Greg Pence

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize fallen Johnson County Deputy Sheriff Tim Guyer, who passed away at Indiana Law Enforcement Academy last month. Deputy Guyer was training at the academy and set to graduate just 2 weeks after he passed. We will never forget his service and sacrifice to our Indiana community, and I extend my deepest condolences to his loved ones. Rural Healthcare in Rushville, Indiana

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the opening of the new Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Shelbyville, Indiana. The clinic offers primary and mental health care, optometry services, and physical therapy. I thank the VA, the director of Veteran Health Indiana, Michael Hershman; the dedicated onsite clinical team; and Shelbyville Mayor Tom DeBaun for their efforts in getting this new facility open to serve Hoosier veterans throughout Shelby County and beyond. Slow Down Electrification-or-Nothing Approach

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1435, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act. I thank Congressman John Joyce for his leadership on this bill. The electrification or nothing timeline of this administration is far ahead of what is possible, practical, and affordable. Giving California authority to dictate to the transportation industry for almost half the Nation is just another tool this administration is using to force EVs on the American people. Fuel distribution for our transportation industry was built over the course of 100 years. It is not reasonable to assume the same can be done for an EV industry in just a few short years. While this administration seeks to mandate and subsidize electric vehicles at every turn, they lack any sense of a coherent plan to put this into reality. EV inventories are piling up on dealer lots because, simply put, nobody is buying them. This legislation would make important strides to protect Hoosiers' ability to choose the car that they think best fits their families. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Bucshon), the chairman and my esteemed friend, for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 752, the Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act, which I co-led with Congresswoman Eshoo, who I thank for her leadership. This bipartisan bill seeks to uncover barriers to expanding foreign direct investment into domestic manufacturing for semiconductor chips. Over the past few years, Hoosiers in southern Indiana felt the ripples in our economy caused by the shortages of semiconductor chips. Auto manufacturers like Honda in Greensburg and Cummins engine company in Columbus, Indiana, told me firsthand the potential impacts on day- to-day operations because of this shortage. We learned the hard way that our economy cannot rely solely on adversarial nations like China to secure chips for our economy. My greatest priority in Congress has been fighting for policies that have the opportunity to create good-paying jobs for our Hoosiers and for all Americans, and I urge support for this bill.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to join me in supporting my legislation, H.R. 813, the Global Investment in American Jobs Act. This bill seeks to improve the attractiveness of foreign investment from allied nations and identify barriers that are holding back American competitiveness. Over 200,000 Hoosiers are directly employed by international companies, 56 percent of which are in the manufacturing sector. Because of our long, storied history as a leader in manufacturing, companies across the world have keyed in to Indiana. Before companies started outsourcing operations to China and other countries, company towns had lifted small and rural communities across the Hoosier State. Take Cummins Engine Company, for example. I have lived in Columbus, Indiana, my entire life, and nearly every family, my own included, has some connection to the company that has helped build and grow Columbus. Beyond Indiana, communities across the country share similar stories where foreign investment has lifted up communities with stable, good- paying jobs. International companies in the U.S. employ 8 million workers and, over the past 5 years, have created 400,000 new manufacturing jobs. As countries across the world rethink partnerships with the Chinese Communist Party and other bad actors, we have an opportunity to leverage investments from allied nations. Importantly, this legislation would seek to uncover actions from the CCP to gain access to U.S. markets and circumvent national security laws. For decades, China has built a calculated strategy to corner global supply chains through IP theft and free-market manipulation. H.R. 813 addresses anticompetitive practices of the CCP to undermine innovation and gain footholds in next-generation technologies. I am encouraged that the Global Investment in American Jobs Act has long had broad, bipartisan support, like from my colleague from California, Congresswoman Eshoo. I look forward to working across the aisle to pass this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this bill.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to champion the fifth reauthorization of the Animal Drug User Fee Act with Congresswoman Schrier. This important legislation is critical to ensuring safe and effective drugs for our Nation's livestock industry and farm animals for the next 5 years. It provides resources for the review of new and generic animal drugs, accelerates the development of animal therapeutics, and promotes a more predictable and streamlined review process. It is important we hold the FDA accountable to performance goals that will enhance inspection times and provide regulatory certainty for both innovators and pet owners alike. Farmers, ranchers, and rural communities across southern Indiana rely on veterinary medicines and therapeutics produced by animal drug manufacturers. Innovators in the Hoosier State, like Elanco Animal Health, are leading the charge to keep American farm animals safe and healthy. We need innovation in veterinary medicine to secure the best care for our Nation's veterinary patients. This legislation would preserve the security of America's food supply by making certain the medications administered to food-producing animals are safe for animal and human health. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for final passage of this legislation.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to raise my concerns about skyrocketing crime in Indianapolis, Indiana. In just the past 2 years, 497 people were killed in homicides in that city. This is the city's deadliest number on record. This is the direct result of the Democrats' soft-on-crime policies, reckless bail reform efforts, and, of course, their ``defund-the- police'' rhetoric. Hoosiers and the American people deserve better. It is long past time for the Biden administration, the Indianapolis mayor's office, and Congressional Democrats to join us in cracking down on crime to help make our streets safe again.

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my sincere thanks to Centerstone Health Services. I recently had the opportunity to visit Centerstone in Columbus, Indiana, and learn about their great work providing behavioral and mental health care, addiction treatment, and crisis services. Centerstone operates 25 clinics and over 500 residential or supportive housing units, serving about 30,000 patients in my district. Still, more needs to be done to expand access to care to those suffering from mental illness. Medicaid's outdated IMD exclusion serves as a barrier preventing most access to care for the most vulnerable in our communities. Unfortunately, without treatment, these individuals find themselves on the streets, in jails, or, of course, worse. I urge my colleagues to work together and remove the IMD exclusion. Skyrocketing Crime in Indianapolis

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak about my recent visit to the Columbus, Indiana Fire Department. During the visit, I spoke with Fire Chief Lay and was able to see the department's training operations taking place right there in the Sixth District. Thank you to all our first responders for the work they do, and may we never forget that they are putting their lives on the line every single day. God bless everyone at the Columbus Fire Department, and God bless all the fire departments in the Indiana Sixth District. Thanking Centerstone Health Services

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize my Sixth District Agriculture Advisory Board. Indiana's ag industry is essential to America's ag success, and Hoosier farmers are at the backbone of America. Therefore, I will always make sure to consult my ag advisory board on all issues affecting the agriculture industry, especially as Congress looks toward the 2023 Farm Bill Reauthorization. I thank this fine group of 15 Hoosier farmers for all their insight, and it was great to see them again in June. Thanking First Responders

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, on June 25, numerous thunderstorms in central Indiana developed into tornadoes with damaging wind and large hail. I offer my sincerest condolences and prayers to those impacted by the storms, as well as thank our brave first responders who have never failed to respond and put their lives on the line for us. God bless our first responders. Recognizing the Sixth District Agriculture Advisory Board

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Elisabeth Coon, Indiana's Sixth District Congressional Gold Medalist. Elisabeth resides in Bargersville, Indiana, and is currently a student at Cardinal Christian Academy Home School. She earned the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal for completing over 400 hours of community service, dedicating 200 hours to learning how to run a small business, improving her fitness by running 5Ks, and attending an expedition in Colorado. Congratulations to Elisabeth on her achievements, and I wish her the best of luck on her future endeavors. Condolences to Victims Impacted by Recent Storms and Thanking First Responders

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a fallen Indiana State Trooper, Aaron Smith. He was tragically killed in the line of duty just last month. Trooper Smith, of Whiteland, Indiana, served his fellow Hoosiers as both a State Trooper and a sergeant in the Indiana National Guard. We will never forget Trooper Smith's service and sacrifice to our Indiana community and our entire Nation, and I offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends. He was a hero. May Trooper Smith, as well as all our fallen officers, rest in peace. Congratulating Elisabeth Coon

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to raise awareness of the direction of this administration's American energy strategy. Just last week, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation again raised alarms about potential blackouts this summer. The administration is making a bad situation worse by continuing to roll out unattainable and unworkable emission standards. At the same time, agencies are forcing electrification of everything from cars to stoves. Mr. Speaker, this rush to a green agenda will raise the costs to turn the lights on, cook your meals, or heat your homes. Hoosiers and all Americans will be the ones to foot the bill for an incoherent energy strategy.

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to raise concerns with the EPA's newest attempt to create the Clean Power Plan 2.0. By setting unattainable emission targets and relying on untested technologies, this rule will raise utility bills and threaten the reliability of our electric grid. Once again, EPA is driving out affordable baseload power plants to fulfill their rush to their green agenda. We are already seeing a reliability crisis play out across the country, and EPA is doubling down on their attempts to regulate fossil fuels out of existence. It is past time for this administration to face reality and put our Nation on a sustainable path forward to keep the lights on. Green Agenda Will Raise Costs

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 317 Ryders Motorcycle Club, which is a group of motorcyclists in Shelby County, Indiana, for the philanthropic work that they do. Since they were founded in 2002, the 317 Ryders Motorcycle Club's mission has been to provide fun motorcycle rides for its members while at the same time giving back to the Hoosier community. I thank the 317 Ryders Motorcycle Club for all the funding and volunteering work that they do for Indiana's Sixth District, and I look forward to seeing what more the 317 group does. Energy Concerns

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because I would like to honor Officer Dustin Moody on the House floor. Officer Moody was seriously injured in the line of duty, paralyzing him from the waist down just last year. Before his injury, he had been serving in law enforcement for 10 years and had been with the Trafalgar Police Department since December 2020. Throughout his career as a police officer, Officer Moody was dedicated to protecting our communities in Johnson County, Indiana. God bless Officer Moody, and I thank all our brave Hoosier police officers for their service. Recognizing the 317 Ryders Motorcycle Club

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ms. Munjuluri, a junior at Columbus North High School, on winning the State of Indiana Poetry Out Loud Competition and then going on to become the 2023 Poetry Out Loud National Champion. She has truly made Indiana's Sixth District proud, and she has a bright future ahead. I congratulate Ms. Munjuluri, and I wish her the best of luck in all her future professional and personal endeavors. Honoring Officer Dustin Moody

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two fallen Hoosier police officers who were killed in the line of duty while serving our community last year. Noah Shahnavaz of Elwood and Seara Burton of Richmond were honored for National Police Week this year, and their names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial right here in Washington, D.C. Noah was a 5-year Army veteran and had been with the police department for 11 months. Seara was a 4-year member of the Wayne County Police Department and was the first female canine officer in the department's history. We will never forget Noah and Seara's service and sacrifice to our Indiana community and our entire Nation. May our brave fallen police officers rest in peace. Congratulating Ms. Munjuluri

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I am not recorded for Roll Call No. 95, Roll Call No. 96, Roll Call No. 97, Roll Call No. 98, Roll Call No. 99, and Roll Call No. 100 on Tuesday, January 31, 2023. Since my first day in office, I have been squarely focused on what I was sent here to do: Represent Hoosiers of the 6th Congressional District of Indiana. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress and the State of Indiana have been laser focused on preventing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting the health of Hoosiers and all Americans. I am proud to have worked across the aisle to pass multiple bipartisan coronavirus relief bills that provided much needed assistance to Hoosiers and small businesses. Unfortunately, the Biden Administration has politicized the COVID-19 pandemic to implement their radical, leftist agenda through unilateral executive action. I adamantly support H.R. 382, the Pandemic is over Act and H.R. 497, the Freedom for Health Care Workers Act. In September 2022, President Biden said the ``pandemic is over,'' but subsequently decided to extend the Public Health Emergency (PHE) several more times. President Biden has abused the PHE to implement student loan cancelation absent congressional authority, keep students from school, and force vaccine and mask mandates. Regrettably, President Biden compounded workforce shortages by requiring vaccine mandates for federal health care workers, disproportionately hurting rural and underserved communities. Had I been present I would have voted Yea on Roll Call No. 95 (the Previous Questions), Yea on Roll Call No. 96 (Adoption of H. Res. 75), Nay on Roll Call No. 97 (Motion to Recommit), Yea on Roll Call No. 98 (Final Passage of H.R. 497), Nay on Roll Call No. 99 (Motion to Recommit), and Yea on Roll Call No. 100 (Final Passage of H.R. 382).

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 21. House Republicans are taking our next step to protect the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and put American energy dominance back on track. First, we are going to stop selling a national security tool to China, and second, we are going to leverage our domestic natural resources to protect against emergency supply disruptions. The President's decision to exploit the SPR to cover up his own energy crisis was nothing short of a political stunt, and I heard that word used when I first walked in. After draining 40 percent of our reserve, the President has left Hoosiers in Indiana's Sixth District vulnerable in the event of a true supply emergency. The SPR is critical to helping respond to natural disasters, hurricanes, or severe supply disruptions. It was never intended to be a solution to the Biden energy crisis facing Hoosiers and all Americans. If the President was truly concerned about high energy prices, he would work with Republicans to support the domestic resources we already have at our disposal. H.R. 21 is a clear, simple way to leverage our assets and refocus the SPR on its original intent, responding to emergency supply disruptions. I look forward to continuing our efforts on the Energy and Commerce Committee to hold this administration accountable and reestablish American energy dominance. Mr. Chair, I urge support for this legislation.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of a great community leader and a dear friend to so many of us here in Indiana's Sixth Congressional District, Steve Leonard. A native of Greenfield, Steve has been an active member of our community and his leadership will be forever missed. Steve retired from a nearly 40-year career at Eli Lilly a few years ago, and, until his passing, served as the Center Township Trustee and Chairman of the Hancock County Republican Party. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Steve could tell of a friendship with a truly honorable, decent man whose kindness and generosity will not soon be forgotten. Even throughout his health battle, Steve never failed to put others first and remained a dependable leader who fulfilled his responsibilities with dignity and grace. Steve's example will serve as a blessing to his family and continue to inspire those of us who had the honor of calling him a friend. Our prayers continue to be with Steve's family; his wife, Janet; sons, Steven and Bryan; and daughter, Kimberly. It is my pleasure to honor my friend, Steve Leonard.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I am not recorded for Roll Call votes No. 481, No. 482, No. 483, No. 484, and No. 485. Had I been present, I would have voted Yes on Roll Call No. 481 En Bloc Suspensions (H.R. 5721, H.R. 7299, H.R. 7277, H.R. 4275, H.R. 6290, H.R. 5502, H.R. 8416); Yes on Roll Call No. 482 (S. 3369); Yes on Roll Call No. 483 (S. 4359); Yes on Roll Call No. 484 (H.R. 2250); and Yes on Roll Call No. 485 (H.R. 3630).

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor a proud American, a great Hoosier, an outstanding man, and a very dear friend, Anthony ``Tony'' Moravec. Tony left us far too soon, and it is an honor to have his family in the House gallery to join us here today. Born October 3, 1950, Tony Moravec was the embodiment of the American Dream. He worked hard, treated everyone with respect, and had a joyous appreciation of life. Tony was chairman of Blairex Laboratories and the co-founder of Applied Laboratories. These two companies employed countless Hoosiers and brought vital economic development to Columbus, Indiana. Tony's commitment to our community did not end there. In fact, he went far beyond what many business leaders accomplish. In 1990, he and his company received the Entrepreneur of the Year award from the State of Indiana. In 2009, he received the Company of the Year Award from the Columbus Chamber of Commerce for the restoration of Zaharakos, an ice cream store. In 2011, Tony received the Indiana University Provost's Medal, and was honored with the President's Circle Laurel Pin and the Partners in Philanthropy Cornerstone Award. In 2016, he received an award for the restoration of the Columbus Pump House. Tony established scholarships at the Heritage Fund, Indiana University, and Ivy Tech Community College, always seeking to educate the next generation of Hoosiers. Tony donated his collection of the works of Old Master drawings, including a series of scenes from the New Testament, to the IU Eskenazi Museum. It became the third largest repository of such drawings in the world, earning an Andrew W. Mellon Foundation endowment. Tony once remarked that he was part of our hometown, Columbus, by choice, not by chance; something proven in all his actions. Our relationship, our friendship, like so many others in our community, went far beyond business or politics. Tony meant so much to my wife, Denise, and I. It is exceptionally hard to underscore what an immense loss Tony's passing is to my family and our entire community. So today, I want to impart some wisdom from Tony's parents and grandparents that he recently shared with our community at the Moravec Hall dedication. ``Bite off more than you can chew and chew like hell. Be bold in everything you do. It has a magic about it. ``Use it up. Wear it out. Make it do or do without. Do your job like you own the business. Maybe, someday you will. ``Get an education. They can take your house, they can take your car, but they can't take your education.'' And finally, ``Leave the place a better place than you found it,'' which Tony did. In fact, he left everywhere a better place than he found it. May Tony Moravec forever rest in peace. God bless this wonderful man, and may God bless his family.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a fearless and courageous Hoosier and American Hero, Tom Ecoff. Born on October 23, 1922, Mr. Ecoff enlisted in the United States Armed Forces at just 19-years old. He served in the 82nd Airborne as a paratrooper. Mr. Ecoff jumped into Saint-Mere-Eglise on June 6, 1944--parachuting into Normandy on D-Day and fought in several integral battles across Europe that decided the course of the war. Mr. Ecoff ran into gunfire to save his fellow soldiers on the battlefield. Mr. Ecoff is both a Bronze Star and Purple Heart Recipient for his bravery during World War II. After being honorably discharged from the United States Army, Mr. Ecoff continued to chase the American Dream--creating a highly- successful trucking company back at home in Indiana. This year, Mr. Ecoff celebrated his one-hundredth Birthday. He attributes this longevity to his loving family of four children, seven grandchildren and great-grandchildren, stating ``I live every day for my family. That's the reason I'm here. If I didn't have them, life would not be interesting enough to continue. I give them all the credit for my hundred years.'' Madam Speaker, our nation is forever indebted to veterans of the Greatest Generation, like Tom Ecoff, for their service and sacrifice. On behalf of Indiana's Sixth Congressional District and the United States House of Representatives--I thank Tom Ecoff for his service. May God Bless him and God Bless America.