Peter Visclosky

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, today it is with profound respect that I take this time to honor one of Indiana's foremost citizens, State Senator Earline Rogers. A retired public school teacher, Earline has consistently distinguished herself as a pillar of her community, a voice for children, and a selfless public servant. Serving in the Indiana General Assembly for thirty-four years, Senator Rogers will be retiring this year after a truly monumental career. Born in Gary, Indiana, Earline Rogers was inspired at an early age to be a force for positive change by her father, Earl Smith Sr., and her mother, Robbie. Employed as a steelworker, Earl worked tirelessly alongside his wife to support Earline and her four siblings, Gerry, Bobby, Earl Jr., and Denice. Taking on two part-time jobs in addition to his full-time position at the steel mill, Earl was determined to see his children graduate high school and attend college. Earline fulfilled her parents' dream and graduated as senior class president with honors from Roosevelt High School in Gary, and went on to earn Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Education from Indiana University. Following her undergraduate studies, Earline began her career teaching in the Gary Community School Corporation, and soon became active in the American Federation of Teachers union, working to provide teachers with the best resources to educate their students and provide them with pathways to success. Senator Rogers was elected to the Gary Common Council in 1980, and broke barriers serving as the Council's first female president. In 1982, Senator Rogers was elected to the Indiana House of Representatives, and in 1990, she became a member of the Indiana Senate where she has served for the past twenty- six years representing Indiana Senate District 3. In particular, Senator Rogers has most recently served as the Indiana Senate Minority Whip, and as the Ranking Minority Member on the Education and Career Development Committee as well as the Family and Children Services Committee. Senator Rogers had also served on the Appropriations, Homeland Security and Transportation, Veterans Affairs and the Military, and Pensions and Labor Committees, and as a member of the Indiana Education Roundtable. Since entering public service, Senator Rogers has established herself as one of Indiana's most accomplished and effective legislators, working across the aisle with her colleagues to improve the lives of all Hoosiers, notably to protect the safety, rights, and educational opportunities of our youngest citizens. In particular, Senator Rogers authored Jojo's Law, which mandates that all vehicles for ten or more passengers utilized by public schools, preschools, or licensed day care centers must meet the same safety standards as school buses. Senator Rogers also created Heather's Law, which requires the Indiana Department of Education to develop programs for Indiana schools to better educate students about dating violence. Moreover, she has led efforts to increase anti-bullying education statewide and safeguard our students from forms of harassment outside the classroom, such as cyber- bullying. In addition, Earline Rogers was instrumental in the passage of legislation that raised the minimum age of the death penalty to 18 years of age in Indiana. Finally, Senator Rogers wrote Indiana's first bilingual-literacy program and successfully provided funding for Northwest Indiana school repair and prospective teacher training. Earline's record as an advocate for our community's most vulnerable, and for preparing our next generation of leaders, has and will continue to leave an immeasurable impact on Northwest Indiana, our state, and our country. In addition to her achievements in the realm of children and education, Senator Rogers' legislative accomplishments include filing the first bill to legalize casino and riverboat gaming in Indiana, spearheading efforts to increase job growth, and most recently, gaining legislative approval to relocate docked riverboat casinos to adjacent land. Thanks to the efforts of Senator Rogers, this industry has generated significant economic investment throughout our state. Furthermore, Senator Rogers was a leader and integral to the creation of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, an entity that currently works with local, state, and federal partners to spur regional economic development. These projects include the enrichment of the Gary/Chicago International Airport, improving access to our historic lakeshore through the Marquette Plan, investment in the recapitalization and expansion of the South Shore Rail Line, and the development of a regional bus system. Senator Rogers has fought to bring economic prosperity and opportunities to all of her constituents, and has been a transformational figure and the epitome of a public servant. Earline is married to Chuck Rogers, a retired Gary firefighter, and together they have two children, Keith Sr. and Dara, as well as a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Earline plans to spend her retirement staying active in the Gary community, including in Saint Timothy Community Church, where she has been a member for over fifty years, and looks forward to spending winters visiting her family in Arizona. I am especially proud to note that the relationship between the Smith/Rogers and Visclosky families spans four generations. As mentioned earlier in my remarks, Earline's father worked two part-time jobs in addition to his full-time employment. One of those part-time positions was working with my father in the Calumet Township Trustee's office in the 1940s and 1950s. There they began a friendship based on a profound respect for each other. To this day, my 100-year-old father, John, is proud that he attended Earline's high school graduation open house and was able to witness the beginning of her distinguished academic and professional career. That friendship has continued through my relationship with Earline and Chuck, and now spans a fourth generation with her grandson, Keith, who is currently serving in my Washington, DC, Congressional office. The Visclosky family has been blessed to have experienced such a long standing and strong relationship with individuals imbued with integrity, selflessness, and with whom we have had countless good laughs. I am proud to call Earline my friend, and I wish her the very best in this new chapter of her life. Earline has always served the citizens of Gary, Northwest Indiana, and our entire state as a passionate and compassionate public servant. For this she is worthy of the highest praise. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Indiana State Senator Earline Rogers for her life of public service, and for teaching generations of young Hoosiers to be a force for positive change, both in and out of the classroom. Senator Rogers' life has truly been a gift to us all.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and admiration that I recognize The Gary Crusader, as the company celebrates its 55th anniversary, 55 Years Highlighting our Past and Crusading for our Future. In honor of this special occasion, an anniversary gala will be held in the Hangar at B. Coleman Aviation, located at the Gary/Chicago International Airport, on June 3, 2016. The keynote speaker for the event is critically acclaimed author and renowned scholar, Michael Eric Dyson. The Gary Crusader is a weekly publication serving the City of Gary and the community of Northwest Indiana. Since its founding in 1961, by the late Balm L. Leavell Jr. and Joseph H. Jefferson, at the invitation of Kelly and Samuel Polk, the Crusader successfully upheld its mission, using its news pages to reflect on justice and equality for all people. In 1968, Mrs. Dorothy Leavell took over as editor and publisher of The Gary Crusader, after the passing of her husband, Balm Leavell. Throughout the years, Dorothy has been a strong, accomplished, and innovative business leader. The Gary Crusader is an active member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), a federation of the more than 200 African American-owned community newspapers throughout the United States. In 1995, Dorothy became the second female in history to become president of the NNPA for a two-year term and served at its president from 1995 to 1999. She also served as chairperson of the NNPA Foundation from 2006 to 2011. In August 2016, Mrs. Leavell will be inducted into the Hall of Fame of the National Association of Black Journalists. For her dedication to the City of Gary and the community of Northwest Indiana, Dorothy is worthy of the highest praise. I would like to take the time to mention some of the inspiring leaders in Northwest Indiana who have worked with The Gary Crusader to bring about positive change and to inspire the community. They include former mayor of Gary Richard Hatcher, the late Lake County Commissioner Roosevelt Allen, The Gary Crusader's first female editor, the late Dolly Millender, State Senator Earline Rogers, and Mayor Karen Freeman- Wilson, who is the honorary chairperson of the 55th anniversary gala. I would also be remiss if I do not mention the respect my father John Visclosky had for Balm Levell and the importance he attached to their wonderful friendship. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating The Gary Crusader on its 55th anniversary. For the past 55 years, the staff and leadership have touched the lives of countless individuals through their unwavering commitment to the community of Gary and throughout Northwest Indiana.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and sincerity that I take this time to congratulate thirty-one individuals who will take their oath of citizenship on Friday, June 10, 2016. This memorable occasion, presided over by Magistrate Judge Andrew Rodovich, 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 June 10, 2016, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, will take their oaths of citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Joseph Nderito Ndungu, Kareema Abbas Khazaal, Waqar Hikmat Mahmood Jbara, Guadalupe Garcilazo Coria, Joseph Githae Njoroge, Lawrence George Cartwright, Sridhar Meda, Hellen Wangari Gathesha, Isabela Patena Pascua, Haopeng Xie, Leslie Sorayda Lopez, Mario Vazquez Sanchez, Michelle Patena Santarromana, Verica Prentoska, Esmerelda Ortiz, Sridhar Punukollu, Marina Gramosli, Tasuli Gramosli, Maria Delgado, Bharath Ganesh Babu, Maria Angelica Garcia, Juvenal Gonzalez, Fabiola Guerra Alocilla, John Donghyun Kim, Ivy Cong Lu, Madhuri Punukollu, Emilio Soria, Alicia Tapia, Ernesto Abraham Velazquez, and Joseph Kamau Njoroge Venanzio. 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 June 10, 2016. They, too, are 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 my distinct pleasure to stand before you today to recognize and commend the members of the Gary, Indiana, branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). On Saturday, June 4, 2016, the Gary NAACP held its 51st Annual Life Membership Banquet at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, Indiana. This annual event is a major fundraiser for the Gary NAACP. The funds generated through this event directly support the organization's many outstanding programs and advocacy efforts. Through its membership and the support of the community, the Gary NAACP is able to serve the people of Northwest Indiana and continue the mission started by the national organization in 1909 by working diligently to combat injustice, discrimination, and unfair treatment for all people in today's society. In addition, the banquet serves to update and keep the community aware of the NAACP's activities and to formally honor its new life members. This year, the Gary NAACP honored the following outstanding civil, community, and religious leaders who have been recognized as life members. The Diamond Life members include: Father Pat Gaza, Cynthia Powers, and Mamon Powers Jr. The Gold Life members include: Stephen Mays, Nate Cain, Claude Powers, Charlie Brown, Dr. Stephen Simpson, and Gerri Simpson. The Silver Life members include: Charles Alexander, Sharon Chambers, James Muhammad, Larry Dillon, Sandra Dillon, Reverend Curtis Whittaker, Dr. LaShawn Whittaker, Reverend Anita Marshall, Rinzor Williams III, Esq., Alfred Holmes, Sharon Haney, Jeana Laurie Payne, Darian Collins, Braden Wilson, James Powell, Thomas Newsome, Ron Brewer, Linda Barnes-Caldwell, Marissa McDermott, Edward Lumpkin, Reverend Edward Turner, Roosevelt Haywood III, MacArthur Drake, Gordon Biffle, Richard Hardaway, Dolena Mack, Willie Miller Jr., Raymond Grady, Dr. Vincent Sevier, Dr. Angelique Brown, Shelly Majors, Matthew Doyle, Jana Bonds, Judge Clarence Murray, Vance Kenney, Tim Ceasar, Barbara Taliafero, Minnie Carter, Wendell Price, Faye Barnes, Reverend Dr. Virgil Woods, Florita Brown, Roy Hamilton, Dr. Marlon Mitchell, Milton Thaxton, and Reverend Regan Robinson. The Youth Life members include: Bryce Carter, Brooklyn Carter, Justin Cain, Julian Powers, Nadia Baria, Isaac Baria, Willie Miller III, Valencia Miller, Curtis Whittaker Jr., Imani Powers, Michael Ayden Walden, Kendell Jackson, Deondra Ann Briggs, Jazmine Neal, Amya Myanna Luz Aviles, Marrell Tyler II, and Kelechi Greene. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the newest life members of the Gary branch of the NAACP, as well as Stephen Mays, the current Gary NAACP president, Cynthia and Mamon Powers Jr., who are Honorary Chairs, and all members of the organization for their extraordinary efforts and tremendous leadership. These outstanding men and women have worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for all residents of Indiana's First Congressional District, and for that they are to be commended.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand before you and my colleagues today to congratulate Reverend Pharis D. Evans on his 55th anniversary as Pastor of Clark Road Missionary Baptist Church in Gary, Indiana. For his lifetime of leadership and tireless dedication to his congregation and to the community in Gary and beyond, he is worthy of the highest praise. In his honor, a celebratory banquet hosted by Clark Road Missionary Baptist Church will take place on June 13, 2016. Pharis Evans graduated from Haywood High School in Brownsville, Tennessee. As a young boy, his passion for theology grew from the church services he attended, and he knew early on that he was destined to be a preacher. He studied theology at Chicago Baptist Institute and continued his studies at Calumet College of Saint Joseph in Whiting. It was on the first Sunday in April 1961, when Pharis D. Evans was first selected to lead Clark Road Missionary Baptist Church. For the past 55 years, he has administered spiritual guidance to a congregation that presently serves more than 800 parishioners. Pastor Evans's impact through his spiritual teaching has been immeasurable, and those he has mentored can all attest to his generous nature. Throughout the years, he has been a tireless advocate for his church and the community. Since 1963, Pastor Evans has coordinated and maintained Radio Broadcast Outreach Ministry. From 2009 to the present, he has also served as ``Spiritual Advisor'' for the Baptist Ministers Conference of Gary and Vicinity, and in 2008, he was awarded the prestigious community service Drum Major Award by the Gary Frontiers Service Club. Additionally, Pastor Evans has served as President and Vice President of the Progressive National Baptist Convention for the state of Indiana and been a chaplain for the Gary Police Department. A passionate and proven leader, Pastor Evans has provided counsel for many young ministers in search of guidance and direction. For his selfless devotion to aiding those in need of spiritual guidance, Pastor Evans is to be commended. Reverend Evans's exceptional dedication to the church and to his community is exceeded only by his devotion to his wonderful family. He and his beloved late wife, Ann, raised five wonderful children (one deceased), and have nine grandchildren (one deceased), and three great- grandchildren. I am privileged and honored to call Pastor Evans my friend. More importantly, Reverend Pharis D. Evans has been a friend to all, the epitome of what we consider a Man of God. A man who has led a life we should all seek to emulate. His vision, his work, and his spirt have provided all of us with a guide to an improved and gentler future. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Pastor Evans on his 55th anniversary as Pastor of Clark Road Missionary Baptist Church. For his lifetime of leadership and selfless service to others, he is to be truly an inspiration to us all.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep respect and admiration that I rise to commend numerous exceptional leaders from Indiana who were honored as the Northwest Indiana Business and Industry Hall of Fame's Class of 2016. While there were many deserving nominees, the individuals selected as this year's inductees include: Greg Ludkovsky, Frank Schilling, Harley Snyder, JoAnn Birdzell, Urschel Laboratories, Incorporated, and State Senator Earline Rogers. For their many contributions to the advancement of Northwest Indiana, these honorees were recognized at a ceremony at the Radisson Hotel Celebrity Ballroom in Merrillville, Indiana, on Tuesday, May 10, 2016. Since 2007, Greg Ludkovsky has been vice president of global research and development at ArcelorMittal. He has been a driving force for global customer relations, which has changed ArcelorMittal from a materials supplier to a solutions supplier. Greg works directly with automotive original equipment manufacturers to develop one-of-a-kind steel. In addition, he has been a leader in engaging East Chicago school students by bringing them into the facility to teach them about the science and technology that takes place at ArcelorMittal each day. Frank Schilling is the president of Schilling Home Improvement Center. Schilling Home Improvement Center has been very successful and currently serves more than 400 contractors. In addition, Schilling Development currently has 1,000 lots ready for housing development in Northwest Indiana. Frank and his wife, Shirley, have put much time and effort into building the Shrine of Christ's Passion, located in Saint John. This moving interactive prayer trail illustrates the last days of the life of Jesus Christ. Frank is very active in charitable organizations and is involved with the Women's Crisis Center and the American Heart Association. Harley Snyder is a real estate and land development executive and the president of HSC, Incorporated. He recently completed ten years as the governor's founding appointee to the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority. In this position, he worked on the development of the Gary/Chicago International Airport, as well as the expansion and improvement of the South Shore commuter rail line. Throughout his truly impressive career, Harley has helped to develop some 3,000 homes in Lake and Porter Counties. In 1976, he became the first chairman of the Realtor's Equal Opportunity Committee, which created the first non- discrimination agreement. This helped to ensure that people of any race or religion could own a home. In addition, Harley has served on the board of Valparaiso University for twenty years, is a member of the Porter County Community Foundation, and was the first chairman of the Northwest Indiana Forum. JoAnn Birdzell is the chief executive officer (CEO) for Saint Catherine Hospital in East Chicago. JoAnn has been a leader in healthcare administration for many years. In 1995, she was named senior vice president of operations for Ancilla Systems, where she oversaw seven hospitals throughout Indiana and Illinois. In 2001, she assisted in the merger of Saint Catherine Hospital and Saint Mary Medical Center with the Community Healthcare System. As CEO of Saint Catherine Hospital, JoAnn leads through modern management techniques and follows the hospital's mission to serve all in need of medical care. In addition, she is a member of the Indiana Hospital Association Board, has helped to promote Medicaid expansion in Indiana, and assisted in the founding of the Nazareth Home in East Chicago. The recipient of the Enterprise of the Year Award is Urschel Laboratories, Incorporated. For over 100 years, Urschel Laboratories has been known for its innovation, excellent customer service, and generosity. Recently, the company completed construction of its new $80 million facility. In March of this year, the Urschel family sold the company to its employees in order to ensure a secure retirement for each of them. In addition, the Urschel family has given much of its time, effort, and contributions throughout the years to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Porter County, the Valparaiso Family YMCA, and the William E. Urschel Pavilion ice rink in Valparaiso. The recipient of the Partners in Progress Award and the keynote speaker for the event is the Honorable Earline Rogers, Indiana State Senator. For decades, Senator Rogers has been one of the Indiana General Assembly's most valuable and impactful leaders. Earline served eight years in the Indiana House of Representatives before she was elected to the Indiana State Senate in 1990, and the effect she has had on the community of Northwest Indiana and beyond is truly inspiring and immeasurable. To name just a few of her countless accomplishments, Senator Rogers helped to create casino gaming in Indiana, co-authored riverboat gaming legislation, helped to raise the age at which the death penalty can be applied in Indiana to the age of eighteen, assisted with the creation of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, and has been instrumental in major education reform. In addition, Senator Rogers serves as a member of the Northwest Indiana Transportation Study Commission and the Indiana Lakes Management Work Group, and is president of the board of trustees for the Gary YWCA. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my distinguished colleagues to join me in commending these outstanding leaders upon their induction into the Northwest Indiana Business and Industry Hall of Fame. They are truly deserving of this honor, and for their exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the community of Northwest Indiana and beyond, each of them is worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and sincerity that I take this time to congratulate thirty-one individuals who will take their oath of citizenship on Friday, May 13, 2016. This memorable occasion, presided over by Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen, 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 May 13, 2016, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, will take their oaths of citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Inger Adriana Hamilton, Allen Grayson Oliver, Filip Kaevski, Deepa Majumdar, Mary Kumba Narsu Nyuma, Harnek Singh Bhangoo, Leda Louie Medera Sarmiento, Reynaldo Zavala Reyes, Dhruti Dharmesh Shah, Shaymaa Kareem Abdulameer, Saima Ali Khan, Lyubov Mykolayivna Shteyn, Obren Gutovic, Eugenio Miranda Leon, Andrea Leal Espino, Carlos Grageda Arzate, Mary Cruz Aguilar, Mia Bella Alvarado, Arturo Amezcua, Elena Leona Bowser, Sherry Chen, Jose Estrada, Fatima Dinora Vazquez, Maria Concepcion Gonzalez, Tin Mang Hlawnceu, Emilia Tabas Jagier, Jesse Jimenez, Mirlym Italia Milfort, Dimitar Vladimir Paunche, Rose Tran, and Chinelo Marilyn Udokoro. 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 May 13, 2016. They, too, are 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, today, I am pleased to applaud Mr. Roy Deda and wish him well upon his retirement. Roy has dedicated his life to public service through his career with the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). He has served in numerous capacities throughout his illustrious career and is retiring from his position as the Deputy for Project Management for the Chicago District. I am grateful for his expertise and leadership, and I honor him for his many years of outstanding service to the community of Northwest Indiana and beyond. In 1975, Roy earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Notre Dame. He began an internship with the Chicago District that same year. Mr. Deda worked in various positions in the Construction-Operations Division for the Chicago District until 1983, when he became a civil engineer for the North Central Division's Construction and Operations Directorate. In 1993, Roy was named chief of the Construction-Operations Division for the North Central Division and then for the Great Lakes and Ohio River Division. In 1988, he returned to the Chicago District, where he took over as the chief of the Chicago District's Construction Operations Division. As the Deputy for Project Management for the Chicago District since 2002 Roy has excelled in his responsibilities and will be greatly missed upon his retirement. In addition to his remarkable work with the Army Corps, Mr. Deda is also a member of the Society of American Military Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and is involved with the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. During his tenure with the USACE--Chicago District, Roy Deda has been particularly instrumental in the development and implementation of projects within Indiana's First Congressional District, projects that have changed the landscape of this region. Under his leadership, the levees along the Little Calumet River were constructed, and to date, the obligation to pay substantial flood insurance premiums have been removed for more than 4,000 home and business owners. The dredging of the Indiana Harbor Ship Canal, a project many in the community believed would never occur in their lifetime, is underway and will increase the efficiencies of the canal users and significantly improve the quality of the water entering Lake Michigan. Federal, state, and local partners are working to restore the Grand Calumet River, one of our country's most polluted waterbodies, thanks to the research undertaken by the USACE under Mr. Deda's oversight. Finally, residents of Northwest Indiana are able to recreate and enjoy the beauty of Lake Michigan through the Portage Lakefront Park, which Roy Deda helped spearhead. The scope of the Portage Lakefront Park project has been further expanded to include the restoration of an additional sixty-nine acres recently acquired by the City of Portage. Thanks to Roy's direction, the Portage Lakefront Park embodies the essence of the Lake Michigan Waterfront Authority, the intent of which is to increase public access to the Lake Michigan shoreline in Indiana. The success of these transformational projects improve the quality of life in Northwest Indiana and increase opportunities for economic development in our region, and for that I am grateful for Mr. Deda's exceptional work and dedication to bring these initiatives to fruition. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and all our colleagues join me in commending Roy Deda for his exceptional career, and in wishing him well as he spends time with his friends and family in retirement, including his children Erin and Donald. Roy's work and life of dedicated public service will enrich generations to come, and for his many contributions, he is worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, on March 15, 2016, I regret that I was otherwise detained and unable to cast a vote on roll call vote no. 118, on an amendment offered by Rep. Pallone to H.R. 3797, the Satisfying Energy Needs and Saving the Environment Act. Had I been present, I would have voted yes.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and sincerity that I take this time to congratulate thirty individuals who took their oath of citizenship on Friday, March 11, 2016. This memorable occasion, which was presided over by Magistrate Judge Paul R. Cherry, was 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 11, 2016, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, took their oaths of citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Juliane Makhoul Mikhael, Monika Cadikovska, Chaudhry Abdul Sattar, Ali Yigit, Nicolae Tarfulea, Nicoleta Eugenia Tarfulea, Chandrashekar Reddy Cholleti, Juan Juarez Hernandez, Young Suk Lee, Sylvia Cathy Gould, Stanko Cude, Logain Alsatti, Lars Olof Wahlen, Rigoberto Acosta Ramirez, Danilo Legaspi Bautista, Solange Jones, Angela Elizabeth Snider, Jorge Carranza Martinez, Lilibeth Catudan Natividad, Glenda Ragob Bakalar, Gilberto Antonio Benavides Alvarez, Chuto Victoria Emeka-Daniels, Heriberto Garcia, Jasmina Golabovska, Francisco Cordova Hernandez, Pamela Mendoza Lawrence, Nora Cylla Menad, Miguel Meza, Sandra Miramontes Mungula, and Parfait Karim Ukobizaba. 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 became citizens of the United States of America on March 11, 2016. They, too, are 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 rise to celebrate National Women's History Month and its 2016 theme, ``Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government.'' As we reflect on the struggles, sacrifices, and successes of women throughout our nation's history, this year's theme honors the many women who have helped shape America through governmental roles and civil service. During this month and always, we honor the monumental efforts of American women who fought and continue to fight for gender equality. Women have succeeded in all areas of society, from medicine and science to government and public service, and their contributions have paved the way for a better America. The pioneers of the women's movement fought for the right to vote for decades. Through their determination, courage, and strong will, the suffragettes proudly witnessed the passage of the nineteenth amendment in 1920. The tireless efforts of these brave women brought more opportunity and democratic change. The women's liberation movement of the 1960's and 1970's helped ensure that women had more say in government while leading the charge against workplace inequality. This helped create better jobs for women and promoted fair pay through anti- discrimination laws. Our nation's success is dependent upon the knowledge, skills, and expertise of women in public service. These strong leaders fight every day for more opportunity and equal rights, and they continue to have a profound impact on our nation. I would also like to take the time to acknowledge the many women who have served, and continue to serve, the people of the First Congressional District at the local, state, and federal levels. As a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana, born and raised in the city of Gary, I would be remiss if I did not pay special tribute to one of Northwest Indiana's finest citizens and my dear friend, the Honorable Earline Rogers, State Senator for the 3rd District of Indiana. Senator Rogers will be retiring from office at the end of the year after a remarkable thirty-four years in the state legislature. A teacher by trade and a former Gary city council member, Senator Rogers has devoted herself to her fellow citizens and her constituency throughout her lifetime, and she is the epitome of what it means to be a public servant. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating National Women's History Month. We are indebted to the many female leaders in public service who work diligently to improve the quality of life for every American, and they are worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, on February 25, 2016, I regret that I was otherwise detained and unable to cast a vote on roll call vote no. 88, on the motion to recommit with instructions H.R. 3624, the Fraudulent Joinder Prevention Act. Had I been present, I would have voted yes.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand before you and my colleagues today to honor Mr. Robert Nickovich and to wish him well upon his retirement. Since 1981, Bob has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Lake County, Indiana, Parks and Recreation Department. Throughout the years, he has devoted his time and efforts to improving the quality of life for residents and visitors of Northwest Indiana. For his lifetime of service, Mr. Nickovich will be honored at a retirement dinner at Turkey Creek Banquet Hall in Merrillville, Indiana, on Friday, February 26, 2016. Robert began his career with the Lake County Parks and Recreation Department as a recreation supervisor in 1972, at which time there was only one park site managed by the department. Since then, the Lake County Parks land has grown immensely, expanding from 400 to nearly 7,000 acres within eleven parks throughout the county. This land includes nature preserves, historic sites, trails, parks, and family- friendly facilities. In 1995, Bob played a major role in the creation of Deep River Waterpark in Merrillville. The facility is nationally recognized and continues to be a tremendous asset to the economy of Lake County, generating millions of visitors since its opening. Bellaboo's Play and Discovery Center was also created under Mr. Nickovich's direction in 2006. Located at Three Rivers County Park in Lake Station, Bellaboo's provides a hands-on early learning experience for children. The award winning facility exhibits the significant connection between play and early learning. Through his work with the Indiana Park and Recreation Association, the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials, the Great Lakes Regional Council, the Indiana Grand Kankakee Marsh Restoration Project Steering Committee, and the North American Coastal Project, Bob has been an exceptional leader and passionate activist for parks and recreation in Northwest Indiana and beyond. What is little known is Bob's inestimable help with the creation of the Marquette Plan. At its genesis, if there was a question on a concept or utilization issue, Robert received my first call. The Plan is in every way improved because of his sage counsel. In addition to his work with parks and recreation in Lake County, Mr. Nickovich has also given of his time through his involvement in various community organizations including, but not limited to, Lake County's Community Foundation--The Legacy Foundation, and Waterfowl USA--Northwest Chapter, and he has also served on the board of directors for the Drifting Dunes Girl Scout Council. Bob's dedication to his community throughout his career is exceeded only by his devotion to his amazing family. Bob and his wonderful wife, Julie, have one son, Jim, and two beloved grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I have known Bob Nickovich for my entire adult life and am lucky to have him as a friend. Our region and state have been enriched because of his life of selfless public service. Future generations will profit from his foresight and exemplary work, and his impact on the region will be witnessed for years to come. For his many contributions, Bob is worthy of our gratitude and admiration. I ask that you join me in wishing him well upon his retirement.

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 5, 2016. This memorable occasion, which will be presided over by Magistrate Judge John E. Martin, 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 5, 2016, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, will take their oaths of citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Gemma Ramos Laberge, Araceli Ambriz, Ozkan Akkaya, Syed Muhammad Shan Ul Islam, Fernando Romo Vera, Patricia Caroline Njoki Singleton, Clifton Seaford Wade, Aldar Odin Escamilla Velasco, Nastaran Saramaghan, Milad Sohrab, Ali Abdelkadre Mahamat, Julio Cesar Carmona, Sylvia Iliff, Miriam Muthoni Kirori, Henry Irungu Kirori, Abayomi Eyitayo Oloyede, Ivete Baldo Wahlen, Annamaria Mittiga, Ljupcho Todoroski, Monica Cordeiro Ramey, Juan Manuel Almonte, KB Chhoeun, Chunlan Jin Chung, Lucila Diaz, Auribel Mileddy Lester Perez, Yue Min Li, Omkalthoum Hassan Muhamat, Sunisa Phongpichit-Alexander, Aqeela Yasmin Sheikh, and Sergey Gennadyvich Shylin. 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 5, 2016. They, too, will be American citizens, and they, too, will be 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 rise in honor of Black History Month and its 2016 theme-- Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memories. This year's theme reflects on locations across the United States that are remembered for the important role each has played in pursuit of civil rights and justice. As Americans, it is important that we honor and celebrate our nation's greatest advocates for freedom and equal rights for all. During this month and always, we pay tribute to the heroes of American history as we recall the tremendous sacrifice and the immense struggle of those who fought, and continue to fight, for equality, and the remarkable impact their contributions have had in shaping our great nation. From generation to generation, from those who have experienced or witnessed events that have led to change to the young children who listen to stories of their grandparents or the lessons taught in school, locations, much like the names of those who have toiled in hopes of a better society, are forever engrained in the hearts and minds of the American people. From the birthplaces of our greatest African American leaders to stops along the Underground Railroad, from sites of tragic events that brought about change to the churches that have inspired hope among communities for generations, each is a reminder of the past and the progress we have made, while recognizing there is much more work to be done. As a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana, born and raised in Gary, Indiana, I had the opportunity to witness a truly historic moment. In November 1967, residents of Gary went to the polls and elected Richard Gordon Hatcher, a civil rights leader who spoke alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., mayor of the city. His election, along with the election of Carl Burton Stokes of Cleveland, Ohio, marked the first time in our nation's history that American cities with more than 100,000 residents would be led by African American mayors. In January 1968, Mayor Hatcher was sworn into office, a position in which he proudly served for the next twenty years. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in celebrating Black History Month and honoring those who persevered in the name of equality and social justice. As we reflect on the many historic sites throughout America that have played such a critical role in changing our nation's landscape, let us never forget the struggle of our predecessors while continuing the pursuit of the betterment of society for all.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, on January 13, 2016, I regret that I was otherwise detained and unable to cast a vote on rollcall vote No. 44, on passage of H.R. 3662, the Iran Terror Finance Transparency Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' Personal Explanation

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness and the utmost respect that I take this time to remember a dear friend and one of Indiana's most distinguished citizens, Roosevelt D. Allen, Jr., Lake County Commissioner. On Saturday, January 9, 2016, Roosevelt Allen passed away at the age of 68. Commissioner Allen devoted his life to serving the people of Northwest Indiana, and he will be greatly missed by his family, friends, co-workers, and the many grateful constituents throughout the community whose lives he touched. In 1965, Roosevelt Allen graduated from Roosevelt High School in Gary, Indiana, before continuing his studies at Howard University. From there, he graduated magna cum laude from Indiana University, receiving a bachelor's degree in accounting, before completing graduate classes at DePaul University. Roosevelt went on to become a successful and admired funeral director for the family business, Guy & Allen Funeral Directors, Inc., in Gary, which has served the community for eighty years. Public service was a way of life for Commissioner Allen. He served the community of Northwest Indiana because he wanted to make a difference, and he did so with passion and enthusiasm. Roosevelt served on the Calumet Township Advisory Board for twenty-seven years. In 2006, he was elected to serve as Lake County Commissioner for the first district. Commissioner Allen was in his third term, and was serving as President of the Board of Commissioners, at the time of his passing. Fellow officials remember him as a true gentleman, a mentor to all, and an exemplary government leader. During his time in office, Roosevelt also served as the commissioners' representative on the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission and was chairman of the Lake County Public Safety Communications Commission. Throughout his lifetime, Commissioner Allen also served in many capacities for numerous organizations. He was a life member of the NAACP, member of the Lake County Democratic Organization, a board member of Edgewater Systems for Balanced Living, and a board member of the Regional Bus Authority, among others. A faithful man, Roosevelt was a devout member of Saint Timothy Community Church in Gary, Indiana. Roosevelt Allen is survived by his beloved daughters: Lisa, LaTrice, and Olivia. He also leaves to cherish his memory seven beautiful grandchildren, many dear friends and family members, and a saddened but indebted community. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in paying tribute to my dear friend, and a true public servant, Roosevelt Allen. For his tremendous contributions to the people of Northwest Indiana, his lifetime of service is worthy of the highest praise. Roosevelt's selfless and lifelong commitment to the people of his community will be forever remembered, and his legacy serves as an inspiration to us all.

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 37th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast on Saturday, January 16, 2016, 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, William ``Billy'' Foster and Mozell Hayman will be honored with the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major Award for 2016. Additionally, several individuals will be recognized as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Marchers at this year's breakfast, including Tammi Davis, Reverend Chet Johnson Sr., Danita Johnson Hughes, Ph.D., and Reverend Mathew Whittington. Finally, Reverend Curtis Whittaker, CPA, was selected as the 2015 Yokefellow of the Year. 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 urge 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 Sam Frazier, 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, 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, January 8, 2016. This memorable occasion, which will be 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 January 8, 2016, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, will take their oaths of citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Husamuldeen Abdulhadi Abdulameer, Alaa Husamuldeen Abdulhadi, Cynthia Chinonso Chijioke, Andrea Conces, Carlos Delgado Rubalcava, Alberto Lopez, Nada Mandic, Albino Akon Ibrahim Akon, Shireen Ahmed Amouri, Claudia Boyd, Maria Kisselle Aguilar Corey, Alfredo Salomon Esper Cure, Juan Camilo Esper Rios, Natalia Esper Rios, Nidia Esperanza Esper, Angelica Garcia, Ken Guo, Lucas Yang Hong, Asha Thomas Mathew, Miguel Meza, Juan Mora, Emmanuel Nicholas Kwame Opuni, Ernesto Honorio Ortega, Jaime Roman, Mido Chunru Song, Antonio Tapia, Rezan Tecle, Jessie Tom, Guadalupe Carmen Trevino, and Rose Ntaki White. 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 January 8, 2016. They, too, are 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 enthusiasm that I congratulate Ivy Tech Community College and its regional partners who recently celebrated their 11th Annual Northwest Indiana Innovation Induction Ceremony. At the ceremony, which reflects the ``Spirit of Innovation'' in Indiana, eleven individuals and fifteen teams were inducted as members of the 2015-2016 Class of The Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana. Of these individuals, several members were inducted as Society Fellows for their exceptional efforts in innovation. These individuals are Erin Argyilan, Ph.D., Marilyn Brunk, Tom Clark, Joseph Coar, Joseph Ferrandino, Ph.D., and Donald Galbreath. Also honored were two Chanute Prize recipients, the Green Abilities Team at The Arc Northwest Indiana, and Indiana University Health La Porte Hospital. In addition, the ``Accelerating Greatness'' award was presented to Edgewater Behavioral Health Services and Methodist Hospital, Northlake Campus, for its level III ``in the process'' trauma center. For their truly remarkable contributions to the community of Northwest Indiana and their continuous efforts to cultivate a culture of innovation, these honorees were inducted at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana, on Thursday, October 22, 2015. The Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana was created by Ivy Tech Northwest with the goal of highlighting and encouraging innovative individuals and groups within the not-for-profit, public, and private sectors, as well as building a ``culture of innovation'' in Northwest Indiana. The importance of innovation in Northwest Indiana, as well as globally, is crucial in today's ever-changing economy. The fellows selected by the Society of Innovators were chosen for their extraordinary innovative leadership and the impact of their accomplishments throughout Northwest Indiana and beyond. Erin Argyilan, Ph.D., is a geologist at Indiana University Northwest. Dr. Argyilan established a new model of a previously unknown geological hazard in sand dunes. Her discovery is called a ``dune decomposition chimney or tunnel,'' and her extensive research helped to explain why six-year-old Nathan Woessner was trapped in a hole on Mount Baldy in 2013. Marilyn Brunk is a teacher at Griffith High School. Marilyn launched a computer science and programming class involving video games, which is the first of its kind in Northwest Indiana and possibly the entire state. Griffith students are excited about this innovative class and enrollment continues to grow each year. Tom Clark is a teacher at Lake Central High School. Tom started the Gold Star Honor Roll Project thirty years ago, and it is among the longest running experimental learning projects in the state and one of the largest in the nation. The project, which is celebrated by students and faculty, involves learning through the gathering of historic memorabilia, validating records, and visiting families of American soldiers killed in combat. Joseph Coar, of Tonn and Blank Construction, spearheaded a carpenter's apprenticeship program that put Indiana in the forefront of innovative curricula for high school students. In addition, his support led to the implementation of the program at A.K. Smith Career Center in La Porte, the first career center in Indiana to offer this program. Joseph Ferrandino, Ph.D., associate professor of criminal justice at Indiana University Northwest, founded the Northwest Indiana Public Safety Data Consortium, which transforms how public safety communicates throughout the region. This truly innovative project connects data and imaging among nearly thirty participating agencies and across four counties. Donald Galbreath has been an innovator in the waste handling industry for the past sixty years. He is best known for inventing ``the most user friendly roll-off hoist in his industry.'' The majority of roll- off hoists used in the waste, scrap, and construction hauling industries were influenced by his inventions. The recipients of the Chanute Prize for Team Innovation should be commended for their contributions. The Green Abilities Team at The Arc Northwest Indiana received this honor for its truly innovative and successful on-site training program in which special needs individuals are taught how to recycle granite remnants into landscaping pavers, tile veneers, and other repurposed products. Indiana University Health La Porte Hospital also received this honor for implementing initiatives that promote a ``fair and just culture'' in which employees are encouraged to report problems. In addition, the hospital launched Rapid Improvement Events in which skilled teams, including physicians, spend a full week focusing on a single opportunity for improvement. These solutions are tested and then implemented within a timeframe goal of thirty days. The Accelerating Greatness Award for Team Innovation included two recipients. Edgewater Behavioral Health Services is the first in the state to develop a program that helps to provide immediate attention to people in psychiatric crisis. The Rapid Access Center allows adults experiencing these types of problems to get help in a short amount of time regardless of their ability to pay for services. Methodist Hospital, Northlake Campus, was also honored with this award for opening the first level III ``in the process'' trauma center in Northwest Indiana, which is the sixteenth in the state. This has been a goal for Methodist Hospitals for more than a decade. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my distinguished colleagues to join me in commending these outstanding innovators. The contributions they have made to society here in Northwest Indiana and worldwide are immeasurable and lifelong. For their truly brilliant innovative ideas, projects, and leadership, each recipient is worthy of the highest commendation.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with heartfelt respect that I recognize the Gary Chamber of Commerce as the organization celebrates the 8th annual Lakeshore Classic basketball tournament. In honor of this outstanding event, the Gary Chamber of Commerce will host a celebratory luncheon in Gary, Indiana, at the Majestic Star Casino on Tuesday November 24, followed by a basketball tournament at West Side Leadership Academy on Friday, November 27 and Saturday, November 28, 2015. The theme for this year's Lakeshore Classic is ``Salute to Youth Sports,'' bestowing honor on players and coaches who have dedicated their talents to youth sports in Northwest Indiana and made a notable impact on the region's sports programs. Along with the acknowledgment of these individuals, the Gary Chamber of Commerce has chosen an equally commendable speaker for their corporate luncheon. Mr. Lloyd McClendon has an extensive professional career in baseball. He is a former Major League Baseball player who played for the Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Cleveland Indians. Lloyd is also a former manager of the Seattle Mariners and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Originally from Gary, Indiana, Mr. McClendon played for the 1971 Gary team in the Little League World Series and earned the nickname ``Legendary Lloyd'' after he homered in five consecutive at bats. The 1971 team was the first all African-American team to make it to the final round of the Little League World Series. Lloyd went on to play baseball at Gary Roosevelt High School and Valparaiso University before his professional career. With his many contributions to sports in our region and across the nation, Mr. McClendon has proven to be an extraordinary example for youth involved in any sport, and he is worthy of the highest praise. At this time, I would like to recognize the schools participating in the Lakeshore Classic basketball tournament. These schools are dedicated to achieving academic excellence and sportsmanship, and they are passionate in their efforts. The participating teams include the Gary West Side Lady Cougars, John Marshall Lady Commandos, Gary Roosevelt Panthers, East Chicago Central Cardinals, Thea Bowman Eagles, Wendell Phillips Wildcats, Gary West Side Cougars, and the Charles A. Tindley Tigers. These teams are comprised of student-athletes who serve as exceptional role models for the youth in their communities. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in recognizing the Gary Chamber of Commerce, the organizers and sponsors of the 8th annual Lakeshore Classic, and the dedicated honorees. Their perseverance, leadership, and commitment to our youth and Northwest Indiana are to be commended.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and sincerity that I take this time to congratulate thirty individuals who took their oath of citizenship on Friday, November 13, 2015. This memorable occasion, presided over by Magistrate Judge Paul R. Cherry, was 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 November 13, 2015, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, took their oaths of citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Lenka Krstevska, Bertha Esthela Corral, David Tugba Tom, Raul Alonso Moreno Gonzalez, David Alarcon Hernandez, Yulia Yurevna Abair, Serena Taisir Ibrahim, Donna Ruth Ajayi, Hayet Adjerid, Celestino Olivares Manzo, Mijoon Lee, Thuy Thi Hong Le, Ezekiel Attah, Catherine Marjorie Charles, Francisco Alonso, Astrid Mariela Arnold, Chao Jung Chou, Maria Rosario Franco, Nancy Fuentes, Mayra Nancy Martinez, Jeff Nguefack Mbeleke, Maria Clemencia Mireles, Duncan Kanyi Nganga, Agnes Hop Nguyen, Veronica Giovana Perez, Mario Renteria, Oscar Martinez Ruiz, Yareli Sandoval, Perla Villanueva, and Dilcia Victoria Young. 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 became citizens of the United States of America on November 13, 2015. They, too, are 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 that I take this time to recognize the 2015 Distinguished Citizen Award recipients, presented annually by the Boy Scouts of America Calumet Council. To commemorate this special occasion, the organization hosted a celebratory event on Tuesday, November 10, 2015, at Gamba Ristorante in Merrillville, Indiana. Since 1992, the Boy Scouts of America Calumet Council has presented the Distinguished Citizen Award to individuals who have made a significant positive impact on their community in Northwest Indiana and across the state. This year, the Boy Scouts of America Calumet Council honored Mamon and Cynthia Powers. Mamon and Cynthia Powers were born and raised in Gary, Indiana. Mamon graduated from Froebel High School as an honors student, and Cynthia was valedictorian of her class at Gary's Tolleston High School. Following High School, Mamon graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. Cynthia earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in English and college administration at Indiana State University. Soon after graduating from college, Mamon and Cynthia began working with Mamon's father at Powers & Sons Construction Company, while both maintained other full-time jobs. In 1970, they formed Powers Realty, Incorporated. Eventually, they purchased a Century 21 franchise which Cynthia began managing and proved to be immensely successful in every aspect of the business. Already making their mark in the business world, the couple wed in 1972. Over the years, Mamon has served as secretary and treasurer of Powers & Sons Construction Company. In 1987, he was named president and was later named the company's chairman and chief executive officer. Under his leadership, Powers & Sons changed its focus from residential to commercial and industrial construction and has become one of the largest African American owned construction companies in the world. Aside from their work, Mamon and Cynthia give an extraordinary amount of their time and efforts to charitable endeavors. With over forty-five years of service to the community and to their alma maters, Purdue and Indiana State University, they are to be commended. Mamon serves as the chairman of the Methodist Hospitals Board of Directors. He is a member of the Fifth Third Bank--Chicago Regional Board of Directors, and he is also a member of the World Presidents' Organization and Chief Executives' Organization. In addition, Mamon is a former member and vice chairman of the Board of Trustees of Purdue University. Cynthia is a member of Indiana State University's Alumni Association Board, a member of the Indiana University Northwest Board of Advisors, treasurer of The Friends of Emerson School for the Visual and Performing Arts, a member of the Northern Indiana Chapter of the Links, Inc., and a Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, to name a few. Cynthia is also the former chairperson and member of the YWCA of Northwest Indiana. In addition, and most significant to both Cynthia and Mamon, is their service to the NAACP of Gary and the First AME Church, where Mamon serves as trustee and Cynthia is a long-time choir member and past youth choir director. Mamon and Cynthia have been honored and awarded many times for their outstanding work throughout Northwest Indiana and beyond. They serve as an inspiration to us all and have helped lead Northwest Indiana toward a new and bright future. To be their friend is a blessing. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring the Boy Scouts of America Calumet Council and its 2015 Distinguished Citizen Award recipients, Mamon and Cynthia Powers. For their lifetime of leadership and tireless dedication to their community and to those in need, Mamon and Cynthia are worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and tremendous pride that I recognize the 50th anniversary of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is dedicated to preserving the lands along the southern shore of Lake Michigan that are protected within the park's boundary. Since its inception in 1966, the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore has acquired and maintained over 15,000 acres of land and, in doing so, it provides a home for endangered plants and animals to thrive as well as a rich natural resource for residents of, and visitors to, Northwest Indiana to enjoy. On November 5, 2015, the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore launched its 50th anniversary celebration, which will run through the end of 2016. The Indiana Dunes long served as a destination for those weary of city life to escape and reconnect to nature at the turn of the twentieth century. Chicagoans in particular found respite among the shoreline, seeking peace among the valleys of the tranquil sand dunes. In 1896, University of Chicago botanist Henry Chandler Cowles traveled to Indiana and discovered the Indiana Dunes for the first time, where he found conditions to be an ideal location to study the relationship between plants and their environment. His observations documented the unique ecology of this region, laying the foundation upon which future organizations would base their arguments for protecting this resource from industrial development by designating it as a national park. Following the appointment of Stephen Mather as the first director of the National Park Service, hearings were held in Chicago in 1916 to weigh public opinion on the creation of ``Sand Dunes National Park.'' Over 400 people were in attendance at this meeting and forty-two people spoke in favor of the proposal. There were no opponents to the proposal, but the United States' entry into World War I changed national priorities, and plans for the park were shelved. The Great Depression followed the war, and many worried a national park that would allow for the preservation of the dunes would never come to fruition. Post World War II America saw much growth in industrial development, and Indiana moved to capitalize on this trend by seeking a deepwater port on Lake Michigan. Port construction would require the demolition of Central Dunes. In 1952, the Save the Dunes Council, now known as Save the Dunes, was created when a group of concerned citizens came together and took on the extraordinary task of establishing the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore to protest the destruction of the dunes and protect the remaining dune complex along the shoreline. With support from then-Senator Paul Douglas, and through the tireless efforts of many, including the Council's founder, Dorothy Buell, and activists Herb and Charlotte Read, Ruth and Ed Osann, and Sylvia Troy, as well as countless others who championed the cause, the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore was established in 1966 when the 89th Congress passed a bill authorizing the preservation of eight miles of shore and 8,330 acres of parkland along the lake. Throughout the last three decades, the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Save the Dunes have worked tirelessly to secure the lands within the park boundary, increasing its holding to 15,000 acres. Today, people can enjoy a variety of landscapes inside the park such as dunes, wetlands, prairies, rivers, and forests. In the coming year, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore will sponsor several events to celebrate its history, including a year-long lecture series, a science conference, and a youth poetry and art contest in honor of those citizens involved in the creation of the park. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commemorating the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Throughout the years, the staff and volunteers of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Save the Dunes, and other organizations have dedicated themselves to preserving the natural landscape of the Lake Michigan shoreline, and their passionate commitment to the park is worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC). For the past 50 years, the NCHC has been committed to excellence in honors education. In particular, I rise to honor Valparaiso University's honors college, Christ College, an NCHC member located in Indiana's First Congressional District, for its commitment to teaching America's finest students. Dedicated to the cultivation of intellectual, moral, and spiritual virtues, Christ College seeks to emphasize history, literature, art, philosophy, and religious studies. Small discussion- centered classes offer stimulating interdisciplinary study with master teacher-scholars appointed full-time to the honors college. The students enrolled in the honors program not only take rigorous honors coursework, but are concurrently enrolled in one of Valparaiso University's other excellent colleges from which they earn their degrees. Prominent Christ College alumni include federal district court judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer, class of 1976, and the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Energy Resources, Mary Burce Warlick. These outstanding examples, and the many other successful alumni of the honors program, are a testament to the dedication that Valparaiso University's Christ College has towards its students. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating the National Collegiate Honors Council on its 50th anniversary and in recognizing the exemplary commitment to education at Christ College. For its passionate dedication to the institute of education, the NCHC and Christ College are worthy of the highest praise. Founded in 1859, Valparaiso University has been a true asset to Northwest Indiana since its inception, and its faculty, staff, and students are a source of pride for the First Congressional District.