Greg Pence

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to stand in firm support of President Trump's leadership in his decisive actions against evil terrorists. America and the world are safer without Qasem Soleimani. Not only is America safer, it is more prosperous than ever before and now energy independent. The Iranian regime would be wise to not further test this President's mettle and the overwhelming capabilities of the greatest fighting force the world has ever known: our U.S. military. Honoring the Life of General Paul Kelley

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of General P.X. Kelley. General Kelley was the embodiment of the Marine Corps. His distinguished record inspired me, the marines with whom I served, and will continue to inspire marines for generations to come. In Vietnam, General Kelley earned the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit with Valor, and two Bronze Stars with Valor. As commandant, he led the Corps during the dark days following the 1983 Iran-backed bombing of the Marine Corps barracks in Beirut. General Kelley's leadership inspired every marine to hold true to the values of the Corps. I am terribly saddened by the passing of General Kelley, but I will be forever grateful of serving under his command. Semper fi. Congratulating Gatorade Indiana Football Player of the Year Charlie Spegal

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate an exemplary student- athlete, Charlie Spegal. Charlie was recently named the Gatorade Indiana Football Player of the Year. He has had an outstanding football career, holding the all- time State career record in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and career touchdowns. Finishing with 10,867 career rushing yards and 175 touchdowns, he did this while maintaining above a 3.5 GPA. Charlie has been a role model for student athletes everywhere. I congratulate Charlie on his wonderful career throughout high school and wish him the best of luck in college. Remembering the Life of American Hero Charles ``Red'' Whittington

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker I rise today to remember the life of American Hero Charles ``Red'' Whittington. Red served in France during World War II as a member of the 377th Infantry Regiment and the 95th Infantry Division. His regiment was given the nickname ``Iron Men of Metz'' for their fierce liberation in defense of the town of Metz from German counterattacks. Whittington was the recipient of a Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the European Theater of Operations Campaign Medal with two battle stars, a Good Conduct medal and the Victory Medal. I give my deepest condolences to the Whittington family and hope they find comfort in knowing that Charles ``Red'' Whittington was a true American hero. Congratulating South Dearborn High School on Reimplementing FFA Ag Program

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate South Dearborn High School for reimplementing their FFA Ag program. FFA educates students on agricultural success, as well as providing hands-on career training experience. After a 30-year absence, students and future farmers at South Dearborn will again be able to gain the knowledge and experience they need to succeed in the agriculture industry. Congratulations to South Dearborn FFA, and I look forward to seeing your chapter grow.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Matthew Clifford on being named the 2019 State Middle School Principal of the Year by the Indiana Association of School Principals. After being named the District 10 Middle School Principal of the Year, Clifford was then nominated by his peers at Greensburg Junior High School and across the State to become the State Principal of the Year. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Matthew for this tremendous honor and thank him for his dedication to improving the lives of Hoosier kids and families. First Christian Church Grant

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the grant application submitted by the First Christian Church of Columbus. This grant will save one of America's treasures in my district. The First Christian Church has been a staple in the Columbus community for years and is a jewel of architecture and history. Since 2001, the First Christian Church has been designated by the National Park Service as a U.S. National Historic Landmark, but now it needs essential renovations. I pledge my support for this program so that this church may be restored to its original beauty. IU Health Community Investment

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for IU Health's investment of $1 million into the Muncie community. Over the next 3 years, IU Health will give $1 million toward revitalization of the Thomas Park-Avondale and South Central neighborhoods in southeast Muncie. The investment plans include bike lanes, walking trails, access to better food, a new health center, and much more. I applaud IU Health for investing in our local community and promoting healthier Hoosiers. Indiana Broadband Expansion

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to show my support for $1.3 million in rural broadband expansion in the Sixth District. In my time in Congress, I have worked with local groups to address broadband in schools and hospitals and supported Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants. I have introduced a bill to make sure Federal agencies effectively work together in this arena. I am glad to see the Governor announce a boost for grants to counties like Jennings, Scott, and my home county of Bartholomew. I look forward to seeing the State's continued work on this as I fight for rural high-speed internet on behalf of the Sixth District. Wayne County Veteran Appreciation Dinner

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Hoosier veterans and their brave families I met at the Veterans Christmas Appreciation Dinner of Wayne County. Nearly 600 veterans, including World War II vets, gathered in Richmond to enjoy an evening of celebration and holiday cheer. A career fair was held before dinner to help those in need to access work opportunities, resources, and support. It was a privilege to speak at this appreciation dinner, and I stand today to wish every veteran across this country and Indiana's Sixth District a very merry Christmas. Congress Needs to Address Rising Cost of Healthcare

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask, for the American people, Congress to do its job and address the rising cost of healthcare, but Speaker Pelosi's H.R. 3, is not the answer. H.R. 3 will limit choice and innovation. It is a partisan messaging bill that will not be considered in the Senate or signed into law. We are letting the American people down by not voting on bipartisan legislation that will actually address skyrocketing drug prices. H.R. 3 would increase premiums while punishing American innovation and enabling foreign competitors to flourish. H.R. 19, the Republican's alternative drug pricing bill, is filled with more than 40 bipartisan, commonsense reforms that reduce prescription drug costs and increase access to affordable, high-quality and lifesaving care for Americans. H.R. 19 expands low-cost options for patients by bringing more generic competition to the market. It lowers out-of-pocket spending, protects patients' access to new medicine and cures, increases transparency, and boosts innovation. The American people should be empowered by bipartisan proposals not restricted by partisan politics to make the best healthcare choices for themselves and their families.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. As ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, I thank my colleague, Dr. Burgess, for his steadfast leadership on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join 255 of my colleagues as a cosponsor of H.R. 2207, the Protect Medical Innovation Act. I rise today to remind my fellow Members that time is running out. We must repeal the medical device tax before it goes into effect on January 1, 2020. This bill has broad bipartisan support from Members in both Chambers who recognize the detrimental impact this tax has on constituents who rely on lifesaving medical devices or are employed by the industry. If Congress fails to act this year, the seemingly small 2.3 percent excise tax would have a significant impact on patients and the healthcare industry. The medical device industry employs 400,000 hardworking Americans, including 20,000 Hoosiers. When the medical device tax was in effect, nearly 20,000 industry jobs were lost nationwide. Eighty percent of these medical manufacturing companies are small businesses that need certainty. They need certainty in order to continue their research and investment in critical lifesaving medical innovations. This is a tax on innovation and competitiveness, a tax on patients, and a tax on working families. It is time to end this job-killing tax once and for all. I urge my fellow Members to vote ``no'' on the previous question so we can support H.R. 2207.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the New Palestine High School football team for winning the Indiana high school Class A football state championship. This marks the second year in a row the Dragons have gone undefeated. I applaud Coach Kyle Ralph, who now has an 88-4 record in his 7- season tenure at New Pal. I also congratulate the whole team for their hard work in this fantastic accomplishment. Congratulations to all the Dragon nation. Congratulating EHHS Cheerleading

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Eastern Hancock High School cheerleading squad for winning the Indiana Cheer Championship Varsity D division. After placing fourth at the semi-State competition, the Royals returned to the State competition for a victorious first place win. The Royal cheerleading squad has displayed dedication, hard work, and sheer talent. They have made the Sixth District very proud. Recognizing Greensburg Ag Teacher Greg Schneider

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Greensburg Community High School agriculture teacher and FFA adviser Greg Schneider. Greg Schneider was recently awarded the honorary American FFA degree through his commitment to the advancement of ag education. The degree recognizes those who have gone beyond valuable daily contributions to make a positive difference in the lives of their students. Congratulations to Greg, who has inspired confidence in a new generation of farmers. Recognizing Shelbyville Central School's Kris Baker

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Shelbyville Central Schools' special education coordinator, Kris Baker, for winning a prestigious education award. Kris' work has earned her the 2019 Early Career Special Education Administrator Award. Ms. Baker won the award for her dedication to autism education and assistive technology at Earlywood Educational Services. Mr. Speaker, I thank Kris for the work she has done for those in need, and I congratulate her on this honor. Congratulating Analytical Engineering on Gold HIRE Vets Medallion Award

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Analytical Engineering of Columbus and the May family for receiving the Gold HIRE Vets Medallion Award from the U.S. Department of Labor. This marks the second year in a row that Analytical Engineering, Inc., has earned this esteemed award. They were 1 of only 12 companies in Indiana to win this award by hiring and retaining veterans. As a Beirut veteran myself, I appreciate companies like Analytical Engineering for taking care of those who have served our country. Send NDAA to President

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my Democratic colleagues to stop playing political games and send the NDAA to President Trump's desk. The NDAA has been a bipartisan piece of legislation that we, as Congress, have passed for 58 straight years. The NDAA is essential for our men and women in uniform and for our National Defense Strategy. Now, in the final hour, House Democrats want to wedge partisan policies into this bill. As Democrats continue to divide Congress over nondefense issues, they play right into the hands of our enemies. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to stop indulging in this political theater and pass the NDAA.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate The Jane Pauley Community Health Center, with locations across Indiana, on 10 years of helping patients of all ages and backgrounds in need of care. Founded in 2009, these healthcare centers continue to service communities across the Sixth District, providing affordable healthcare to Hoosiers. The Jane Pauley Community Centers embody the spirit of humanity and altruism by serving those in need, regardless of the patients' ability to pay. Congratulations on a decade of service. Congratulating the New Castle High School Women's Volleyball Team

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the New Castle High School women's volleyball team for winning the 2019 class 4A State volleyball championship. This marks New Castle's third year in a row on achieving this tremendous victory. The coaching staff and players' hard work have brought pride to the New Castle community. Congratulations to the Trojans, and a great job on the three-peat. Congratulating the Greenfield-Central High School Marching Band

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Greenfield- Central High School marching band for winning the class B Indiana State championship. I recently visited Greenfield-Central High School and was able to meet some of the band members and see their incredible facilities firsthand. The 160-member Cougar Pride Marching Band spent hours every day working toward this goal, and it is an accomplishment they are sure to remember for the rest of their lives. I congratulate the Cougars on their awesome achievement. Congratulating Barbara Hinkle

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Barbara Hinkle of Connersville for receiving the Archbishop Edward T. O'Meara Respect Life Award. As a member of the St. Gabriel parish, Barbara started the Compassionate Visitors and Vigil Keepers Group, which serves local nursing homes. Barbara started the group to bring, as she said, ``joy and hope to the lonely and peace and comfort to the dying.'' I congratulate Barbara on her award and thank her for her servant's heart. Congratulating Muncie Public Library

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my appreciation for the Muncie Public Library receiving the Historic Preservation Education Grant. The funds from Indiana Humanities, in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities, will be used to help the library share its history and preservation needs with the public. Carnegie Library was the first library building in Muncie and one of the first to be built in Indiana on a full donation from Andrew Carnegie. This facility serves as an icon of history and a modern workspace and receives my full support in Congress.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my friend, Steve Johnson, for receiving the prestigious Indiana Motor Truck Association's Founders Award. The IMTA's Founders Award is an honor bestowed to those who embody the spirit of the association's founders and have made outstanding contributions to the association and the Indiana trucking industry. Steve is only the ninth individual to have received this award in the past 14 years. Always one to give back, Steve proudly serves his Nation in uniform and remains involved in his local church, charitable foundations, and children's hospitals in Indiana. I congratulate my good friend, Steve Johnson. Congratulating Three High Schools on Special Olympics Recognition

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate three high schools located in Indiana's Sixth District on their achievement of becoming a National Banner Unified Champion School. Columbus East High School, Muncie Central High School, and South Ripley High School were recognized by the Special Olympics for their servant hearts and commitments to inclusion. These three high schools achieved the status of a Unified Champion School after meeting 10 national standards of excellence set by the Special Olympics. As institutions dedicated to inclusion, collaboration, and engagement, we are proud of Columbus East, Muncie Central, and South Ripley. We congratulate the students and faculty for this significant achievement. Recognizing Batesville High School and Ivy Tech's Partnership