Greg Pence

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 672, a resolution that reinforces our Eastern European allies in the Three Seas Initiative. Since the Iron Curtain was lifted in 1991, citizens of Eastern European countries have suffered the economic consequences of poorly kept, soviet-era infrastructure that ensures their reliance on Russia for generations to come. As we all know, the goal of the Three Seas Initiative is to diversify resources in the region by collectively investing in cross border projects into the EU. Reclaiming valuable economic leverage will open doors to enhanced energy development and expand access to global markets. By capitalizing on this partnership, countries of the Three Seas Initiative are better equipped to meet the needs of a 21st century economy. A more economically prosperous and secure Eastern Europe is in the interest of American foreign policy. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the Three Seas Initiative and pass H. Res. 672. I want to thank the sponsor, Congresswoman Kaptur, Chairman Keating, and Ranking Member Kinzinger for their leadership.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Randy Scheidt for being named the 2020 Indiana Realtor of the Year from the Indiana Commercial Board of Realtors. Randy is a chair on the MIBOR Realtor Association Economic Development Council and its foundation. Forty years ago, Randy founded Don R. Scheidt & Co. and started the Scheidt Commercial Realty LLC in 2019. Randy is from my hometown of Columbus, IN and is a member of the Rotary Club and serves as the Riley Children's South-Central Philanthropy Council senior advisor. He is a true pillar in our community. It is an honor to call Randy a friend and I congratulate him and his family for this tremendous accomplishment.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of fallen Muncie Police Officer Gregg William Winters. Officer Winters was tragically killed in the line of duty on January 8, 1991 at the young age of 32. Gregg Winters was born on February 25, 1958 to parents Ezra ``Zeke'' and Beverly Snyder Winters. A lifelong resident of Muncie, he attended Muncie schools, graduating from Southside High School in 1976. He had worked for Wise's Food Market and Motion Industries before joining the Muncie Police Department in 1986. He graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 1987. He attended Shawnee Heights Baptist Church and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. On December 28, 1990, Officer Winters was responding to the scene of an alleged public intoxication. Officer Winters was transporting the subject to the Delaware County Jail when the man pulled out a concealed weapon and executed Officer Winters in cold blood. Officer Winters was struck five times. He bravely battled his injuries for eleven days before succumbing to his wounds. Officer Winters served courageously for four years on the Muncie Police Department. Those that served with him describe a wonderful and brave man who always put his community first. As the thirty-year anniversary of Officer Winters' death approaches, I want to let his widow Molly and two sons Kyle and Brock know that we are forever grateful for Officer Winters' service and his memory will always live on. God bless.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, on Friday, October 2, 2020, I was not recorded for roll call vote 217 and 218. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on the Adoption of H. Res. 1153, Condemning unwanted, unnecessary medical procedures on individuals without their full, informed consent and YEA on the Adoption of H. Res. 1154, Condemning QAnon and rejecting the conspiracy theory it promotes. I strongly condemn the performance of medical procedures without informed consent. If true, these heinous acts deserve swift and appropriate punishment. The allegations raised in this resolution, however, remain unconfirmed as investigations by the Inspector General at the Department of Homeland Security are still underway. I cannot support this resolution that assumes the facts are true prior to the outcome of complete investigations. Furthermore, as a man of faith, I am unapologetically pro-life and cannot support this resolution that implicitly supports abortion. We must always stand for life and protect the most vulnerable around us. While I support H. Res. 1154, I am disheartened to see the Majority refuse to name similar leftwing groups, like Antifa, as a part of the problem. I fully denounce all such groups and their destruction of public and private property in our communities.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the American Soybean Association centennial celebration. One hundred years ago, the American Soybean Association was started in my home State of Indiana at Soyland Farms in Camden. Today, the association advocates for our great soybean farmers while promoting the growth of the U.S. soybean industry, a thriving Hoosier asset and industry. Congratulations to the association on its 100th year. As a supporter of the ag industry, I wish them the best of luck in the next 100 years. Recognizing Future of Work

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Future of Work initiative in Muncie, Indiana, for its leadership in the 21st century workforce development. The Future of Work organization includes Innovation Connector, Ivy Tech Community College, Ball State University, Purdue Polytechnic, Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development, Muncie Community Schools, Eastern Indiana Works, Ball Brothers Foundation, and East Central Indiana Regional Partnership. It is paving the way for students and jobseekers to prepare for careers in technology, engineering, and manufacturing. I thank Future of Work for helping young Americans develop skills to join the 21st century workforce. Supporting Second Amendment

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give my proud support of the Second Amendment. The Constitution affords the right of the people to keep and bear arms, and that shall not be infringed. As a lifetime member of the NRA, I understand what it is like to have your constitutional rights attacked. We take a look at the riots, looting, and danger right here on our own front doorsteps, and we see that the ability to protect our families and ourselves has never been more important. As the Representative from Indiana's Sixth District, I promise to uphold the Constitution. Applauding Trump Administration's Support of Farmers

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the Trump administration's commitment to our great American farmers. This week, the USDA announced $14 billion for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs due to COVID-19. President Trump made a promise to put American farmers first, and he is doing just that. This commitment to farmers has helped the hardworking Sixth District Hoosier farmers who have been impacted by this pandemic. Our ag community feeds this Nation, and I applaud the Trump administration's unwavering support.

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sixth District hero Greenfield Police Officer Blake Crull. Officer Crull was on a routine patrol when he saw a flipped car on fire. He sprang into action and ran toward the danger. With no regard for his personal safety, Officer Crull saved a woman from the burning car, which exploded mere moments later. Brave acts such as Officer Crull's are the very reason I will always back the blue and never defund the police. I thank Officer Crull for his courageous and brave service to our community. Fighting for Conservative Principles

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, as Indiana's Sixth District Representative, it is my duty to fight for the conservative Hoosier principles on which my constituents sent me to Washington. My Republican colleagues and I are committed to the American people. We will renew the American Dream. We achieve this by making sure students can attend a great school, no matter their ZIP Code, by honoring the service of our veterans with good healthcare and job opportunities, and by supporting technical education. We will restore our way of life. We achieve this by defeating COVID- 19, by defending our police and not defunding them, and by upholding our constitutional rights. We will rebuild the greatest economy our Nation has ever seen. We achieve this by getting Americans back to work, by ending our dependence on China, and by upgrading America's infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, America is worth fighting for. This is our commitment to America. American Soybean Association Centennial

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a mother, friend and family member, my cousin, Mary Beth Sanchez, who will be celebrating her 60th birthday on October 9, 2020. Mary Beth is a kind, caring and loving woman whose presence always lights up a room. Family means the world to Mary and she always goes out of her way to show it. Happy 60th Birthday, Mary Beth. We love her.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my wholehearted support for our Nation's law enforcement community. Members of this very Congress have called to defund the police, and when they say ``defund police,'' they mean it literally. They want to strip away support for the officers who keep our communities safe. Our men and women in blue deserve the utmost respect as they put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve their communities. We witness now, more than ever, just how dangerous this job is. We are a nation of law and order, and that is why I will always back the blue. President Trump Supports Our Veterans

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a veteran of the United States Marine Corps to thank President Trump and his administration for all the outstanding work he has done for our veterans and the members of the military. During a time when our country has needed it most, President Trump has shown robust support for our brave men and women in uniform. Our Armed Forces serve our Nation with honor, and it is our duty to provide them with the resources they need to keep Americans safe. We are building our military and making sure it comes to be the strongest force in the world. Truck Drivers Appreciation Week

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Truck Drivers Appreciation Week. As a Representative from the ``Crossroads of America,'' I know firsthand just how important truck drivers are to our community and to our Indiana economy. Over 80 percent of Hoosiers depend on the trucking industry to keep their businesses moving. As a businessman, I understand the important role trucking plays in the American economy, and it is my hope that Truck Drivers Appreciation Week brings attention to driver safety and financial support for this working community. Richard G. Lugar Post Office

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 3105, a bill to designate the facility of the U.S. Postal Service located in Indianapolis as the Richard G. Lugar Post Office. Senator Lugar was a true statesman who led a life of honor and service to Indiana and this country. As mayor of Indianapolis, Dick Lugar's vision transformed our State's capital city. As an Indiana Senator, he left a lasting legacy on domestic and global affairs. The Hoosier State is greater and our Nation is stronger because of Richard G. Lugar. I am proud and humbled to stand with my colleagues to honor the life of this great Hoosier. Infrastructure Improvements to I-70

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to important and positive news regarding infrastructure in the Hoosier State. The U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding a grant of $22.5 million to the Indiana Department of Transportation to improve the infrastructure on I-70. Hoosiers deserve the best infrastructure, and that means making sure our interstates are as safe and efficient as possible. I hear from constituents frequently about I-70, and I am glad to announce a huge improvement is heading toward the Sixth District. Thank you to the Trump administration for continuing to be committed to improving the infrastructure of our Nation. Recognizing Hoosier Farmers

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the amazing Hoosier agricultural community. Farmers across our Nation work hard each day ensuring our friends, family, and neighbors can put food on the table. This devoted community has recently been put to the test with COVID-19, and they have stood up to the challenge to keep America fed. I recently had the privilege of holding a farmers roundtable in my district to hear directly from this community how I can better represent them in Congress. As Indiana's Sixth District Representative, I will always support Hoosier farmers and our ag and ethanol communities. Congress Must Get Back to Work

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge Congress to get back to substantive work in our Nation's Capital. The definition of Congress is ``a national legislative body, especially that of the United States, which meets at the Capitol in Washington, D.C.'' Last week, I was the only one to physically attend a Transportation Committee hearing on rail workers affected by COVID-19. I believe the proper way for Congress to represent our constituents is in person in our Nation's Capital. It is imperative we simply get back to work for our constituents.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, I was honored to attend the Abraham Accords Signing Ceremony at the White House. This historic peace deal between the United Arab Emirates and Israel demonstrates President Trump's commitment to bring stability to the region. For the above reason, I was not recorded for roll call vote 185 and 186. Had I been present, I would have voted Nay on the Previous Question on H. Res. 1107 and Adoption of H. Res. 1107. personal explanation

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, Nancy Pelosi is dragging the entire House of Representatives back here to Washington, D.C., on taxpayer dollars for an unnecessary political vote. Speaker Pelosi is choosing to vote on a political conspiracy theory regarding the United States Postal Service. Instead, the House should be working on commonsense COVID-19 legislation to address liability protections for States, counties, cities, schools, nonprofits, and businesses that are trying to reopen. This bill is nothing more than an attempt to utilize the courts to shut down the 2020 election. We need to stop wasting time on a sham political vote like H.R. 8015, because, in reality, House Democrats are the ones trying to scare the American people, blame President Trump, and, yes, undermine the 2020 election results. In these days and weeks before the election, Democrats are clearly desperate. Why can't we focus on providing COVID-19 relief, small business support, infrastructure, and rural broadband?

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a mother, friend and fellow Hoosier, Virginia ``Dede'' Abts, who will be celebrating her 100th birthday on August 20, 2020. After graduating from Indiana University in 1942 with a degree in Spanish, Dede became a cultural asset in my hometown community of Columbus, Indiana. Dede is a true philanthropist and a pillar of the community. As the co-founder of Uncommon Cause, Dede inspires hope in others while supporting the Columbus Area Arts Council. Columbus is a better place to live because of the work that Dede has done throughout her life. I am proud to join the Columbus community in recognizing Dede's accomplishments and I wish her many more healthy years. Happy 100th Birthday, Dede.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of a dear family member, Bob Donohue. Bob was a loving father, grandfather and wonderful friend. Bob spent his entire working career with General Motors, starting in the 1950's as a nuclear physicist and retiring in 1996. Bob always had the ability to light up a room and keep people smiling. Bob enjoyed planning and orchestrating vacations and trips for his children and grandchildren. He loved being around his family and went out of his way to comfort anyone. Bob was an avid fan of history, physics and mathematics. He often listened to classical music and enjoyed going to orchestra performances. Bob was a true joy to be around and his presence was always delightful. I give my dear wishes to Bob's wife of 63 years, Marianne, and his beloved children. Bob will be greatly missed but he is now resting easy in Heaven. May God rest his soul and bring comfort to his family and friends as we mourn his loss and celebrate Bob's life here on earth.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Clifty Falls State Park for its 100th anniversary. Located in beautiful Madison, Indiana, Clifty Falls gives its visitors an experience that you can't get anywhere else. For 100 years, Hoosiers and Americans across the Nation have enjoyed beautiful hiking trails and waterfalls in Clifty Falls. I congratulate Clifty Falls State Park for its 100-year anniversary. Indiana is lucky to have such a beautiful place. Keep America Safe

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to challenge mayors, Governors, leaders of this country to stand up and shut down the rioting we are witnessing in communities across our Nation. Anarchists are destroying homes, businesses, and whole communities. These people are not peaceful protestors. They are violent agitators. The leaders of these cities need to get their act together and end this violence. American citizens are getting hurt and, yes, even killed, and it is time to stop this madness. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in calling to end this lawlessness and to help keep all of our communities safe across this country. Reopen our Schools

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for reopening schools across our Nation. I have been talking to parents in my district, Indiana's Sixth District, and the consensus is in: Let's get our kids back to school. The science is on our side. Both the CDC and Academy of Pediatrics agree it is safe to reopen our schools. In fact, it would be unsafe to keep our schools closed. The emotional scarring, unreported abuse, and learning deficits of keeping our kids stuck inside staring at a screen and away from socialization is far too great. Working parents doing everything they can to put food on the table, they need our support. Mr. Speaker, we cannot let an entire generation fall behind in education. We must find a safe way to reopen our schools. Support President Trump