Mike Pence

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent on December 30, 2012 and missed rollcall votes 649 through 651. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall votes 649, 650, and 651.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, it's an honor to rise for what will be my last time speaking as a Member of the United States House of Representatives. The people of Indiana have given me a new assignment. But I rise tonight to pay a debt of gratitude to all of those who gave me the privilege to serve in this place. As a boy, I dreamed of someday representing my hometown in our Nation's capital. Twelve years ago, the people of the Sixth Congressional District made that dream a reality. And so I begin tonight by simply saying `thank you' to all of them for letting me live that dream in these past 12 years, to come to this place again and again, and to be some small part of the story of this institution and America's story. My only ambition in Congress was to look out for my family and to keep my word to the people who sent me here. To let my `yes' be `yes' and my `no' be `no.' And it is my hope that as people view the totality of my record and my life, they'll see that we've done just that. There are those to thank tonight that made that possible, and that's what brings me to this task this evening. First, permit me to give thanks to God, whose grace and mercy has sustained us every day that we have served the people of Indiana in this place. Next, and on this Earth most of all, I rise to honor and thank my beloved wife, Karen Pence, whose love, whose support, whose sacrifice, patience, and kindness, have made all that I have done in the service to the people of Indiana in this place, possible. Thanks for believing in me. I love you and I'll see you home. To our children: Michael, Charlotte, and Audrey. They were 6, 7, and 8 when I first arrived in this place and stood on this floor with my right hand raised, 12 years ago. They are now 18, 19, and 21. Thank you for your love. But thank you for the sacrifices that you have made so that we could live our dreams. Now go make your dreams come true. I know every one of you can. To my colleagues with whom I've stood at this place, shoulder to shoulder, doing freedom's work, standing each and every day, cheerfully on behalf of the founding principles of this Nation: standing for a strong national defense; for limited government; for economic freedom; and for the moral foundations of this Nation. You know who you are. And we will take you from this place in our hearts always. You know there's a saying back home, when you see a turtle on a fence post, one thing you know for sure is that he didn't get there on his own. So lastly what I want to do tonight, Mr. Speaker, is really to pay a debt of gratitude to the best congressional staff in American history. The men and women who have served our efforts in this city, and at home in Indiana for the past 12 years. I leave this body truly humbled when I look back at the caliber of the staff that we've been able to call to this mission, servant leaders all. They are men and women who approached each and every day with a servant leader's heart and made sacrifices over the years in order to serve the people of Indiana with integrity and energy. Names like Bill Smith and Lani Czarniecki; Jennifer Pavlik and Josh Pitcock; Matt Lloyd and Paul Teller; Marc Short and Sheila Cole, Russ Vought and Mary Vought; Ryan Fisher, LeAnne Holdman Gibbs and Chris Kiefer; Brian Neale and Ryan Jarmula, just to name a few. You know, I don't really have time tonight to name all of the men and women who served us in various capacities over these last 12 years. I submit each and every one of their names to the Congressional Record this night. Some people look on in Washington, D.C., and they are rightly frustrated. Some people can come to this Nation's capital and lose their idealism. I'm not such a person. When I walk out of this Capitol for the last time, I will leave here with my idealism intact. I will continue to believe as our Founders did, that we are one nation under God, rich with a purpose yet to be fulfilled. That no matter how dark the day may seem that we can be confident when we stand for freedom and we do freedom's work, because freedom is not just our story, it's His story. And when we stand for freedom, however imperfectly, we make His work on this Earth our own. In the words of the poet I depart this place saying, The woods are lovely, dark, and deep. But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep. I say to my colleagues and friends and neighbors in Indiana, my duties take me elsewhere, but wherever providence leads this Nation, let us ever remember that we have promises to keep for future generations of Americans in preserving, protecting, and defending the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity. And I know we'll keep that promise because we're Americans. Thank you for the honor of addressing you tonight. And to the people of the Sixth Congressional District: know that I'll always be grateful for the privilege that you have given me to serve in this place. And I will always cherish my days in the People's House. May God bless the United States House of Representatives, and all who serve her now, and ever on this floor. And may God bless the United States of America. Mike Pence Staff Roster: 2001-2012 Acornley, Mark--Part-Time Admin Assistant: October 6, 2011- 2012 Adams, Susan--Staff Assistant: October 6, 2003-February 29, 2004 Ahearn, Mark--Legislative Director: January 22, 2002-April 2, 2003 Alexander, Jerry--Constituent Services Representative & Director of Community Outreach: July 9, 2001-May 15, 2007 Arnold, Ron--Director of Administration & Deputy Chief of Staff: January 3, 2001-October 31, 2009 Atterholt, Kathleen--Caseworker: January 3, 2001-January 2, 2010 Bauer, Zachary--Staff Assistant & Legislative Correspondent: January 4, 2010-2012 Bennett, Kim--Deputy District Director: January 3, 2001- 2012 Berry, Debra--District Representative: August 6, 2001-2012 Breeding, Mary--Paid Intern & Staff Assistant: April 1, 2001-January 18, 2002 Brinkman, Muffet--Staff Assistant: January 8, 2001-March 31, 2001 Brown, Skip--Communications Assistant: January 2, 3004- November 16, 2005 Brown, Will--Staff Assistant & Legislative Correspondent: January 3, 2009-January 2, 2011 Castor, Amy--Staff Assistant: May 16, 2004-March 12, 2006 Collins, Larry Ken--Communications Director: January 3, 2001-March 31, 2001 Craig, Lindsey--Legislative Assistant: January 2, 2009- April 2012 Crouch, Daniel--Legislative Assistant & Senior Legislative Assistant: January 16, 2007-August 7, 2009 Czarniecki, Cary (Lani)--District Director: January 3, 2001-2012 Dilly, Jonathan--Paid Intern: May 21, 2001-August 8, 2001 Evans, Ben--Constituent Services Representative: January 4, 2010-2012 Fisher, Ryan--Legislative Assistant & Legislative Director: January 3, 2001-January 2, 2007 Fortin, Kristin--Paid Intern: May 7, 2001-July 13, 2001 Gaskill, Kily Smith--Executive Assistant: January 13, 2009- 2012 Gibbs, LeAnne Holdman--Staff Assistant, Legislative Assistant, Senior Legislative Assistant & Legislative Director: February 24, 2004-October 21, 2008 Hawkins, Nicole--Community Development Assistant: January 23, 2006-April 6, 2007 Howe, Jeff--Field Representative: January 3, 2003-February 28, 2010 Hughes, Kaitlynn--Press Assistant, Press Secretary: January 2, 2011-2012 Jarmula, Ryan--Staff Assistant, Legislative Assistant and Senior Legislative Assistant: January 22, 2008-2012 Karchner, Derek--Staff Assistant & Press Assistant: January 22, 2002-March 6, 2003 Keller, Aaron--Paid Intern: June 12, 2001-July 31, 2001 Kennedy, Elizabeth--Staff Assistant: February 23, 2004- April 30, 2005 Kiefer, Chris--Legislative Assistant & Senior Legislative Assistant: January 3, 2001-April 30, 2005 Kincaid, Andrew--Legislative Assistant: January 3, 2001- December 31, 2001 Lahr, Matt--Press Assistant: February 1, 2006-January 2, 2007; Press Secretary: May 10, 2010-January 9, 2011 Lavoie, Matt--Staff Assistant: March 13, 2006-April 15, 2007 Likens, Darlene--Caseworker: January 3, 2001-May 31, 2002 Lloyd, Matthew--Communications Director: January 29, 2003- December 31, 2008; Communications Director for GOP Conference: January 1, 2009-December 31, 2010; Communications Director: January 1, 2011-2012 McCarthy, Greg--Staff Director of Foreign Affairs, Middle East and South Asia Subcommittee while Rep. Pence served as Ranking Member: January 1, 2007-January 2, 2009 Meeker, Autumn--Staff Assistant: June 1, 2010-2012 Milazzo, Nathaniel--Legislative Correspondent, Legislative Assistant & Legislative Director: April 25, 2005-January 2, 2011 Miller, Craig--Legislative Assistant: January 3, 2004-June 4, 2005 Miller, Molly Jarmu--Communications Assistant & Legislative Assistant: January 1, 2002-July 28, 2003 Miner, Ryan--Paid Intern: June 1, 2007-July 11, 2007 Myers, Janille--Executive Assistant: January 12, 2009-2012 Neale, Brian--Legislative Assistant & Legislative Director: June 17, 2009-2012 Pardieck, Karrie--Casework Director: January 3, 2001-2012 Pavlik, Jennifer Marsh--Executive Assistant & Staff Director: January 6, 2001-2012 Perdew, Abby--Administrative Assistant & Administrative Director: January 27, 2009-October 31, 2011 Phipps, Andrew--Director of Community Relations: January 3, 2001-October 31, 2001 Piepgrass, Stephen--Communications Director: April 23, 2001-August 15, 2002 Pitcock, Joshua--Legislative Assistant, Deputy Chief of Staff and General Counsel: May 11, 2005-Dec. 31, 2008; Deputy Chief of Staff and General Counsel for GOP Conference: January 1, 2009-June 30, 2011; Deputy Chief of Staff and General Counsel: January 1, 2011-July 31, 2012; Chief of Staff--August 1, 2012-2012 Radtke, Schrade (Trip)--Legislative Director: March 22, 2003-December 30, 2003 Reger, Ryan--Field Representative: January 3, 2001-December 31, 2007 Shettle, John--Part-Time Caseworker: January 3, 2001-2012 Siktberg, Alan--Staff Assistant/Field Representative: February 1, 2005-February 14, 2008 Slatter, Ian--Legislative Assistant & Communications Director: January 1, 2002-January 31, 2003 Smith, William A.--Chief of Staff: January 3, 2001-July 31, 2012; Senior Advisor: August 1, 2012--2012 Son, Daniel--Communications Assistant & Press Secretary: January 26, 2008-May 31, 2010 Sulc, Kevin--Constituent Services Representative: July 9, 2001-2012 Tronovitch, Ryan--Staff Assistant: April 27, 2007-December 31, 2007 Wilson, Mikah--Constituent Services Representative/ Caseworker/Administrator: January 3, 2003-October 31, 2009 Wilson, Duncan--February 23, 2005-February 28, 2005 Wilson, William Patrick--Legislative Director: January 2, 2001-December 31, 2001 Chairman Mike Pence, Republican Study Committee Staff Roster: 2005-2006 Executive Director--Sheila Cole Deputy Director--Paul Teller Policy Director--Russ Vought Senior Policy Analyst--Derek Baker Policy Analyst--Joelle Cannon Research Assistant--Marcus Kelley Communications Director--Matt Lloyd Chairman Mike Pence, House Republican Conference Staff Roster: 2009- 2010 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name Title Tenure ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Marc Short...................... Chief of Staff.... Jan. 2009-Dec. 2010 Josh Pitcock.................... Deputy Chief of Jan. 2009-Feb. Staff. 2010 Deputy Chief of Mar. 2010-Dec. Staff/General 2010 Counsel. Emily Seidel.................... Director of Jan. 2009-Dec. Operations/ 2010 Assistant to the Chief of Staff. Katie Strand.................... Director of Member Jan. 2009-Dec. Services and 2010 Events. Melanie Looney.................. Coalitions Jan. 2009-Feb. Director/General 2010 Counsel. Russ Vought..................... Policy Director... Jan. 2009-Aug. 2010 Daris Meeks..................... Policy Advisor and June 2009-Aug. Legislative 2010 Counsel. Policy Director... Aug. 2010-Dec. 2010 Adam Hepburn.................... Policy Advisor.... Jan. 2009-Dec. 2010 Chris Jacobs.................... Policy Advisor.... Jan. 2009-Jan. 2010 Andy Koenig..................... Policy Advisor.... Jan. 2009-Dec. 2010 Jonathan Hiler.................. Policy Advisor.... July 2010-Dec. 2010 John Gray....................... Policy Advisor.... Apr. 2010-Dec. 2010 Sarah Makin..................... Policy Advisor.... Jan. 2009-Mar. 2010 Policy Advisor/ Mar. 2010-Dec. Coalitions 2010 Liaison. Brian McManus................... Policy Advisor/ Apr. 2010-Dec. Coalitions 2010 Liaison. Lisa Tanner..................... Policy Advisor.... June 2009-Aug. 2009 Matt Lloyd...................... Communications Jan. 2009-Dec. Director. 2010 Mary Vought..................... Press Secretary... Feb. 2009-Dec. 2010 Andeliz Castillo................ Deputy Press Feb. 2009-Dec. Secretary and 2010 Director of Specialty Media. Courtney Kolb................... Media Coordinator. Jan. 2009-July 2010 Deputy Press July 2010-Dec. Secretary. 2010 Rachel Semmel................... Press Assistant... Jan. 2009-July 2010 Radio/TV Booker... July 2010-Dec. 2010 Brian Newell.................... Deputy Press Jan. 2009-Mar. Secretary/ 2010 Speechwriter. Doug Sachtleben................. Deputy Press Apr. 2010-Dec. Secretary/ 2010 Speechwriter. Katie Hughes.................... Press Assistant... June 2010-Dec. 2010 Emily Pickett................... Press Assistant... June 2010-Dec. 2010 Ben Howard...................... Staff Assistant... Feb. 2009-Dec. 2010 Scott Neale..................... Staff Assistant... Jan. 2009-May 2010 Ja'Ron Smith.................... Staff Assistant... Jan. 2009-Dec. 2010 Ryan Howell..................... Visual Media...... Jan. 2009-Dec. 2010 Bryant Avondoglio............... Visual Media...... Jan. 2009-Dec. 2010 David Holley.................... Visual Media...... Jan. 2009-Dec. 2010 Rebeccah Propp.................. Visual Media...... June 2009-Dec. 2010 Ericka Anderson................. Visual Media Mar. 2009-Dec. (blogger). 2010 ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise for what will be my last time speaking as a Member of the United States House of Representatives. The people of Indiana have given me a new assignment. But I rise tonight to pay a debt of gratitude to all those who gave me the privilege to serve in this place. As a boy, I dreamed of someday representing my hometown in our Nation's Capital. And 12 years ago, the people of the Sixth Congressional District made that dream a reality, and so I begin tonight by simply saying thank you to all of them for letting me live that dream in these past 12 years, to come to this place again and again and to be some small part of the story of this institution and America's story. My only ambition in Congress has been to look after my family and keep my word to the people that sent me here, to let my yes be yes and my no be no. And it is my hope that as people review the totality of my record and my life, they'll see that we've done just that. But there are those to thank tonight that made that possible, and that's what brings me to this task this evening. First, permit me to give thanks to God, whose grace and mercy has sustained us every day that we have served the people of Indiana in this place. Next, and on this earth most of all, I rise to honor and thank my beloved wife, Karen Pence, whose love, whose support, whose sacrifice, patience and kindness, have made all that I have done in the service of the people of Indiana and this place possible. Thanks for believing in me. I love you, and I'll see you home. To our children, Michael, Charlotte and Audrey, they were 6, 7, and 8 when I first arrived in this place and stood on this floor with my right hand raised 12 years ago. They're now 18, 19, and 21. Thank you for your love. But thank you for the sacrifices that you made so that we could live our dreams. Now go make your dreams come true. I know every one of you can. To my colleagues, with whom I've stood in this place, shoulder to shoulder, doing freedom's work, standing each and every day cheerfully on behalf of the founding principles of this Nation, standing for a strong national defense, for limited government, for economic freedom and for the moral foundations of this Nation, you know who you are, and we will take you from this place in our hearts always. You know, there's a saying back home that when you see a turtle on a fence post, one thing you know for sure is he didn't get there on his own. And so lastly, what I want to do tonight, Mr. Speaker, is really pay a debt of gratitude to the best congressional staff in American history, the men and women who have served our efforts in this city and at home in Indiana for the past 12 years. I leave this body truly humbled when I look back at the caliber of the staff that we've been able to call to this mission, servant leaders, all. They are men and women who approached each and every day with a servant's heart, made sacrifices over the years in order to serve the people of Indiana with integrity and energy. Names like Bill Smith and Lani Czarniecki, Jennifer Pavlik and Josh Pitcock, Matt Lloyd and Paul Teller, Marc Short, Brian Neale and Ryan Jarmula, just to name a few.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent on December 12 and 13, 2012 and missed rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Aye'' on rollcall votes 621, 622, 623, 624, 625 and 626.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent and missed roll call votes during the week of December 3, 2012. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall votes, 614, 615, 617, 618, 619 and ``no'' on rollcall vote 616.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent during the week of November 26th and missed Rollcall Votes 611, 612 and 613. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on Rollcall Votes 611 and 613, and ``no'' on Rollcall Vote 612.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent on November 16, 2012, and missed rollcall vote 608. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote 608.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to mark the passing of Andrew Michael Freeman, a combat veteran from the Hoosier state who recently earned an honorable discharge from the United States Army. As our nation paused on Veteran's Day to honor those men and women in uniform who have served our country, the community of Anderson sadly mourns the loss of one of their own. Andrew graduated from Anderson High School in 2004. In January 2009, Andrew enlisted in the United States Army and soon thereafter served in the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment. While serving in Afghanistan, Andrew earned numerous distinctions, including several Army Achievement Medals and other awards for his dedication and hard work. Andrew is survived by his father and stepmother, Stephen and Stephanie; his mother, Christina; his siblings, Amanda, Monica and Justin; as well as his grandparents, Morris and Maurita Freeman, Nancy Lantz, Harold and Gertrude Granger and Judy Waymire. Andrew also leaves behind many friends and fellow servicemembers and I wish to extend my deepest condolences to all of those who mourn his passing, especially his beloved girlfriend, Heather Majors. We are told to mourn with those who mourn, and grieve with those who grieve. As we mourn the passing of Andrew Michael Freeman, our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with his family.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent on November 15, 2012, and missed rollcall votes 605, 606, and 607. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall votes 605, 606, and 607.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent on November 13, 2012, and missed rollcall vote 604. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote 604.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an exemplary school in Indiana's Sixth Congressional District. Yorktown High School in Yorktown, Indiana, has been named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Yorktown High School earned this recognition for its excellence in education, showcased through its high-performing students as measured by state assessments or nationally-normed tests. Yorktown High School has been a staple of the community, serving students in grades 9-12 for more than 100 years with a dedication to core beliefs, including that curriculum and instruction will be research or evidence-based with student achievement being measured to ensure continuous progress. Also, it holds fast to the core belief that school leaders will expect and support ongoing improvement of teaching and student performance and that students will learn and perform best when stakeholders maintain high expectations. Not only does Yorktown High School boast a graduation rate of 95 percent, but in 2011, seniors at Yorktown High School passed AP exams at a rate of 30 percent, compared to the national average for public schools of 18.1 percent. I want to congratulate Yorktown High School students, administrators and teachers for earning this prestigious award. You have made not just Yorktown, but the entire Hoosier state proud.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I was deeply saddened to learn that, for the second time in less than a month, the community of Anderson is mourning the loss of a police dog. On July 26, 2012, Anderson Police Department K-9 Kilo was lost during a shooting that took the life of a Pendleton resident and injured two police officers. Just weeks later, on August 18, 2012, while tracking the scent of a bank robbery suspect, Anderson Police Department K-9 Magnum was shot and eventually succumbed to those wounds. Both Kilo and Magnum were lost in the line of duty and while some may believe their service is far different from the officers who choose to wear the uniform, those who stand on the thin blue line see police dogs as partners. Kilo and Magnum both were loyal to the end. With their instincts and training, these police dogs were the front line of defense, protecting their human compatriots. I couldn't be more proud, that in the wake of these tragedies, the community has rallied around the Anderson Police Department. Students at both Anderson Prepatory Academy and Anderson High School have raised funds to help the city bring on another K-9. Police dogs, like Kilo and Magnum are often visible within our communities and can be very valuable with public outreach efforts. Yet, as we have learned, these animals often are the front line of defense for officers and the public at large. Let us keep the Anderson Police Department, especially Officers Marty Dulworth and Matt Jarrett, the handlers of Kilo and Magnum, in our prayers. These instances demonstrate that our first responders put our lives ahead of their own on a daily basis. For that, we will be forever grateful.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, it is with a profound sense of sadness that I rise to mark a tragedy in the community of Pendleton, Indiana that has taken the life of an innocent resident and a K-9 police dog and injured two police officers. On the evening of July 26, 2012, John Neal Shull, Jr. of Pendleton, lost his life in a shooting incident. According to Pendleton Police Chief Marc Farrer, Shull was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Mr. Shull was a business owner in Pendleton and a member of the local Kiwanis Club. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and fondness for classic cars, but those who knew him best will remember John Neal Shull, Jr. as a devoted family man and friend. I want to offer my sincere condolences to his wife Noelle, their children and to his extended family. Also lost during this terrible tragedy was one of Anderson's finest--K-9 police dog Kilo. Kilo and his handler, 11-year veteran police officer Marty Dulworth, were assisting Pendleton police with responding to the shooting. Officer Dulworth had been partnered with Kilo since 2010. The two have been responsible for several successful drug arrests and earned a number of awards during the K-9 Olympics. During the course of the incident, Officer Dulworth was wounded after suffering gunshots to his legs. Pendleton Police Sergeant Shane Issacs was also wounded while responding to the incident after being grazed by an assailant's bullet. Mr. Speaker, I have always believed that we owe a debt of gratitude to those first responders who, like in Pendleton, rushed to the scene and put themselves in harm's way to ensure our protection. To choose the life of a police officer is to choose to make certain sacrifices for the good of the public. These men and women do so on each traffic stop, each knock on a door and each time they stand watch over a public event. For that, Mr. Speaker, we will be eternally grateful. Let us keep the family of John Neal Shull, Jr. in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We also pray for the full recovery of Officer Marty Dulworth and Sergeant Shane Issacs. Finally, as a dog owner, I feel for the loss suffered by Officer Dulworth and the Anderson Police Department, and on behalf of the Sixth District of Indiana, I want to express condolences and gratitude for the service of Kilo, the police dog.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Adam Walsh Reauthorization Act of 2012 (H.R. 3796). I would like to recognize Representative Sensenbrenner for a career spent protecting our nation's children, including this bill before the House today. Six years ago I stood with my then 15-year old son and 13-year old daughter in the Rose Garden at the White House when President George W. Bush signed into law the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006. Title V of the Adam Walsh legislation contains my bill, the Child Pornography Prevention Act. My bill set forth new findings to protect children against so-called ``home pornographers'' to better enable federal prosecutors to proceed with cases against them. It also provided increased protection to victims of child pornography and strengthened the hand of law enforcement in investigating and bringing charges in obscenity and child pornography cases. Finally, it closed a loophole that allowed pornographers to exploit children by using them in productions with simulated sexual activity or lascivious sexually explicit content and then claim that they believed the children to be over age eighteen. The Adam Walsh legislation had many other good initiatives that have protected our nation's children by improving sex offender registration and providing local law enforcement officials with tools needed to track those who prey upon children. Some of these provisions require reauthorization, and I am pleased today that we are moving forward with this reauthorization, especially of the two key programs that fund the U.S. Marshall's fugitive apprehension program and the grants that help states comply with the national sex offender registry requirements, in a fiscally responsible manner. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to contribute to the Adam Walsh bill, as well as the 2003 Child Abduction Prevention Act (later renamed the PROTECT Act), which setup the Amber Alert system. That legislation also included the Truth in Domain Names Act that I authored. The Truth in Domain Names Act made it a criminal act to knowingly use a misleading domain name with the intent to deceive a child into viewing harmful material on the Internet, and it has made a difference in protecting children from Internet pornography. Congress over the years has faced many very difficult issues, but we always have kept the best interest of children at the forefront of our work. As we move to reauthorize these important programs in the Adam Walsh bill today, I want to thank my colleagues for coming together to put our children first.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4157, the Preserving America's Family Farms Act, and I thank Representative Latham for his work on this issue. Like many Hoosiers who worked on a farm during their youth, I believe we must encourage young men and women to participate in family farming and ranching. Last September the Labor Department proposed regulations that would significantly limit the ability of young men and women to work on farms and ranches. They have since backed-off, but the law does not currently prevent them from bringing it up again. This legislation will explicitly prohibit the Department of Labor from pursuing these types of regulations and ensure that family farming and youth employment will be continued traditions in Indiana and throughout our Nation. Despite the severe drought we are currently experiencing, young Hoosiers continue to look forward to summer jobs on the farm, where life lessons and a few dollars can be learned and earned along the way. Mr. Speaker, I can think of few places better than an Indiana farm where a young person can truly learn the values of personal responsibility and hard work. And if America's farms are to continue to feed this nation and world, we must encourage young men and women to participate in farming and ranching. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense, bipartisan legislation.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment offered by my colleagues, Rep. McCollum and Rep. Kingston. And let me say that while I wholeheartedly agree to the notion that this body must take the lead in putting our nation back on the path towards fiscal responsibility, the move to prohibit our military services from advancing recruitment and retention goals through various athletic sponsorships is unwise. At a time when the men and women of our Armed Forces are undertaking operations around the world, we must not move to end the successful platforms used by the Department of Defense to recruit able men and women into their ranks. Contrary to popular belief, these sponsorships also go far beyond driver appearances, commercials and decals on race cars. In fact, the National Guard's sponsorship of the Panther Racing IndyCar team has not only been successful in raising the Guard's profile and getting it in front of potential recruits, but also technology transfers between these entities will allow for our service members to be better protected when downrange. J.R. Hildebrand, who drives the National Guard IndyCar, wears ear sensors that measure the G-forces he experiences during a crash on the racetrack. Those sensors, known as an Integrated Blast Effects Sensor System, are now worn by troops in harm's way. The information gathered can be very useful to neurosurgeons who treat soldiers suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury, often the result of roadside bomb attacks. Understanding the nature and effects of Traumatic Brain Injury advances the ways in which we protect and treat our fighting men and women, and those same sensors worn by J.R. Hildebrand have a direct benefit to our troops in Afghanistan. Furthermore, helmet technologies developed in IndyCar and the National Football League have been adapted for military use. And these represent just a few of the results from the military's sponsorships, or partnerships with professional sports. As our service members return to civilian life, they are often faced with a continuing unemployment crisis. In partnership with the National Guard, Panther Racing continues to work with the Employer Support of the National Guard (ESGR) program, an agency within the Department of Defense designed to connect citizen soldiers with employers. Panther Racing continues to work with the Chamber of Commerce to support the Hiring our Heroes program. At race events across the country, the National Guard partnership with Panther Racing brings military members and their spouses together with CEO's of local businesses and ultimately helping get our nation's veterans back to work. Madam Chair, utilizing military partnerships with professional sports can be a vital tool in improving the lives and care of our service men and women. The results of these programs speak for themselves. Amendments similar to the one currently before this body have been rejected by wide margins and I urge my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, to stand with those who wear the uniform and oppose the Kingston/McCollum amendment.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart to remember two Hoosier National Guardsmen who fell in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, on 16 July, this week. Army Specialist Sergio Eduardo Perez of Crown Point, Indiana, and Specialist Nicholas Andrew Taylor of Berne, Indiana, both lost their lives in the same attack while courageously supporting combat operations. Specialist Perez and Specialist Taylor both served with the 713th Engineer Company of the Indiana National Guard based out of Valparaiso, Indiana. Specialist Perez was born in Crown Point, Indiana. He enlisted after graduating from nearby Lake Central High School in 2010. By all accounts, he was a young man who could get along with everyone. He was the pride of his family and would do anything for anybody. Army Specialist Nick Taylor was from a town in my district, Berne, Indiana. Despite receiving several offers to play college football after graduating from South Adams High School in 2010, Taylor signed up to serve his country in the Indiana National Guard. He was a hard worker, a man of integrity. He excelled in everything he tried and was active in the First Missionary Church. Our hearts in Indiana are heavy as we remember those who lost their lives wearing the uniform of the United States on our behalf and those they left behind. On behalf of all Hoosiers, I extend our deepest sympathies to their families, including Specialist Nick Taylor's father, Police Chef Timothy Taylor; his mother, Stephania Taylor; his brother, Drew; and sisters, Holly and Sophia; and Specialist Sergio Eduardo Perez's father, Sergio E. Perez, Sr., and mother, Veronica Orozko. The Bible tells us the Lord is close to the broken-hearted, and that shall be our prayer.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, as flags fly at half-staff in northeast Indiana today, I rise with a heavy heart to remember and honor a constituent, Indiana National Guard Specialist Nicholas Andrew Taylor, an American hero who lost his life while courageously supporting combat operations in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, on July 16, 2012. He served with the 713th Engineer Company of the Indiana National Guard based out of Valparaiso, Indiana. Army Specialist Nick Taylor was from the small town of Berne, Indiana. Despite receiving several offers to play college football after graduating from South Adams High School in 2010, Specialist Taylor signed up to serve his country in the Indiana National Guard. He was a hard worker and a man of integrity. He excelled in everything he did, whether it was being a three-sport athlete or his involvement in First Missionary Church. Specialist Taylor wanted to follow in his father's footsteps. His father, Timothy Taylor, is Berne's chief of police and those who knew Nick said he wanted to continue his public service after his deployment by applying to the Fort Wayne Police Department. He also planned to use the money he earned from his military service to enroll in college and study criminal justice. Specialist Taylor was an outstanding citizen-soldier who, along with the other brave members of the 713th, was assigned a dangerous mission and performed courageously on behalf of a grateful state and nation. Our hearts in Indiana are heavy as we remember one who lost his life wearing the uniform of the United States, and those he left behind. On behalf of the people of the Sixth Congressional District and my wife and children, I extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Specialist Nick Taylor, including his father, Timothy Taylor, his mother Stephania, brother Drew, and sisters Holly and Sophia. The Bible tells us, ``The Lord is close to the brokenhearted,'' and that shall be our prayer. May God bless the memory of this brave young man. The name of Specialist Nicholas Andrew Taylor will be forever enshrined in the hearts of a grateful state and nation.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise today in strong support of the Repeal of ObamaCare Act, which will fully and immediately repeal the Affordable Care Act. ObamaCare is not merely a government takeover of health care; but as many of us insisted during debates on this floor 2 years ago, ObamaCare is a massive tax increase on everyday Americans and small business owners, and it must be repealed. Every day in Indiana, I hear people tell me that ObamaCare is stifling our recovery. If it's not repealed in full, Hoosiers will face higher health care costs and increased taxes. The medical device tax alone can cost Indiana more than 2,000 jobs. Yet the issue before us today is not just about economic growth; it's about freedom. ObamaCare erodes the freedom of every American, opening the door for the Federal Government to legislate, regulate, and mandate nearly every aspect of our daily lives under the guise of its taxing power. Left unchanged, ObamaCare will change this country forever. I truly believe in my heart this law will not stand, for in the end, the fate of our freedoms rests not in the hands of a President, a Congress or a court, for we are and have always been and shall ever remain a government of the people and by the people and for the people. While this Congress this week will vote to repeal this bill, I believe the American people will have their say on a day this fall and that some Congress someday will repeal this legislation and build us a health care system that will focus on lowering the costs of health insurance without growing the size of government.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Health Care Cost Reduction Act of 2012, H.R. 436, offered by Rep. Paulsen of Minnesota, which will repeal the 2.3 percent tax on medical devices included in ObamaCare that is set to take effect at the end of this year. This tax will have a dramatic impact on Indiana, which is one of the leading states in the medical device industry. The ``orthopedic capital of the world'' is in Warsaw, and across the state 20,000 Hoosiers design, manufacture, and sell a multitude of life-saving and life- enhancing products, creating a $10 billion economic impact. The medical device tax threatens all of that success. Unless it is repealed, Indiana stands to lose more than 2,000 jobs in the medical device sector. This job-killing tax will stifle innovation, harm patients and raise the cost of health care for Hoosiers. Repealing the medical device tax will ensure that Hoosiers can continue to lead in the medical device industry. Let us show our commitment to innovation and job growth today by passing the Health Care Cost Reduction Act and fully repealing the medical device tax.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of an icon in her hometown of Muncie, Ind. Following a battle with pancreatic cancer, Marilyn (KK) Augburn Sharp passed away earlier this month. Marilyn earned a degree in English from DePauw University in 1963 and a master's in journalism from Ball State University in 1974. In between her time at DePauw and Ball State, Marilyn lived in New York, where she served on the editorial staff of The New Yorker magazine. She later worked in publicity and advertising and volunteered with a Little League team in Harlem. After spending time in New York, Marilyn returned to the Hoosier state and married Phil Sharp in 1972. Phil Sharp later served as U.S. Representative for the then-Second District of Indiana from 1974 1994. Marilyn will be remembered for her incredible work ethic and as a champion of social justice. Her heart for helping people was evident to those who knew her. She authored three novels, including Sunflower, Masterstroke, and Falseface. Her other interests included painting and reading. Marilyn is survived by her sons, Jeremy and Justin, her daughter-in- law, Elizabeth Pika Sharp, and her husband Phil Sharp. Her presence and lively spirit will certainly be missed, but her legacy of advocacy and love will live on.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Mr. Merrill Johnson's upcoming 100th birthday on May 24, 2012. Mr. Johnson lives in my hometown of Columbus, Ind., with his beloved wife of 73 years, Irene. Together they have three children: Edward, Merrillyn, and Douglas, all of whom still reside in the Hoosier state. Mr. Johnson was born near Clayton, Ind., in Hendricks County. He attended grade school in the area, and in 1935 he met his wife at the local Christian Church where her brother was serving as minister. Mr. Johnson worked for Noblitt-Sparks (later Arvin Industries) for 33 years, retiring in 1977 as the Director of Labor Relations. Prior to working at Arvin, he worked for both Bridgeport Brass in Indianapolis and Link-Belt Company. After he started working, Mr. Johnson studied accounting, labor law and psychology through an extension program of the collection of Indiana University, Purdue University, Butler University, Indianapolis Central University (now University of Indianapolis), and Franklin College. An avid writer and photography lover, Mr. Johnson regularly contributes a two-page column, ``Four Seasons Musings'' to his retirement community's monthly newspaper. Throughout his 100 years, Mr. Merrill Johnson has been dedicated to his family and friends, and I am grateful for his contributions to our great state. I am honored to commemorate a life of integrity and service to his family and his community.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Lowell Miller of Hope, Ind. Mr. Miller was the owner of Hope Hardwoods Inc. and a partner in Hope Warehouse. He passed away on March 14, 2012, following a tragic logging accident. He was a former president of the Indiana Forestry Council and past board member of the Indiana Hardwood Lumberman's Association (IHLA). Mr. Miller earned the prestigious Legacy Award from the IHLA. Mr. Miller was an active member of the St. Louis Crossing Baptist Church. He also was dedicated to his community, serving as treasurer of the Hope Lions Club, president of the Hope Town Council, and a member of Hope Economic Development Board. He was a founding donor of the Hawcreek-Flat Rock Area Endowment Fund. He loved spending time with his family and friends, and he leaves behind a wonderful wife, Kim, loving children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed camping and four-wheeling, reading history books, and riding his motorcycle. Mr. Lowell Miller's involvement in the Hope community and his generosity will not be forgotten. I offer my most sincere condolences to his wife and family as they mourn his passing.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to pay tribute to a man we remembered just a few short hours ago at the National Cathedral here in Washington, DC. The Good Book says, ``Render therefore to all their due . . . honor to whom honor.'' Charles W. Colson is certainly worthy of honor and esteem. The earthly life of this consequential American has come to an end and I mark this occasion with a sense of profound personal loss. Chuck Colson rose to the heights of political power and fell to the depths of disgrace. But in his fall, he found redemption in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Given a second chance, Chuck Colson devoted his life to carrying the Christian message of second chances to those in prison, and he saw countless lives changed by his compassion and example. His voice of moral clarity was an inspiration to millions of Americans and made him an invaluable counselor to leaders in government and business. I will always count it a privilege to have been able to call him my dear friend and mentor. His dedication to moral integrity, serving his fellow man and his steadfast faith have always and will always be an inspiration to me and my family. Karen and I offer our deepest condolences to Patty, the whole Colson family and to all who mourn the loss of Chuck Colson.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4970, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012, offered by Representative Adams of Florida. I wish to extend my deep appreciation to Representative Adams for her leadership in introducing this legislation and my heart goes out to her and all of the women across the country who have been victims of domestic violence. Each year, there are more than 200,000 victims of sexual assault nationwide. Sixty-two domestic violence deaths occurred in my home State of Indiana within a recent twelve-month period. As a husband to a wonderful wife and a father of two precious daughters, I strongly support efforts to end sexual violence and domestic abuse. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was originally passed by Congress in 1994 to address rising violent crime rates against women, and in subsequent years we have witnessed a dramatic reduction in the incidence of domestic violence in this country. In 2006, I supported legislation to reauthorize VAWA, which added improvements to enhance sentencing for repeat sex offenders and require pretrial detention of child pornographers. While we have made progress in our fight against domestic and sexual violence, there is still work to be done, and that is why this reauthorization legislation is so important. Today's legislation continues our fight to prevent victims of these tragic crimes. It includes enhanced tools for law enforcement to arrest abusers and those who violate protection orders. It increases penalties for sexual assault and abuse. It funds programs to aid domestic violence victims seeking refuge from their abusers, and it promotes awareness in an effort to prevent these crimes from occurring in the first place. I urge my colleagues to support this reauthorization of VAWA and to support our continued efforts to combat sexual violence and domestic abuse.