Todd Rokita

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. I would love at this point--I think we all would--to hear them say: We have a better idea, we are going to take it up, and we will show you. I would take that as progress, sir. This is what we have heard: silence.

Mr. ROKITA. I think the gentleman is exactly right, if the American people show the Senate that the American people care as we know they do. This is still the home of the free. This is still an open republic, and it is still we, the people, who are in charge. We can make the change happen if we show the ``leaders'' of this country that we care.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reaffirm my support for one of our closest allies, Israel, as they combat a surge of violence against their sovereign country from the terrorist group Hamas. The history of the Jewish people is one of faith, honor, and most importantly, survival. This situation is no different. Hamas claims that Israel has no right to exist and uses tactics that are beneath the dignity of the human race as they carry out these attacks. Israel has proven time and time again it is a willing and a waiting partner in the struggle for peace in the region. It continues to endure and defend against attack after attack, however, quite often without retaliation. Yet, faced with the pure evil that Hamas represents, no one should find fault in Israel's measured response and efforts to ensure these attacks are halted and halted for good. We must continue to show our unwavering support for our friend and ally, Israel.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Chairman, I understand my amendment is subject to a point of order due to scoring or budget concerns. While I intend to cooperate and withdraw this amendment, I would like to acknowledge that this body has a history of waiving points of order on similar legislation that would result in substantive regulatory reforms, which is exactly what my amendment could accomplish. One specific example would be the REINS Act, of which I am a cosponsor, passed in this Congress and passed in the last Congress, which would very meaningfully overhaul our rulemaking system, much like this amendment would. Prior to the passage of that bill, we rightfully waived all points of order, including one being applied against my amendment here this afternoon, presumably. Mr. Chairman, I would propose that this body should wave points of order on legislation that would significantly and positively reform our regulatory process so that we can significantly help our economy by getting the boots of the regulatory and bureaucratic systems off the necks of those who create jobs in this country. For too long, the executive branch has continued to build its power through expanding the regulatory state. The agencies that we in Congress have tasked with the execution of the laws we now pass is in contravention of our intent, acting improperly as legislative bodies, with no really direct accountability to the voter. Whether through ``interpretive rules,'' ``general statements of policy,'' or through regulations themselves, administrative agencies have placed extreme burdens on all Americans without the transparency or electoral accountability that our Founders envisioned. Today, that process has yielded nearly 175,000 pages of regulations, growing by roughly 1,500 pages per week, written by unelected people who rarely consider the impact on our economy or the lives of the people the rules impact. In fact, the only thing growing faster around here, Mr. Chairman, is our public debt load. This has been a decades- long abdication of duty by Congresses past, and we must correct it. Currently, informal rulemaking is the method of choice for proposing rules and regulations around here and simply requires: one, publication of a rule; two, an opportunity for public comment, but has no requirement to give weight to those comments from the public. In fact, any time I have questioned an agency witness during my 3\1/2\ years here, not one has been able to answer one simple question, and that is: What weight do you give public comments during the rulemaking process? What formula do you use? They can't answer the question because the answer is this: they don't care; it doesn't matter. What everyone wants or what the comment may be, if it stands in the way of the agenda of the rule, it gets no weight. So I am offering this amendment today to require all new rules and regulations to follow the formal rulemaking process which is already in law--it is in the Administrative Procedure Act--while leaving in place existing emergency exceptions to the rulemaking process, fully recognizing, though, that we have to address the definition of ``emergency'' at some point as well. Several reforms passed by this House go a long way in providing relief to the end of the regulatory process--at least to improving it. My amendment provides relief at the beginning of the rulemaking process, slows the regulatory state, and increases transparency of this increasingly opaque and secret bureaucracy. Formal rulemaking requires a trial-like procedure, requiring parties to make their case for or against a rule in public. As a result, the administration, no matter the party, must prove the worth of their rules and regulations on the Record rather than relying on a closed- door balancing of public comments. Again, there is a record made, so we know--just like all of America knows from the proceedings on the floor of this House, we know the reasons for the final makeup of the rule; and, if need be, we can further challenge the rule. Mr. Chairman, my amendment is consistent with the intent of the 79th Congress, which created this law for the agency rulemaking process. In the Judiciary Committee report of the law, the committee stated that: Matters of great import, or those where the public submission of facts will be either useful to the agency or a protection to the public, should naturally be accorded more elaborate public procedures. The formal rulemaking process, Mr. Chairman, does that. So while, Mr. Chairman, I think that, in order to protect the public and the Republic, the rampant regulatory state must be stopped and agencies must afford the public weighted input and transparency during rulemaking. Out of respect for the chair and its appropriations process, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment at this time.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Well, I thank, first of all, the gentleman from Arizona for yielding his time and for his leadership here in the House of Representatives, especially this evening with the good work that he is managing here on the floor. I know, being his friend, that it is a labor of love for him as it is for almost all of us, and so I just want to, here, on the record, thank him for his continued service in the House. I also want to thank the ranking member for his willingness in addressing and considering this legislation. It is important to the people of Indiana, and I am grateful for his leadership as well. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this legislation that I was honored to introduce and support in memory of the fallen soldiers of Fountain County, Indiana. Lance Corporal Josh Witsman was a marine from Covington, Indiana, and was so very proud to have been born in the United States, and especially Indiana, which he often referred to as ``God's country.'' Lance Corporal Witsman firmly believed in the freedoms enshrined in our founding documents that have helped define our American exceptionalism. He felt humbled by, honored to, and responsible for fighting to uphold those very freedoms and standards which we talk about so often here on the House floor, and that Americans talk about throughout the country. He was not only humbled to serve his country, but he was humbled to serve next to his fellow military brothers, whom he would often boast to about how great Indiana was. And, Mr. Speaker, he loved his family. He would often call his mother at home and sing the song, ``Paint Me a Birmingham,'' only to swap in his hometown of Covington for Birmingham. He couldn't wait to return home to Indiana to be with all of them. Sadly, Mr. Speaker, that day never came. You see, Lance Corporal Josh Witsman died in the line of duty during his second tour of duty in Afghanistan while serving with Weapons Company 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, on May 30, 2012. He was just 23. Josh's service and sacrifice were the inspiration for this bill, and it started with an idea from one of Josh's close friends. That friend, Noah Townsend, was in the supermarket one day, and he overheard a young Hoosier ask her parents who Josh Witsman was. The child's parents explained that Josh was a soldier who had given his life for her freedom. Noah knew he had to find a way to make sure Josh's memory and his sacrifice would be remembered in his hometown of Covington. Noah racked his brain for a few days trying to think what would be a fitting memorial for Josh and his service. Later that week, Noah would be driving down Liberty Street, and as he drove past the post office, it hit him--Congress renames post offices for individuals who have made some contribution to their city, State, or country, undoubtedly all deserved. Certainly, Josh's sacrifice and that of his family is worthy of recognition in any number of ways, including naming a post office in the city he called home, but recognition of his own work wasn't Josh's way. Before Noah Townsend came to me with this idea, he talked with Josh's parents. Josh's mother, Kayla Witsman, was thankful for the gesture, but she could hear her son saying: Mom, it is not just about me. This young man, who gave his life for his country, and his mother's interpretation of what his wishes would have been is correct. There are so many heroes that have given their lives for this country worthy of a similar recognition. In Fountain County, there have been nearly 50 families who have lost someone in service to their country. Let me assure you, Fountain County is not a large population center in Indiana. As wonderful and as welcoming as it is, full of great Hoosiers, it is a farming community. It is not big, except in geography, and 50 families from that community had some die serving their country. That is why this legislation does not mention Josh Witsman's name. I am proposing that we rename this post office on behalf of not only the Witsman family, but all of the nearly 50 families in Fountain County who have lost loved ones in service to our Nation. It is my hope, Mr. Speaker, that this will serve as an everlasting tribute to the sacrifices of these soldiers and their families. In closing, I would also like to thank the entire Indiana House delegation for their support of this legislation as well. On behalf of Josh Witsman's family and all those who have sacrificed, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Kline, Dr. Foxx, the entire staff of the Education and the Workforce Committee, and everyone for working together on what is in every respect better. This bill is better than what is in current law. I think we need to take just a minute and recognize that, because in a lot of ways and in a lot of different examples we don't recognize that. There are gains to be locked in, so let's do it. Let's start with this bill. If there is a gain to be locked in, let's lock it in and stand on the shoulders of that gain and continue working to improve not only this language, not only these programs, but everything we do around here. As a member of the Education and the Workforce Committee, I know that a skilled workforce is essential for remaining economically competitive. In fact, every American knows that. If we are going to be competitive in a 21st century global world and win, then we need these programs and these precious dollars. Especially when we are at a time when we are $17.5 trillion in debt with more on the way, we need these programs working well. This bill does that. It reduces red tape and aims to end the fragmented nature of workforce services provided at the Federal, State, and local level. It eliminates 15 ineffective and duplicative programs, ensuring that our workforce investment is targeted and efficient. I know and I take to heart what Ranking Member Miller said: some of us wish there are more programs reformed or even eliminated altogether; some of us wish there were 15 more programs added. But again, this is a step in the right direction. I urge my colleagues to lock in the gain. Let's stand on the shoulders of this and get to other matters.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, rise today to honor the accomplishments of Nobel laureate Dr. Ei-ichi Negishi, the Herbert C. Brown Distinguished Professor and Teijin Limited Director of the Negishi-Brown Institute at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Dr. Negishi has been elected into the National Academy of Sciences, one of the highest honors given to a scientist or engineer in the United States. Dr. Negishi was elected to the academy in recognition of his distinguished and continuing achievements in original, pioneering research. Negishi won the 2010 Nobel Prize in chemistry for his palladium-catalyzed cross coupling technique to link carbon atoms and synthesize molecules. In addition to its use in the development of painkillers and cancer treatments, it is estimated that ``Negishi coupling'' is used in more than one-quarter of all chemical reactions in the pharmaceutical industry. The technique also has been used in fluorescent marking essential for DNA sequencing and in the creation of materials for thin LED displays. Dr. Negishi currently serves as the inaugural director of Purdue's Negishi-Brown Institute, which supports basic research in catalytic organometallic (the study of compounds with bonds between Carbon and a metal) chemistry through graduate and postdoctoral fellowships, regular workshops and symposia, and relationships with industrial partners. Dr. Negishi grew up in Japan and received a bachelor's degree in organic chemistry from the University of Tokyo in 1958. He moved to the United States in 1960 to attend graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania as a Fulbright-Smith-Mundt scholar, earning a doctorate in organic chemistry in 1963. Negishi came to Purdue in 1966 as a postdoctoral researcher under Dr. Herbert Brown, who won the Nobel Prize in 1979. Negishi went to Syracuse University in 1972, where he was an assistant professor and then an associate professor before returning to Purdue in 1979. He was appointed the H.C. Brown Distinguished Professor of Chemistry in 1999 and has won various awards, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, the A.R. Day Award, a 1996 Chemical Society of Japan Award, the 1998 American Chemical Society Organometallic Chemistry Award, a 1998 Humboldt Senior Researcher Award and the 2010 American Chemical Society Award for Creative Work in Synthetic Organic Chemistry. He also was given the 2010 Order of Culture, Japan's highest distinction, and named as a Person of Cultural Merit. Negishi has authored more than 400 publications including two books, one of which is the Handbook of Organopalladium Chemistry for Organic Synthesis. Collectively, these publications have been cited more than 20,000 times. His current research focuses on understanding metal-catalyzed organic reactions with possible applications in health and energy-related fields. In light of this career accomplishment, I ask the 4th District and all Hoosiers to join me in congratulating Dr. Negishi for this great honor and achievement.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Illinois and the gentlelady from Tennessee for allowing me to help write this important amendment. The President's unilateral handoff of key Internet functions to a multistakeholder community, without the consent of Congress, lacks a clear plan for how and what that community would look like and what authority it would have. Now, we can debate later about whether Congress would actually ever give such consent, but for now, we are offering this amendment because Americans deserve to know that due diligence has occurred and that a clear plan exists for such matters. America has proven, throughout history, that we are the vanguards of freedom, and we have an obligation to protect the Internet. The Internet is an unsurpassed vehicle for the free exchange of ideas; but it is more than just freedom. It is also about American interests. The Internet is the single greatest economic machine created in the last 50 years--and perhaps ever--and its full potential is yet to be realized. America's role in its success is a shining example of our American exceptionalism. It is not in our national interest to relinquish control of such a resource, especially without a clear path that will protect Internet freedom and American interests, but against the interest of individuals in the world who can't appreciate such freedom and the blessing, really, that this technology is. So pass this amendment, I urge my colleagues, so we can give this issue the due diligence it deserves. The self-professed ``most transparent administration ever'' should want nothing less when it comes to this important issue.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4366) to strengthen the Federal education research system to make research and evaluations more timely and relevant to State and local needs in order to increase student achievement, as amended.

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 4366.

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of the Strengthening Education Through Research Act, legislation to improve the quality and usefulness of education research. Mr. Speaker, more than a decade ago, Congress approved the Education Sciences Reform Act, legislation that established the Institute of Education Sciences to gather information on education progress, conduct research on education practices in schools, and evaluate the effectiveness of Federal education programs and initiatives. Like many of my colleagues, I believe the Federal Government's role in education needs to be significantly reduced. And that is why we passed the Student Success Act last summer, comprehensive education reform legislation that will actually shrink the Federal footprint in the classroom and return control to the parents, the teachers, and community leaders who, in fact, know our children best. In fact, I would challenge anyone here on the floor to say that any person or bureaucrat in the Department of Education knows our kids better than their own teachers, parents, and the local taxpayer. So while we continue to await Senate action on the Student Success Act, we have additional opportunities now to act on commonsense proposals that will make the Federal role in education more effective and efficient. The research produced by the Institute sheds critical light on how taxpayer dollars are being used in our education system and can provide important information on what is and is not working in our schools. Mr. Speaker, the Strengthening Education Through Research Act will improve education research, protect taxpayers by enhancing program accountability, and help ensure more schools and students can benefit from effective education practices. This law provides information that helps States and school districts identify successful education practices and allows taxpayers and congressional leaders to monitor the Federal investment in education. However, the Education Sciences Reform Act is overdue for reform, with several weaknesses in the law that must be addressed now. For example, according to a report by the Government Accountability Office, the Institute does not always properly evaluate the effectiveness of its programs and research arms. So we run into an issue where we could be throwing good money after bad, and that needs to stop. It could lead to unnecessary costs and redundancies, something we must be particularly wary of in these times of fiscal restraint. Additionally, although the Institute has dramatically improved the quality of education research in recent years, there is often a significant delay in disseminating key data and findings to education leaders nationwide. What good does it do for us to pay to conduct this research, to collect the data, but fail to disseminate it so it can be used? The Supporting Education Through Research Act will address these weaknesses and help school leaders access more timely, more relevant, and useful information on the most effective educational practices. It is called transparency, Mr. Speaker, and that is good for the students, it is good for the teachers, it is good for the parents, and it is good for the taxpayers. It is good for all of us. First, H.R. 4366 will enhance the relevancy of education research, ensuring teachers, students, parents, and policymakers can access and actually use more useful information about what is successful, what is working and what isn't. Second, the legislation will take steps to streamline the education research system and reduce overlap and duplicative research efforts. Now, this bill will also require the Institute to regularly evaluate its research and review the efficacy of Federal education programs, ensuring taxpayer resources are being put to good use. Finally, H.R. 4366 will ensure that the Institute and the National Assessment Governing Board, which administers the Nation's Report Card, remain autonomous entities that are free from political influence and bias. Unfortunately, that political influence and bias exists in our education system and could exist in our research arms if we don't, as Congress, make clear what is expected of them. Not only does this legislation help teachers, school leaders, and State and local governments, it also helps families. Families, particularly military families, can change school districts several times during their child's education. Our experience with the free market tells us that informed consumers are, in fact, the best consumers and the best-protected consumers. As consumers of education, families deserve the best information possible in making decisions regarding their child's education. So, Mr. Speaker, the Strengthening Education Through Research Act will improve education research, protect taxpayers by enhancing program accountability, and help ensure more schools and students can benefit from effective education practices. I urge my colleagues to support the Strengthening Education Through Research Act. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson).

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I would also like to recognize Jeremy and thank him for his service and hope that I wasn't the subject of any of that quick wit during the time I was chairman. I also thank Congressman Miller for the work he has done on this bill and the bill yet to come tonight, as well as his general leadership on the committee. It is appreciated. From a newer guy on the other side of the aisle, he is someone who I respect and I am going to miss a lot. I also want to thank Mrs. McCarthy for her work and leadership on elementary and secondary education issues generally and for her service on the committee. I know she cares about these issues, particularly improving education options for women. She has been a joy to work with as ranking member on the subcommittee through the easy issues and, frankly, through some of the harder ones. As a newer member and, frankly, a green chairman, I would often rely on the honest comment and the kind smile of Carolyn McCarthy and would simply say that if more of us did that, perhaps, Mr. Speaker, more work like the bill we are discussing right now would get done in Congress. One of the top priorities of this Congress--certainly one of my top priorities is helping people to build better lives for themselves and their families, whether that is through more flexible work schedules, stronger job training programs, or smarter student loan terms, advancing commonsense policies that will make life work for more Americans is our primary goal. The Strengthening Education through Research Act is part of this effort. In classrooms nationwide, teachers and school leaders need quality research to identify the best ways to raise student achievement and progress. By passing the Strengthening Education through Research Act today, we can help these educators gain access to the timely and useful information necessary to raise student achievement levels across the board. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would simply say that I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 4366. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman and the ranking member as well. Both the chairman and the ranking member have a great bill here, and it deserves the support of this entire body, in my humble opinion. As chairman of the colloquially called K-12 Subcommittee on Education, it has been my high honor to travel throughout Indiana, and really across the country, to see our public school system, our public charter school system, and the entire framework of how our great American children are educated. I have come to the conclusion early on, and it is the same one that the chairman and the ranking member have come to, that is, charter schools empower parents to play a more active role in their child's education. It opens doors for teachers to pioneer fresh teaching methods. Charter schools encourage State and local innovation. It helps students escape underperforming schools. The charter school program facilitates the establishment of high quality charter schools and it encourages choice, innovation, and excellence in education. The current Charter Schools Program, however, does not support the funding for the replication and expansion of high-quality charter schools. The ranking member said it himself that charter schools are here to stay. And we are not about to have a debate over whether or not they should exist. They do. It is about the replication and expansion of them because they work. This bill is a commonsense approach to updating the Charter Schools Program by streamlining multiple charter school programs, improving their quality, and promoting the growth of the charter schools sector at the State level. The bill also consolidates multiple funding streams and grant programs that support charter schools into the existing State grant program, eliminating a separate authorization for charter school facilities funding. By consolidating the funding streams into the existing State charter school program, the bill removes authority from the Secretary of Education to pick winners and losers and control the growth of the charter school sector. This authority is placed largely in the hands of States, frankly, where it belongs in the first place. The bill updates the Charter Schools Program to reflect the success and growth of the charter school movement. States are authorized to use funds under the program to support the replication and expansion of high-quality charter schools in addition to supporting new innovative charter school models. Finally, Mr. Chair, I would say that this is not a new issue, in fact, this is not a new bill for us. This bill is very similar to charter school provisions included in H.R. 5, the Students Success Act, and to H.R. 2218, the Empowering Parents Through Quality Charter Schools Act, the latter of which passed the House by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote 365-44. So for all these reasons, I simply urge my colleagues to support H.R. 10.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute a remarkable Hoosier, Mrs. Claudina McCammack, who passed away on April 18, 2014. I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for her friendship and service to our community, state, and country. Claudina was a dedicated Republican Precinct Committeewoman, county voter registration officer, and secretary to the Delaware County Commissioners and U.S. Congressman David Dennis. Claudina also served on the March of Dimes Board, the Muncie Housing Authority Board, and in many other community organizations. Claudina was one of the first elected convention delegates in Delaware County to fully support my candidacy for Indiana Secretary of State. Throughout my service, I received no less than a dozen handwritten letters of encouragement, congratulations and recognition from her. I frequently sought her wisdom, both personally and professionally. More than anything, she always helped me keep things in perspective. She was a constant reminder to me and others in public service, like Governor Mike Pence, that we should draw on our faith in God. In fact, such reliance was the only way we could truly serve the people of Indiana. Known in Delaware County simply as ``Claudina'', she was a frequent stop when I traveled to Muncie. My family always enjoyed our visits with her, as recently as last December. I often ate, prayed, laughed and cried in her home--all in one visit. In casual conversation at her home, Claudina would confide that she paid for her neighbor's roof, even though she was a woman of modest means. She would tell me how she assisted the elderly in the community, even though she was 92 herself. Claudina personified selflessness and humility. Mr. Speaker, you know I speak often here of American Exceptionalism. I describe it in terms of our unique history and how we are blessed to have as a primary source of that Exceptionalism our founding documents: The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, as amended by the Bill of Rights. What I don't do enough is provide examples of people who embody American Exceptionalism. Claudina, like many of her generation, was a product and a shining example of what Americans ought to be. I hope we never forget Claudina's unwavering commitment to our national heritage and responsibility to future generations. She would expect nothing less from her community, her friends, and her country. If, for no other reason, I can hear her say: 'God demands it of us.' Claudina leaves her three children, seven grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren behind to remember her love and kindness. She also leaves her extended Republican family to celebrate her life and legacy. She will be remembered and honored by those who knew and loved her as a woman of faith, conviction and compassion. Rest in peace Claudina, and thank you for having such a meaningful impact on my life.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute a remarkable Hoosier, Beverly D. Bush, who passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2014. I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for her leadership and service to our community, state, and country. Mrs. Bush was a lifelong Hoosier and she served as the Clinton County Republican Chairwoman from 1994 to 2009 and served as Vice Chair of the party for eight years. She served as a Delegate to the Republican State Convention from 2002-2012 and was a 2004 Delegate to the Republican National Convention. She received the honor of being an elector for the 2012 Presidential and Vice Presidential election. Mrs. Bush, also known by her friends and fellow party members as ``Mrs. Republican'' mentored several people in party politics. Mrs. Bush also served as the Kirkland Precinct Committeeman for many years and was past treasurer of the Indiana Federation of Republican Women. She also attended the inaugurations of Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. Mrs. Bush was one of the first people I met in politics. As a friend of my mentor, Sue Anne Gilroy, Mrs. Bush was always helpful and willing to share her gentle wisdom to this young inexperienced candidate. Even after many years of public service, she still was able to teach me a thing or two about the business and life. Mrs. Bush will be greatly missed by the Clinton County Republican Party, the entire Clinton County community, and many leaders across the state both past and present. Mrs. Bush was a kind and caring woman. She was someone who would do whatever she could to help a friend or stranger in need and she volunteered as a member of the St. Vincent Hospital Pink Ladies organization. Mrs. Bush leaves her loving husband, Dr. Charles Bush, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and her extended Clinton County Republican family. Her legacy is one that will be remembered and honored by those who knew and loved her. Rest in peace my friend, and thank you for your leadership and service.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. I thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of one of my constituents--Janet, from Crawfordsville--pictured here with her husband, Steve. Like millions of our fellow Americans, she is finding out just how deceptive ObamaCare's cheerleaders were when they sold this insidious law to the American people. Following surgical treatment for cancer last year, Janet was receiving radiation treatment, and, as if battling a serious illness weren't stressful enough, Janet recently lost her job and was notified that the insurance provided through her severance package would be ending soon. Her family faced the decision to either continue the same coverage under what we call ``COBRA'' or enroll in an ObamaCare plan. She was skeptical of the process of enrolling in ObamaCare, but as the end date of her employer-sponsored insurance loomed, she was reassured by the news that the President and his team had fixed the technical glitches plaguing healthcare.gov. Mr. Speaker, I wish I could report that the story ends there on a good note, but it only gets worse, as it does for millions of Americans. Imagine Janet's frustration when she encountered glitch after glitch throughout the enrollment process. She spent hours on the phone with call center workers, only to find out that the call center workers were as bewildered by the Web site as she was. Several times, she was cut off after holding for over 2 hours. Mr. Speaker, I would surmise that Members of this Congress get frustrated when holding for a few minutes for anything--2 hours repeatedly, a cancer patient who can't get coverage. Eventually, Janet had to enroll via the United States mail. This is after taxpayers--and future generations, for that matter, since we borrow 4 percent of what we spend around here--paid nearly $500 million for a Web site that was supposed to handle a relatively simple signup process. Believing she had successfully enrolled, Janet submitted the appropriate payments for her ObamaCare coverage. She paid for it, Mr. Speaker. Unfortunately, Janet did not receive any confirmation that those payments were received or that she had actually enrolled in her plan. Adding to the uncertainty, neither Obama's bureaucrats nor the insurer can verify her enrollment now. Despite efforts, my staff could not get an answer from the bureaucrats either because of how this law was designed. Meanwhile, Janet continues to receive notices that payment is due, again, adding insult to injury since she already submitted her payment. It still doesn't end there. Janet was also informed that she can no longer continue her cancer treatment with her doctor of choice as the provider would only be able to accept certain health care plans off the ObamaCare exchange. The plan Janet chose did not qualify, and it was virtually impossible to verify this during the enrollment period. Janet will have to continue her cancer treatment with a new doctor several times per week. Thankfully, she is allowed to do that, but the doctor is a 60-mile round trip drive. ObamaCare has only served to exacerbate already trying and complicated health care issues with bureaucratic red tape and customer service so terrible that it is one only this Federal Government can provide. Like many Hoosiers, Janet was misled by ObamaCare's proponents. Her choices have been severely limited, and she is hardly able to shop around for a doctor she is comfortable with. This is not health care reform. ObamaCare is leading to a health care crisis. I continue to receive stories from Hoosiers--and I know you do as well--about how ObamaCare has misleadingly done the complete opposite of what was promised. Insurance policies continue to be canceled. Premiums are skyrocketing, and deductibles are soaring. Choice has been reduced, not amplified, and specialty services are in increasingly short supply. In other words, they are being rationed. I will continue fighting to repeal and replace this insidious law for people like Janet and for millions of Americans in similar situations.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute a distinguished Hoosier, Richard ``Dick'' Freeland, who passed away on October 20, 2013. I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for his leadership and service to the people of Indiana. Mr. Freeland was a Nevada native and Iowa transplant who later moved his family to Indiana to pursue the American Dream. He started his career as an ironworker in Iowa who worked on Atlas rocket sites throughout the Midwest. In 1967, Mr. Freeland started a part-time job working for Pizza Hut for $1.25 an hour. He eventually worked his way up to store manager, area manager, and part-owner in an Iowa Pizza Hut franchise. Mr. Freeland moved his wife and young family to Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1972 and opened their first Pizza Hut franchise. Over the next 40- plus years, the business grew to include 48 Pizza Hut locations in Indiana and Ohio as well as four Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants. His knowledge and business acumen was so well respected by the corporate office that he was asked to travel to Poland to advise the Pizza Hut team on improving their operations. Soon after, he became a partner in those Pizza Hut and Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants in Poland and the Czech Republic. Mr. Freeland sought to hire high-quality employees, train them well and empower them to make decisions for the benefit of themselves, the customer and the business. In his free time, he was involved in local, state and national politics and enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, and breeding Arabian horses at Freeland Farms. Mr. Freeland was a member of numerous corporate and charitable organization boards and served as the regional finance chairman of Bush/Quayle campaign in 1992. Mr. Freeland left his loving wife, Deanna, two children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Mr. Freeland's legacy demonstrates the promise of hard work and the extraordinary opportunities afforded to the individual by liberty and American free enterprise. Dick's story should serve as an example to millions of young Americans. Through hard work and perseverance, the American Dream can be realized. There are very few places in the world today where a part time hourly worker, through his own toil and dedication, can not only be promoted to management, but build an empire. And then use his success for the betterment of our nation and his fellow man. Mr. Freeland's life and story are a testament to the unlimited potential of every individual, our great nation, and America's bright future. America is quite exceptional indeed. Rest in peace my friend, and thank you for your example and leadership.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. I thank the chairman. I thank him for his leadership, not only on this issue, but on so many of the bills and issues that come before this Congress; and I also thank the leadership on the other side of the Budget Committee and the other side of this Congress for their leadership in coming together as well. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this bipartisan budget legislation. As you know, Mr. Speaker, I am one of the folks around here who is considered by some maybe affectionately, by others not so affectionately, as a budget hawk. I came to reduce our spending and get as much value for every dollar we take from the taxpayer, and more increasingly from the children of tomorrow, from those who don't exist who we are taxing by running up our debt. I watch these issues closely. I am actively, in my opinion, engaged in them. And I want to say on this House floor that this budget is a better deal than the current sequestration law because it makes spending reforms beyond sequestration that will continue on after sequestration expires. The reforms and, therefore, the budget savings start immediately and compound over time. By the way, Mr. Speaker, I am not talking about trading real sequester savings for magic beans. These are reforms that will start once this bill passes and once the President signs it. Again, it will compound over time. Finally, Mr. Speaker, we are starting to open the door and address what is actually causing our deficits and debt, and that is our entitlement programs. So I applaud again the chairman of the Budget Committee. I applaud the ranking member and others in the Senate who are supporting this measure because we are finally able to get to discuss and solve what is the major problem that this country is facing at this time. Like the others who have spoken, I look forward to having more of these discussions and getting onto the business of solving what is creating so much problem in this country.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the opening of the Kokomo section of the new US-31 corridor. Indiana is called the ``crossroads of America,'' and for great reason. With numerous interstates and highways crisscrossing our State and intersecting in Indianapolis, our geographic position and transportation network have made logistics and manufacturing critical components of our economy in America. With that in mind, last week I had the privilege of attending the ribbon cutting of the new US-31 Kokomo corridor. When the final Hamilton County section opens to traffic in 2015, a total of 32 stoplights will have been removed from US-31 between Indianapolis and South Bend, saving drivers a half hour of travel time. The Indiana Department of Transportation also deserves great credit for completing this project nearly 2 years ahead of schedule and, so far, 40 percent below the projected budget. Washington bureaucrats could learn a lot from that efficiency. I commend and congratulate all of the individuals, elected officials, and business and community groups involved in bringing the Kokomo corridor US-31 from the drawing board to reality.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reflect on the destructive tornados and severe thunderstorms that struck Indiana and much of the Midwest this past Sunday. On Monday, I had an opportunity to tour areas that sustained some of the worst damage. Kokomo, Indiana, was particularly hard hit, and Logansport, Lafayette, and Lebanon sustained serious damage as well. While Hoosier lives were spared during this, some of our Illinois neighbors were not so lucky. All throughout the Midwest, people lost their homes, their possessions, and in some cases their livelihoods as businesses were destroyed. Some of our communities and neighbors face a long, painful recovery. I encourage all Hoosiers and Americans to keep those suffering from the destruction of these storms in their thoughts and prayers. As is often the case in our great Nation, tragedy reminds us of the goodness and generosity of our fellow citizens. In the past, I have seen Hoosiers step up in tough times to help their family, friends, neighbors, and even complete strangers in a time of need. While touring Kokomo, I met two men who had driven all the way up from the Indianapolis suburbs just to lend a hand however they could. Shelters had opened. Charitable organizations had swung into action. Neighbors were helping neighbors. While the Federal Government may have a role to play in the recovery efforts, Hoosiers were not sitting around waiting for their Federal Government. Individuals attacked problems, helped their neighbors, and showed great generosity and resilience. It makes me proud to be a Hoosier, and I am humbled to represent so many people full of caring, generosity, and resilience.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Madam Speaker, today I rise in recognition of International 15q Day. Now, what is International 15q Day? It is a day to raise awareness of the similarities between Angelman, Prader-Willi, and Chromosome 15q Duplication syndromes. All three are genetic disorders originating in the 15th chromosome. My offices are supporting these efforts today to shine a light on those that suffer from these disorders. These disorders are so rare that they do not get the attention or dedication to research that many other diseases and disorders do. My son, Teddy, now almost 6 years old, was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome in early 2010. Angelman significantly impairs his capacity for motor development and severely inhibits his intellectual development. In addition to that, it is likely he will never speak. But through his challenges, he is such an inspiration to everyone he meets. We do not know what Teddy's ultimate impact on the world will be, but we know it, and those of these other children, will be great. My wife, Kathy and I, are so humbled by the support of our family and friends, including my staff, who, in all of our offices today, are wearing blue to recognize International 15q Day for Teddy, his fellow angels, and all those affected by these disorders. Madam Speaker, I encourage all Americans to learn more about these disorders by visiting www.angelman.org.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Keith Shapiro for his outstanding legal career, but more importantly, his leadership and service to the Jewish community. Keith's legal career speaks for itself. Having practiced in Chicago for 30 years, Keith is the Chairman and Co-Founder of the Chicago office of Greenberg Traurig and serves as the Vice President of the 1,750-lawyer worldwide firm. His success as an attorney in the practice of global business reorganization and financial restructuring earned him recognition as one of America's 100 Top Global Turnaround Professionals. He continues to serve the legal community as part of the Law Advisory Board of the Emory University School of Law. However, his legal career may only be surpassed by his service to his community. On November 4, 2013, the American Jewish Committee will award Keith with the Judge Learned Hand Human Relations Award, given annually to a person who, in the words of Judge Hand, does not ``ration justice,'' thereby safeguarding the rights of individuals in our democracy. I could think of no more deserving recipient, as Keith Shapiro exemplifies service through action. A strong advocate for U.S.-Israel relations, Keith has served on the Executive Council of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee for many years. For over a decade, he has served on the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago. His is a member of the Board of Trustees of The Jewish Theological Seminary, Vice Chairman of The Anti-Defamation League's Midwest Region, and Chairman of the Anti- Defamation League's Jerold Solovy First Amendment Freedom Award event. A proud husband and father, Keith continues to pass along his spirit of service to his three sons and future generations. Keith Shapiro is a model public servant and is deserving of this prestigious honor. Congratulations, Keith.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2083) to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require criminal background checks for school employees, as amended.