Todd Rokita

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute Boone County, Indiana as the Indiana Bicentennial Torch is scheduled to pass through the county on Thursday, October 13, 2016. The county sits on the Eastern part of Indiana's Fourth Congressional District. It was established in 1830 and named for Daniel Boone, the famous American frontiersman. The county seat is located in Lebanon, the largest city in Boone County. The Lebanon Courthouse is known for having the second largest stained glass dome in Indiana. In this year of the Hoosier Bicentennial, communities throughout the state are celebrating Indiana past and present through Bicentennial Legacy Projects. These projects are culturally inclusive, celebratory, engaging, and inspiring to youth and young adults and create a legacy for the future. The organizations responsible for the 17 Legacy Projects throughout the county are: Boone County Senior Services, Inc., Zionsville Parks and Recreation Department, Zion Nature Center, CIRPCA, City of Zionsville, Boone County Indiana Bicentennial Time Capsule Committee, Lebanon Fire Department, Whitestown Parks Department, Sugar Plain Friends Church, Friends of the Zion Nature Center, Friends of the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library, Mid States Living History Association, Whitestown Parks, Boone County Historical Society, Temple Sisterhood of Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, Edible Indy, Animalia, Inc., SullivanMunce Cultural Center, Indiana Gourd Society, Inc., and the Milledgeville United Methodist Church. Hoosiers look forward to their enduring contribution to our state's legacy. And on this day, Mr. Speaker, in the year in which we are celebrating Indiana's 200th birthday, I am proud to recognize Boone County for the contribution of its residents to the past, present, and future of Indiana's history.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute Carroll County, Indiana as the Indiana Bicentennial Torch is scheduled to pass through the county on October 6, 2016. The County sits on the eastern part of Indiana's Fourth Congressional District. It was established in 1828 and named for Charles Carroll, who was the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence. The county seat is located in Delphi, home of the Wabash and Erie Canal. Built through the county in 1840 and operating until the early 1870s the Wabash and Erie Canal is among the county's most significant historical legacies. In this year of the Hoosier Bicentennial, communities throughout the state are celebrating Indiana past and present through Bicentennial Legacy Projects. These projects are culturally inclusive, celebratory, engaging, and inspiring to youth and young adults and create a legacy for the future. The organizations responsible for the 32 Legacy Projects throughout the county are: Flora Depot Committee (Flora Community Club/Flora Main Street), Delphi Public Library, Flora-Monroe Township Public Library, Camden-Jackson Township Public Library, Town of Flora, Heartland Heritage, Inc., Carroll County Historical Society, Carroll County Museum, William Henry Harrison Sons of the American Revolution, Town of Camden, Promoting Wildcat Valley, Camden Women's Literary Club, Flora Mainstreet, Carroll County Veteran's Remembrance, VFW, Carroll County Wabash at Erie Canal, Inc., University of Indianapolis; Department of Anthropology, Delphi Opera House, Inc, Burlington American Legion Post 414, Wabash and Erie Canal Association Canal Park, Carroll County Wabash and Erie Canal and Old Settlers Association. Hoosiers look forward to their enduring contribution to our state's legacy. And on this day, Mr. Speaker, in the year in which we are celebrating Indiana's 200th birthday, I am proud to recognize Carroll County for the contribution of its residents to the past, present, and future of Indiana's history.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute Clinton County, Indiana as the Indiana Bicentennial Torch is scheduled to pass through the county on October 6, 2016. The County sits on the eastern part of Indiana's Fourth Congressional District. It was established in 1830 and named for DeWitt Clinton, the seventh Governor of New York State and architect of the Erie Canal. The county seat is located in Frankfort, famous for the Frankfort Hot Dog Festival. Clinton County is the birthplace of Lieutenant General James F. Record, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross three times for his gallantry during the Vietnam War. In this year of the Hoosier Bicentennial, communities throughout the state are celebrating Indiana past and present through Bicentennial Legacy Projects. These projects are culturally inclusive, celebratory, engaging, and inspiring to youth and young adults and create a legacy for the future. The organizations responsible for the Legacy Projects throughout the county are: Clinton County Chamber of Commerce and Frankfort Main Street. Hoosiers look forward to their enduring contribution to our state's legacy. And on this day, Mr. Speaker, in the year in which we are celebrating Indiana's 200th birthday, I am proud to recognize Clinton County for the contribution of its residents to the past, present, and future of Indiana's history.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute White County, Indiana as the Indiana Bicentennial Torch is scheduled to pass through the county on October 7, 2016. The County sits on the northern part of Indiana's Fourth Congressional District. It was established in 1834 and named for Isaac White of Equality, Illinois who died at the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811. The county seat is located in Monticello, and is known as a tourist destination because it is home to the Indiana Beach amusement park and Lakes Shafer and Freeman. In this year of the Hoosier Bicentennial, communities throughout the state are celebrating Indiana past and present through Bicentennial Legacy Projects. These projects are culturally inclusive, celebratory, engaging, and inspiring to youth and young adults and create a legacy for the future. The organizations responsible for the 16 Legacy Projects throughout the county are: City of Monticello, Wolcott Community Summer Festival Committee, White County Historical Society, Tom Fletcher, White County Commissioners. Hoosiers look forward to their enduring contribution to our state's legacy. And on this day, Mr. Speaker, in the year in which we are celebrating Indiana's 200th birthday, I am proud to recognize White County for the contribution of its residents to the past, present, and future of Indiana's history.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute Benton County, Indiana, as the Indiana Bicentennial Torch is scheduled to pass through the county on Tuesday, October 11, 2016. The county sits on the northwest part of Indiana's Fourth Congressional District, and Fowler serves as the county seat. Benton County was established on February 18, 1840, and named for Thomas A. Benton, a U.S. Senator from Missouri. Though the land is fertile and agriculture is vital to the county economically, Benton County is also known for housing one of the largest windfarms in the United States. Its most famous resident may be Dan Patch, a Hoosier born horse legend who has held the title of ``World's Champion Harness Horse'' for over one-hundred years. In this year of the Hoosier Bicentennial, communities throughout the state are celebrating Indiana's past and present through Bicentennial Legacy Projects. These projects are culturally inclusive, celebratory, engaging and inspiring to youth and young adults and create a legacy for the future. The organizations responsible for the Legacy Projects throughout the county include the Benton County Economic Development Department, Otterbein Public Library, Benton County's Bicentennial Committee, Benton Central Junior-Senior High School, Benton County Public Library, DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife, and the Benton County 4-H Council. Hoosiers look forward to their enduring contribution to our state's legacy. And on this day, Mr. Speaker, in the year in which we are celebrating Indiana's 200th birthday, I am proud to recognize Benton County for the contribution of its residents to the past, present and future of Indiana's history.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute Cass County, Indiana, as the Indiana Bicentennial Torch is scheduled to pass through the county on Friday, October 7, 2016. The county lies in the northeastern part of Indiana's Fourth Congressional District. Cass County was established in 1838, and it was named for General Lewis Cass, the 2nd Territorial Governor of Michigan. Home to the Wabash River, for many years Cass County was a canal town. In 1855, however, the first locomotive made its way through the county seat of Logansport creating a permanent relationship between the town and trains. By the 1920s, over 225 trains passed through the county each day, and over 3,000 persons in the area were employed by the railroad. In this year of the Hoosier Bicentennial, communities throughout the state are celebrating Indiana's past and present through Bicentennial Legacy Projects. These projects are culturally inclusive, celebratory, engaging and inspiring to youth and young adults and create a legacy for the future. The organizations responsible for the Legacy Projects throughout the county include the Logansport Children's Choir, Logan's Landing, Civic Players of Logansport, Logansport Rose Society, Cass County Arts Alliance, State Theatre Preservation Society Corporation, Cass County 4-H Association, Cass County Historical Society, William Pace Lodge, Cass County Dentzel Carousel, and the Trinity Episcopal Church. Hoosiers look forward to their enduring contribution to our state's legacy. And on this day, Mr. Speaker, in the year in which we are celebrating Indiana's 200th birthday, I am proud to recognize Cass County for the contribution of its residents to the past, present and future of Indiana's history.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute Morgan County, Indiana, as the Indiana Bicentennial Torch is scheduled to pass through the county on Friday, September 23, 2016. The county sits on the southern part of Indiana's Fourth Congressional District. It was established in 1822 and named for General Daniel Morgan, who defeated the British at the Battle of Cowpens in the Revolutionary War. The county seat is located in Martinsville, famous in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries for the mineral springs located in the region. Early settlers came predominantly from southern states, including southern Quakers who settled near Mooresville because of their opposition to slavery. The county is famous for being the birthplace of the Indiana State Flag. In this year of the Hoosier Bicentennial, communities throughout the state are celebrating Indiana's past and present through Bicentennial Legacy Projects. These projects are generally, culturally inclusive, celebratory, engaging and inspiring to youth and young adults and create a legacy for the future. The organizations responsible for the thirteen Legacy Projects throughout the county are: Morgan County Bicentennial Celebration Committee, Morgan County Economic Development Corporation, Mooresville Redevelopment Commission, MSD of Martinsville, Hoosier Hikers Council, Kappa Kappa Kappa, Inc. Delta Iota Chapter, Art Sanctuary of Indiana, Mooresville Public Library, Morgan County Parks and Recreation, Morgan County Soil & Water Conservation District, Delta Theta Tau, Lambda Nu Mooresville Chapter, and the Morgan County Fall Foliage Festival. Hoosiers look forward to their enduring contribution to our state's legacy. And on this day, Mr. Speaker, in the year in which we are celebrating Indiana's 200th birthday, I am proud to recognize Morgan County for the contribution of its residents to the past, present and future of Indiana's history.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute Putnam County, Indiana, as the Indiana Bicentennial Torch is scheduled to pass through the county on Thursday, September 22, 2016. The county sits on the southwestern edge of Indiana's Fourth Congressional District. It was named in honor of Israel Putnam, a hero in the French and Indian War and a general during the American Revolutionary War. The county was formed on April 1, 1822 from Owen and Vigo Counties and parts of the Wabash New Purchase. The county seat is located in Greencastle, home of DePauw University. The county is famous for the many surviving covered bridges that remain from a bygone era. In this year of the Hoosier Bicentennial, communities throughout the state are celebrating Indiana's past and present through Bicentennial Legacy Projects. These projects are generally, culturally inclusive, celebratory, engaging and inspiring to youth and young adults and create a legacy for the future. The organizations responsible for the ten Legacy Projects throughout the county are: the Heritage Preservation Society of Putnam County, the Town of Bainbridge, DNR Nature Preserves, DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife, DePauw University, the Putnam County Bicentennial Celebrations Planning Group, and National Road Heritage Trail, Inc. Hoosiers look forward to their enduring contribution to our state's legacy. And on this day, Mr. Speaker, in the year in which we are celebrating Indiana's 200th birthday, I am proud to recognize Putnam County for the contribution of its residents to the past, present and future of Indiana's history.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute Hendricks County, Indiana, as the Indiana Bicentennial Torch is scheduled to pass through the county on Friday, September 23, 2016. The county sits on the southern part of Indiana's Fourth Congressional District. It was named for Indiana Governor William Hendricks, who was serving at the time the county was formed in 1824. The county seat is located in Danville, which happens to be the location of my primary district office. Hendricks County is recognized as a logistics and transportation hub in Indiana and for the many motorsports companies that are headquartered there. In this year of the Hoosier Bicentennial, communities throughout the state are celebrating Indiana's past and present through Bicentennial Legacy Projects. These projects are generally, culturally inclusive, celebratory, engaging and inspiring to youth and young adults and create a legacy for the future. The organizations responsible for the twenty-five Legacy Projects throughout the county are: Avon-Washington Township Public Library, Cascade Middle School, The Porch, Brownsburg Educational Foundation, Rotary Club of Plainfield, Indiana, Plainfield Chamber of Commerce, Hendricks County Parks and Recreation, First Baptist Church of Amo, B&O Trail Association, Inc., Montrose Farms, Danville Rotary Club, Friends of Hendricks County Museum, the Town of Avon, the Town of Brownsburg, RAHC Committee, Avon Community Heritage Festival Board, Wa-Pe-Ke-Way Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Brownsburg Chamber of Commerce, Scrapbasket Quilt Guild of Brownsburg, K-Kids Club of Danville South Elementary School, Greater Danville Chamber of Commerce and Animalia, Inc. Hoosiers look forward to their enduring contribution to our state's legacy. And on this day, Mr. Speaker, in the year in which we are celebrating Indiana's 200th birthday, I am proud to recognize Hendricks County for the contribution of its residents to the past, present and future of Indiana's history.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember a dear friend and a distinguished Hoosier and army veteran. I have been honored to be a part of his family for decades now. Mr. Kent Maxfield passed away on Friday, September 9. Mr. Maxfield was a veteran of the U.S. Army where he served with the ``Big Red One'' 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam from 1967 through 1968. Mr. Maxfield often talked of the bible he carried throughout his time in combat and how reading it helped him get through the daily mortar attacks and firefights. Kent worked for many years in corporate real estate working for such companies as Arby's, Applebee's, Pizza Hut, and Sonic Restaurants. He was a 1981 graduate of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis where he earned a degree in Business Administration. Since retiring in 2007, Mr. Maxfield spent time volunteering with the ``Warriors-Hope'' Group which provides peer support from a biblical perspective. Last year, Kent, along with his 3 daughters; Laura, Lisa, and Cheri, traveled back to Vietnam. Through the Global Ministries People to People Mission, Mr. Maxfield was able to return to the country he had not seen for 47 years, but this time he had love in his heart. During his trip, Mr. Maxwell visited several orphanages and provided $5000 in scholarships for Vietnamese youth to study social work. Mr. Maxfield's passing is a loss for the State of Indiana and our nation. We are grateful for his service and his leadership. I look forward to seeing those same characteristics in his grandchildren. I pray for his family and all who knew Kent.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember a dear friend, a business visionary, a World War II veteran, and a dedicated community leader from the Hoosier State. Mr. Dean V. White passed away on Wednesday, September 14, 2016. Dean attended the University of Nebraska and was a 1945 graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy in King's Point, New York. Dean served in the South Pacific during World War II as First Mate. Dean joined his father's billboard company, White Advertising, in 1946. During his years at the helm of that company, he grew its portfolio with investments in real estate and hotel management and earned a spot on the Forbes 400 list. Dean, and his wife Barbara, created the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation where they provided scholarships for local students, helped expand the Crown Point YMCA, and engaged in remodeling the Lake County Courthouse through the Crown Point Community Foundation. Dean was always interested in politics, but not from a partisan perspective or interest. You see, Mr. Speaker, like many we in this chamber encounter, Dean White cared deeply about his community, our beloved Indiana, and this country. He knew he was blessed by this great nation that allowed him to freely pursue his dreams and grow his family. Dean understood well the meaning of American Exceptionalism and knew we are the `last best hope on earth'. So Dean, unlike many others with his kind of blessings, made sure to be involved in his government. He was a leader in this regard and in so many other ways. I am grateful for the brief time we had together and I always learned from him during our conversations. I pray for Dean's family, his associates at White Advertising, and all who had the honor of knowing this great man.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida for his leadership. I rise today in support of H.R. 5963, the Supporting Youth Opportunity and Preventing Delinquency Act of 2016. Mr. Speaker, there are approximately 2 million children involved in our juvenile justice system, with many more at risk of entering it. Prior to entering public service, I was engaged in the private practice of law. A good deal of that practice concerned at-risk youth, concerned juvenile law. I will tell you, Mr. Speaker, that at the outset of every case, just about, my number one goal was to see that that youth, that those juveniles, did not get put ``in the system,'' certainly did not get incarcerated. Not because, Mr. Speaker, I was trying to get them off of anything. In fact, my plea agreements and settlements were, in a way, designed to promote much more personal responsibility than any incarceration would. But I knew this: that if they got in the system, the chances were great that they would be lost forever, that they would come out of the system more hardened criminals, a bigger burden on society, with more costs, and, most importantly, another life lost. That is why I am pleased, as the Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee chairman, to work on this bill with these distinguished leaders: Mr. Curbelo, who I have already mentioned, and ranking minority leader, Mr. Scott. Leaders in Indiana's Fourth Congressional District have long been fighting for these reforms as well. In Lafayette, Indiana, for example, the chief of police there, Patrick Flannelly, has been extremely supportive of this bill. In fact, he educated most of us at a Member roundtable recently. He stated: ``This bill will better target Federal funding to community-based coaching programs for troubled youth-- programs that I have seen firsthand working well in Lafayette.'' Mr. Speaker, students who get involved in the juvenile justice system are less likely to graduate high school, and up to 26 percent are more likely to return to jail as adults. I have personal experience counseling youth as well to back these figures up. Given these realities, we must work to make sure we are doing everything possible to help turn these kids' lives around. This bill will help that process by making sure that these kids have the skills necessary to become productive members of society. Not only does this bill support prevention services for affected children, but makes sure we are directing our resources to the programs with records of success. Additionally, improvements to program accountability and oversight means they will continue to produce positive effects in their communities. Finally, it provides State and local leaders with the flexibility they need to assist the children in their communities. These are the people who know best what is needed to better the lives of their children. Mr. Speaker, again, I thank the gentlemen for their leadership, and I urge all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Well, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for his kind words. He is a dear friend. I have looked forward to our work together so far and into the future. Mr. Speaker, I have been to probably a hundred schools in my time in public service. I have seen the best of schools, and I have seen the worst of schools. The one thing that I am seeing more and more, not only in our K-12 schools but in others after that, is the need for career and technical education and the need for reform in that area. Now, Mr. Speaker, I am not talking about the shop class of old or anything like that. In fact, what we are seeing now is a completely different model. As Indiana's Governor Pence cited in a congressional hearing last year, today's CTE, today's career and technical education, is not about, if not plan A, then plan B. It is about having two plan As. And that is exactly what today's CTE courses are bringing to the forefront. Technological advances are constantly changing the kinds of jobs that are available, as well as the skills needed to succeed in those careers. That is why career and technical education is so important. It provides opportunities for students to gain those specific skills and prepare them to navigate the changing workforce. Now, through a number of commonsense measures, Mr. Speaker, this bill is delivering the reforms that will provide the flexibility to State and local leaders to meet those unique local needs, build stronger engagement with employers, and ensure that CTE programs are delivering results. So I thank Representatives Thompson and Clark for working together to move this bill forward. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill and help more people gain the skills and hands-on experience that are critical to succeeding in today's workforce.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay, which will kick off in Indiana this Friday. 2016 marks two centuries of statehood for my great State, and this relay will see the bicentennial torch--designed, by the way, by the Fourth District's own Purdue University engineering students--carried through every one of our 92 counties. Along with other Hoosiers, I will have the honor of carrying the torch on Wednesday, October 12, in Fountain County. I am excited for the chance to be involved in this unique and privileged event. This relay will last for over a month, with the route ending at the statehouse on October 15, just in time for the dedication of Bicentennial Plaza, a brand-new public space for both Hoosiers and visitors to enjoy year round. I want to thank the Bicentennial Commission and each member's great leadership for all they have done to make our State's bicentennial year memorable for generations to come.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished Hoosier, Chief Michael Dove, who will retire from the Brownsburg Police Department. Chief Dove joined the Brownsburg Police Department in 1990 as a Reserve Officer and was later hired as a full-time officer in 1992. Throughout his career, Chief Dove has held every sworn rank at the department and has filled many roles, including Training Officer, Instructor, Shift Supervisor, Detective, Undercover Investigator, Emergency Response Team Commander, Uniform Division Commander, and Assistant Chief of Police. He was appointed Chief of Police in 2010. Throughout his years of service, Chief Dove continued to improve his skills through hours of specialized law enforcement training. He has received training for Advanced Incident Command, Special Weapons and Tactics, Tactical Command, and as a Certified Crime Scene Investigator. He completed the Indiana Police Chief's Executive Course and is a graduate of the 223rd Session of the FBI National Academy. Upon taking the helm of the Brownsburg Police Department, Chief Dove met with his staff to reevaluate every facet of the department. New philosophies were put in place, and the department increased efficiency and productivity. Most importantly, the department has significantly improved its relationship with the local community. The annual Night Out Against Crime has realized increased participation and standing in the community each year since Chief Dove's initial involvement many years ago. I have been fortunate to know and work with Chief Dove for many years. I know I can always rely on him and his officers to ensure public events in Brownsburg are safe for everyone in attendance. Late last year I hosted a school safety summit, and knew even before a draft agenda was completed, that Chief Dove should be the Keynote Speaker. I consider him a friend and to me and the entire Brownsburg community. Chief Dove has been a selfless public servant for over 25 years and the good people of our community appreciate those years of service. Thank you Chief Dove, for a job well done and I wish you well in your post-retirement endeavors.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute the Town of Mooresville, Indiana, as the official Home of the Indiana State Flag. It was one hundred years ago, in celebration of Indiana's Centennial, that Mooresville resident and prominent water color artist Paul Hadley designed the current Indiana flag. It is easy to see why Hadley's design for the banner was selected out of the two hundred that were entered in the Daughters of the American Revolution contest in 1816. The stately gold torch signifying liberty and enlightenment, surrounded by nineteen gold stars representing each of the states in the union upon Indiana's induction, is stunning on the beautiful field of deep blue. One year later the Indiana State Legislature adopted Paul Hadley's design as the official state banner. It has remained unchanged since that day. Mooresville is located in Morgan County in central Indiana. And on this day, Mr. Speaker, in the year in which we are celebrating Indiana's 200th birthday, I am proud to recognize the town of Mooresville for Paul Hadley's important contribution to Indiana's history.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the chairman for yielding time to speak today on this legislation. I also want to thank the chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for his excellent leadership that he has shown this Congress and previous Congresses. It has been an absolute pleasure to serve on a committee that has accomplished so much. Today I want to speak briefly on an important provision of this reauthorization. As an airman myself, I have always stood up for the rights of general aviation pilots. Section 2307 in this legislation, which is based on my bill, the General Aviation Pilot Protection Act, will make operating a private aircraft easier and more common sense for private pilots. Currently, pilots must get an unnecessary, outdated medical examination from a government-approved physician as often as once a year. Section 2307 would change that requirement so that a pilot can simply visit his family physician once every 4 years. Although this doesn't go as far as is ultimately needed to get rid of 20th century red tape while maintaining safety in the 21st century, it is real progress for aviators. This change is strongly supported by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, of which I am a proud member, and has a strong bipartisan list of cosponsors. I thank, again, Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member DeFazio for their continued leadership on this and other aviation issues. I urge Members and all of us to support this legislation, including the bipartisan House General Aviation Caucus.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a personal friend, Sigma Chi brother, and prominent Hoosier, Mr. James E. Dora, who passed away on June 27, 2016. Jim was born in Vincennes, Indiana and graduated from Purdue University where he was a member of the Delta Delta Chapter of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He gave back to his alma mater serving as Chairman to the President's Council, Vice Chairman of the Vision 21 Capital Campaign, as an Old Master and on the Advisory Board for the RHIT Hotel School. Purdue honored him in kind with the Purdue Order of the Griffin and an Honorary Doctorate Degree, and honor he also received from Vincennes University. Jim's commitment to Sigma Chi, its Purdue Chapter, and his brothers are reflected in his actions. He was co-chair of a complete renovation of the chapter house, including a $7.4 million fundraising campaign to achieve it. Jim was recognized by Sigma Chi earning the Significant Sig of Sigma Chi, Sigma Chi Hall of Fame, and the Order of the Constantine honors. He also received the Purdue Chapter Ben Taylor Award. As a businessman, Jim founded and chaired General Hotels Corporation, a developer and operator of award winning hotels throughout Central Indiana, including the upscale Crowne Plaza Holiday Inn at Union Station in Downtown Indianapolis. He served as Chairman of the International Association of Holiday Inn Owners and on the Board of Directors for American United Life Insurance Company, First Chicago, NBD, Bank One and the Mayflower Corporation. Jim was also a selfless advocate for the City of Indianapolis. He was a member of numerous boards and committees, including the Capital Improvement Board of Managers from 1971-1993 and served as President from 1985-1993. His service coincided with and was instrumental in the growth and development of Downtown Indianapolis and the Colts relocation to our city in 1984. Jim also served on the Educational CHOICE Charitable Trust, Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Indy, Inc. and more. Jim was twice named a Sagamore of the Wabash, the state's highest honor for a citizen. Jim and I shared a love for aviation, our home state of Indiana and public service. His whole-hearted support of my public service efforts and the efforts of those like me has been invaluable as I served Hoosiers for the past 13 years. Jim leaves behind his beloved wife of 57 years, Shirley, four children, and 11 grandchildren. I believe this world is a better place because of his compassionate service to our community, state and nation. In this sign you will conquer (In hoc signo vinces) Jim, you will not be forgotten.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize more than 1,800 youth from 47 States across America visiting our Nation's Capital this week as part of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. This trip is a tradition that has continued for over 50 years. Mr. Speaker, the goal of the tour is to bring together students from all walks of life to attend meetings with their Senators and Representatives to ask us questions and witness the legislative process firsthand. I just came from a meeting with those from Indiana, and they had excellent questions of me, and we had a great discussion. These students are all sponsored by a local electric cooperative in which the student is a member or an associate member. This year, 34 of Indiana's 38 electric cooperatives have sponsored a total of 82 students for the trip. I am proud that many of them reside in my district. I want to thank America's electric cooperatives, and specifically those from Indiana, for working with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association to support and sponsor this opportunity for the next generation of young leaders.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a uniquely Hoosier event that will be taking place this weekend in honor of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Every Memorial Day weekend since 1911, with the exception of a few years around World War II, hundreds of thousands of race fans have come to Speedway, Indiana, and millions more have tuned in on their TVs and radios to partake in what has been called the greatest spectacle in racing, the Indianapolis 500. This year marks the 100th running of the 500-mile race and gives another chance for Indiana to showcase our Hoosier hospitality to the world and all that our State has to offer. Though it is true every weekend when I head back to my beloved Indiana, this weekend it will be especially wonderful, Madam Speaker, to be back home again in Indiana.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a prominent Hoosier leader and my dear friend, Mr. V. Richard (Dick) Miller who passed away on May 18, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Dick was born in Des Moines, Iowa and moved to Warsaw, Indiana with his family as a young child. He received his undergraduate degree from Purdue University and earned a MSBA from Indiana University South Bend in 1972. In 1976, Dick was elected State Senator and served for three terms in the Indiana General Assembly, half of his service on the Senate Republican leadership team. Dick put a lot of care and dedication into his work. After taking over the family business, he expanded Miller's Merry Manor across the state and employed over 3000 Hoosiers. With the help of his siblings, they made Miller's Health Systems one of the largest 100 percent employee owned companies in the nation. Providing quality care to thousands and rewarding those dedicated employees is a true testament to his character and the reason why Miller's Merry Manor continues to be successful after 52 years. He continued to serve unofficially as a vital resource of good advice and wisdom to those in office, such as myself, up until his last day. He was gracious enough to be a member of my Healthcare Advisory Team, where his counsel was helpful in my efforts to determine how to best serve the people of Indiana and our country, though his advice was not limited to healthcare as he was well versed in many aspects of public policy and economics. I will always be thankful for his invaluable advice and friendship over the years. Dick leaves Jane, his beloved wife of almost 55 years, two children, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren to carry on his legacy of service to fellow Hoosiers. I believe this world is a better place because of his compassionate service to our community, state and nation. Rest in peace Dick, you will not be forgotten.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great Hoosier and a highly decorated American Airman. Colonel Douglas J. Schwartz of the United States Air Force, retired on May 14, 2016 from his post as Commander of the 434th Air Refueling Wing based at Grissom Air Reserve Base in Miami County, Indiana. The 434th Air Refueling Wing is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Colonel Schwartz received his commission through Officer Training School in 1981 as a graduate from Purdue University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in management. He began pilot training at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona, and was assigned to the 325th Bomb Squadron at Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington state. He transferred to the Air Force Reserve in 1992, where he flew KC-135R Stratotankers with the 72nd Air Refueling Squadron at Grissom Air Reserve Base. Prior to taking command at Grissom, Colonel Schwartz served as commander of the 927th Air Refueling Wing based at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. Colonel Schwartz has numerous command and leadership assignments at the squadron, wing and numbered air force level including assistant chief pilot, chief of standardization and evaluation, operations officer, flight commander, detachment commander, group commander, vice commander, director of staff and wing commander. He is a command pilot with more than 4,200 flying hours and has deployed in support of Operations Joint Endeavor, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, amongst others. I sincerely thank Colonel Schwartz for his amazing leadership at Grissom over the last two years and wish him many clear skies ahead.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 182, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4923, the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act. In today's competitive global economy, too often government hampers American businesses with onerous regulations and red tape. As other nations increase their own global competitiveness, we must provide a level playing field for our businesses in diverse fields that include textiles, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. The American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act only allows for tariff waivers on materials that lack a domestic equivalent. Other countries are already regularly granting similar waivers. The National Association of Manufacturers estimates that these tariffs are costing the American economy $748 million a year. The Indiana Manufacturers Association has said that ``helping eliminate these miscellaneous tariffs will reduce costs and lower incentives to relocate manufacturing operations abroad, keeping good jobs here.'' I thank Chairman Brady, for bringing together our working group to get this vital legislation done. I urge passage of the bill.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a notable Hoosier, Dr. Robert L. Bowen, who is being honored by the Anti-Defamation League at the 2016 Man of Achievement Award Dinner in Indianapolis. The Anti-Defamation League's Man of Achievement Award was established to recognize individuals and companies who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the community, justice and equal opportunity for all. Dr. Bowen was chosen for this honor because of his selfless support of underprivileged youth in Indianapolis. Dr. Bowen and his wife Terry established the Bowen Foundation in 2000 to provide scholarships to minority students in Indianapolis to pursue education past high school. Over 700 students have received more than $2 million in scholarships. In 2002, the Bowens, along with the Purdue University President, founded Science Bound. The program mentors Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) students from grades 8 through 12 to pursue careers in science and technical fields and then receive a full- tuition scholarship to Purdue University. In 2009, Dr. Bowen was inducted into the IPS Hall of Fame for his philanthropy efforts. Dr. Bowen also provides support to Purdue University through the Robert L. and Terry L. Bowen High-Scale Performance Civil Engineering Laboratory, and $11 million research facility test structure. Every fall since 2010, Dr. Bowen drives to Purdue's campus twice a week to teach leadership and advanced project management to 60 senior-level students. Dr. Bowen is the founder and chairman of Bowen Engineering Corporation, a multi-market company specializing in water and wastewater treatment plants and energy utility construction. He received his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Purdue University and has completed the Harvard Business School OPM Program. He has received many other awards and honors throughout his career. He is a great friend and confidant of mine, and a wonderful asset to our community, state and nation. I wish to congratulate him on this latest honor and thank him for all he does and will continue to do to help ensure that the American promise as The Land of Opportunity is there for those who work to achieve it.