Todd Rokita

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute fellow Hoosier Steven T. Reeder, an extraordinary teacher and citizen. Mr. Reeder has taught at Monrovia High School in Morgan County, Indiana, for twenty-years. He was recently awarded ``History Teacher of the Year'' by the Indiana Daughters of the American Revolution. This honor is well-deserved as his passion for teaching History is unmatched. Colleagues, students, and members of the community have nothing but positive accolades when speaking about Mr. Reeder. I am told by his principal that students in his classes are on the edge of their seats each day from start to finish, and higher-level thinking is abundant. The classroom is filled with historical artifacts in a museum-like setting, but it is Mr. Reeder's ability to story-tell and cultivate critical thinking that makes his teaching style so special. In addition, he is known for hosting study groups after hours at local restaurants and also for lending support to students through small acts of kindness. It is no surprise that Mr. Reeder has been invited to the school's ``Top Ten Teachers Banquet'' every single year of his career at Monrovia High School. Mr. Reeder's passion for history has not been limited to his classroom. He has been instrumental in leading students and residents of the community in unearthing information and artifacts about the town of Monrovia and its schools. He initiated and sponsors the organization ``Students for the School'' whose purpose is to research local history and make it visible in the community. As a result, artifacts celebrating the community's rich history in sports, agriculture, education, art, and the underground railroad have been displayed in multiple cases in the school and town library. The group was also responsible for establishing the town's first official Indiana Historical Marker celebrating the life of former-resident IU Basketball Coach Branch McCracken. Mr. Reeder uses historical opportunities to encourage a sense of community for citizens in Monrovia. He has worked with local organizations on projects that recognize and honor area veterans and active-duty members of America's armed forces. He recently hosted classes for the public about Monrovia's history, and he currently is working with civic leaders to establish more historical markers at noteworthy sites in the area. The loyalty Mr. Reeder has for his community and school is commendable. As the Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, & Secondary Education, I am especially honored to recognize Mr. Steve Reeder as one of Indiana's finest teachers. He embodies the true spirit of a dedicated and caring educator, and I wish him the very best as he continues to be a positive influence for generations to come.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a veteran, business leader, pillar of the community, and close friend, Fred Fehsenfeld, Sr. Fred passed away on November 28 at the age of 94. Fred was the epitome of the Greatest Generation. Fred was born in Indianapolis in 1924, the third of four brothers. Fred enrolled at Purdue University at the age of 17. He found a passion for flying, joining the Purdue Glider Club and learning from, among others, Amelia Earhart. Ever the patriot, on his 18th birthday, Fred left Purdue and enrolled in the Army Air Corps. Just a few months later, he was assigned to the 354th Pioneer Mustang Fighter Group in France, a famous fighter group of P5I Mustangs and P47 Thunderbolts. Fred flew 89 missions in Europe and was awarded the Air Medal with three silver clusters and a silver star. After the war was over, Fred returned to Purdue and graduated with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Fred began his career at Rock Island Refining as a Process Engineer. A few years later, he was asked by his dad, to join the original family business, Crystal Flash Petroleum, a company that operated gas stations and sold home heating oil. He then took over the business from his father and showed his true entrepreneurial spirit. He grew Crystal Flash Petroleum from 100 employees, operating gas stations and home heating oil sales in Indiana and Michigan into what has evolved as The Heritage Group. The Heritage Group currently employs 6,500 people around the world, with operations across North America, Europe and China. In 2017, in recognition for his work on behalf of the State of Indiana, I-895 was renamed the ``Fred M. Fehsenfeld Highway.'' I know his passion for improving our highways firsthand. He knew that America needed to change how we managed traffic and freight movement. This knowledge led to the creation of Critical Commerce Corridors. Critical Commerce Corridors are a simple idea that we separate cars and trucks using physical barriers. Fred presented this idea to me, and his enthusiasm convinced me that this idea was something our country should pursue. It was because of him that Critical Commerce Corridors were included in the most recent highway bill reauthorization, passed into law in 2015. Fred was a devoted, loving husband to his wife of 57 years, Midge Fehsenfeld, who passed away in 2003 and to his surviving wife, Barbara Fehsenfeld, of 15 years. He is survived by Barbara, brother Mac, five children, twenty grandchildren, and twenty-four great grandchildren. All of us who knew him and were impacted by his generosity, kindness, and loyalty will truly miss him. I ask everyone to keep his family in your prayers.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Nancy Bennett, who recently passed away. Nancy was a beloved member of the Hendricks County, Indiana community. Nancy loved music and dedicated her life to teaching. She taught for 38 years, filling the lives of thousands of students with a love and passion for music. Nancy taught English and music for the Anderson Public School System, she also taught at Indianapolis Public School, and at Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis. Nancy finished her teaching career at Brentwood Elementary School, in Plainfield, Indiana, teaching music to Kindergarten through 6th Grade students. Nancy was very involved at the Plainfield Christian Church where she directed both the Choir and the Hand Bell Choir for eight years. She also shared her passion for music with the community by leading the Hendricks Country Chapter of the Purdue Women's Glee Club. More than music, Nancy loved her family. While attending Anderson College to receive her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education, she met her husband, Alfred. They were married for sixty-one amazing years, and had four incredible children, Wesley, Lisa, Doug, and Beckie. Nancy was an amazing grandmother and great-grandmother to her ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. On a personal level, I knew Nancy for many years. Nancy was always the person who waited for me in the back of the room after I finished speaking. On the way out, she would always give me her thoughts, feedback, and motherly scolding if I needed it! She did the same for many. Her husband Al, another longtime friend of mine, was always with her. He will have the most difficult time with all of this. I ask the Hendricks County community to come around Al, their son and friend of mine Wes Bennett, and the whole Bennett family at this time.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Alessio ``Al'' Gizzi. Al passed away on November 25 from natural causes at the age of 97. Born in Waterbury, Connecticut, Al lived nearly his entire life in Connecticut. As a part of the ``Greatest Generation'', he enlisted in the Marine Corps and fought during World War Two. Eventually rising to the rank of Sergeant, he saw action in the Pacific, and served until the war's end. After his discharge, Al moved back to the Hartford, Connecticut area, joining the Teamsters Union and working as a deliveryman and route salesman for Mother's Pies and later for Table Talk Pies. He retired in 1983, but never one to enjoy the idleness of retirement, he rejoined the workforce and spent seven years at the Cigna Insurance Company in Bloomfield. It was after his discharge that he married Roslyn Ann Guglielmetti, his wife of sixty-nine years. They were together until her death in 2014. They had one son, John. Al also leaves behind a sister, Mary, two nieces, a nephew, and two grand-nephews. I knew Al through his son John. John, currently the White House reporter for Newsmax, is a master of politics, wit, and wisdom. He is a friend and quite literally my mentor. My first paid job in Washington, D.C. was that of his intern at the Human Events newspaper. John has been a fixture at White House press conferences and events, and is respected by everyone who has worked with him. I know Al counts John as one of his life's best accomplishments. John's incredible strength will get him through this difficult time, and I ask everyone to keep John and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, October 16, 2018, The Honor Flight of Greater Lafayette will host its twenty-second and final trip escorting America's Hoosier veterans to Washington, DC, to visit memorials dedicated to honor their service. I rise today to recognize this exceptional organization and the two remarkable women who have dedicated their hearts to its success. Organization founders Pam Mow and Dana Vann are Gold Star Mothers. Dana's son Senior Airman John Morton, Jr., lost his life in Italy while serving in the Air Force on September 3, 2002. He was 22 years old. On April 12, 2007, Pam Mow lost her son Army Corporal Cody Putnam when he died in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was 22 years old. These women have already sacrificed so much, yet for the past seven years, they have chosen to honor the lives and service of veterans through the Honor Flight of Greater Lafayette. The first honor flight from Lafayette, Indiana, took place on April 16, 2012. Since that time over 1,800 veterans have departed the Purdue University Airport to arrive in Washington, D.C., where they and their guardians were able to visit the war memorials and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery. Veterans have told me that viewing the monuments, which honor their service, is a very moving experience. Additionally, they really enjoyed receiving letters of appreciation from relatives, friends, and school children at ``Mail Call'' and being greeted by hundreds of patriotic, flag-waving Americans on the tarmac when their plane returned to Lafayette. One veteran expressed to me, ``It was the best day of my life.'' These once in a lifetime Hoosier veteran experiences are because of the dedication, leadership, and work of Pam Mow and Dana Vann. I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for their service to veterans and the community-at-large. It is truly an honor to congratulate them for the twenty-two successful trips of The Honor Flight of Greater Lafayette. May God bless Pam and Dana as they go forward with their lives.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dear friend and Pastor for his work with the Zion Unity Baptist Church in Indianapolis. Zion was started in 1972 upon the merger of two churches in Indianapolis, Indiana. The first pastor was Reverend Roy W. Beverly, Sr., who, in his senior years of life, selected Fredrick Boyd, Jr., to serve as associate pastor. In 1984 when Pastor Beverly died, the church called Fredrick Boyd, Jr. to be the pastor. Under Pastor Boyd's leadership, Zion Unity began serving the community through outreach programs to the destitute and prison bound, focusing mainly on Good News Mission and the Indiana Women's Prison. Also, the church paid off its first mortgage on East 30th Street within nine months of Pastor Boyd's pastorate. In 2004, Zion Unity Baptist Church moved to 3855-59 East 10th Street, purchasing two buildings. Pastor Boyd was instrumental in bringing some of the area churches together with the intent of unifying efforts to reach the community for Christ. The church continued its services through the Mission and prison, expanded its outreach to support over 20 missionaries throughout the world, and began evangelistic efforts in the local community. In 2005 , Zion Unity began a ministry to expose the fallacies connected to the Darwinian theory of evolution which undermines God's creation and the Holy Bible. Conferences which permitted scientists and ministers to examine this subject were organized and made available free to the public, as ``Creation Evidence Expo''. These conferences have been conducted annually in Indianapolis, in many cities throughout Indiana, ten other states, and in six countries. This work continues to be accomplished with a small congregation, other committed volunteers, and with limited resources. Zion Unity Baptist Church achieved another milestone when on July 29, 2018, the mortgage for its current location was burned in a celebration attended by many friends from a variety of backgrounds: business, social agencies, Christian media, education, and government, as well as churches and ministerial service organizations. The first and final word from Pastor Fredrick Boyd, Jr. and the members of Zion Unity Baptist Church, in full belief in the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, a commitment to His Word and the promises therein, is: ``The best is yet to come!''

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute an exceptional ministry in the State of Indiana. This year Wheeler Mission Ministries is celebrating its 125th anniversary. In 1893, a small group of women from the Women's Christian Temperance Union recognized a tragedy in their city: ``friendless women'' in Indianapolis were regularly abandoned at Union Station, having no place to go and no one to care for them. As a response, these pioneering women opened a small refuge and residence for women in need, a refuge known today as Wheeler Mission. One hundred twenty-five years later, Wheeler Mission has expanded to become the oldest continuously operating ministry of its kind in the state of Indiana. Offering the Indianapolis and Bloomington communities homeless shelters, residential programming, addiction recovery services, and social enterprises, Wheeler has expanded to 9 locations and dozens of ministries. While its programs and services have adapted to meet the ever-changing needs of the community, Wheeler remains focused and unwavering in its commitment to Christ and the transformation that is possible through the Gospel.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, recently, our friends in the Jewish community celebrated their holiest days. During these times, I know they have taken note of America's strong support for Israel. Our two countries are tied by common values and joint interests as we share commitments to freedom and democracy, societal pillars in short supply in Israel's immediate neighborhood. The history of the Jewish people is one of faith, one of honor, but, most importantly, survival. This week, President Trump reiterated our Nation's strong support for Israel in his address to the United Nations General Assembly. He told the world that the United States will not stay silent against threats to Israel and made it clear that moving the American Embassy was a sign of peace. I am calling on the rest of the world leaders to acknowledge Jerusalem as the true capital of Israel and to protect God's chosen people at their time of peril. It is time we all stand in solidarity for the Israeli nation.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to rise and pay tribute to fellow Hoosier and American patriot Richard L. Barr. For ten years, Rick has tirelessly worked to engage, educate, and empower fellow citizens to take part in the American political process. He is the definition of an American Citizen-Statesman. A lifelong Hoosier and Hendricks County resident, Rick is a man of deep civic conviction rooted in his love for American history and family. He is a dedicated husband, a loving father of 3, and a devoted grandfather of 4. It is Rick's love and concern for his children's and grandchildren's futures that drives him to volunteer so much of his time for the American cause. As a founding member and current leader of the Indy Defenders of Liberty-West, Rick has utilized his leadership role to educate the public so that his fellow citizens are informed citizens. He spends hours researching issues and the historical context of those issues to invite knowledgeable speakers to the organization's monthly meetings. In addition, under Rick's direction, IDOL-West has also served the community by hosting several non-partisan candidate forums and many public meetings focused on local, state, or federal issues. I can personally attest that the relationships Rick cultivated, locally and statewide, have been successful in activating citizens. Oftentimes, my office has received calls or visits from constituents at Rick's suggestion. Rick Barr is a good man and a good citizen. He is faithful in his belief that America is worth his time promoting limited government based on the United States Constitution. Today, I am honored to acknowledge Rick Barr for his leadership, generosity, and dedication to our community, state, and country. I am proud to call him my friend.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today ultimately seeking justice for the American people and to end what our President has rightfully described as a witch hunt. For too long, our resources have been wasted on Robert Mueller's probe into Russian collusion in our 2016 elections. Not only has this probe dragged on for over a year, but it has undermined our entire system of justice at this point while giving Washington elites and their biased counsel a pass to work above the law, exempt from any boundaries. Through my Mueller Resolution, I am calling for us to call for the termination of the probe if no evidence of Russian collusion can be provided. And, again, after over a year, no evidence has been provided. It is time for the restoration of the rule of law back into our Justice Department, and that is why I am imploring my colleagues to fight alongside me by signing on to this resolution. Let's work together to end the clear manipulation of power against our President. The President has the American people's prosperity and security at the top of his priorities. Let's look at the results so far. Let's look at his track record. The economy is booming, regulations have been cut, and we are leading the world again. This witch hunt against our President is unprecedented and it is uncalled for. The Democrats have become the party of obstruct and resist, obstruct and resist, obstruct and resist. The Dems call Trump's tax cuts crumbs, even though it benefits millions of Americans. Those $1,000 bonuses that are the result of the tax cuts and the economy booming are putting more food on the table, more security in the home, help with childcare, and everything else. They are anything, but crumbs. The Democrats are calling for the abolishment of ICE, even though they protect millions of Americans, even though they protect us. Since when has this body, since when has a party become so resistant, become so obstructionist against law and order, against law enforcement, against our fellow citizens who are protecting us. The Democrats are out of touch with the American people. It is time to throw our full support behind the President. Just look at this week in the Senate. Senator Corey Booker said that anyone who supports Judge Cavanaugh, President Trump's next nominee for the Supreme Court, is ``complicit in evil.'' Mr. Speaker, how far have we gone? How out of touch is one political party in this Nation? Let's support the President when he wants to put America First, and all that means. We saw that with NATO, he is calling on the other nations to finally pay their fair share, to do what is right, to do what they agreed to. If we have to be the world's police force, at least we should have some help paying for it. And the same with what is going on at the U.N. We pay, we pay, we pay, the taxpayers pay and pay and pay, yet we don't get the services we deserve or the leadership that we also deserve. It is time to put America First. Other countries have to help support. Let's support the President in leading again. Let's support the President in making America First again.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained during this vote series. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 287, and YEA on Roll Call No. 288.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jim Klinstiver, a great Hoosier and friend who passed away on May 20th. Jim was born in Harrison County in 1940, along the Ohio River. He was a great public servant, working for the Department of Transportation for forty-two years, retiring as a project supervisor. In 2010, he was elected County Commissioner for the Third District by the voters of Harrison County. He was then re-elected by an even wider margin in 2014. Jim had a passion for history, and used his time as commissioner to focus on local preservation. He pushed to protect the Morvin's Landing historical site, where Confederate General John Hunt Morgan's raiders crossed the Ohio River and entered Indiana during the Civil War. The landing of Morgan's troops at Morvin Landing in July 1863 preceded the Battle of Corydon, one of the few Civil War battles fought in the North, and the only battle fought in Indiana. In addition to being a hardworking public servant who dedicated countless hours in service to Indiana, Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and treasured friend. He was married to his wife Dixie for fifty-five years. They have one daughter, one grandson, and one great-grandson. The legacy of Jim Klinstiver will live on in Harrison County for years to come. Many of us gained so much from his experience and knowledge from his decades of experience as an engineer, farmer, small business owner, and community leader. For me, I've always appreciated his friendship and support. May we all strive to live our own lives with the sense of purpose and servant's heart that Jim showed. His passing is a true loss for all Hoosiers.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Higgins), my friend, for introducing this bill. I am bringing it forward as an opportunity to support safer communities and those who take on the responsibility and make the sacrifices to make our schools safer. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Higgins for his service not just to this institution and to his constituents, but to the citizens of this country he protected as a military police officer, as well as those in Louisiana, where he served as local law enforcement. Like all of the men and women we honor for National Police Week this week, our colleague from Louisiana has ``walked the walk'' and it is an honor to serve with him. Mr. Speaker, I simply urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 5242, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for supporting the bill. I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Higgins), my good friend.

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5242, the School Resource Officer Assessment Act of 2018. As we focus on our work in this Chamber this afternoon, it is fitting that we recognize that it is, as my colleagues have so far pointed out, National Police Week. One of my great privileges as a Member of Congress is to interact with members of the law enforcement community and see firsthand the selflessness and true sense of service that they bring to their work. Any one of us might say we want to protect and serve our communities, but it is these fine men and women who walk the walk every day. Their tireless efforts to improve public safety and build relationships across communities and with all of their fellow citizens deserve our appreciation and our total support and respect. One of the best ways we as legislators can support members of the law enforcement community is by using data and not emotion as the basis of the decisions we make here in Washington that impact the way local law enforcement officials have to do their jobs. H.R. 5242, the School Resource Officer Assessment Act of 2018, seeks to improve our decisions by providing better data on the work of law enforcement in schools. The research and evidence that comes from the appropriate use of data can improve our understanding of how these policies work and the best ways to support the efforts of community leaders across our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I commend the tireless sacrifices made by those in the law enforcement community and their families especially, and I thank them for their service. I simply urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 5242.

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5242) to require the Attorney General and the Secretary of Education to conduct a survey of all public schools to determine the number of school resource officers at such schools, as amended.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great Hoosier organization, The Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame. On April 5, the organization held the dedication and grand opening of its memorial facility, the only one of its kind in the nation. The Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization founded in 2013. Its mission is to publically emphasize the honor brought to our state and nation by the sacrifice of Indiana military veterans and their families. The memorial was built with funding provided by leaders of Indiana's credit unions across the state and their business partners with funds totaling over $330,000, and stands near the Indiana Department of the American Legion on land that was once Fort Benjamin Harrison. There are currently 161 Hoosiers who have been inducted into the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame, including each of the 99 Medal of Honor recipients from Indiana, one U.S. President, three Indiana Governors, and one Indiana Supreme Court Justice. These brave men and women are not alone, they represent the tens of thousands of Hoosiers who have honorably served and made sacrifices for our country as members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. In 2014, I was honored to celebrate the beginning of what I believe will be a lasting legacy for our servicemen and servicewomen when the inaugural class was inducted into the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame. At the time, the establishment of a permanent location to recognize the heroism and sacrifices of Indiana's men and women in our armed forces was but a vision. Today, this is a reality thanks to the tireless advocacy and work by the organization's Board of Directors, volunteers, and supporters. I would also like to recognize the Board Chairman, Colonel Russ Dowden, US Army (Ret.), for inviting me to participate in the project back in 2013 and for his unyielding support of the organization and our veterans. I congratulate all of those who worked to make the Hall of Fame possible, and celebrate the American heroes who keep fight to preserve liberty and uphold our Constitution.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a Hoosier hero who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Deputy Jacob Pickett of the Boone County Sheriff's Office was killed in the line of duty on March 2, 2018. Jacob was a 5-year veteran in law enforcement and served as the leader in the department's K-9 unit. He held the ranking of sheriff deputy in Boone County. One of Indiana's finest, Jacob is a hero and acted selflessly on the day that took an unexpected and fatal turn. But he died doing what he was trained to do: protecting the thin blue line and keeping the community he loved safe from harm's grasp, and he did that that day. Boone County citizens and all Hoosiers mourn over the loss of Jacob, who was known as a man of integrity and compassion. Jacob leaves behind his wife, Jennifer, two young children, and his K-9 partner, Brik, to carry on his legacy of service to fellow Hoosiers. His sacrifice will never be forgotten. As the Gospel of Matthew says: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Rest in peace, Deputy Pickett.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a Hoosier hero who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Deputy Jacob Pickett of the Boone County Sheriff's Office was killed in the line of duty on March 2, 2018. Jacob was a five year veteran in law enforcement and served as the leader in the department's K-9 unit. He held the rank of Sheriff Deputy in Boone County. One of Indiana's finest, Jacob is a hero. He acted selflessly on a day that took an unexpected and fatal turn. But he died doing what he was trained to do: protecting the thin blue line and keeping the community he loved safe from harm's grasp. He is a reminder that we must never take for granted the sacrifice of those who live serving others while putting their lives on the line. Jacob was a Brownsburg, Indiana native and pursued his dream of becoming a police officer after graduating from Brownsburg High School. His passion and commitment to law enforcement gained him notoriety among his colleagues as he joined the ranks at the Boone County Sheriff's Office. He became notable in handling the K-9 division and was rarely seen without his partner `Brik', a brown and black German Shepherd. Jacob's leadership within his department and community was unmatched. Boone County citizens and all Hoosiers mourn over the loss of Jacob who was known as a man of integrity and compassion. The impact of Jacob's death bears great weight, and has left his colleagues, companions and loved ones with a deep loss. The day Jacob went on to be with our Lord and Savior, he did so by performing flawlessly at the side of his colleagues. He did not hesitate when he was called to run into the turmoil. As the Gospel of Matthew says ``Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.'' Jacob leaves behind his wife, Jennifer, two young children, and K-9 partner Brik to carry on his legacy of serving fellow Hoosiers. His passing is a great loss for our community and the State of Indiana. His sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace Deputy Pickett.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, we have done our job. President Trump is doing his. The House has passed a spending bill that keeps our government open, funds our military, and helps protect healthcare for millions of low-income children, but Senate Democrats only want to obstruct President Trump. They are opposed to a bill that has everything in it that they are not opposed to, but they hold out for more. Why? Because they are putting amnesty for illegal immigrants above law- abiding citizens. This is unacceptable. They are putting amnesty for illegal immigrants ahead of healthcare for low-income children. They are putting amnesty for illegal immigrants ahead of funding our military. They won't allow anything that includes President Trump's wall. This is inexcusable. We need border security. We need to keep our government open. We need to fund our military. And we need to provide healthcare for millions of low-income children. This is not a complicated matter, and voters should hold Democrats in the House and Senate responsible.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National School Choice Week and talk about the importance of choice for parents when deciding where to send their kids. For millions of families, their local public school simply cannot provide the education that their child needs. For instance, recovery schools create a safe environment for students who are struggling with addiction to drugs and alcohol. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood and Secondary Education, I accompanied Secretary DeVos last September when she visited the H.O.P.E. Academy, a recovery school located in Indianapolis, Indiana. There, I heard the story of Jeremy, who, like many kids, wanted to fit in. One day, Jeremy reconnected with an old friend, who offered him marijuana. Before long, he was using and selling even harder drugs. Eventually, he was blacking out and was arrested. He could not find the help he needed at his local school. Thankfully, he and his parents found and enrolled in H.O.P.E. Academy. Because of H.O.P.E. Academy, Jeremy got clean, enrolled in seminary, and met his wife. Just 1 year ago, they welcomed their first child. It is because of these stories, and so many others, Mr. Speaker, that I fully support the right of parents to find the school that works best for them and their kids.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. I rise in strong support of this bill which includes a provision identical to the legislation that I have been cosponsoring the last two Congresses, H.R. 986, the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act. I also want to thank all of the Members who came in support of this legislation here today and last Congress from this side of the aisle who stood up for the rights of sovereign nations, our friends, Native Americans, and who made very clear the issue before us today. It was mentioned by the naysayers on the other side of the aisle that the NLRA, the National Labor Relations Act, started in 1935. If you go back to that legislation--and it still exists today in the same form-- you see that Federal, State, and local governments are exempted from the act for good reason. This was supposed to always be a private sector labor relations act and bill. Now, we can argue the pros and cons of that all day long, but that is not the debate here today. The fact of the matter is that governments were specifically exempted. Mr. Speaker, why does that not include our Native American friends who have sovereign nations? You know, I took my two boys--Kathy and I took my two boys, Ryan and Teddy, to a water park this year and last year--two different cities in my district. Those cities operated the water park. They owned it. We paid the fee. We went in. We used it. The employees who worked there--and they were excellent--were exempt from the NLRA. Yet the Democrats who pander to groups left and right are now saying that they are for the sovereign rights of the government, of our Native American Tribes, but they say this isn't that bill. No, it is. It is that simple. You are either for their sovereignty, Mr. Speaker, or you are not. And that is all this bill does. It doesn't choose between friends. The Democrats do not need to worry. It is either you are for people in believing in their own destiny and manifesting it, or you think that you have to subject them to your will. That is all this bill is about. By the way, I think it is absolutely ridiculous--Dr. Roe asked the question. I won't ask the question. I will put it in statement form. I think it is absolutely ridiculous that some Members, Mr. Speaker, can come to the floor of the House today and say that this is not an important bill, that the rights of the governments of sovereign nations aren't important, and that there are other things to do. Yet, three times today, the Democrats motioned to adjourn the House, wasting precious legislative time. This bill is supported by more than 150 Tribes. The chamber of commerce supports the bill. Four Democrats cosponsor the bill, and I thank each of them for it. Last Congress, the bill passed the House with bipartisan support. And, Mr. Speaker, I suspect it will again today. Let's get this job done. Let's support our Native American friends. Let's support the sovereignty of the governments at the Federal, State, and local level. Support this bill, especially subsection 3.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute Blue Star Mothers in honor of Military Family Appreciation Month. Blue Star Mothers are mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, foster mothers and female legal guardians who have children serving in the military, Guard or Reserve, or who are veterans. These women provide support for the service members that make up our military, the veterans on the homefront, and the families of our service members and veterans. The Blue Star Mothers started in the United States 75 years ago during World War II in Flint, Michigan. On January 22, 1942, the Flint News Advertiser printed a coupon asking mothers of servicemen to return the coupon after filling it out. The following February, 300 mothers came together for their first meeting and decided to form a permanent organization. They started working in hospitals and train stations, packed care packages for soldiers, and became a working part of homeland security during times of war. Today, Blue Star Mothers have a presence in 40 states consisting of almost 300 chapters nationwide. In the State of Indiana, we have seven chapters that I would like to recognize directly. These chapters are the Blue Star Mothers of Indiana out of Monticello, the Blue Star Hoosier Mothers out of Crawfordsville, the North Central Indiana Blue Star Mothers out of Kokomo, the St. Joe Valley Blue Star Mothers out of South Bend, the Fort Wayne Area Blue Star Mothers out of Fort Wayne, the Hoosier Heartland Blue Star Mothers out of Kokomo, and the Indy Blue Star Mothers out of Indianapolis. Each of these groups has had an incredible impact on our community and on the Hoosier service members and their families. These women know what it means to serve our country. They live it each and every day. It is with their help and strength that we are able to have the greatest military the world has ever seen. Behind each of our heroes, both at home and abroad, you will likely find a Blue Star Mother providing them the support, encouragement, and courage they need to fight our foes. Mr. Speaker, we need more Americans like the Blue Star Mothers.

Mr. ROKITA

Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the India Association of Indianapolis (IAI). The IAI is a non-profit organization that unites Indian-Americans located in the central Indiana area. It has become a vital cultural bridge between Indian-Hoosiers and the community. The IAI was founded in 1968 by fifteen families living in the Indianapolis area. Today, the IAI has a membership that exceeds 2,000 families and continues to climb. There are over 30,000 Indian-Americans living in the Indiana. The IAI has been a valuable voice for all Indian-Hoosiers and has increased understanding of India, Indian people, and Indian culture in central Indiana. The mission of the IAI is to promote the cultural activities of India, to foster cultural exchange between people of India and the USA, and to carry out educational and charitable activities. Over the course of the last 50 years, the IAI has performed its mission admirably and has enriched the community immeasurably. It has played a crucial role to protecting, preserving, and promoting Indian traditions and has showcased the beauty of India to the Indianapolis community. Whether it's the annual Diwali celebration, the Holi Festival, the yearly marking of India's independence, or a cricket game meant to foster friendship between the Indian and Pakistani-American community, the IAI has been a constant force of goodwill in Central Indiana. The IAI has grown exponentially since it was founded and is destined to do bigger and better things in the future. Indiana is lucky to have such an organization in its midst and I acknowledge the IAI, its leadership, and all its members. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, I would like to salute the India Association of Indianapolis.