Greg Pence

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my support for President Donald J. Trump. Perseverance in the face of lies from the media and his political opponents shows fearless leadership and should be admired. The D.C. swamp continues to attack him relentlessly, stopping at nothing to take him down. The collateral damage in this grotesque war against our President is the American people. President Trump created an economy where minorities were thriving, workers and families had good-paying jobs, and businesses were finally flourishing. When Democrats and the media do everything in their power to halt Trump's work, they are actually attacking the very American way of life that we hold dear. Mr. Speaker, I pledge to continue to support President Donald Trump and his agenda to make the American people stronger than ever. Mental Health of our Nation

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the mental health crisis our Nation faces as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic and the resulting economic crisis have resulted in a mental health and substance abuse crisis like we have never seen before. Veterans, students, families, and Americans with a history of mental illness or addiction are really suffering. To continue to shut down our country does not make scientific sense, economic sense, or common sense. It is imperative we reopen our country and get Americans back to work, back to school, and back to a healthy lifestyle.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of a dear friend and family member, Joe Paglia. Joe was a retired police officer and detective that served his community for over 14 years. Joe was the Chicago Chapter President of the Thin Blue Line Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club and he loved giving back to those wearing a badge. Joe was a true patriot to his country and he proudly wore the badge to protect his community. We know Joe is resting easy in Heaven.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support Main Street as our economy reopens. Across this Nation mom-and-pop shops are suffering. The COVID-19 pandemic, combined with extreme social unrest, has caused businesses everywhere to shut their doors, many of which may never open again. As we reopen, American jobs may be lost permanently. Congress must make it a priority to protect and support small business owners and workers. It is our duty to do the people's work here in the people's House in our Nation's capital. Congress must support the Americans we swore to represent. In Support of Law Enforcement Officers

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my support for our brave law enforcement officers. Behind the badge and uniform of our men and women in blue are neighbors and friends who put their lives on the line every day to protect the citizens they serve. Defunding the police would be downright dangerous, and I will never support that. Further, some are advocating to change qualified immunity. Eliminating this civil protection would have disastrous implications. It would open up officers and their families to countless civil lawsuits and make community policing all but impossible. In these times, the heroes of law enforcement deserve more support, not less. Americans Need a Strong Infrastructure Bill to Revive our Economy

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice opposition to H.R. 2. Americans across this Nation need a strong infrastructure bill to revive and strengthen our economy now. Yet Democrats drafted this bill without any Republican input. Commonsense, bipartisan proposals like the 12 amendments I authored failed because this is not a serious effort. This bill is a progressive wish list and a Nancy Pelosi power grab again. I urge my colleagues to oppose H.R. 2. Wishing Good Luck to 4-H Participants Across Indiana

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, as the fair season begins, I want to wish the best of luck to all 4-H'rs across Indiana's Sixth District. Though this year's fairs are virtual and may look very different, the hard work they have put in throughout this past year I want to recognize. 4-H is a tremendous organization that helps our Nation's youth develop the life skills needed to empower themselves and their communities. Best of luck to those participating in their 4-H county fair. You are making your families and communities very proud.

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for our Second Amendment as protected by the United States Constitution. The right to bear arms shall never be infringed upon, and I will always defend that right on this very floor. I swore an oath to serve the people of Indiana's Sixth District, and that means fighting for the God-given right of all Americans to defend themselves and their property. The right to defend yourself and protect your loved ones is paramount now more than ever. In Support of Life

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give voice to those who do not have one: The unborn children of America. I am a pro-life American. It is our duty to protect the most vulnerable among us. Every human being deserves a right to life, and I will always defend that right. As I stand in this Chamber today, I pledge to always fight for the fundamental right to live given to us by God. Support Main Street

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition of H.R. 2, an ultra-partisan bill that puts urban centers above my rural communities. I was frankly stunned at how few people showed up here in Washington, D.C., for the markup of a $500 billion bill. My colleagues who were physically able and did not show up gives new meaning to the phrase ``phoning it in'' and now we can call it ``Zooming it in.'' They Zoomed it in in T-shirts, shorts, on golf carts, and now we will continue to Zoom it in for 45 more days. Mr. Speaker, I authored 12 amendments at the markup of this bill. While many of them were bipartisan, they were still rejected along party lines. My amendment to keep rail safety grants merit-based and open to all, failed. My amendment to improve government efficiency and bring internet connection to rural communities, failed. Mr. Speaker, commonsense bipartisan proposals fail because this is not a serious effort.

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, this is a Nancy Pelosi power grab again. I remind my colleagues that there is no challenge too great when we unite as Americans, yet here we are. House Democrats choose to bring this bill which is nothing more than the latest progressive wish list to the floor without any Republican input again. I urge my colleagues to oppose H.R. 2.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Julia Hamblen of Shelbyville, Indiana, on her new role as Indiana FFA President. A 2020 graduate of Shelbyville High School, Julia will be taking a gap year so she can serve as President of the Indiana FFA before attending Purdue University to study ag education. Congratulations, Julia. You are a true role model to so many students and you are making the Sixth District proud. Congratulations to Precise Tooling Solutions

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Precise Tooling Solutions for winning the 2020 MoldMaking Technology Leadtime Leader Award. Based in my hometown of Columbus, Indiana, Precise Tooling strives to create a ``Team First'' working environment that leads with customers and quality. I congratulate my friend, Don Dumoulin, and the Precise Tooling team on this tremendous accomplishment. Supporting Rural Communities' Need for Broadband Service

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support rural communities during this difficult time. Last week at the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee markup of Nancy Pelosi's infrastructure bill, I offered two commonsense amendments to enhance broadband in rural districts. I was disappointed that the Democrats rejected these attempts to bring the benefits of broadband service to the remote areas of our country, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is critical that every family in America have access to broadband internet connection, no matter their ZIP Code. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the inclusion of rural America in future legislation, because it is our duty to keep America connected for generations to come. Supporting Hoosier Law Enforcement

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to show my support for law enforcement in the Hoosier State and all across America. Hoosier law enforcement officers keep our families and loved ones safe, and they deserve our support. I 100 percent oppose defunding the police and limiting qualified immunity. It is absolutely the wrong thing to do. I support the President's executive order on Safe Policing for Safe Communities, and I believe the right steps are being made to protect our communities. Mr. Speaker, I thank all the men and women who wear a badge to protect and keep our country safe. Showing Up To Washington, D.C.

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to show up here in Congress to work for the American people. Nurses, doctors, first responders, food supply workers, and so many others are showing up to work every day. Why is the House of Representatives not doing the same? I am here working on behalf of the people of Indiana's Sixth District, and I will always do so by showing up in Washington, D.C. It is time for the House to show up right here in this Chamber.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the work of Dr. Roy Weaver, dean of Ball State University's Teachers College and a pillar of Indiana's education community. Dr. Weaver has been a fixture at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana for nearly 40 years as a faculty member, associate dean, and dean of Teachers College, and is retiring on June 30. Dr. Weaver is a Hoosier in the best sense of the word, spending most of his career in the Muncie area. He is a two-time graduate from Ball State University, earning his bachelor's degree in English in 1968 and his master's degree in curriculum and instruction in 1971. He was a classroom teacher at Muncie Central High School where he taught Language Arts and coached the tennis, speech, and debate teams. Dr. Weaver earned his Ed.D. from Indiana University in 1975 and worked at the University of Southern California for five years. In 1980, he returned to his alma mater, and served with distinction as associate professor of curriculum, professor of curriculum, associate dean, and spent 19 years over two tours of duty as dean of Teachers College. During his career, Dr. Weaver has been a staunch supporter of education innovation and educational choice. At Ball State University, he managed the operation of the award-winning laboratory school, Muncie Burris. He assisted in the creation of one of the nation's finest high schools, the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities, which serves gifted and talented high school juniors and seniors. He oversaw the creation of Ball State University's Office of Charter Schools, becoming Indiana's only public university to authorize charter schools. As a testament to his outstanding career, Dr. Weaver was awarded Ball State University's Outstanding Administrative Service Award and recognized by the National Association for Gifted Children with its Educator of the Year award. He is also a respected scholar and the author of six books on a variety of education topics. Dr. Weaver has been a tremendous positive force for education in Indiana, and in the nation. He will be missed by his friends and colleagues at Ball State University, but his retirement is well-earned. On behalf of Hoosiers in Indiana's 6th District, I congratulate Dr. Weaver and thank him for his many contributions to our great state.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend and fellow veteran, Francis M. Hager, who recently passed away at the age of 87 in Columbus, Indiana. Early in his life, Frank chose a path of service to our country by enlisting in the U.S. Army. After completing his service, he went on to pursue a career in engineering and worked at Cummins Engine Company for 35 years where he designed and patented several innovations. Frank was a pillar of the Columbus community and a faithful member of the St. Bartholomew Church. He trained altar servers for over 50 years, sang in the choir, delivered communion to nursing homes, and was a welcoming face to all members of the parish. Frank valued spending time with his family and served as a role model for future generations through his civic leadership and commitment to country. The Pence family is lucky to have considered Frank a close friend. He was a generous person who will be remembered fondly and greatly missed. May God rest his soul and bring comfort to his family and friends as we mourn his loss and celebrate Frank's life here on earth.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Greensburg Rotary Club for celebrating 100 years of service. For a century now, the Greensburg Rotary Club has been a beacon of service in the Greensburg and Decatur County community. The Rotary Club continues to raise funds for the Decatur County Special Olympics and supports local service projects around the community. I want to thank the members of the Rotary Club for their service and dedication to the people of Greensburg and congratulate them on their 100th anniversary.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I got in my car and drove to Washington, D.C., from Columbus, Indiana, on behalf of the voters in Indiana's Sixth District. Mr. Speaker, I am here to support President Trump and be a voice for Hoosiers who need relief from this virus now. I have been fully engaged in making sure that this package preserves the health and livelihood of Americans. We need to protect the health of Americans and get them back to work. Congress has come together to provide relief and support for hospitals, families, workers, and small businesses. Mr. Speaker, I came here to fight for Hoosiers' prosperity and the American Dream. We can't afford to wait another minute for relief. Let's do our job and get it done.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend and fellow Hoosier, Sidney Eskenazi. He will be celebrating his 90th birthday this March 25. Sidney is a true philanthropist and civic leader. He and his loving wife, Lois, serve as pillars of our Hoosier community and role models for future generations. Without their charitable efforts, many Hoosiers would not have access to higher education, the fine arts, and quality healthcare. Indiana is indebted to the Eskenazis for their leadership and generosity over the past five decades. The Pence family, my wife, my children, are truly blessed to consider Sidney and Lois close friends, and we thank them for serving our communities with a true servant heart. God bless Sid and Lois, and I look forward to continuing to work with them for the benefit of Hoosiers everywhere. Happy birthday, Sid.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Josh Speidel, an extraordinary young man from my hometown of Columbus, Indiana. Josh was an Indiana All-Star high school basketball player when he was in a tragic car accident. Josh spent many months in hospitals and rehab learning how to walk and talk again. It was a difficult journey, but Josh's family never lost hope. The University of Vermont honored Josh's basketball scholarship he achieved before the accident and welcomed him back with open arms. I am proud to say that Josh recently scored his first point in his college basketball career and will soon be graduating from the university. I wish Josh the best of luck in his future. He is an inspiration to all of us. Ivy Tech CC Flight Program

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Hoosier State's first community college flight program and to commend the partnership between Ivy Tech Community College and the Columbus Municipal Airport. Since 2017, Ivy Tech Columbus has been offering Ivy Tech's first aviation associate's degree and an aviation management program. This program is designed to give students hands-on pilot training. In addition to flight time, students also train on a flight simulator at the Columbus Municipal Airport. I look forward to seeing more skill-based programs like this to help our youth in their careers. Women's History Month

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as we celebrate the importance of Women's History Month. I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate women throughout the Sixth District who make a difference in our everyday lives. I think of women business leaders, humanitarians, and activists in our communities, like Jeanie Hahn, Jean Ann Harcourt, Sue Saunders, Lisa Fisher and Celeste Calvitto. We recognize Linda Ostewig, who leads a faith-based nonprofit for struggling teens to learn healthy lifestyle patterns in our own Hancock County. I am reminded of the example set by Susan Stahl, who has led Girls Inc. in Madison for over three decades. We recognize leaders like Wendy Elwood in my hometown of Columbus, who last year was named ``Woman of the Year'' by The Republic newspaper. Indiana's First Lady, Janet Holcomb, is also from our district in Muncie. The people of Indiana's Sixth District are blessed to have so many women helping lead and inspire our communities. We celebrate and honor them as part of Women's History Month. Inclusion of Poultry in U.S.-U.K. Trade Negotiations

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my support for one of the biggest industries in my district--the poultry industry. I urge the administration and Ambassador Lighthizer to include poultry in any U.S.-U.K. trade deal. As the second largest exporter of chicken and the largest exporter of turkey, the U.S. will continue to gain momentum in this industry if the U.K. is added as a new market. Indiana is the fifth largest turkey producer and second largest egg producer in the United States. A U.K. trade agreement will boost our Hoosier poultry farmers, who are an essential part of our Indiana economy. As Indiana's Sixth District Representative, I will continue to support our Hoosier farmers and fight for their access to free markets. Farming and Carbon Sequestration