Greg Pence

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Batesville High School for their tremendous achievement of having one-half of the 2020 graduating class earn college credits. Through their innovative programs with Ivy Tech Community College, Batesville will see 50 percent of their graduating seniors walk across the stage with an entire year's worth of college credits. The Ivy Tech program gives Hoosiers the opportunity to take 16 college courses at no cost, enabling them to obtain a bachelor's degree in just 3 years after they go to college. I thank Batesville High School faculty and staff for continuing to provide innovative educational programs that set our students up for success. Recognizing Rushville Consolidated High School FFA Program

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Rushville Future Farmers of America chapter for being one of six chapters across the country to participate in the Turn the Bag Blue and Gold program. The Turn the Bag Blue and Gold program is a partnership between FFA and Mycogen Seeds that gives students the opportunity to visit with farmers and polish their professional skills while raising money for their communities. This program will allow students to sell directly to local farmers, providing industry experience and a wonderful educational opportunity. A percentage of these sales will go directly to the Rushville FFA chapter. Congratulations to Rushville FFA. Congratulating Indiana National Guard

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Indiana National Guard for the stationing of the 127th Cyber Protection Battalion at Muscatatuck. As the seventh largest Army National Guard contingent in the Nation, the Indiana National Guard continues to make our Nation's defenses better. The Hoosier State is proud to be home to cyber force structures such as the Muscatatuck Urban Training Complex, the Defensive Cyber Operations Element, and Cyber Protection Team 172. We are honored to have such a distinctive battalion. Indiana's Sixth District boasts the Department of Defense's only live, full-scale cyber range, and I join the Army National Guard in congratulating our distinguished Hoosiers in uniform on this outstanding achievement. Congratulating Boy Scouts of America Volunteer Beth Curtiss

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Beth Curtiss of Shelbyville, Indiana. Beth was awarded the 2019 Crossroads of America Silver Beaver Award, in association with the Boy Scouts of America. This award is the highest honor the Crossroads of America Council may bestow on a volunteer. Beth has volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America for over 15 years. This is the fifth time Beth has been recognized for her outstanding service. I am pleased to congratulate Beth, and I thank her for investing in our communities.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very special day for the Hoosier Sikh Community: the 550th birthday of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. This occasion will be celebrated by more than 25,000,000 Sikhs worldwide on November 12, 2019. Indiana is proud to be home to over 10,000 Sikhs that enrich our communities and embody the meaning of Hoosier values. Hoosier Sikhs are one of the fastest growing business communities in Indiana, and their contributions to our economy and culture are valued. On this day I am proud to stand with our friends in the Sikh community by offering legislation to celebrate this momentous occasion and honor their contributions to Indiana and to our great nation.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, friends, colleagues, and distinguished guests in the gallery, we are gathered here today on the 36th anniversary of the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing to honor 241 American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. The 241 names--220 of which are my fellow Marines--will be forever etched in our hearts and on the walls of the Beirut Memorial in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Although you may not recognize these names, they are the names of sons, brothers, fathers, and friends. They are the names of true American patriots who came in peace and were stolen from us by an act of pure evil. They are the heroes who gave their lives so we could keep ours. Semper fidelis means ``always faithful.'' It is the motto of the United States Marine Corps. Today, we remember the 241 fallen heroes of Beirut. Today, we remain faithful. Madam Speaker, I ask that all Members and distinguished guests in the gallery rise for a moment of silence.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the topic of my Special Order.

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, we are here today to honor the 241 American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice on this very day 36 years ago in Beirut, Lebanon. For my family and so many families, today is deeply emotional. When I enlisted in 1979 as a young man, I wanted to serve and be part of something bigger. That led me to the United States Marine Corps and, like every marine, I took an oath to God, country, and to the Corps. Semper fidelis is not just a slogan or a creed; it is a way of life that only those who have earned the eagle, globe, and anchor can fully understand. Semper fidelis is part of the very fabric of every marine, past and present. I served as a first lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines. In 1983, my battalion was ordered to Beirut, Lebanon, in support of the 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment and the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit. I vividly remember the evenings we sat on the roof of the Marine barracks with the American flag flying over our head. The barrage of small arms gunfire and mortar rounds made it very clear that we were in harm's way every day. On this very day 36 years ago, a terrorist affiliated with Hezbollah and financed by Iran drove a truck bomb into the barracks we called home. 241 American servicemen were killed, 220 of which were my fellow marines. 241 sons, brothers, fathers, and friends never returned home. 241 came in peace, and 241 lives were stolen from us by an act of absolute pure evil. It was the deadliest day for the Marine Corps since the Battle of Iwo Jima. It is by the grace of God that I was able to come home to my wife, Denise, who was expecting our first child. My battalion had shipped out 10 days before the bombing. Mr. Speaker, today is not about me. People may not recognize the 241 names listed here, but they are the names of the 241 who answered the call of duty 36 years ago. Today is about those 241 soldiers, sailors, and marines who laid down their lives to protect our freedoms, and today is about every veteran who has nobly worn the uniform of our Armed Forces. On this somber day, I look out at the flag flying above the U.S. Capitol and feel the same reverence I felt standing below the Stars and Stripes on the roof of the Beirut barracks in 1983. Though I will never know exactly why I was spared when so many were not, I understand that our first duty is to remember and be faithful. Mr. Speaker, three of my fellow marines, Representatives Gallagher, Carbajal, and Moulton, joined me to offer legislation to remember the faith and loyalty of the 241. Fellow marine, Representative Gallego, joined me to offer legislation to provide a sliver of justice for the Gold Star families who lost their loved ones. Our bill, the OORAH Act, passed both the House and Senate, and for that I am very grateful. But, Mr. Speaker, there is still work to be done here. Terrorists and those who support them financially must be held accountable for their terrible actions. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for participating in this Special Order to remember the sacrifice of those who answered the call of duty to defend our freedom in conflicts across the globe. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Baird), my fellow Hoosier and decorated Vietnam veteran.

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from West Virginia (Mrs. Miller), my friend and colleague.

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bergman), my friend, colleague, and fellow marine.

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friends, colleagues, and distinguished guests in the gallery for their participation in my Special Order. As a Beirut veteran, I am deeply moved by their remarks, and I know their words will comfort the Gold Star Families across this Nation. Today, on the 36th anniversary of this horrific attack, and every day, we must strive to ensure that all are remembered, and all are honored. We remember their loyalty, their selflessness, and their courage. We are humbled by their tremendous sacrifice. We must hold them closely in our hearts and hometowns. We must live in gratitude for the precious gift they have given to us here today. Most of all, we must uphold our promise to honor our fallen. We must remain always faithful. Mr. Speaker, I will always remain faithful. God bless America, and Semper Fi. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate legislation the House passed this week to name the post office in Indianapolis after the late Senator Richard Lugar. Senator Lugar was a true statesman who served his country and the State of Indiana with pride. He will be remembered as one of America's greatest Senators, leaving his mark on domestic and global affairs throughout his six terms. Senator Lugar was an essential part of American diplomacy and strived for peace throughout the globe. In 2013, Lugar's lasting contributions and decades of service to this great country earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Our Nation is stronger and safer because of Senator Lugar, and I thank my colleagues for supporting legislation to honor his legacy. Positive Impact of U.S.-Japan Trade Deal

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to highlight the positive impact the new U.S.-Japan trade deal will have on our Nation and on the Hoosier State. Japan is an important ally of the United States and a critical trading partner that benefits the Hoosier economy. Japan is heavily invested in the Hoosier State and in Indiana's Sixth Congressional District. Of the 19 counties in the Sixth District, Japan is currently invested in 14 of them. This trade deal will help increase those investments in our local communities, creating opportunities and jobs for many Hoosiers. In Congress, we must build upon this successful trade agreement President Trump has struck with the American people. We can and we must pass the USMCA, which will increase opportunities for workers and farmers across this country. I urge my colleagues to continue to support these trade deals. Congratulating the Winchester News-Gazette on Serving Hoosiers for 175 Years

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Winchester News- Gazette on celebrating their 175th year as a newspaper. Previously called the Winchester Patriot, Hoosiers in Randolph County have relied on the News-Gazette for local news since 1844. Local press is essential to a thriving community and is a prime example of the First Amendment in action. Congratulations to the Winchester News-Gazette on serving Hoosiers for 175 years. Congratulating Muncie-Delaware Chamber of Commerce on 125 Years

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Muncie-Delaware Chamber of Commerce for celebrating their 125th anniversary. The chamber has been an integral part of the greater Muncie community since 1894. Their strategy for engaging large, medium, and small businesses has been the driving factor behind the thriving economy in the city of Muncie and Delaware County. Congratulations to the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. Recognizing Rolls-Royce

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Rolls-Royce for the tremendous work they are doing in my Hoosier State. I recently visited both the Rolls-Royce Indianapolis headquarters and the Rolls-Royce LibertyWorks plant, which produces more Rolls-Royce products than anywhere else in the world. Rolls-Royce employs 4,000 Hoosiers, and in recent years, invested hundreds of millions of dollars to create world-class engines and products that are on the cutting edge of our national defense. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Rolls-Royce for the great work they are doing for Indiana and the United States.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to give my deepest sympathies to the Welch Family and the City of Madison. On Wednesday September 25, Mayor Damon Welch of Madison, Indiana passed away. Mayor Welch was a devoted public servant who cared deeply about his family, his country, and his community. Mayor Welch married Virginia ``Ginny'' Kelley in 1973. He graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Business Administration and was a cadet in the ROTC program. Mayor Welch joined the United States Air Force in 1975 and served five years in the United States Air Force, earning the rank of Captain and meriting the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon. After his service, Mayor Welch returned to his hometown of Madison where he ran a small business and worked in the health care industry. Mayor Welch was elected as the Mayor of Madison in 2012 and was finishing his second term in office. Mayor Welch was a devoted servant to the people of Madison, and he will be dearly missed by all. I give my deepest condolences to his wife Ginny, daughters Gaeli and Kirsty, son Collin, and the entire community of Madison.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Eastern Hancock High School football team for being one of four Indiana high schools to win the Colts Leadership Challenge. The Colts Leadership Challenge is a competition that encourages high school football teams to host blood drives and encourages donations throughout the summer. Hundreds of donations are needed each day to meet the needs of the Versiti Blood Center of Indiana. We are so proud of the Royals for helping to deliver these critical, lifesaving measures. I want to thank the Eastern Hancock High School football team for their outstanding service to the community and to the State of Indiana. Well done. Recognizing Bec Wicker's Women In Agriculture Achievement Award

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I want to recognize Rush County resident Bec Wicker, who was recently awarded the Women in Agriculture Achievement Award. The annual award recognizes Indiana women who have contributed significantly to the success of Indiana agriculture. Bec joined Wicker Farms in 1976 and has since built a dairy milking operation, a calf and cow operation, and produces corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa, and hay. I thank Mrs. Bec Wicker for her outstanding contributions and support for the agriculture community. Farmers In Indiana's Sixth District Receive Hoosier Homestead Award

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I want to recognize the outstanding achievement of 27 family farms in Indiana's Sixth Congressional District. The Hoosier Homestead Award is given out by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture to family farms that have been farming for over 100 years, 150 years, and 200 years. I am proud that, in my district alone, 15 family farms earned the Hoosier Homestead centennial award, 8 earned the sesquicentennial award, and 4 earned the bicentennial award. Future generations of Hoosier farmers can look up to these family farms and know that hard work and dedication pays off. Congratulations to all of these families for earning the recognition as a Hoosier homestead. Indiana's Beirut Memorial Monument

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, this weekend, I joined my fellow veterans and Gold Star families in dedicating the Beirut Memorial monument to Hoosiers killed in the terrorist attack in Beirut, Lebanon, on October 23, 1983. As a Beirut veteran myself, I understand that our first duty is to remember. I am proud that Indiana now has our own memorial to commemorate the Indiana servicemen who sacrificed their lives in the name of peace, and we will never forget: James Baynard, USMC Danny Estes, USMC Michael Gorchinski, USN Maurice Hukill, USMC George McVicker, USN; and Thomas Thorstad, USMC. Madam Speaker, I will always be faithful. Semper fi.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to say Happy Birthday to my most important constituent. She is the mother to Nicole, Lauren, Emily and John. She is a grandmother and a small business owner. Madam Speaker, I am referring, of course, to my wife, Denise Pence. On Saturday, September 21, our family will celebrate Denise's birthday, and I wanted to take this opportunity to wish my bride, here on the floor of the People's House, a very Happy Birthday. The best decision I ever made was to pursue Denise Karen Tullio of Chicago, Illinois, and our 38 years of marriage have been blessed with love and joy. Happy Birthday to Denise Pence.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise with the sweetest news from the Sixth Congressional District of Indiana. On September 25, the famous Wick's Pies will celebrate its 75th anniversary in business. Hoosier families have come to know Wick's for its delicious pies and baked goods that have been a staple in Randolph County since 1944. Duane ``Wick'' Wickersham started this business by delivering pies from his 1934 Buick sedan. Within 4 years, he was producing over 300 pies a day. Wick's is renowned for its sugar cream pie, a Hoosier specialty since that has become the State's official State pie. To this day, Wick's Pies remains family owned and can produce 10,000 pies in a single 8-hour shift. Wick's distributes to more than 40 States, though you can't beat a fresh slice from Mr. Wick's restaurant on Cherry Street in Winchester, which I have enjoyed. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Wick's Pies. Lack of High-Speed Internet Access Impacts All Americans

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, earlier in the year, I had the privilege of sitting in Ranking Member Graves' chair for a portion of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Members' Day Hearing. Regardless of the diverse backgrounds or districts we represent, my Republican and Democratic colleagues echoed familiar stories of how the lack of high- speed internet access is impacting their constituents. To address this issue, I worked with my colleague and fellow Hoosier, Congressman Visclosky, to introduce the Broadband Interagency Coordination Act, legislation to close the digital divide in rural America. Our bill directs the FCC, USDA, and NTIA to enter into an agreement to coordinate the distribution of Federal funds for broadband deployment. We are working to make it easier for rural communities to access high-speed internet. We must close the digital divide and ensure Hoosiers and rural Americans are not left behind.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support for the Army National Guard's proposal to station a cyber battalion at Atterbury- Muscatatuck in Indiana's Sixth District. The Indiana National Guard's existing capabilities, programs, and infrastructures make the Hoosier State an ideal location for a cyber battalion. Home to the Department of Defense's only live, full-scale cyber range, Muscatatuck Urban Training Center boasts cutting-edge technology that is only a stone's throw away from national experts at the Naval Surface Warfare Center--Crane. I am thankful for the opportunity to have visited Camp Atterbury and Muscatatuck a few weeks ago, and I hope that soon we are able to welcome the next cyber battalion to the Hoosier State. Supporting the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration