSCO's IN-Charge Project, the BP Cleaner Air through Diesel Emissions Reductions Grant Program, and the Green Fleet Program. More recently, the organization has been heavily involved in fostering the use of electric vehicles across the state through its management of the Go Electric Vehicle Indiana (GOEVIN) program and the Indiana Clean School Bus Consortium (ICSBC). The ICSBC recently secured an award announced by President Biden and the United States Environmental Protection Agency that will bring 51 electric buses to Indiana school districts. It has also collaborated on many other projects including the Midwest Hydrogen Hub, which will promote clean energy through the production of hydrogen by leveraging renewable energy, natural gas, and low-cost nuclear energy. These are just a few of the many remarkable programs and projects in which Drive Clean Indiana is involved. Over the past 15 years. Drive Clean Indiana has helped to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2 million tons, the number of gasoline gallon equivalents by 300 million gallons, and the number of oil barrels by three million. For their truly innovative and successful energy and transportation initiatives, the organization's members and leaders are worthy of the highest praise. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Drive Clean Indiana on this outstanding milestone. For 25 years, the coalition has continued to make great strides toward improving the quality of the air we breathe and, in turn, improving the lives of countless individuals. Its steadfast commitment to Northwest Indiana and throughout the entire state is recognized and appreciated by all.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise today to recognize Pride Month and to celebrate all the members of the LGBTQ community in northwest Indiana and across our Nation. I am proud to be a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus and a supporter of the Equality Act. This critical legislation aims to prohibit at the Federal level discriminations based on sex, orientation, and gender identity in accessing education, employment, and housing benefits. More must be done to ensure that all LGBTQ individuals are able to thrive and succeed in our communities without fear of discrimination. As we continue in Pride Month and the rest of the year, let us continue to do all we can to promote a more inclusive, empathetic, and tolerant society for all.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere admiration that I take this time to recognize one of Northwest Indiana's finest organizations, Leon's Heroes, as it will once again host the annual Leon's Triathlon, widely known as ``America's Race.'' This outstanding display of patriotism and athleticism honors our veterans and active service members, with a special focus on those who have sustained injuries during their time in service. This year's event will be held at Wolf Lake in Hammond, Indiana, and will include static displays, festivities, and opening ceremonies leading up to the start of the race on Sunday, June 2, 2024. Founded in 1983 by Leon Wolek, an avid triathlete and native of Hobart, Indiana, Leon's Triathlon has drawn participants from across the country and has been a source of immense pride for the Northwest Indiana community. Having grown up admiring his father who served in the military, and spending time with and listening to the stories of other veterans at American Legion Post 454 in New Chicago, Indiana, Leon was compelled to ensure that the many brave individuals who have defended our nation throughout its history received the recognition they deserve. With this idea in mind, Leon's Triathlon emerged. Originally, the race took place in Leon's hometown of Hobart at the Izaak Walton League before its popularity and corresponding growth required its relocation. The city of Hammond, Indiana, was inspired by the organization's unwavering commitment to those who serve and have served our country and proudly welcomed the special event to the city. Fittingly, a portion of the race now runs along the Gold Star Memorial Highway, a designation which Leon's Heroes was instrumental in securing, and is dedicated to Indiana families who have lost loved ones in service. Leon's Triathlon has seen immense growth in participation since its inception, and many of the participants are veterans and active military members. As participation has grown so too has the number of events, which now includes additional events throughout the year. Since 2021, Leon's Heroes has also hosted an annual obstacle course event which takes place every September at Indiana Dunes National Park. This event recalls the attacks of September 11, 2001, while honoring our veterans and the many first responders who came to aid our fellow citizens on that tragic day. Mr. Speaker, throughout its history, Leon's Heroes has remained steadfast in its commitment to honoring the legacy of our military members, past and present. I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending the organization for its outstanding dedication to the community, to our veterans, to our active service members, and to our first responders. Leon Wolek and the many devoted volunteers involved with this extraordinary organization are truly worthy of our highest praise.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Chair, today I missed roll call vote 227. Had I been present, I would have voted NO on Roll Call No. 227. Amendment No. 2 Offered by Mr. Mooney

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise today in recognition of National Police Week. Every day, our brave law enforcement officers respond at a moment's notice to keep our communities safe and secure. We have the responsibility to make sure they have the support and financial resources that they need to protect themselves and to perform their duties to the best of their abilities. That is why, throughout my time as a Member of Congress, I have been proud to successfully secure community project funding requests and appropriation measures for police departments throughout northwest Indiana, including most recently for Gary, Hammond, Merrillville, Michigan City, and Munster. Let us continue to build on this success and support our law enforcement officers and their families, not just during police week but every day throughout the year.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate National Teachers Appreciation Week and recognize all the outstanding educators across Indiana's First Congressional District. As we reflect on the impact that teachers have made in our lives and are continuing to make every day for all our students, I remain immensely grateful for all who have chosen to be teachers and involved in the school system. Because of their selfless passion, their boundless energy, and commitment to inspiration, they are essential to ensuring our future leaders are able to harness their interests and reach their full potential. Thank you to all of the teachers, aides, assistants, and all the professionals in schools throughout northwest Indiana and our Nation who have dedicated their time and talents to helping students succeed.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, I thank Ranking Member DeLauro for the time and applaud the dedicated work of her and all the leaders and staff of the House Appropriations Committee on both sides of the aisle for their commitment to advancing this legislation. I am proud to support this legislative package that is of paramount importance to the strength of our Nation, to the American worker, and for our role as a world leader that is working to defend democracy. This is an incredibly serious moment for our Nation and the world, and I appreciate that these measures rise to the occasion to provide the necessary resources for those in need, including funds for Ukraine's military, for our ally Israel, and $9 billion in humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza. Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support these measures and ensure they are signed into law.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I take this time to recognize the 2024 Good Scout Award recipient, presented annually by the LaSalle Council Boy Scouts of America. To commemorate this special occasion, the organization is hosting a celebratory event on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at the Porter County Expo Center and Fairgrounds in Valparaiso, Indiana. Each year, the LaSalle Council Boy Scouts of America presents the Good Scout Award to individuals whose efforts have had significant positive impacts on their communities in Northwest Indiana and across the state. This year, the LaSalle Council Boy Scouts of America will be honoring Jeff Strack, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Indiana Grocery Group/Strack & Van Til. Jeff's impressive career with Strack & Van Til spans over thirty years. He has held numerous positions with the organization including Vice President of Operations and Chief Marketing/Strategy Officer, among others. Currently, Jeff is the company's President and CEO, a position he has held since 2016. During that time, Mr. Strack has created a culture of success by developing an executive team that is focused on customer satisfaction, employee appreciation, exceptional service, quality products, and community involvement. Under his outstanding leadership, Strack & Van Til has grown to include more than twenty locations, and the organization continues to evolve to meet the needs of the communities it serves. Jeff Strack generously serves his community by giving his time and efforts to numerous charitable endeavors. He also serves on several local, national, and advisory boards. In addition, Strack & Van Til has a long history of supporting organizations that focus on hunger relief, first responders, military, educational foundations, local sports teams, and more. For his outstanding commitment to so many earnest causes, Jeff Strack is to be commended. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring the LaSalle Council Boy Scouts of America and its 2024 Good Scout Award recipient, Jeff Strack. For his lifetime of leadership and tireless dedication to the community of Northwest indiana and beyond, Jeff Strack is worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise to celebrate National Women's History Month and its 2024 theme, Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Each year, the National Women's History Alliance selects a unifying theme in honor of Women's History Month. This year's theme recognizes the numerous brave women throughout history who have fought and continue to fight for justice and equality for women in all aspects of American society. As we celebrate the relentless efforts of women who have devoted their lives to this cause, I would like to take the time to honor a true leader in Northwest Indiana, Dr. Vanessa Allen-McCloud. Her passion for civil service and education serves as an inspiration for women throughout the region and beyond. Dr. Allen-McCloud holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Calumet College of St. Joseph and a Master of Education degree from Purdue University Northwest. In 2013, she earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Dr. Allen-McCloud's impressive career includes various professional positions in the field of education at Purdue University Calumet, South Suburban College, and the Gary Community School Corporation. In 2010, Dr. Allen-McCloud became President and CEO of the Urban League of Northwest Indiana, an organization that works to ``promote, encourage, and enhance services to improve social, educational, and economic conditions of African Americans and other minority groups in Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties.'' Under her leadership, the Urban League continues to grow and succeed and has become an outstanding source of support for many individuals and organizations. Throughout the years, the Urban League has hosted numerous programs and seminars highlighting opportunities for women. In addition, Dr. Allen-McCloud is a certified civility trainer in Civility in the Workplace and Cultural Competence and has been a noteworthy speaker in this regard. For her extraordinary leadership and passion for giving back to the community, Dr. Allen-McCloud is worthy of the highest praise. Over the years, Dr. Allen-McCloud has received many accolades honoring her impressive career. In addition, Dr. Allen-McCloud has generously served her community by giving her time and efforts to numerous charitable endeavors, and she serves on several local and national boards. For her exceptional devotion to these earnest causes, Dr. Allen-McCloud is to be commended. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating Women's History Month and recognizing the dedication and contributions of Dr. Allen-McCloud and so many other extraordinary women who work to make our communities more equal, diverse, and inclusive.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, as a father of two intelligent, independent, compassionate daughters, it is with great respect that I rise today to celebrate Women's History Month and its 2024 theme ``Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.'' This year, I would like to honor a true leader of northwest Indiana, Dr. Vanessa Allen-McCloud, who has served as president and CEO of the Urban League of Northwest Indiana for more than a decade. In this role, Dr. Allen-McCloud works to promote services to improve social, educational, and economic opportunities for African Americans and other minority groups throughout northwest Indiana. Under her leadership, the Urban League continues to grow and succeed and has become an outstanding source of support for many individuals and organizations. Madam Speaker, as we celebrate Women's History Month, please join me in recognizing the dedication and contributions of Dr. Vanessa Allen- McCloud and all of the extraordinary women who continue to make our communities more equal, diverse, and inclusive.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise today to celebrate Black History Month and its 2024 theme--African Americans and the Arts. This theme reflects on the important work of the African-American artists who preserve history, enrich communities, and create empowerment through the visual and performing arts. Throughout the years, northwest Indiana has been home to many such noteworthy and inspiring art-based organizations, including the West Side Theater Guild, Marshall J. Gardener Center for the Arts, the Glen Theater, the Miller Beach Arts and Creative District, the Gary Theater Ensemble, and the Morning Bishop Theatre Playhouse. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the countless African- American artists in northwest Indiana and across our country for their profound passion, creativity, and perseverance to enrich our culture and our quality of life.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and sincere admiration that I rise today to celebrate Black History Month and its 2024 theme--African Americans and the Arts. This year's theme reflects on the important work of African American artists throughout the country who preserve history, enrich communities, and create empowerment through the visual and performing arts including literature, film, music, fashion, culinary, architecture, and more. History has shown that the artistic contributions of African Americans have been minimized, excluded, and even denied. African American artistic movements such as the Black Renaissance, the Black Art Movement, and the introduction of the Hip-Hop music genre, to name a few, have been crucial in bringing about change, equality, and social justice to the African American community in the United States and all over the world. Throughout the years, Northwest Indiana has been home to many successful and noteworthy art-based organizations and programs that are truly inspiring. I would like to take a moment to recognize a few of them, past and present, including Vee-Jay Records, West Side Theater Guild, Gary International Black Film Festival, Gary Theatre Ensemble, Marshall J. Gardener Center for the Arts, Glen Theatre, the Gary Public Murals and Statues Program, the Miller Beach Arts and Creative District, and the Gary Public Art Competition, among others. For their unwavering dedication to preserving and honoring African Americans and the arts, each organization, program, and its members are worthy of the very highest praise. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in celebrating Black History Month and honoring the countless African Americans who have played such a critical role in enriching our culture through the arts. Let us commend each of them for their profound passion, creativity, and perseverance as they have enhanced the quality of life for all Americans.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep frustration with the unfortunate approach that the House majority is pursuing this week with regard to immigration legislation. On a personal note, this past week, I held a series of community forums throughout Indiana's First Congressional District, and at each one, the topic of immigration reform and the challenge of securing our southern border was front and center. Constituents throughout the region expressed great concern regarding the national security implications related to the increase in migrants, as well as the great need for increased border security agents, for administrative judges, for technology to monitor our border, and for the resources to address drug and human trafficking. More broadly, there was an appetite to comprehensively solve this problem in a bipartisan manner. Further, it requires not only government and Federal contractor employers, but all employers to utilize the E-Verify system to ensure no labor is being exploited, as well as honor our commitment to Dreamers. At our community forums, we also discussed the devastating impacts of fentanyl, highlighting how our district is home to an international port of entry that must be secure. In my prior position as a local elected official, I often hosted Narcan training sessions. I recollect one such program during a polar vortex with 60-degree-below wind chills. More than 150 individuals attended that training session because drug traffickers flooded our region with fentanyl-laced heroin. My office also assisted with burials for many of those who had lost the struggle with addiction. I looked into the eyes of family members who had lost loved ones, and I carry each one of those memories with me. This is real life. I pull from these experiences every day for my resolve to move forward with real legislative solutions. We are not solving problems by debating bills for political advantage when there is a pending appropriations supplemental emergency request that would fund an additional 1,300 border security agents, amongst other priorities. We are not solving problems by debating bills to try and further divide us when there is a bipartisan policy solution pending in the Senate that regrettably has been declared dead on arrival in the House. This is a national security issue, and I am seeking an immigration solution that is strong, secure, and humane. I implore my colleagues in the majority party to not jeopardize innocent lives and the safety of our communities by waiting to address this pressing issue until after the election. Let us put those solutions up for a vote so the American people can see if we stand for results or if we stand for political theater. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Nadler for the time.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Nadler for the time. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 357. As a Member of the legislative branch, I take very seriously our responsibility to provide oversight of the executive branch. We must always look to utilize the tools that we have available to us, including through the appropriations process, to ensure accountability and provide the appropriate scope and direction to our Federal agencies. I also believe that elections matter, and that we in the legislative branch should do our utmost to find common ground and advance policies and programs that promote the best interests of our communities. Unfortunately, I believe that this measure goes too far to deliberately hinder Federal agencies from advancing their priorities. For this reason, at the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to committee. If the House rules permitted, I would have offered the motion with an important amendment to this bill. In addition to exceptions for rules that impact public safety and national security, my amendment would also provide exceptions for rules related to veteran health benefits. As the ranking member of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation, I believe we must continue to do all we can to work together and advance initiatives that ensure our veterans receive the care and benefits that they have earned. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment in the Record immediately prior to the vote on the motion to recommit.

Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, I thank, again, the ranking member for the time.

Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great admiration that I recognize Haven House Northwest Indiana (NWI) on its 40th anniversary and to commend its leadership team, board of directors, and dedicated staff for their tireless efforts on behalf of survivors of domestic violence throughout the Northwest Indiana region. Haven House NWI began after a small group of concerned citizens gathered at Saint Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, Indiana. Founded in 1983, Haven House, located in Hammond, Indiana, has remained steadfast in its mission to provide emergency crisis intervention and shelter for domestic violence victims and their children. For those in need of an immediate place to stay, Haven House offers 25 beds for women, as well as additional accommodations for those with children. The organization also operates an invaluable transitional house, a million-dollar facility that came to be through the hard work of its members, generosity of community donors, and the unwavering support of former Hammond Mayor Duane Dedelow, Jr. and current Mayor Thomas McDermott, Jr. In addition to housing, residents are provided basic necessities, food, and supplies while offering them a home atmosphere where they are responsible for cooking and household chores. The residents, as well as former residents, also have access to individual and group counseling sessions and other activities related to life skills, empowerment, and the arts. Additionally, with a focus on long-term stability for its residents, Haven House provides individualized service plans that assess their needs, while also assisting with safety planning, referral services, court advocacy and protective order applications. The operation of this extraordinary community resource would not be possible without its amazing staff and its exceptional leadership team which consists of Executive Director Carrie Greer, Residential Manager Ebony Jackson, Fiscal Manager Candace Jordan, and House Manager Luz Gonzalez. Haven House is also led by its dedicated board of directors: Board President David Gearman, Board Secretary Bernie Zemen, Terence Fife, Andrea Graciano, Michelle Resendez, Ashley Ward, Jenny Winker, and Bobbi Costa, whose lifetime of service on the board has spanned the organization's entire 40 years. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Haven House NWI on its 40th anniversary. Through the years, the committed staff and leaders of Haven House have selflessly dedicated their time and efforts to ensure that survivors of domestic violence have a safe place to stay and the resources needed to take back their lives, and for this, these outstanding individuals are to be admired.