Frank Mrvan

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Takano for yielding me the time. It is my honor today to rise in support of H.R. 4673, the Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act. I appreciate the leadership of Chairman Takano to advance this critical legislation that will require the VA to automatically enroll individuals who are separating from the military into the VA system. Our brave members of the military put their lives and health on the line every day to keep our Nation safe, defend our democracy, and protect our freedoms. We have a responsibility to make it as easy as possible for them to transition from military service to civilian life, and I am pleased that this legislation does just that. My life experiences have afforded me the opportunity as a former township trustee in northwest Indiana to work every day with the veterans community. I was able to initiate a veterans services roundtable and bring together veteran organizations to discuss, coordinate, and streamline much-needed resources to our veterans. In many instances, it was not that the resources or the benefit was unavailable, but rather, the individual was unaware of the existing benefit, or unable to access, for whatever reason, the very resource they needed. Today, I am thinking of those countless discussions and individuals as I will vote to support the EVEST Act. It is an effective proposal to help ensure that veterans access the valuable healthcare services available to them during this transition process from active to veteran status. Today, I want to make sure we meet our veterans' mental health needs and increase veterans' access to healthcare. I again thank Chairman Takano and my fellow members of the Veterans' Affairs Committee for your commitment to supporting veterans and bringing this measure to the floor today. I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for Congress to complete the consideration of the fiscal year 2022 appropriations measures prior to the current deadline of February 18. I remain grateful that a transparent process was established for all Members to include eligible projects in these measures. Notably, for the first District of Indiana, there are projects included that will allow for dredging and improvements at the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor. This incredible facility is essential to the functions of the northwest Indiana steel and manufacturing industries and supports thousands of steelworker jobs and longshoreman jobs along the way. Appropriations measures are not just funding numbers and direction for Federal programs and projects. They are a testament to the government's investment that create jobs and grow our economy. I appreciate the ongoing communications of our appropriations leaders, and I look forward to doing all I can to ensure that these important measures are signed into law as soon as possible.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share how the recent enactment of the bipartisan infrastructure law is already delivering for organized labor and businesses in the First District of Indiana. My district is home to three airports that are drivers of our economy. They are essential to moving goods and people throughout the region and Nation and create good-paying jobs and increased economic opportunities. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, three regional airports are expected to receive funds under the bipartisan infrastructure law, including over $150,000 to the Michigan City Municipal Airport, almost $300,000 to the Porter County Regional Airport, and over $750,000 to the Gary/Chicago International Airport. I look forward to continuing the work in a spirit of cooperation with local and State officials to harness the impact of the bipartisan infrastructure law.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to rise in support of H.R. 1836, the Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act. I am so grateful for the sacrifices and the services of all our National Guard and Reserve members. They stand ready at a moment's notice to protect our Nation, our democracy, and the health of our communities. Two instances jump out at me when I think of the heroism of the Indiana National Guard members from this past year. The first was being able to spend time with our brave National Guard members last year in the cafeteria of the Department of Labor on the other side of the Capitol complex when they bravely rushed to our Nation's Capitol to defend our Constitution and to protect our democracy. The second was when I was able to stand side by side with them in the city of Gary when they operated a Federal COVID-19 vaccine site, which provided over 60,000 vaccines in Northwest Indiana at a critical time during our pandemic. The First District is also home to the proud Slovak community. And I am particularly appreciative that the Indiana National Guard has a flourishing military partnership with our strong ally, the country of Slovakia. We also have the 113th Engineering National Guard, which I have shared time with, who the men and women have sacrificed their time, dedication, and efforts to go over to Afghanistan. What this bill does is it gives us the opportunity to have equitable training and equitable educational opportunity for our National Guardsmen. Mr. Speaker, our Nation today has the opportunity to treat their Active Duty service on par with all branches of the military and ensure that every day the National Guard Reserve member serves our Nation in uniform is a day that counts toward their GI Bill benefits. Thank you to the leadership of Congressman Mike Levin, Chairman Takano, and all of my fellow members of the Committee on Veteran Affairs for your commitment to our Guard and Reserve members and for bringing this measure to the floor today. I also thank Chairman Takano on his leadership to protect the National Guardsmen on the burn pits and the toxic fumes that we have passed and how we are providing benefits and making sure that that is distributed fairly and equitably and making sure they receive the benefits necessary. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Takano for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, earlier this year the VA Office of the Inspector General released two separate reports highlighting VA's failure to conduct reliable lifecycle cost estimates for its Electronic Health Record Modernization program. Specifically, the IG repeatedly found unreliable and incomplete estimates for infrastructure upgrades and costs as well as inadequate reporting of those costs. Given the size and scope of the EHRM program, the lack of accurate cost estimates hampers VA's ability to provide Congress with an accurate picture of the cost and scale of efforts to modernize IT and physical infrastructure at VA medical centers. This piece of legislation will address these issues. It requires VA to look at all costs across VHA, OIT, and any other programs for any amount expended on the EHRM program, including for infrastructure projects and contractors that were not part of the original contract. This legislation also requires VA to provide the committee with reports on performance metrics and outcomes. I thank Chairman Takano and Ranking Member Bost for their leadership and for cosponsoring this legislation as well as all of the other cosponsors and the committee members who have truly made this a bipartisan effort. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure today to recognize the outstanding achievement of the Andrean High School girls volleyball team. Earlier this month, the 59ers won the Indiana Class 2A State Volleyball championship against Western Boone in a five-set match. Congratulations to Coach Grant Bell on his persistence and direction of this exceptional team, and special kudos as well to all the seniors for your leadership, including the starters: middle blocker, Brooke Molson; setter, Madison Kmetz; and my niece, outside hitter, Angelina Majchrowicz. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Andrean 59ers and all of these impressive young athletes for their skill, tremendous hard work, and representation to our region. You make all of Northwest Indiana and the 59er community very proud.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I take this time to remember one of Northwest Indiana's heroes, United States Army Specialist 4 (SP4) George Osborne, Jr., who was killed in action in Vietnam on November 22, 1967. On this upcoming Veterans' Day, SP4 Osborne will be recognized with a special tribute, and I join Mayor Jerome Prince and the citizens of Gary, Indiana, in honoring his service. courage, and sacrifice. George Osborne Jr. was born on January 30, 1948, in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, to George and Virginia Osborne. Throughout his youth, George was an avid drummer with his school's band, and he took a special interest in automobiles and electronics, the latter of which influenced his decision to join the military. Following his graduation from William H. Holtzclaw High School, located in his hometown of Crystal Springs, in May 1966, George relocated to Gary, Indiana. There he worked for a short time at Inland Steel before enlisting in the Army on November 29, 1966. After completing his required training, SP4 Osborne's tour in Vietnam commenced on May 20, 1967. He is remembered for his commitment toward the ideals of freedom for all and for his concern for those with whom he fought. During his time in Vietnam, SP4 Osborne made a great impact on his fellow soldiers, one of whom would later contact his family to tell the story of the day George saved his life. Tragically, on November 22, 1967, while transporting a mortar round, it exploded, and SP4 Osborne sustained a fatal fragment wound. While there is great sorrow in his young life being lost that day, SP4 Osborne's service and sacrifice will forever be remembered by a proud community and a grateful nation. Following his death, SP4 Osborne was posthumously awarded the Military Merit Award. For his service and sacrifice, he is also a recipient of numerous awards including the Purple Heart, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnamese Merit Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. George is remembered fondly by his friends and family. He is survived by his brothers, Herbert, Glen and Robert Osborne, and his sister, Georgia Osborne-Davis. He was also the cherished son of George Sr. and Virginia, and the beloved brother of Melvin Wilson, Will Osborne, Lula Osborne, and Lois Osborne-Kemp, all of whom have passed on. Madam Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring a fallen hero, SP4 George Osborne, Jr. SP4 Osborne is a true patriot who fought not only for his country but for the freedom of all people. He made the ultimate sacrifice and will forever remain a hero to his family and friends, to his community, and to all those for whom he served. Thus, let us never forget the sacrifice he made to preserve the ideals of freedom and democracy.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the late Jesse Gomez and his lovely wife, and good friend of mine, Rosemarie Gomez. Jesse was elected East Chicago city councilman in 1963, making him the first person of Hispanic descent to be elected to political office in East Chicago. Jesse's time in office opened political doors for the Hispanic community throughout the city and northwest Indiana. Jesse's wife, Rosemarie, was elected to replace him on the council, making her the first Hispanic female to serve in political office in East Chicago. Rosemarie dedicated much of her time to the East Chicago Public Library, volunteering countless hours to help support readers and future leaders. Rosemarie was also very proud to help decorate an annual Mexican-themed Christmas tree for the library's ``Christmas Around the World'' exhibit. Madam Speaker, our Nation's success is reliant upon the rich heritage and cultural diversity of its people, including the extraordinary contributions of citizens such as Jesse and Rosemarie Gomez.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Scott for this time. Madam Speaker, throughout my career, I have witnessed the direct, positive impact of programs and shelters such as the St. Jude House in Crown Point, Indiana, and the Haven House in Hammond, Indiana, which provide hope and resources for survivors and help prevent and protect against domestic violence. That is why I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2119, the Family Violence Prevention Act and Services Improvement Act. The increase in domestic partner violence is alarming, particularly as many individuals have lost valuable resources to aid them due to the pandemic and are forced to remain in close quarters with their abusers. As an administrator of emergency assistance for 15 years, I remain deeply concerned about the mental, physical, and emotional trauma survivors and their children endure. As one of the most effective Federal investments in preventing domestic violence, Congress must pass this measure to reauthorize and improve family violence and prevention service programs. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the leadership of Chairman Scott, Representative McBath, and the Education and Labor Committee, and I encourage my colleagues to support this measure.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I rise to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. From September 15, 2021 to October 15, 2021, the people of the United States will once again celebrate the histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of our Hispanic American community. As a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana, in honor of this special month, I would like to pay tribute to two truly outstanding local Hispanic community leaders, the late Jesse Gomez and Rosemarie Gomez. Jesse Gomez was born on April 5, 1920 in East Chicago, Indiana. He was elected East Chicago City Councilman in 1963, making him the first person of Hispanic descent to be elected to political office in the city, as well as in the state of Indiana. Mr. Gomez served three consecutive terms as councilman and was elected Council President twice during his tenure. His election and time in office was especially significant in that it opened political doors for the Hispanic community throughout the city of East Chicago and beyond. During his career, Jesse was also appointed Manager of the East Chicago License Bureau and served as Deputy Clerk in the Lake County Treasurer's office and Assistant Deputy for the Lake County Assessor's office. Jesse Gomez passed away on August 31, 1979, leaving an indelible mark in Northwest Indiana's history. He is survived by his wife, Rosemarie, four beloved children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Throughout his life, Mr. Gomez successfully advocated for the interests and rights of the Hispanic community throughout the region and the state. We are truly grateful for Jesse's remarkable contributions, and his legacy will remain a cornerstone for the Hispanic community and for all of Northwest Indiana. Rosemarie Gomez was born on January 14, 1926 in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. As a child, her family traveled back and forth between Mexico and the United States. She and Jesse made their home in East Chicago, and after Jesse's passing, Rosemarie was selected to replace him on the East Chicago City Council. This made her the first Hispanic female to serve in any political office in East Chicago. Throughout the years, Mrs. Gomez has given of her time and efforts to the city of East Chicago and to the Hispanic community. The pursuit of quality education has always been of utmost importance to Rosemarie, and she has always made it a point to instill these values in her children and grandchildren. Throughout the years, she has dedicated much of her time to the East Chicago Public Library. Among her many projects with the library, for twenty years Mrs. Gomez volunteered to decorate a Mexican- themed Christmas tree for the library's ``Christmas Around the World'' exhibit. For her dedication and commitment to the Hispanic community, and to the city of East Chicago and beyond, Rosemarie is worthy of our highest praise and everlasting gratitude. Madam Speaker, at this time, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Our nation's success is reliant upon the rich heritage and cultural diversity of its people, and the extraordinary contributions of citizens such as Jesse and Rosemarie Gomez, who have improved the quality of life for generations to come. This month, and always, we honor the many Hispanic members of our communities who have added to the prosperity of the United States and who have enriched our lives and the culture of our great nation.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I commend several remarkable leaders who have been honored as the Northwest Indiana Business and Industry Hall of Fame Class of 2021. This year's inductees include Maria and Oscar Martinez, Pat Popa, Peter Nau, and the Ziese Family. Centier Bank was also presented the Enterprise of the Year Award. Maria and Oscar Martinez are the proud owners of Tortillas Nuevo Leon, a family-owned company in Hammond, which sells tortilla products to grocers and restaurants. Maria and Oscar were both born and raised in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. After coming to East Chicago in 1957, Oscar spent 14 years making tortillas in the tortilla factory before starting Tortillas Nuevo Leon with Maria in 1975, making only tortillas. In 1990, the family tradition continued when their two sons, Jesus and Jaime, and their daughter, Olga, joined the company and helped expand the product line and distribution networks. Oscar retired in 2005 and Maria followed in 2007, leaving their children to run the business. Jesus became president, Jaime is vice president, and Olga is the office manager. Tortillas Nuevo Leon products can be found in twenty-eight states and Canada. Pat Popa is the owner of Popa Heating and Cooling, an HVAC company located in Highland. Popa Heating and Cooling was originally founded in 1968 by Pat's husband, Nick Popa. Their initial focus was installing heating and cooling systems in new home construction, but growth and success have enabled the company to expand their services to include existing residential heating and cooling in the Northwest Indiana area. Now, they replace old systems, offer new installations for existing homes, and provide system services, repairs, and equipment. Pat has been instrumental in organizing projects in downtown Highland to help increase traffic for the retail business district and improve the quality of life for its residents. In addition to her successful business, Pat gives much of her time and efforts to the Northwest Indiana community. In 2003, Pat created ``Downtown Ducks,'' a public art project that earned her the Governor's Award for Volunteerism from then-Governor Joseph Kernan. She has also been recognized by South Shore Arts with a Lifetime Distinguished Service Membership for developing a scholarship program for art students in Lake, Porter and LaPorte Counties through ``The County Seats'' public art project. Peter Nau is the president of Hammond Machine Works, a North American supplier of high-quality precision machining, metal fabrication, assembly and finishing of parts to the OEM market. Hammond Machine Works, which serves the rail car industry, has always been a family business. The business began in 1908 and was owned by Charles Nicholas Nau. Charles' son, Mike Nau, purchased the business in 1962 from Henry Kuehl and grew the company's capabilities and involvement in the community. Peter first started working with the company in 1979, and in 1992 he purchased the business from his father and took over as President. Under Peter's leadership, Hammond Machine Works has continued to succeed and expand. In 2015, the company invested $4 million in new equipment at its production facility in Dallas, Texas. Hammond Machine Works was honored with the Premier Supplier Award from one of the major car builders in Texas in addition to earning a collaboration award for working with a company to develop a product. For his contributions to charitable endeavors throughout Northwest Indiana, Peter was named Person of the Year by the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce in 2016. Peter and his wife, Debbie, have three sons, Peter, Travis, and Michael, all of whom play a role in Hammond Machine Works. The Ziese Family owns and operates Ziese & Sons Excavating, Inc., a demolition and excavating company based in Crown Point. Ziese & Sons was established in the early 1970s by the late Kenneth D. and Jean Ziese. The small business started with just mom, dad, two sons, Kenneth and Zach, and a dump truck. The company continued to grow and expand and joined the operating engineers, becoming unionized in 1991. This made it easier to secure commercial jobs, insurance, and other benefits. Ziese & Sons Excavating currently has 47 employees, which includes family members from the third generation. Zach Ziese serves as the president, Ken Ziese as vice president, and Jean Ziese is the company's secretary. A couple of noteworthy projects completed by Ziese & Sons Excavating include the Strack & Van Til plaza in Crown Point and the new Franciscan hospital. The recipient of the Enterprise of the Year Award is Centier Bank, Indiana's largest private family-owned bank. Originally known as Bank of Whiting, Centier Bank was founded by Henry Schrage in 1895 after he opened a bank inside of his general store. Since 1895, the Schrage family has built a legacy of success that extends throughout the communities it serves. Under the leadership of current president and CEO, Michael Schrage, Centier Bank currently has 60 offices throughout northern and central Indiana and nearly $6 billion in assets. In addition, Mr. Schrage is dedicated and passionate about providing a ``servant heart culture'' to clients, financial partners, and to the community. Whether it is through sponsorships and donations, volunteerism, or any other means of philanthropic outreach, Centier Bank's primary goal is to be an engaged and passionate member of the community while creating a sustainable impact. Madam Speaker, I ask you and my distinguished colleagues to join me in commending these dedicated leaders and organizations upon their induction into the Northwest Indiana Business and Industry Hall of Fame. They are truly deserving of this honor, and for their exceptional leadership and commitment to the region and beyond, each of them is worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Chuck Hughes, executive director of the Gary Chamber of Commerce; and Dr. Gordon Bradshaw, chairman of the public policy committee, for establishing the World Civility Day which was celebrated earlier this month on July 8. In 2015, Mr. Hughes and Dr. Bradshaw created the Community Civility Counts initiative with the Gary Chamber of Commerce and established the World Civility Day in order to encourage all individuals to be more mindful of our actions and to bring more understanding, more tolerance, and more listening and empathy into our society. I became a public servant in order to bring people together and solve problems, and that only happens when we treat each other with respect and civility. I commend Mr. Hughes, Dr. Bradshaw, and all of the individuals and organizations engaged in this initiative for their leadership to recognize the timely and worthy goals of World Civility Day.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, throughout my career, I have worked to protect vulnerable populations. Yesterday, I was proud to support the Consumer Protection and Recovery Act, which will aim to protect exploited consumers, including the elderly, who are oftentimes the most at risk. The Federal Trade Commission has an essential role to safeguard consumers from businesses that utilize misleading and deceptive practices. These bad actors must be held accountable, and the victims of any scam deserve justice. I appreciate the leadership of the House Energy and Commerce Committee to ensure that the FTC has the capabilities it needs to protect all individuals from fraud. I encourage our Senate colleagues to consider this important legislation as soon as possible.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Officer Thomas Sawyer of the Hammond Police Department, who heartbreakingly passed away earlier this month after a 5-week battle with COVID-19. Officer Sawyer's life's work was one of public service. After serving as a member of the United States Air Force during tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, he went on to serve another 23 years with the Hammond Police Department. The first responders of northwest Indiana and across our Nation run toward danger at a moment's notice in our times of greatest need, and our communities will forever be grateful for the selfless service of Officer Sawyer. As Officer Sawyer contracted this disease in the line of duty, let us continue to recognize its ever-present danger and how we must take action to keep ourselves and our neighbors safe. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with his wife, Mary, and all of his family and friends during this difficult time.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, it is with great admiration that I rise today to congratulate Mia Neal of Gary, Indiana, and celebrate her noteworthy achievement of winning an Oscar in the 93rd Academy Awards for best makeup and hairstyling. Mia Neal attended Horace Mann High School in Gary, Indiana, and after graduating in 1997, Mia's interest in hairstyling and makeup blossomed as she attended Merrillville Beauty College and Columbia College in Chicago. I would note that Mia's family has been actively involved in northwest Indiana's community, as her mother, Dena Holland Neal, was pastor of Peace United Church in Merrillville; and her grandfather, James Holland, taught at Roosevelt High School for more than 15 years and served as Gary's first deputy mayor from 1976 to 1988. Madam Speaker, I ask you and my distinguished colleagues to join me in recognizing Mia Neal on her historic Oscar award and again congratulate her for this outstanding accomplishment.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Takano for yielding me the time. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H.R. 239, the Equal Access to Contraception for Veterans Act of 2021. I first commend my colleague on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Congresswoman Brownley, for her leadership and perseverance to see that this critically important legislation is passed by the House. It is not acceptable that today women veterans do not have access to the same contraception coverage all Americans currently have available through the Affordable Care Act or private insurance, and all Active Duty servicemembers have through the Department of Defense. Women veterans are the fastest growing group of veterans enrolling in the Department of Veterans' Affairs healthcare system, and it is time that our policies for women veterans show them the support, respect, and fairness that they deserve. Madam Speaker, I thank my chairman, again, for the time, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, regrettably, I was not able to vote on June 22, 2021. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 173, and YEA on Roll Call No. 174.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, it is with great admiration and pride that I rise to honor Sister Peg Spindler for her lifetime of service and dedication to the Sojourner Truth House in Gary, Indiana. After more than 24 years of service, Sister Peg will be retiring on July 1 as the executive director of the women's shelter. Sister Peg found her calling to sisterhood at a young age while growing up in Cedar Lake, Indiana. In November 1997, Sister Peg, along with the support of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, opened the doors to the Sojourner Truth House, which serves the true vulnerable populations, the homeless, the underserved, and the at-risk women and their children, with the goal of providing them the necessary tools and resources to improve their quality of life. After retiring, Sister Peg plans to visit Catholic parishes throughout the country to advocate on best practices, to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and to combat the harmful effects of climate change on the most vulnerable. Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in honoring Sister Peg Spindler for her lifetime of leadership and tireless dedication to the most vulnerable of populations in her community.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I take this time to honor Sister Peg Spindler and to wish her well upon her retirement. For her lifetime of service and her dedication to Sojourner Truth House, Sister Peg is to be highly commended. After more than twenty-four years of service, Sister Peg will be retiring on July 1, 2021, as the executive director of the women's shelter. Sister Peg found her calling to sisterhood at a young age while growing up in Cedar Lake, Indiana. Upon graduating from Andrean High School in 1966, she became a religious sister and earned her bachelor's degree from Alvernia College in Reading, Pennsylvania. Sister Peg then embarked on her career as an educator, where she taught junior high school students in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. In 1983, after returning home, Sister Peg earned a master's degree from Villanova University and another in pastoral studies from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, Illinois. Sister Peg later went on to teach eighth graders at Holy Trinity School in Gary, Indiana, for fifteen years. In November 1997, Sister Peg, along with the support of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, opened the doors to Sojourner Truth House, located in Gary, Indiana. Sojourner Truth House serves homeless, underserved, and at-risk women and their children with the goal of providing them the necessary tools and resources to improve their quality of life. After retiring, Sister Peg plans to continue advocating for the homeless in our region through the Continuum of Care Network of Northwest Indiana and is hopeful she will be able to launch the first Lake County Homeless Trust Fund. She also plans to visit Catholic parishes throughout the country to advocate on best practices to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and combat the harmful effects of climate change on those most vulnerable. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in honoring Sister Peg Spindler for her outstanding service to the women and children who have passed through Sojourner Truth House and to wish her well upon her retirement. For her lifetime of leadership and tireless dedication to her community, Sister Peg is worthy of our utmost gratitude and appreciation.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight legislation that I recently introduced, the Longshore and Harbor Workers COVID-19 Compensation Act. I am extremely proud that this is my first piece of legislation and that it serves to protect the health, safety, and livelihoods of our Nation's maritime workers. The current health pandemic has created serious challenges for these essential workers, including unpaid, mandatory quarantine requirements resulting from COVID-19 contraction or exposure. In the First Congressional District of Indiana, the Burns Waterway Harbor generates more than $15 billion in business revenue and supports over 80,000 workers, including union jobs with the International Longshoremen's Association. I appreciate the support of my chairman on the House Education and Labor Committee, Bobby Scott, and I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to support this invaluable workforce and to move this legislation forward as soon as possible.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure and admiration that I congratulate Gary, Indiana, native Mia Neal, and celebrate her noteworthy achievement of winning an Oscar at the 93rd Academy Awards ceremony on April 25, 2021. Presented with the Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling for her work in the film Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Mia, along with Jamika Wilson, have become the first African American women to win in this category. For this historic and extraordinary accomplishment, Mia is worthy of the highest praise. Mia attended Horace Mann High School in Gary, where she participated in theater and was a member of the school's talented dance troop. After graduating in 1997, Mia's interest in hairstyling and makeup blossomed as she attended Merrillville Beauty College and Columbia College in Chicago before enrolling at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. After graduating from Jackson State University, Mia completed a Professional Internship for Wigs and Makeup at the famed Juilliard School in New York City where she honed her craft. After completing her studies, Mia remained in New York and has amassed an impressive career in her field, designing hair and makeup for many stage productions and feature films. While Mia has certainly had a successful career, her greatest accomplishment is being a mother to her son, James G. Deacon. Mia is daughter of Dena Holland Neal, a longtime active community member in Gary and Pastor at Peace United Church in Merrillville, Indiana, and the sister of Nia and Thamian Neal, as well as the cherished aunt of DeWayne, Jordan, and Karren. Mia's grandparents, James and Dorothy Holland, also hold deep roots in Gary. James taught at Roosevelt High School for more than fifteen years and served as Gary's first Deputy Mayor from 1976 to 1988. Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in recognizing Mia Neal on her historic Oscar award and congratulate her for this outstanding accomplishment. She has made her family, the entire Gary community, and all of Northwest Indiana so very proud.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, as the co-chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, I was honored last week to help facilitate a letter to the Appropriations Committee. This letter expressed our support for the International Trade Administration and the International Trade Commission, which are incredibly important to the success of the American steel industry and its workforce. The letter encouraged the committee to build on its previous efforts to provide adequate resources to the ITA and the ITC, so they may ensure timely and objective responses to trade remedy complaints and investigations. Their work is essential to upholding our trade laws and ensuring that all American workers can compete on a level playing field. I look forward to continuing to work with the members of the committee and the Steel Caucus to support these agencies and the strength of American steelworkers and manufacturers.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, as a proud father of two daughters, Genevieve and Scarlett, I was honored to join my colleagues last week in voting to support the passage of H.R. 7, the Paycheck Fairness Act. It is deeply regrettable that despite the enactment of the Equal Pay Act in 1963, there remains serious wage gaps based on gender. According to the American Association of University Women, in the First District of Indiana, a woman earns just 63 cents for every dollar that a man earns for performing the same job. There must be equal pay for equal work, and I am pleased that the House has taken action to right this wrong. I encourage our Senate colleagues to move forward with addressing this wage gap so that every individual, regardless of gender, can receive a fair wage for work they do.

Mr. MRVAN

Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Courtney for the time. First, I include in the Record this letter of support for H.R. 1195, the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act, written by Thomas Conway, the International President for the United Steelworkers. United Steelworkers, March 24, 2021. Re United Steelworkers supports H.R. 1195, the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act. House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative: On behalf of the 850,000 members of the United Steelworkers (USW), I am urging you to support the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (H.R. 1195). Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, workplace violence in health care and social service settings was a growing and ever-present threat to workers. While helping patients fight against the virus, these workers, who repeatedly put their lives on the line to ensure the health and wellbeing of others, have had to face a continued rash of assaults and violent attacks. According to data from the Department of Labor, healthcare employees are four times more likely to experience workplace violence than others in the private sector. And those in a hospital setting are nearly six times as likely as other workers to be the victim of an intentional injury. It is clear that these essential workers need protection against violence on the job. They need an enforceable OSHA standard to prevent workplace violence and ensure the safe working environment that they all deserve. H.R. 1195 would compel OSHA to issue a workplace violence prevention standard that requires health care and social services employers to develop and implement comprehensive plans to protect workers from violence in the workplace. The requirements are based on existing guidelines and recommendations from OSHA, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), industry associations, and state measures and ensure that there are workplace-specific plans in place to protect workers. Violent, serious, and life-altering incidents should never be part of the job. In order to begin curbing this epidemic of preventable workplace violence, our health care and social service workers need an enforceable OSHA standard that addresses violence in the workplace in a comprehensive manner. Our union urges you to support the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (H.R. 1195). Sincerely, Thomas Conway, International President.

Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, I appreciate that we are taking action today to support and defend these frontline workers, our healthcare and social workers, who selflessly have chosen their professions in order to serve others, and who, at the same time, experience rates of violence 12 times higher than other workers. The United Steelworkers letter just inserted into the Record importantly noted that violent, serious, and life-altering incidents should never be a part of the job, and that in order to begin curbing this epidemic of workplace violence, our healthcare and social service workers need an enforceable OSHA standard that addresses violence in the workplace in a comprehensive manner. There is a difference between punishment and safety, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this critically important legislation for these invaluable workers.