Greg Pence

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in objection to the Democrats' monster tax-and-spending spree that will be a detriment to Hoosiers back at home in Indiana. I have heard from hundreds and hundreds of constituents, literally, who have worried that this next set of spending bills will hurt their families more than they will help. From paying more for groceries and gas to being unable to find workers to keep the doors of their small businesses open, wasteful government spending is moving our country toward stagflation. Plain and simple, inflation is taxation on my constituents, on all Americans, and I urge my colleagues to reject this round of reckless Federal spending. Rejecting Socialist Drug Pricing Scheme

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of the Committee on Energy and Commerce in rejecting H.R. 3 by a bipartisan vote. Had it passed out of committee, this legislation would have resulted in fewer cures and treatments in America, eliminating hope for millions of people battling all diseases. It is estimated that under this socialist drug pricing scheme, there could be as many as 100 fewer cures over the next decade. That is why I urge my colleagues to reject any alternative version of this legislation that may come to the floor in the future. Crisis Unfolding at Southern Border

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the crisis unfolding at the southern border. This is not hyperbole. Look no further than the southern border completely overrun in chaos today. Over 1.2 million illegal immigrants have been apprehended at the border since February 1 of this year. Our communities are less safe because this administration stopped building the wall, brought back catch and release, and got rid of the remain in Mexico policy. This border crisis will result in perpetuating our COVID crisis because this President turns a blind eye to the vaccine and testing status of illegal immigrants. Denying the crisis proves President Biden does not care or is being misled by his advisers. Mounting National Security Crisis

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the mounting national crisis we are seeing unfold under this President's leadership. This week, the President desperately attempted to portray an image of strength at the United Nations, but nothing could be further from the truth. We have seen the failure of the Afghanistan withdrawal that led to losing our men and women in uniform and has the potential to create yet another refugee crisis. We have seen the failure to hold China accountable for its lack of transparency and mishandling of the COVID pandemic. We have seen the failure to hold Russia accountable for its cyberattacks. President Biden appears weak and failing, and the cost is our leadership and national security across the world.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Washington Fire Company No. 2 of Madison, Indiana on its 175th anniversary. Established on January 22, 1846, the firehouse is one of the last remaining Greek Revival firehouses in the United States. Washington Fire Company No. 2 is the oldest active firehouse in the Hoosier state. I congratulate Washington Fire Company No. 2 and thank them for 175 years of service.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 4502. Inflation, inflation, and inflation, this is the biggest thing I hear about back in Indiana's Sixth District. Hoosiers in Indiana worry about the consequences the Democrats' tax and spend agenda is having on their pocketbooks. After this week, Speaker Pelosi is recessing the House until September, having done next to nothing to address the real issues the American people are facing: food, energy, transportation. Hardworking folks are already unnecessarily paying more. This Biden-flation crisis is hitting home. Consumer prices are at a 13-year high. In just 6 months, Democratic leadership is compounding this crisis with a completely wasteful, bloated bus. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose these hyperpartisan appropriations packages for the good of the American people.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the hard work and dedication of Brendan Bridges as he retires from service as Greensburg Police Chief. First joining the department in 2001, Chief Bridges served as a patrol officer and detective before being promoted as police chief in 2014. Chief Bridges is turning a chapter and becoming the resource officer in Greensburg Community Schools system. Madam Speaker, I thank Chief Bridges for his service to our community, and on behalf of Indiana's Sixth District I would like to wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. Shelby County's Bicentennial Anniversary

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the growing inflation crisis that threatens our Hoosier way of life back home in Indiana's Sixth District. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle are now trying to ram through a bipartisan $3.5 trillion package that will stick middle-class families with higher taxes and lower wages. This hyper-partisan spending spree is a tax hike and a pay cut for every American. It is simple: Inflation is taxation.

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Shelby County, Indiana, on the bicentennial anniversary of its founding. Created in 1821 by the Indiana General Assembly, Shelby County is a doughnut county of the greater Indianapolis area. With a population of around 45,000 people, Shelby County is the home of the 21st Vice President of the United States, Thomas Hendricks. Shelby County is predominantly built around its manufacturing and agriculture communities that continue to attract investment from companies around the globe. Congratulations to Shelby County on your 200th anniversary, and I wish you the best of luck for the next 200 years. Union County Bicentennial Anniversary

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Union County, Indiana, on the bicentennial anniversary of its founding. Two hundred years ago, the Indiana State legislature authorized the creation of Union County by ceding land from Fayette, Franklin, and Wayne Counties. With a small population of around 7,000 people, Union County is a community based on agriculture and farming. Union County also attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually to visit the picturesque Whitewater Memorial State Park and the beautiful Brookville Lake. Congratulations to Union County for its bicentennial anniversary, and I wish them the best of luck for the next 200 years. In Memory of Larry Jackson

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of my very dear friend, Larry Jackson. Larry was an honest, hardworking Hoosier who always put family first. Larry leaves behind his wonderful wife of 56 years, Judy Jackson, and his five children and grandchildren. Larry was a devoted member of the St. Bartholomew Catholic Church and a dedicated man of faith. My condolences and prayers go out to Judy and the entire Jackson family. God bless them. A Big Victory for Hoosiers

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the favorable outcome we were able to secure for Indiana's Sixth District regarding the OMB MSA core population threshold. Had a revised policy been adopted, Federal funding opportunities for Hoosiers in Indiana would have been severely reduced. This is a big victory for midsized communities. Hoosier cities and countless others across the Nation would have unnecessarily lost out on Federal reserves because of Washington's short-sightedness. I am proud to have led my colleagues on a commonsense issue like this. Stand for Life

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to implore my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to reconsider their mission to defeat the Hyde amendment. The greatness of a free society can best be measured by how it cares for the most vulnerable, especially the unborn. This legislative body has had a longstanding and bipartisan provision that prevents American taxpayer dollars from being used to fund abortions, and we cannot end this practice now. Furthermore, it is why I signed on to cosponsor H.R. 18. I am again urging my colleagues today to join me in always standing for life. Inflation is Taxation

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 2668. I agree with my Democratic colleagues that the FTC should be reasonably equipped with tools to protect consumers. Today, the FTC has been able to return $25 million to Hoosiers that have fallen victim to fraudulent schemes. However, as currently written the bill before the House today goes beyond the FTC's previous use of 13(b). The bill lacks sufficient guardrails that would provide checks and balances to the Commission's expanded authority. Meanwhile, we haven't had the opportunity to discuss this legislation with the full Commission in an open and transparent hearing. During the markup process we offered several commonsense amendments in a good faith effort to improve the bill. These amendments would have created thresholds of FTC authority and clarifying definitions to ensure provisions in this bill could not be abused. Unfortunately, these reforms were not supported by the majority. I am concerned that rushing this legislation through the House may lead to higher costs for small businesses without improving protections for the consumers, which is what we all want to do. I urge my colleagues to oppose the underlying bill.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, in short, this means rural America will have the ability to improve critical infrastructure that will drive economic competitiveness and improve safety. Madam Speaker, I am thankful this issue has remained a bipartisan priority, and I urge my colleagues to support this amendment so Congress can continue to recognize the infrastructure needs of our rural communities across America.

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I am going to get straight to the point since infrastructure is fundamental to a Hoosier's way of life back home in Indiana and across America. I rise today in support of my amendment to codify the Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success, or the ROUTES initiative. The ROUTES initiative, first introduced in 2019, works to ensure that rural communities like mine get their fair share of federal funding for infrastructure. This amendment would provide much-needed technical assistance for local municipalities, strengthening their ability to be competitive in applying for Federal funds. Indiana is the ``Crossroads of America.'' We see billions in commerce come through our State via airports, highways, and railways. My home State, and countless other parts of the country are just as dependent on reliable, safe, and updated infrastructure. That is why in April I introduced this bipartisan legislation with my colleague from Texas, Congressman Henry Cuellar.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to implore this governing body to consider the consequences of using the Congressional Review Act as a vehicle to reinstate the harmful Obama-era regulations on methane emissions. American energy independence is key to the economic and national security of Hoosiers and, of course, of all Americans. These unnecessary and redundant regulations on new methane emissions will stifle responsible energy development and undercut our domestic energy potential. Because of the additional Federal regulations this would create, Hoosiers will pay more to heat their homes and to cook their meals, which we are already seeing right now. As a veteran of the petroleum industry, I know that free market innovation has always been the key driver to developing more cost- effective and environmentally friendly uses of natural gas. Let's keep doing that. The burdensome regulations like the one before us today have never been the answer to improve our environment. Mr. Speaker, I came to Washington to protect Hoosiers' way of life back home in the Sixth District, and that is why I will continue to advocate for an all-of-the-above, not everything-but approach to energy. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this attempt to cripple American energy.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I am not recorded for Roll Call vote No. 180 on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 because I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted Nay on the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act of 2021, RC No. 180. The Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act would overturn a 2009 Supreme Court ruling on the basis that the decision negatively impacted age discrimination cases; however, there is no data to support that claim. In fact, this legislation would eliminate the carefully balanced standard Congress adopted when it passed the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and result in frivolous litigation against small businesses. Since my first day in office, l have been squarely focused on what I was sent here to do: represent Hoosiers of the 6th District.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate fellow Hoosier and my constituent, Alberta June Ochs-Lewis for turning 99 years young on June 9, 2021. Alberta was 71 years married to former Air Force Pilot John W. Lewis who served his Nation for 38 years, including during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Alberta still resides in Dillsboro, Indiana in the same house her and her late husband built 74 years ago. Alberta is a dedicated servant to God and a patriot who fervently loves our great Nation. Happy 99th Birthday Alberta

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the heroic actions of Sgt. Nick Ernstes of the Hancock County Sheriff's Department. While off-duty, Sgt. Ernstes saved the life of a woman who had been stabbed repeatedly in the parking lot of a local convenience store. After arriving on the scene, Sgt. Ernstes acted quickly and applied the proper medical attention that likely prevented the women from losing her life. Thank God for Sgt. Nick Ernstes for his heroic actions and for serving our community. And I thank every member of law enforcement for bravely fulfilling their mission to protect and serve.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Greenfield Police Chief Jeff Rasche. Chief Rasche is retiring from law enforcement in Hancock County after 4 decades of service to his community. First hired as a dispatcher in 1984, Chief Rasche served Hancock County as a Sheriff's deputy and detective before becoming the Greenfield Police Chief. Jeff has a passion for helping people and is a pillar of the community. I want to wish Chief Rasche good luck with all his future endeavors and thank him for serving his community with honor.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Tom Wilson of Franklin County, IN. Tom currently serves as the Franklin County Commissioner President and has been a commissioner for 24 years. A dedicated community servant, Tom was a Franklin County EMS personal and has always cared about his home. I want to thank Tom for serving in the role as the Franklin County Republican Chair. Tom has helped move the conservative agenda forward and I appreciate all the work he has done for his community and his support.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Madelyn Shelton of Scott County, IN. Maddy is currently a student at Hanover College studying history and political science. Maddy has dedicated her time and youth to improving her community and helping get conservative officials elected. I want to thank Maddy for serving in the role of Scott County Republican Vice-Chair. Maddy has helped move the conservative agenda forward and I appreciate all the work she has done for her community and her support.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Philip Caviness of Rush County, Indiana. Philip served as the Republican County Chairman of Rush County. He committed his time, talents and energy to the Sixth Congressional District and the rest of the Hoosier state. I am grateful for his service. A dedicated public servant, Phil currently serves Rush County as county prosecutor. Philip is actively engaged in civic and community endeavors, often the first to volunteer his time and always willing to help at a moment's notice. Finally, I have gotten to know Philip over the last four years, and I am grateful for his friendship. I thank Philip Caviness.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Patricia Combs of Franklin County, Indiana. Pat has dedicated her service to improving her community and helping get conservative officials elected. I want to thank Pat for serving in the role of Franklin County Republican Vice- Chair. Pat has helped move the conservative agenda forward, and I appreciate all the work she has done for her community and her support.