Peter Visclosky

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, on April 3, 2017, and April 4, 2017, I was absent from the House and missed Roll Call Votes 209 through 216. Had I been present for Roll Call Vote 209, on passage of H. Res. 92, I would have voted Yes. Had I been present for Roll Call Vote 210, on passage of H.R. 479, I would have voted Yes. Had I been present for Roll Call Vote 211, on ordering the previous question, I would have voted No. Had I been present for Roll Call Vote 212, on agreeing to H. Res. 241, I would have voted No. Had I been present for Roll Call Vote 213, on ordering the previous question, I would have voted No. Had I been present for Roll Call Vote 214, on agreeing to H. Res. 240, I would have voted No. Had I been present for Roll Call Vote 215, on the motion to recommit H.R. 1343, I would have voted Yes. Had I been present for Roll Call Vote 216, on passage of H.R. 1343, I would have voted No.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, on March 27, 2017, I was absent from the House and missed roll call votes 195 through 196. Had I been present for roll call 195, a vote on H.R. 1117, a measure to require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to submit a report regarding certain plans regarding assistance to applicants and grantees during the response to an emergency or disaster, I would have voted ``Aye.'' Had I been present for roll call 196, a vote on H.R. 654, The Pacific Northwest Earthquake Preparedness Act of 2017, I would have voted ``Aye.''

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the rule and the underlying legislation. I believe that the purpose of any healthcare legislation should be to improve the well-being of our Nation's citizens and to allow for access to quality and affordable health care for all. I think, particularly, the gentlemen from Massachusetts and Florida ably describe why today's legislation fails those tests. I would add that it will also jeopardize the healthcare coverage of over 429,000 Hoosiers currently enrolled in Indiana's expansion of Medicaid, the Healthy Indiana Plan. Further, I believe it is disingenuous that, if this bill is successful, the House will have pushed numerous adverse consequences until after the next congressional election. Congress should work to improve the Affordable Care Act. Congress should work to ensure affordable pharmaceutical products. Congress should act for the health concerns still facing ordinary Americans. But today's legislation does no such thing. I find it unacceptable, and I urge my colleagues to oppose the legislation. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the American Health Care Act. I believe that the purpose of any health care legislation should be to improve the health and well-being of our nation's citizens, and to allow for access to quality and affordable health care for all. That is why in the 111th Congress I was proud to support the Affordable Care Act. As a result of this landmark legislation, 19 million people in the United States now have health insurance coverage who did not before, and over nine-in-ten individuals in my home state of Indiana now have health insurance. Regretfully, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the legislation we are considering today will leave approximately 14 million more Americans without health care insurance by 2018, and this number will continue to rise to an estimated 24 million by 2026. I am especially concerned that the American Health Care Act will jeopardize the health care coverage of the over 429,000 Hoosiers currently enrolled in Indiana's expansion of Medicaid, also known as the Healthy Indiana Plan. Further, I believe it is especially disingenuous that if this bill passes today, this institution will have pushed the financial cuts to programs like the Healthy Indiana Plan conveniently until after the next congressional election. The Act before us also would negatively impact the health of millions of women and men who receive the medical services provided by Planned Parenthood. Additionally, it would not improve the well-being of our nation's elderly by allowing providers to charge older enrollees up to five times as much as younger individuals. Finally, I would note with great concern that a provision was just added to the American Health Care Act today that would remove the requirement that insurers cover life-saving, essential health benefits, including maternal and pediatric services, rehabilitative therapy, and mental health and substance abuse treatment. Congress should work to improve the Affordable Care Act and address important health concerns facing ordinary Americans, such as the rising cost of prescription drugs. But today's bill does no such thing. It is unacceptable and I urge my colleagues to oppose this legislation.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I would simply follow up on the chairman's remarks, and I also want to congratulate Mr. Smith on his life of service to his country. Mr. Pomerantz on our side was also mentioned. Again, both gentlemen and their service to this country are a reflection on public service, and I appreciate it very much on behalf of all of us in this Chamber. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Ruppersberger), who is also a member of the Defense Subcommittee.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentlewoman.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee), who is a member of the full Appropriations Committee.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur), a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I will end where I began, and that is because I think this will be the last time that the chair and I manage a Defense Appropriations bill together on the floor. It has been a delightful relationship, and I look forward to it continuing as you are chairman of the full committee. Again, I thank the staff and look forward to working with Chairwoman Granger, and I also ask my colleagues to support the bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey), the ranking member of the full committee.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by congratulating Chairman Frelinghuysen on bringing his first full bill to the House floor as chairman of the Appropriations Committee. I have greatly appreciated his friendship and steady leadership of the Defense Subcommittee. Further, I also thank our new subcommittee chairwoman, Kay Granger. She has been a great partner in completing the work on the fiscal year 2017 conference report, and I look forward to working with her as we proceed. Finally, I thank the members of the subcommittee and our extraordinary staff for their wisdom and for their long hours that they have logged in putting this product together. The chairman has well described H.R. 1301. I would add that this bill includes strong positions countering Russian aggression, building partnership capacity, and supporting readiness. Because it is a product of bipartisan negotiation, this is a good bill, and I intend to support it. Despite my support for this legislation, I am extremely troubled that we are still working on the fiscal year 2017 Defense bill 5 months and 8 days into the fiscal year. For nearly 6 months, the Department of Defense has been operating under two separate continuing resolutions, which wastes the time of people's lives and leads to inefficiencies in spending. I would emphasize this is not the fault of the committee. All that has been absent is the lack of political will on behalf of the majority party. Even more disconcerting is the fact that the Defense Appropriations Act is just one of 11 fiscal year 2017 appropriations bills that need to be completed by the end of next month. There is no excuse for them remaining unfinished. The investments made through these bills are vital to so many in our country, and they need equal attention from Congress and the administration. It is imperative that we strive every day to prioritize keeping America safe and supporting our brave servicemembers, but we must also prioritize educating our workforce, making improvements in public health, in science, and in our economic and transportation infrastructure. If we neglect these investments in our future and in the well-being and success of current families and future generations, then I am deeply concerned that we will not have a country worth defending. Confounding a confused fiscal situation, there is a $30 billion supplemental request for fiscal year 2017 recently submitted to the Office of Management and Budget by the Department of Defense, which should make its way to Congress in the next few weeks. Additionally, as the administration modifies its fiscal year 2018 budget request, they are without a predictable base on which to build. There is very little margin of error, given the few legislative days remaining before the continuing resolution expires on April 28. I, and I believe the chairman, do not view that date as another point for negotiation. It is an absolute deadline, and the value of this bill and every other appropriations bill diminishes the day they are not enacted. In closing, I again appreciate the leadership and the management of this wonderful work by our chairman, Mr. Frelinghuysen. Going forward, I will work hard with the chairman. I will work hard with Chairwoman Granger, with Ranking Member Lowey, and the other members of our full committee to return the appropriations process to its normal schedule. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum), who is a member of the Subcommittee on Defense.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and sincerity that I take this time to congratulate twenty-five individuals who will take their oaths of citizenship on Friday, March 10, 2017. This memorable occasion, presided over by Judge Philip P. Simon, will be held at the United States Courthouse and Federal Building in Hammond, Indiana. America is a country founded by immigrants. From its beginning, settlers have come from countries around the world to the United States in search of better lives for their families. Oath ceremonies are a shining example of what is so great about the United States of America, that people from all over the world can come together and unite as members of a free, democratic nation. These individuals realize that nowhere else in the world offers a better opportunity for success than here in America. On March 10, 2017, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, will take their oaths of citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Arturo Abel Diaz Pena, Lakshmi Sowmya Koppineedi, Abel Ruiz Romero, Pierre Remon Halteh, Dayanara Calix, Vanessa Yalen Cardenas, Carlos Alberto Uribe Schiaffino, Mohammad Abdelqader, Anna Broda- Stephens, Alicia Castaneda, Amilcar Chavez, Lupita Cortes, Nancy Nasilele Imasiku, Paulina Landeros Salazar, Mi Young Youn, Jay Joohyoung Lee, Xinyu Kevin Liu, Roberto Martinez, Ishaq Mohammed, Mercy Dickson Mtika-Nyirenda, Maria Pacheco, Antonia Roman, Luis Alberto Salas, Maria de Lourdes Sanchez de Flores, and Jacob James Yang. Although each individual has sought to become a citizen of the United States for his or her own reasons, be it for education, occupation, or to offer their loved ones better lives, each is inspired by the fact that the United States of America is, as Abraham Lincoln described it, a country ``. . . of the people, by the people, and for the people.'' They realize that the United States is truly a free nation. By seeking American citizenship, they have made the decision that they want to live in a place where, as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution, they can practice religion as they choose, speak their minds without fear of punishment, and assemble in peaceful protest should they choose to do so. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating these individuals who will become citizens of the United States of America on March 10, 2017. They, too, will be American citizens, and they, too, are guaranteed the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We, as a free and democratic nation, congratulate them and welcome them.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I take this time to honor a dear friend and one of Indiana's finest citizens, Indiana Supreme Court Justice Robert Rucker, and to wish him well upon his retirement. Throughout his many years of public service, Justice Rucker has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his fellow Hoosiers. After nearly two decades on the Indiana Supreme Court, Justice Rucker will be retiring this spring. He has left an indelible mark as an outstanding public servant, and for this, he is worthy of the highest praise. Justice Rucker grew up in Gary, Indiana, and graduated from Gary Roosevelt High School. Before embarking on his legal career, Justice Rucker, a decorated veteran of the United States Army, honorably served his country during the Vietnam War. He went on to receive a bachelor's degree from Indiana University in 1974 before completing the Juris Doctor at the Valparaiso University School of Law in 1976. A devoted legal scholar, Justice Rucker has also earned a Master of Laws degree in the judicial process from the University of Virginia School of Law. In 1991, following many remarkable years of service to the Northwest Indiana community, Justice Rucker was appointed to the Indiana Court of Appeals by Governor Evan Bayh, becoming the first African American to serve on an Indiana appellate court. In 1999, he was appointed by Governor Frank O'Bannon to the Indiana Supreme Court. Throughout his illustrious judicial career, he has authored more than 1,200 civil and criminal opinions. He has served on numerous boards and committees including the Indiana Commission for Continuing Legal Education, Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, Northwest Indiana Legal Services Organization, and the Judicial Council of the National Bar Association. Justice Rucker's colleagues could not hold him in higher esteem, stating that ``His work stands as a powerful illustration of the guidance courts provide for the peaceful resolution of disputes encompassing nearly every facet of Hoosier life.'' They have said that what is most admirable about him is his commitment to seek equality for all people. ``He always had the courage and fortitude to protect the rights of all, regardless of their state in life. He has the ability to stand in the shoes of any person and understand their plight.'' For his lifetime of leadership and his truly inspiring career in public service, Justice Rucker is to be commended. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring an outstanding servant of the public for his lifetime of service to the people of Indiana and to wish him well upon his retirement. His continuous effort to improve the quality of life for all Hoosiers is truly admirable, and we have been blessed to have had his presence in the judiciary for so long. Justice Rucker's legacy will endure as a source of pride for the First Congressional District, and his selfless service is to be emulated and admired.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere appreciation and deep respect that I recognize the 75th Anniversary of the United States Navy's military construction force, the Seabees. For their contributions to our military and to countless individuals throughout the world, as well as their courage while facing danger head on, these brave and skilled service members are to be commended. In December 1941, following the tragic events at Pearl Harbor, the United States Navy recognized the need for the presence of construction battalions on our nation's coasts. It was from this realization that the Seabees came to be. The earliest Seabees, who served under the Navy's Civil Engineer Corps, were recruited with an emphasis on their skills in the construction trades, but due to the dangerous situations they would encounter, these men, who averaged 37 years of age, also needed to be ready and able to fight. Since World War II, the Seabees have put themselves in harm's way while performing construction projects to aid their fellow service members, as well as civilians affected by both war and natural disasters. In World War II alone, more than 325,000 Seabees served on six continents and were tasked with everything from the construction of airstrips, bridges, and roads to the building of hospitals, warehouses, and an incredible number of huts to house more than 1.5 million military members. During the Korean War, the Seabees were called upon to address a problem that was thought to be impossible. These skilled men managed to cut a mountain in half to make a runway at Cubi Point, located in the Philippines, while constructing a much-needed naval air station in the region. Throughout the war in Vietnam, the Seabees remained active in the construction of bridges, roads, and aircraft facilities while also providing much support to the people of Vietnam through the building of wells, schools, hospitals, and utilities. They also shared their expert knowledge and skills to train the Vietnamese people toward self-sufficiency. Efforts to support construction needs for the military and in supporting those affected by war have continued throughout the Persian Gulf War as well as in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Seabees have also been called upon time and time again to provide much needed assistance, both within our borders and beyond, during times of crisis and devastation. From Hurricane Camille in 1969, to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, to the 2010 and 2011 disastrous earthquakes and tsunami that rocked Haiti and Japan, and many times in between, the Seabees have courageously put themselves in danger while working on rescue and cleanup efforts, as well as the vast rebuilding needed in these dire situations. They have been instrumental in rebuilding roads, housing, and the critical ports that were required for humanitarian supplies to reach these countries. In many of these instances, without the skilled and dedicated efforts of the Seabees, the outcomes would have been much worse for many more people. Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring the many dedicated Seabees who have served our nation for the past 75 years. They represent an important part of the United States Military, and are a true example of unwavering patriotism. Let us never forget the service, sacrifice, and contributions they made and continue to make on behalf of our nation, their fellow service members, and those in need throughout the world.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I take this time to recognize Purdue University Northwest as the college celebrates the first anniversary of Founders Day, which took place on March 6, 2017. The successful unification of two college campuses into a single university led to the creation of Purdue University Northwest, which is one of the first educational mergers in Indiana. The merger creates more choices for students, promotes a regional identity, and contributes to economic development in Northwest Indiana. In recognition of this day, we honor and commend the outstanding contributions Purdue University Northwest has made to the community of Northwest Indiana and beyond. A comprehensive regional university, Purdue Northwest offers award winning undergraduate and master's degree programs, a nursing practice doctorate, a full athletic program, student housing, international student programs, and innovative research centers and institutes. These programs have been a tremendous benefit to the local community through the fostering of a culture of innovation, which is so crucial in today's ever-changing economy. During World War II, technical classes were offered to region plant workers, which was part of a national defense training program. Purdue decided to continue to offer courses in Northwest Indiana after the war ended, and in 1946, classes were held at various locations throughout the area. Over time, two campuses emerged, with some 77,000 degrees earned by graduates. Currently, Purdue Northwest offers more than seventy state-of-the- art programs to approximately 13,350 students. Additionally, innovative and passionate staff, faculty, department heads, and leadership, including former chancellors and the current chancellor, Dr. Thomas L. Keon, are held in the highest esteem for their unwavering dedication, which has contributed to the success of Purdue University Northwest. Their expertise in the field of education has been a remarkable asset to the region, and their tireless efforts have enhanced the lives of Purdue University Northwest's many students and alumni. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating Purdue University Northwest on the first anniversary of Founders Day. The merger has improved educational opportunities for the institution's current students and will positively impact the lives of countless scholars for years to come.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I take this time to honor my friend, Terry Lynch, and to wish him well upon his retirement from his position as Vice President of the Heat and Frost Insulators International. Mr. Lynch retired from his post at the end of 2016, and for his many years of service and expertise in the field, he is to be commended. Terry has devoted his life to the interests of men and women in the trades, and for his unwavering dedication, he is worthy of the highest praise. Terry Lynch has served in numerous leadership roles throughout his illustrious career. In 1970, he began his apprenticeship with Asbestos Workers Local 17 in Chicago, Illinois, before receiving his journeyman card in 1974. In 1980, Terry was elected Vice President of Local 17, before being selected to serve as the union's Corresponding, Recording, and Financial Secretary in 1984. Terry served in this capacity until 1986 when he was elected Trustee for Local 17's health, welfare, pension, and annuity funds. He also served as chairman of those jointly trusted funds and for the joint apprenticeship training committee. In 1996, Mr. Lynch was chosen to serve as Business Manager of the Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers Local 17. He was elected to the position from which he retired, International Vice President at Large, in September 2002. Moreover, Terry served the international union as Legislative and Political Director and Health Hazard Administrator. Each and every day, Terry has cherished the honor and responsibility that comes with being an elected union leader. He has worked tirelessly to end the scourge of asbestos and to promote health initiatives to protect families impacted by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related health conditions. Terry has supported mechanical insulation, creating additional work opportunities for his fellow union members. Mr. Lynch is also a member and past admiral of the Pirates, a group comprised of individuals from union labor and management in Northwest Indiana dedicated to helping children with Down syndrome. Terry is truly an asset to the industry and to the community, and his passion and steadfast dedication serve as an inspiration to us all. Terry's commitment to the community and his career is exceeded only by his devotion to his amazing family. Terry and his loving wife of forty-seven years, Denise, have one son, Jason, and one grandson, Connor. I am proud that Terry Lynch is my friend, and I cannot thank him enough for all that he has done for me over the years. I am even more grateful for what he has done for so many for so long, strangers and friends alike. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring Terry Lynch for his outstanding contributions to Local 17 and the Heat and Frost Insulators International, and to wish him well upon his retirement. For many years, Terry has displayed his unwavering loyalty to members of the insulator trades, and his numerous positions have provided him the opportunity to touch the lives of countless individuals.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I rise today in observance of Women's History Month and its 2017 theme: Honoring Trailblazing Women in Labor and Business. Each year, the National Women's History Project selects a unifying theme to recognize and promote Women's History Month. This year's theme features the stories of women from diverse backgrounds and different fields who have challenged and changed the paid labor force to secure equal rights and equal opportunities for women in the workplace. Despite facing barriers in the workplace, women have always worked and, at times in America's history, have provided the majority of the volunteer labor force. Women of every race, class, and ethnic background are woven into the history of our nation's labor force and continue to significantly impact social and legal structure in the workplace. Longstanding constraints, including religious and educational conventions, often meant women experienced limited opportunities, low wages, and poor working conditions while performing low-skill, short- term labor positions in the American workforce. Strong role models such as Kate Mullany and Lucy Gonzalez-Parsons were pioneers in the organized labor field in the late 19th century through the turn of 20th century. These women forged the way for other women in all professions, trades, and the arts and sciences to organize for better working conditions and fair wages. Because of these courageous trailblazers, women today, such as Yvonne Walker, the first African-American woman to serve as President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and Lily Ledbetter, whose landmark Supreme Court case of employee discrimination brought about legislative changes and the eponymous Fair Pay Act of 2009, women today are empowered to serve as activists in the fight for fairness in the workplace. These remarkable women were leaders and organizers who not only secured their own rights and access to equal opportunity but also served as a voice for many women who were undervalued and underpaid. Women today continue to carry the torch to secure workplace justice and equality and to contest and challenge norms in the American workforce. These female entrepreneurs, labor leaders, and innovators have challenged stereotypes and social assumptions about who women are and what they can achieve. These strong women, past and present, serve as remarkable role models who reflect the 2017 theme, Honoring Trailblazing Women in Labor and Business. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to join in celebrating Women's History Month and to recognize that after decades of dedication, perseverance, contributions, and advances, the stories of American women from all cultures and classes are being printed, spoken, recognized, and celebrated. In an effort to illustrate the many courageous and dedicated women throughout America's history, we remember and recount the tales of our ancestors' talents, sacrifices, and commitments that serve as an inspiration to today's generation of both women and men. I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in celebrating meaningful and substantial impact women have had in labor and business throughout our nation's history.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, on February 14, 2017, I was absent from the House and missed Roll Call Votes 88 through 92. Had I been present for Roll Call Vote 88, on ordering the previous question, I would have voted ``No.'' Had I been present for Roll Call Vote 89, on agreeing to the resolution, H.Res. 99, providing for consideration of H.R. 428, the Red River Gradient Boundary Survey Act, and H.J. Res. 42, Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to drug testing of unemployment compensation applicants, I would have voted ``No.'' Had I been present for Roll Call Vote 90, on ordering the previous question, I would have voted ``No.'' Had I been present for Roll Call Vote 91, on agreeing to the resolution, H.Res. 116, providing for consideration of H.J. Res. 66, Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to savings arrangements established by States for non-governmental employees and H.J. Res. 67, Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to savings arrangements established by qualified State political subdivisions for non-governmental employees, I would have voted ``No.'' Had I been present for Roll Call Vote 92, on passage of H.R. 428-- Red River Gradient Boundary Survey Act, I would have voted ``No.''

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise today to celebrate Black History Month and its 2017 theme--The Crisis in Black Education. This year's theme reflects on the crucial role of education in the past, present, and future of the African American community. As Americans, we come together to commend the many educators, writers, and mentors who have worked so diligently to improve educational opportunities for African American students throughout the country, but we must acknowledge that there is still much more progress to be made. Throughout American history, the unfortunate reality is that there have been racial barriers to equal education. The crisis in black education began during the era of slavery when it was against the law for slaves to learn how to read and write. Before the Civil War, free blacks in northern cities had to walk long distances to attend the one school regulated solely for African American students, while this limitation did not exist for white children. By 1910, segregation was established throughout the south. African American schools were of lower quality and received less government funding per student than in white schools. During the Civil Rights Movement, significant steps toward positive change were made, including the Supreme Court case of Brown vs. Board of Education, which outlawed segregated school facilities for black and white students at the state level. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 ended state and local laws requiring segregation. Today, many African American youth remain exposed to public school systems where resources are limited, overcrowding occurs, and a glaring racial achievement gap is evident, especially in urban areas. As Americans, we must continue to work together to resolve the crisis in black education as it is, without a doubt, one of the most critical issues facing our communities. This month and always, it is important that we honor and celebrate America's greatest advocates for equal rights and civil liberties. Along with this month's theme, we honor those who have fought for equal educational opportunities for African Americans, including Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. Du Bois, Cornell West, Maxine Smith, Carlotta Walls LaNier, Joe Lewis Clark, Fannie Jackson Coppin, and Alexander Crummell, among many others. As we pay tribute to these heroes of American history, let us remember their profound perseverance, sacrifice, and struggle in the fight for freedom and equality, and the remarkable impact their contributions have had in shaping our great nation. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in celebrating Black History Month and honoring those who fought, and continue to fight, for civil rights and justice. We honor the African American educators, scholars, and supporters of educational equality, who have played such a critical role in changing the landscape of American society for the better. As we reflect on the state of black education, let us never forget the struggle of our predecessors while remembering that there is still much work to be done.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and sincerity that I take this time to congratulate thirty individuals who will take their oath of citizenship on Friday, February 3, 2017. This memorable occasion, presided over by Magistrate Judge Paul R. Cherry, will be held at the United States Courthouse and Federal Building in Hammond, Indiana. America is a country founded by immigrants. From its beginning, settlers have come from countries around the world to the United States in search of better lives for their families. Oath ceremonies are a shining example of what is so great about the United States of America--that people from all over the world can come together and unite as members of a free, democratic nation. These individuals realize that nowhere else in the world offers a better opportunity for success than here in America. On February 3, 2017, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, will take their oaths of citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Maria Alvarado, Maria Angeles Avalos, Martha Patricia Bello, Esteban Campos, Grace Carrillo, Erick Chay, Maribel Galicia, Jose Dolores Garcia, Jessica Elizabeth Hopkins, Maria Dolores Ibarra, Kristina Kiselinova, Brenda Melina Larson, John Richard Latka, Judith Love, Ivica Jovan Markovic, Matilde Martinez, Ivan de Jesus Martinez Desiderio, Hector Gabriel Martiniez, Janice Uyen Nguyen, Adrian Nunez, Blagoja Petkovski, Lidia Esther Guevara Galindo, Yolanda Ramirez, Simona Simental, Fellisia Suboh, Jeidi Torres, Jonathan Treto, Luz Valdez, Froylan Vega, and Enrique Vilches. Although each individual has sought to become a citizen of the United States for his or her own reasons, be it for education, occupation, or to offer their loved ones better lives, each is inspired by the fact that the United States of America is, as Abraham Lincoln described it, a country ``. . . of the people, by the people, and for the people.'' They realize that the United States is truly a free nation. By seeking American citizenship, they have made the decision that they want to live in a place where, as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution, they can practice religion as they choose, speak their minds without fear of punishment, and assemble in peaceful protest should they choose to do so. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating these individuals who will become citizens of the United States of America on February 3, 2017. They, too, will be American citizens, and they, too, are guaranteed the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We, as a free and democratic nation, congratulate them and welcome them.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and reflect on his life and work, we are reminded of the challenges that democracy poses to us and the delicate nature of liberty. Dr. King's life and, unfortunately, his untimely death, remind us that we must continually work to secure and protect our freedoms. In his courage to act, his willingness to meet challenges, and his ability to achieve, Dr. King embodied all that is good and true in the battle for liberty. The spirit of Dr. King lives on in the citizens of communities throughout our nation. It lives on in the people whose actions reflect the spirit of resolve and achievement that will help move our country into the future. I am honored to rise today to recognize several individuals from Indiana's First Congressional District who will be recognized during the 38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast on Saturday, January 14, 2017, at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, Indiana. The Gary Frontiers Service Club, which was founded in 1952, sponsors this annual breakfast. The Gary Frontiers Service Club will pay tribute to local individuals who have for decades selflessly contributed to improving the quality of life for the people of Gary. This year, Denise C. Dillard and Deacon James Holloway will be honored with the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award. Additionally, several individuals will be recognized as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Marchers at this year's breakfast including Vanessa Allen Ed.D., Natalie Ammons, WD Brewer, Patrician Owens-Lee, Reverend R. Jerry Protho, and Kerry Rice Sr. In addition, Dorothy R. Leavell, editor and publisher of The Gary Crusader, will be the recipient of the 2017 Gary Frontiers Gratitude Award. Though very different in nature, the achievements of each of these individuals reflect many of the same attributes that Dr. King possessed, as well as the values he advocated. Like Dr. King, these individuals saw challenges and faced them with unwavering strength and determination. Each one of the honored guests' greatness has been found in their willingness to serve with ``a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.'' They set goals and work selflessly to make them a reality. Mr. Speaker, I invite you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending these honorees, as well as the Gary Frontiers Service Club officers, President Oliver J. Gilliam, Vice President James Piggee, Recording Secretary Linnal Ford, Financial Secretary Melvin Ward, and Treasurer/Seventh District Director Floyd Donaldson, along with Clorius L. Lay, who has served as Breakfast Chairman for sixteen years, and all other members of the service club for their initiative, determination, and dedication to serving the people of Northwest Indiana.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I am sorely disappointed that, despite the very best efforts of Chairman Rogers, Mrs. Lowey, and all of the members of our committee, we yet again find ourselves in the position of considering another continuing resolution. In June, on the floor, I stated that our fiscal year begins on October 1, 2016, and not May 1, 2017, and that it is the responsibility of those of us holding office in this session of this Congress to execute the 2017 appropriations process. We should not foist our responsibility upon the next. Unfortunately, almost 6 months later, it is appropriate to repeat myself. As the ranking member on the Defense Subcommittee, I feel it is important to highlight some of the complications that we are compounding for next year, again, despite the very best efforts of Chairman Frelinghuysen and the members of our subcommittee and the full committee. First, the CR hinders the DoD from adapting to emergency conditions around the globe. Although we have included a few adjustments in this CR, many more programs and initiatives were not addressed, and we will have created unforeseen but real impacts to our warfighters and their families. Second, the defense budget that we are deferring was planned for back in late 2015. Our actions to complete the fiscal year 2017 appropriations process by April 28 will present the Department with a fundamental management challenge. Third, it will require a significant amount of interchange with the DOD for Congress to complete the work for the remainder of this fiscal year's appropriation into spring. Those same individuals and offices in the Department will simultaneously be making adjustments to the 2018 budget for the new administration. While it is likely that a 2018 budget request will be delayed beyond the normal first week in February, the two activities will overlap significantly, and it creates inefficiencies. Let me also point out the Department will be well into the development of its fiscal year 2019 budget at the same time. The Department will be presenting the fiscal year 2018 budget to the Congress. At the same time, it will patiently be waiting for the resolution of this budget, all the while operating under 2016 levels that we have now extended with two consecutive CRs. This CR has the likelihood of being particularly disruptive because it also coincides with the change in the executive branch. So while claiming to recognize the difficulty the new President faces, we add a much greater burden to the incoming administration and the next Congress by not completing our work now. In closing, I again appreciate the work of the chairman, the ranking member, the staff, and the committee. I regret that we find ourselves on the House floor again creating manufactured uncertainty. I am sorely disappointed that despite the very best efforts of Chairman Rogers, Ranking Member Lowey, and the members of our committee, we yet again find ourselves in the position of considering another Continuing Resolution (CR). In June, during the debate on the House floor for H.R. 5293, the Fiscal Year 2017 Defense Appropriations Act, I expressed my concerns with that bill because it did not provide enough funding to support the warfighter for the full fiscal year. Specifically, I stated that our ``fiscal year begins on October 1, 2016, not May 1, 2017, and it is the responsibility of those of us holding office in the 2nd session of the 114th Congress to execute the FY 2017 appropriations process,'' and that we should demonstrate some legislative pragmatism and not foist our responsibility upon the 115th Congress. Unfortunately, almost exactly six months later, it is appropriate to repeat myself. Only in this circumstance it is applicable to nearly the entire federal government and not just a small portion of the Defense Appropriations Bill. With regard to the CR, I grant that it has some positive aspects. Most notably it averts a government shutdown until at least April 28, 2017. It provides much needed funding to the Department of Defense for Overseas Contingency Operations and the European Reassurance Initiative. And it contains $170 million to address the infrastructure and health needs of those communities affected by contaminated drinking water. However, CRs are no way to run a nation and I wholeheartedly agree with Ranking Member Lowey that there is no practical reason that two months into a fiscal year, we are kicking the can down the road for another five months. Congress has no credibility to demand good government if it is incapable of providing appropriations to the whole of the federal government in a timely and predictable manner. As the Ranking Member on the Defense Subcommittee, I feel it is important to highlight some of the complications we are compounding in 2017 should the Department of Defense have to operate under a CR for a total of 6 months and 28 days. First, CRs hinder the DoD from adapting to emerging conditions around the globe. Although we are including a few anomalies and adjustments in this CR, many more programs and initiatives simply did not make the ``cut-list'' and we will have created unforeseen but real impacts to our warfighters and their families. Second, the defense budget we are deferring was planned for back in late 2015. Our actions to complete the FY 2017 appropriations by April 28, 2017, will be challenged in synchronizing a final budget solution that is at a minimum 16 months later than when it was drafted and planned by the Defense Department. Third, it will require a significant amount of interchange with the DoD for Congress to complete the work on the remainder of the FY 2017 appropriations in the spring. Those same individuals and offices in the Department will simultaneously be making adjustments to the FY 2018 budget for the new administration. And while it is likely that the FY 2018 budget request will be delayed beyond the normal first Tuesday in February delivery, the two activities will overlap significantly, which is incredibly inefficient. Let me just further that thought by acknowledging that the Department will be well into their development of the FY 2019 budget at that same time. They will be presenting the FY 2018 budget to this Congress. And patiently waiting for resolution of this FY 2017 budget. All the while operating at FY 2016 levels that we extended in two consecutive CRs because we cannot find the initiative and political will to complete our jobs. And this CR has the likelihood of being particularly disruptive because it also coincides with a change in the Executive Branch. As has been pointed out, no incoming Administration has ever had to inherit a Department of Defense operating under a CR. So while claiming to recognize the difficulty a new President faces by including a provision to allow the expedited consideration in the Senate of legislation that overrides current law in the appointment of the next Secretary of Defense, we add a much greater burden to the incoming administration and Congress by not completing the FY 2017 Appropriation process. I understand that Chairman Rogers has described the legislation before us as just a Band-Aid to give us time to complete the annual appropriations process. That is unfortunately a refrain we have heard too often in recent Congresses. In what fiscal year will we stop putting Band-Aids over our self-inflicted wounds to the appropriations process? The American people deserve so much more. In closing, I regret that we again find ourselves on the House floor creating manufactured uncertainty. It is imperative that we bring an end to the reliance on CRs and get back into the habit of completing our budgetary work in a timely manner.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the State of Indiana's Bicentennial Anniversary. 200 years ago, on December 11, 1816, our great state was admitted to be a part of the United States of America, and I am so proud to call Indiana and its Northwest region my home. I believe that Northwest Indiana is the best place in the world to live, work, visit, study, and raise a family, and it is an honor and privilege to represent this area on the 200th Birthday of our state. I also want to thank my Indiana colleagues for establishing the time today to discuss this historic event. It is always a privilege to be able to work with you, along with Senator Coats and Senator Donnelly, on behalf of the issues that impact our great state. Our state and our region have a rich history in agriculture production, and in addition to the value of Indiana land, I believe that people have been drawn to Northwest Indiana because of the pristine beauty of our lakeshore and the Lake Michigan water. We are so fortunate to be situated along the largest body of fresh water on the planet. For 200 years, our shoreline has been an invaluable natural asset that has attracted people and has driven economic opportunities, and I have no doubt that it will continue to do so for the next 200 years and beyond. We also are fortunate that over a hundred years ago, businesses saw the value in the Northwest region of Indiana and decided to make investments to create unprecedented steel mills and oil refineries. It is because of these investments in Northwest Indiana that our steelworkers and steel mills are able to currently make the best and most efficient steel in the world. No other area of our country makes more steel than Northwest Indiana. Steel is the foundation of our economy, our national defense, and is essential for our transportation infrastructure. It has been an economic engine for our state this past century and we must continue to work to see that our industrial base and Indiana manufacturing continue to power us forward in future centuries. Finally, I am proud of all the hardworking people in Northwest Indiana and our state and the contributions that they have provided to our nation over the past 200 years. They have built transportation infrastructure in our state that connects rail, road, and waterway systems that traverse our nation. Our airports and ports along Lake Michigan serve as gateways to connect people and economic activity within our state to the rest of the world. Our Indiana National Guard servicemembers have also selflessly protected us every day of our past 200 years, including during the Civil War and the over 17,000 servicemembers who have been deployed overseas since September 11, 2001. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me now in celebrating the vibrant history of Indiana's steel and manufacturing industries, our unparalleled natural resources, and our industrious and courageous people, by wishing Indiana a very happy 200th Birthday.