Greg Pence

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Hours of Service proposal to improve safety and increase flexibility for truck drivers. Over 80 percent of Hoosiers depend on the trucking industry to keep their businesses moving. Reducing these burdensome regulations will help Hoosiers and all Americans. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, providing flexibility for our truckers is my top priority. Thank you, Secretary Chao, for supporting commonsense proposals to increase the safety of our Nation's roads. Supporting Passage of the USMCA

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to reiterate my commitment to passing the USMCA, a deal that will lead to strong economic growth for Hoosiers and the American people. The USMCA will generate tens of billions of dollars and create over 175,000 new American jobs. Why won't Speaker Pelosi act? This agreement would rebalance trade for American manufacturing, increase market access for agriculture, and level the playing field for our small businesses. While back in my district, I met with Hoosier farmers and manufacturers who told me the same thing: Congress needs to act now. Pass the USMCA. I urge my colleagues to put partisan politics aside and ratify the USMCA on behalf of our farmers, ranchers, businesses, and all American workers. Thanking the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank the U.S. Department of Agriculture for standing with Hoosier farmers. They have faced hardship due to adverse weather conditions. Indiana farmers experienced prolonged rains, negatively impacting their ability to plant corn and soybeans before crop insurance deadlines passed. Just 2 weeks ago, Secretary Perdue declared 74 counties across the Hoosier State eligible for Federal assistance. On behalf of Indiana's Sixth District, I want to thank the Secretary for assisting farmers faced with a shortened growing season and a small harvest with access to this critical help. Supporting Broadband Access

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today regarding an issue impacting constituents in every corner of Indiana's Sixth District. My district ranks among the lowest in the Nation in regard to broadband access. According to the FCC, 42 percent of Hoosiers in rural areas of my district are without high speed broadband internet. That puts almost half of my constituents in rural communities at a disadvantage. This is not unique to my district. Over 16.8 million rural Americans across this Nation are lacking adequate access to a broadband connection. We must ensure rural America is not left behind. We must close the digital divide.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a member of my staff that has been with me since the beginning of my campaign. Jordan Hall, 23, has served in my District office since January. Before that, he traveled with me across the District during our campaign. Folks across the 6th District know Jordan for his work ethic, warm smile, and friendly demeanor. We are losing a strong member of the team, but Jordan will remain a member of our Hoosier, and 6th District, family. Jordan will be studying at the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law on the campus of IUPUI in Indianapolis. I wish Jordan luck, though I know it will be his work ethic and determination that gets him though this next chapter of life. I wish Jordan, and his wife Chelsea, all the best as they continue to pursue their dreams and ambitions.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3245, legislation sponsored by my colleague, friend, and fellow Hoosier, Dr. Larry Bucshon. The Harmony Way Bridge connects Indiana to Illinois over the Wabash River. The bridge is currently managed by the White County Bridge Commission, which was created by Federal legislation in 1941. The bridge closed in 2012 due to structural deficiencies, and current Federal law blocks local officials from taking action to repair the bridge. I am proud to join my colleagues in both the Indiana and Illinois delegations as a cosponsor on this critical legislation. H.R. 3245 would allow the two States to determine the future of the bridge. Madam Speaker, supporting this bill is common sense. A companion bill, S. 1833, was introduced by the four Senators from Indiana and Illinois and passed by unanimous consent. Last year, the House passed a similar bill overwhelmingly. In addition, both Indiana and Illinois created State commissions to manage the bridge, and now it is our responsibility to complete the transfer. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3245 and allow the States of Illinois and Indiana, and the community residents surrounding the Harmony Way Bridge, to determine the future of this treasured landmark.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. PENCE. Madam Chair, I rise in support of my amendment, which is deeply personal. Madam Chair, I was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines. In 1983, my battalion was ordered to Beirut, Lebanon. On October 23 of that same year, an Iranian national affiliated with Hezbollah, a terror group founded, trained, and financially supported by the Iranian regime, drove a truck bomb into the U.S. barracks in Beirut, killing 241 servicemen, 220 of which were my fellow marines. It is by the grace of God that I am standing here today. My battalion shipped out 10 days before the bombing. I was lucky. I was able to come home to my wife, who was expecting our first child, and my family in Columbus, Indiana. As proud U.S. marines, Congressman Gallego and I authored this bipartisan, bicameral legislation to provide a sliver of justice for the 241 heroes who were not as lucky that day. Madam Chair, our amendment is simple. The OORAH Act would allow the families of the bombing victims to execute on the $1.6 billion in Iranian funds currently held by a European-based firm. These funds were laundered through New York before making their way to Europe, where they sit just outside the hand of justice. Regardless of the party you conference with or the district you represent, we can all agree that terrorists and those who support them financially must be held accountable for their actions. When I joined the Marines in 1979, I made a promise of Semper Fidelis. Semper Fi is a lifelong commitment held by every marine for the corps and America, a promise reciprocated by the corps to all marines. Madam Chair, we must uphold this promise. Marines are the first to fight, and this time we are fighting for the Gold Star families who lost their loved ones. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and stand with Congressman Gallego and me and our colleagues in the Senate to honor the faith and loyalty of the 241 American servicemen who made the ultimate sacrifice. Madam Chair, OORAH stands for Our Obligation to Recognize American Heroes, or as the Marines say, OORAH. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PENCE. Madam Chair, I thank the chairman and ranking member for their leadership and my colleague and fellow marine from Arizona (Mr. Gallego) for his faithful service and unwavering support on this legislation. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Columbus Police Department for its support of National Guard and military Reserve employees. The Columbus Police Department recently received the Above and Beyond Award for its dedication to its officers who are also members of the National Guard and military Reserves. This award goes to organizations that go above and beyond when it comes to employees who also serve in our Nation's Armed Forces. The Columbus Police Department currently has 11 officers who also serve in the National Guard or military Reserve roles. In fact, 33 percent of its employees are either currently serving or are veterans of our Armed Forces. I thank the Columbus Police Department for caring for our veterans and for those currently serving our country. Recognizing IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital in celebrating 90 years of service to the Muncie community. The hospital has grown with the city to offer the highest quality of care. Throughout the years, Ball Memorial Hospital has been with the city of Muncie through many ups and downs, including the Great Depression and the polio epidemic of the 1940s. Ball Memorial Hospital merged with IU Health in 2010, a move that only expanded the hospital's reach throughout east central Indiana. Congratulations to IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital on 90 years of success. I thank them for serving the city of Muncie and the State of Indiana. Recognizing ASAP of Bartholomew County

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress in Bartholomew County, a group that has been on the front lines of combating the opioid crisis. The alliance, known as ASAP, partners with law enforcement, courts, counselors, health systems, and community leaders to address the opioid crisis through prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery. I want to recognize its new executive director, Doug Leonard, who officially started this Monday. Doug is a former local and State healthcare leader, serving as the president of the Indiana Hospital Association from 2007 until 2017. While we have much work to do, ASAP of Bartholomew County can be a model for other counties looking to combat this terrible scourge. I rise today to reiterate my commitment to passing the USMCA, which will lead to stronger economic growth and rising wages for all Hoosiers and all Americans. The USMCA will generate tens of billions of dollars, and it will create over 175,000 new American jobs. The USMCA will also rebalance trade to support American manufacturing, strengthen U.S. trade in agriculture, and support American small business. It increases market access for Hoosier and American dairy providers. It is imperative that Congress act on behalf of American farmers, ranchers, businesses, and all workers.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an individual from Muncie, Indiana, who has made her community and State proud. Lizzi Smith, a Paralympic athlete who competed in the 2016 Paralympic Games, is now working toward her goal of swimming in the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. Lizzi has already accomplished so much in her swimming career. She helped Muncie Central High School win a sectional in high school. She won two world medals at the age of 17, and she came away from the 2016 Paralympics with two medals. Just this year, Lizzi set the Pan American record in the S10 100-meter butterfly. I thank Lizzi for inspiring us to dream big and for setting a strong example for young Hoosiers and all Americans. I wish her the best of luck on the road to Tokyo. Bring home the gold.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the New Palestine High School softball team who capped their record-setting season with a 10-0 victory in the State title game. This is the Dragons' third State title in as many years. Over the last 3 years, this dynasty has been unstoppable. Their record is a staggering 90-6. This season the Dragons won each game of the State tournament by at least 10 runs, a feat which has never been accomplished in Indiana State history. They are also the first softball team in Indiana history to win back, to back, to back. Through everything, they personified hard work and team spirit, and I recognize Ed Marcum and the New Palestine Dragons for this historic accomplishment.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Richmond Municipal Building in Richmond, Indiana. This week, Richmond has the honor of hosting the Indiana Conference of Mayors, where over 70 hometown leaders from across the State will come together to share ideas on how to better serve Hoosiers in their communities. The city has so much to be proud of, and this occasion will give them an opportunity to showcase their hard work. From upgrades to Veterans Park to connectivity projects throughout the Depot District, Richmond is an all-American city with a small town charm. I want to congratulate the president of the Indiana Conference of Mayors, Mayor Dave Snow of Richmond, for his hard work on behalf of all Hoosiers.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. PENCE. Madam Chair, I rise in support of my amendment to increase funding for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine broadband grant program. Currently, over 14 million Americans living in rural communities still lack access to basic broadband service. Specifically, the rural broadband grant programs at USDA help Americans tap into telehealth technology, distant learning education, and internet-based agribusiness that our farmers desperately rely on to remain competitive. In my district, the DLT grant program has been successful at linking teachers in one area to students in another. Last year, almost half of the funds from the DLT program were used to combat opioid and substance abuse. The ongoing opioid crisis is still wreaking havoc on communities across America, and this is not the time to cut corners on programs that address this problem. We must support efforts to help people seeking treatment for and prevention of opioid use. My amendment, which is fully offset, will increase funding for the DLT program by $25 million so that more communities have access to healthcare, education, government services, and business opportunities. Without broadband access, entire communities are being left behind. Madam Chair, I am thankful this issue has remained a bipartisan priority, and I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PENCE. Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Baird), my esteemed colleague.

Mr. PENCE. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment to close the digital divide in rural America. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PENCE. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Honda Manufacturing of Indiana for reaching the milestone of 2 million vehicles built in Indiana. This accomplishment is a testament to Honda's commitment to Indiana, the Sixth District, and to Greensburg. It is also a testament to the strength and capabilities of our workforce in the Sixth District and across Indiana. With employment of more than 2,500 Hoosiers and investment exceeding $1 billion, Honda Manufacturing of Indiana now has the capacity to produce 250,000 vehicles a year. In 2018 alone, Honda purchased more than $2.2 billion in parts from 51 suppliers located in Indiana. On behalf of the people of Indiana's Sixth Congressional District, I want to congratulate Honda in Greensburg on achieving this incredible milestone. Recognizing Hoosiers Attending Military Service Academies

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize Hoosiers who are answering the call to serve. The Sixth District of Indiana has an outstanding history in our Nation's Armed Forces. Today, we take a minute to recognize a few young men and women from the Sixth District who are continuing that tradition of service. This year, the Sixth District of Indiana will be sending 10 students to the military academies across the country. Noah Algee of Columbus, Christian Hunt of Yorktown, Zachary Kuhn of Shelbyville, and Caroline Swenson of Columbus will be attending West Point Military Academy. Finn Anderson of Columbus, Nathan Dickman of Richmond, and Sam Russell of Columbus will be attending the Naval Academy. Sam Horak of Columbus, Michael McGaha of Hope, and Emma Smith of Columbus will be attending the Air Force Academy. Congratulations to these 10 young Hoosiers who make all of us proud. I thank them for choosing a path of service to our country. Biodiesel Tax Credit Helps Hoosiers

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass the Biodiesel Tax Credit Extension Act of 2019 so that Hoosier biodiesel producers and farmers can operate with some certainty. Biodiesel is a big market for soybeans in my district. Biodiesel companies and their employees are facing an uncertain future because the biodiesel tax incentive has been expired for 15 months. The economic pressure is threatening the future of the industry, putting good-paying jobs and production of domestic fuel at stake. It is adding economic pressure to farmers, especially in our home State of Indiana, who are already being hit hard by unfavorable weather conditions. If enacted, this bill will provide agriculture economy certainty and relief for 2018 and 2019. The fact that it has expired has put the brakes on the development of new biodiesel plants, and it has curtailed biodiesel production. The biodiesel tax incentive helps Hoosier producers and farmers continue to invest in our future for growth, creating jobs and economic opportunity. Reinvesting in infrastructure

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I want to reiterate my commitment to reinvesting in our infrastructure. As a businessman with experience in transporting goods, I understand the critical role of infrastructure in our economy. We must put our partisan differences aside and explore every avenue to upgrade America's infrastructure. Of course, we must be transparent and deliberate. The plan must be cost effective with tangible returns on our investment. In Indiana, we have a website where you can see the dollars being dedicated to infrastructure, and you can track each taxpayer-funded project, its progress towards completion, and we need to do this at the Federal level. As the crossroads of America, the rest of the Nation can look to Indiana for guidance on how to get something done to upgrade America's crumbling infrastructure.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I am not recorded for roll call vote No. 216 on Friday, May 17, 2019 because I was meeting with 8th grade Hoosiers from the Saint Bartholomew Catholic School in Columbus, Indiana. Since my first day in office, I have been squarely focused on what I was sent here to do: Represent Hoosiers of the 6th District. As a man of faith, I am wholeheartedly opposed to H.R. 5--a bill that limits our nation's founding principles of freedom of religion, conscience, and speech. We are a nation that allows and embraces diverse thoughts and opinions, but this bill would grant special privileges to individuals at the expense of the freedoms of others. Many women in Indiana's 6th District depend on athletic scholarships to obtain higher education and career aspirations, and this legislation would unfairly force female athletes to compete against biological males. Had I been present, I would have voted Yea on the Republican Motion to Recommit, RC No. 216. This Motion to Recommit would have amended H.R. 5 to ensure that nothing in the bill may be construed to diminish any protections under Title IX, therefore safeguarding the integrity of female sports.