Jackie Walorski

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2742) to amend title IV of the Social Security Act to require States to adopt an electronic system to help expedite the placement of children in foster care or guardianship, or for adoption, across State lines, and to provide funding to aid States in developing such a system, and for other purposes.

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 2742, currently under consideration.

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 2742, Modernizing the Interstate Placement of Children in Foster Care Act, which I introduced along with the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Danny K. Davis), my friend. We know full well the importance of a stable home environment for a child's development and success later in life. Unfortunately, we don't live in an ideal world. We have seen too many instances when abuse, neglect, physical or mental illness, addiction, incarceration, or death necessitates removing a child from their home. Right now, in my State of Indiana, there are more than 10,000 children in the foster care system than there were 18 months ago. This is due in large part to the opioid epidemic that has swept across our country. Our child welfare system is under unprecedented strain. Yet, in spite of this great need for foster care and adoption, if a child needs to be placed in another State, caseworkers from both States must literally print and fill out hundreds of pages of paperwork and mail them back and forth. This cumbersome process takes months, and just one missing page can set it back even further. These are precious months that an at-risk child is stuck in limbo, waiting for the certainty of a more permanent home. It is time to bring this process into the 21st century. Luckily, there is an effort underway already to do just that. In November 2013, five States, including my home State of Indiana, and the District of Columbia, launched the National Electronic Interstate Compact Enterprise, or NEICE. This is a cloud-based electronic system that allows for the electronic exchange of data between States. It started as a pilot project, but the results have been crystal clear: placement wait times dropped by a month and a half, States spent less time and money on copying and mailing, and caseworkers saved valuable time. NEICE is now effective in 16 States, including Mr. Davis' home State of Illinois, but we can't stop at 16. As it stands today, if a child in my district in South Bend, Indiana, needed to be placed with their grandparents just 11 miles away in Niles, Michigan, the two States would have to undertake that arduous paperwork process because Michigan is not a part of NEICE yet. All States need to be a part of this system in order to realize its full benefits. That is where the bill before us comes in. H.R. 2742 represents a very important investment in the future of at-risk youth. It requires States to join the NEICE system by October 1, 2027, and sets aside $5 million in existing Federal funds to facilitate States in joining or expanding their services under NEICE. That money doesn't come without strings. States must apply for the funds and submit detailed plans. The Secretary of Health and Human Services will have to submit periodic reports to Congress so that we can monitor progress as States join and ensure that this program continues to cut wait times for children and administrative costs for States. In the 114th Congress, this legislation passed the House of Representatives, but, unfortunately, did not come up for a vote in the Senate. It is our hope that we can cross the finish line this year and help at-risk youth find their forever home more quickly. I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Danny K. Davis) for being a great partner in introducing this legislation. I would like to thank Senators Young, Grassley, and Gillibrand for introducing companion legislation in the Senate. Mr. Speaker, finally, I enter into the Record a list of 17 organizations that wrote in support of H.R. 2742. 1. American Academy of Adoption Attorneys/American Academy of Assisted Reproductive Technology Attorneys 2. American Academy of Pediatrics 3. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 4. American Public Human Services Association 5. California County Welfare Directors Association 6. Child Advocates, Indianapolis, IN 7. Child Welfare League of America 8. Children's Home Society of America 9. First Focus 10. Generations United 11. Indiana Department of Child Services 12. March of Dimes 13. National Association of Counties 14. National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners 15. Partnership for Strong Families 16. The Villages of Indiana 17. Voice for Adoption

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this important bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to close with the words from someone on the ground living this every day. Sharon Pierce is the president and CEO of The Villages of Indiana, the largest not-for-profit child and family services provider in my State and a supporter of H.R. 2742: ``The NEICE system is going to be invaluable in helping both the public and private sector child welfare agencies reduce considerably the length of time a child needs to wait for a forever family.'' This isn't just a good government bill, Mr. Speaker. Sure, we are reducing costs and paperwork and we can attach all sorts of numbers and dollar figures to that, but the most important thing we are doing here is we are giving at-risk youth a more permanent home sooner. We are giving them hope sooner. We are giving them a chance to actually thrive sooner. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.'' I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Roe and Ranking Member Walz. What an honor it is to work with these two gentlemen on veterans' issues. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 467, the VA Scheduling Accountability Act. This commonsense legislation codifies an important measure of oversight and accountability of VA facilities to prevent scheduling manipulation or, in the vernacular, ``cooking the books,'' that has harmed veterans for so long. Hearings held by the House VA Committee and investigations by the VA inspector general and the GAO have, unfortunately, confirmed many of the allegations of cooking books and falsified wait-time data at facilities around the country. The VA has a procedure for scheduling veterans' medical appointments, which includes 19 different items, such as ensuring that a patient's desired appointment date is not altered and that staff are fully trained. Importantly, the directive requires each facility to certify compliance with all of these 19 items every year. However, an August 2014 VA inspector general report uncovered that, in May 2013, a senior VA official waived the certification requirement that year, essentially putting the facility on an honor system, allowing them to self-certify. Without this crucial accountability mechanism, bad actors were given free rein to manipulate wait-time data and ignore the VA's required scheduling practices. Meanwhile, veterans faced significant delays in getting the care they needed while, in some extreme cases, veterans died. Since that time, the VA has reinstated the certification requirements. However, serious problems remain, as evidenced by a recent VA investigation of a clinic in my own district that I requested after some brave individuals came forward with allegations of wrongdoing. The VA found that the clinic scheduled appointments for veterans without the veterans' knowledge and canceled them on the day of the appointment in order to fill their schedule for that day. If the VA had conducted proper audits of that facility's scheduling practices last year, this misconduct could have been prevented. The VA's report recommended a review of scheduling compliance for all medical facilities in the region. The VA's continued inability to reform itself from within is the reason we need to pass this bill. This bill will require each facility director to annually certify compliance with the current scheduling directive or any successive directive that replaces it, and, most importantly, it will prohibit any future waivers. The bill also provides accountability by making a director ineligible for salary bonuses if their facility fails to certify compliance, and it requires the VA to report to Congress a list of these facilities that are not in compliance. This will provide more oversight of the VA, ensure that Congress is aware of noncompliant facilities, and end the reckless practice of self-certification. Mr. Speaker, our veterans risked life and limb for our freedom, but too often the VA has let them down. It is time to put an end to this scheduling manipulation--the cooking of the books--and the false wait- time data. Holding every VA facility accountable for following scheduling rules is an important, commonsense step as we work to fix the VA so it works for the veterans in our country. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 467, the VA Scheduling Accountability Act.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Ziker Cleaners. A staple in the northern Indiana community for generations, Ziker Cleaners represents the heart and soul of the American Dream. In 1917, Joe Ziker, an immigrant and entrepreneur, founded his small tailor shop when he was just 14 years old. Since then, Ziker Cleaners has diversified and grown into a multifaceted company serving the clothing care needs of Hoosiers across South Bend, Mishawaka, and Elkhart. For the past century, the Ziker family business has been committed to quality, efficiency, and exceptional customer service. Ziker Cleaners' success in business and leadership in its industry are clear in its vast growth and continued innovation through decades of changes in our economy. Now with 10 store locations and four home pick-up and delivery routes, and a brand new state-of-the-art production facility, this Hoosier business continues to provide our community with the convenience and dependability the Ziker brand calls to mind. I want to thank the Ziker family for all their hard work, dedication, and sacrifice over the years to keep their shops running strong and employing hardworking Hoosiers. Small businesses are the backbone of this country, and Ziker Cleaners is truly an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere. By providing good jobs for the past 100 years, Ziker Cleaners has become an essential part of our community life and local economy. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Indiana's 2nd District, I am honored to recognize Ziker Cleaners for achieving 100 years and four generations of success.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mike Lightfoot, who will retire at the end of this season after 30 years as coach of the Bethel College Men's Basketball Team. The tremendous achievements of the Bethel Pilots Men's Basketball Team are a reflection of Coach Lightfoot's ability to see greatness in his players and inspire the team to be their best. Coach Lightfoot was an inspiration not only to his team, but to the entire Bethel College community. As generations of students, faculty, and fans have gathered at the Wiekamp Athletic Center, committed to the home game excitement and school spirit, Coach Lightfoot has helped foster the team's will to succeed and the institution's faithful turnout. Coach Lightfoot has led the Bethel Pilots since 1987, and in that time the team secured 796 wins, including four NCCAA National Championships and three NAIA National Championships. His greatest legacy, however, is in helping the countless players he coached grow into strong leaders and dedicated members of their community. He had an amazing ability to connect with these young men, inspiring them to strive for great achievements, as evidenced by the 98 percent graduation rate among Coach Lightfoot's players. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of 2nd District Hoosiers, I want to thank Coach Lightfoot for his unconditional dedication to the Pilots, Bethel College, and our entire community. His innovative coaching styles and effective leadership resonates in the team's excellent record as well as in the personal growth and achievement of every player he helped shape. I am grateful for the example he set for the young Hoosiers of Bethel College.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Kiwanis Club of Elkhart on celebrating 100 years of service. In 1917, the 36th Kiwanis Club was formed in Elkhart, Indiana. Since then, this incredible unit of volunteers and local leaders has been dedicated to improving the lives of children around the world and right here at home. Kiwanis Clubs around the country and across the globe aim to encourage, support, and inspire local youth to make a difference in their communities. From rebuilding schools to hosting food drives, Kiwanians are serving others while learning to work together and find positive solutions to society's most challenging problems. The commitment of Elkhart Kiwanis to serving our community is demonstrated by its signature program, Knowledge is Dynamite--or KID-- Day. Twice a year, they honor a group of local fourth grade students who have demonstrated perseverance and personal growth. Over the last 30 years, they have recognized the achievements of more than 1,300 students and inspired countless more to set and strive toward meaningful goals. The longstanding tradition of volunteerism and leadership runs strong in the Kiwanis members in Elkhart. I am incredibly grateful for the positive role this organization has played in making our community a better place. When children are empowered to break through obstacles and help those in need, anything is possible. Children are safer, healthier, and happier because of the hard work and determination of Kiwanians. Thanks to the Kiwanis Club, our future is in good hands. The impressive growth and charitable reach of the Kiwanis Club of Elkhart is a true reflection of the hardworking Hoosier spirit its members embody. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Indiana's 2nd District, I want to thank the Kiwanis Club of Elkhart for continuing to provide such a remarkable opportunity for children and young adults to challenge themselves and fight for worthy causes in their own neighborhoods and on the global stage.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Retirement Planning Week. This is the perfect opportunity to remember that planning for retirement is not just an issue for older Americans. The National Retirement Planning Coalition has consistently provided support and resources to engage people of all ages to encourage them to ensure their financial future is planned and protected. Preserving Americans' access to income options and workplace savings plans will restore and improve our society's financial security. I am truly grateful for the hard work of everyone who made the events and activities of this week a success in motivating individuals across the country to plan for retirement. In today's economy, it is more important than ever that Americans start saving for retirement early. Through National Retirement Planning Week, the National Retirement Planning Coalition has created an innovative approach designed to help us `Rethink Retirement.' National Retirement Planning Week is an important initiative that is sure to have a positive impact on many lives. The educational opportunities throughout this week will provide a foundation for the invaluable asset of early, holistic financial planning. Mr. Speaker, I applaud the National Retirement Planning Coalition for encouraging early and responsible planning, and for working with my colleagues and me to find bipartisan solutions to make it easier to plan for retirement.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Anders Bjork, a junior at the University of Notre Dame, on being named one of five finalists for the 2017 Hockey Humanitarian Award. Each year, the Hockey Humanitarian Award recognizes college hockey's ``finest citizen.'' Recipients of this award are individuals who have made significant, long-lasting contributions to their communities in a true, humanitarian spirit. Anders has been a member of the Fighting Irish Men's Hockey team since his freshman year at Notre Dame. But for Anders, his life here in South Bend is about more than being a student athlete. He is part of this community and plays an integral role in making it better. His dedication is especially clear in his experience working with children in need at a local elementary school. Shortly before last season started, Anders began volunteering in a third grade class at Perley Fine Arts Academy after his coach encouraged the team to meet new community service goals. Anders' weekly trips to the elementary school quickly became much more than a way to fulfill a coach's request. He built deep relationships with the students and became a regular fixture in the classroom. He even has his own desk. The bond forged between the young kids and Anders was not hard to see. Anders found a way to fit in not only with the classroom dynamic but also with the individual students. For the Perley students Anders is a mentor, a role model, and a friend. Through Anders' uplifting spirit and kind heart, these third graders are able to open up to and really learn from him. His incredible commitment of time and talent and his positive impact on these kids is an inspiration to us all. I am so proud of Anders for this much deserved recognition as a finalist for the Hockey Humanitarian Award. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Indiana's 2nd District, I want to thank Anders Bjork for providing the wonderful support and encouragement I'm sure will stay with these children for years to come. He has truly left a mark on the South Bend community, and I look forward to the great things that lie ahead in his future.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Juanita Searfoss, a great Hoosier who is celebrating her 90th birthday today. Juanita M. Searfoss was born on March 27, 1927, in South Bend, Indiana, to Dorotha M. and Herschel A. Sharp, who were loving Christian parents. She also had three brothers, David C. Sharp (deceased), Jerry D. Sharp of Bonita Springs, Florida, and Ronald (Mary) Sharp of South Bend. On October 7, 1950, she married Clifford L. Searfoss. They were married for 55 years until his death in 2005. Their loving marriage produced six children, 16 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. Juanita graduated from Central High School in South Bend and Indiana University in Bloomington with a degree in medical technology. She worked for the South Bend Medical Foundation, retiring after 21 years of service. Juanita has always been active in her church--she has been a member of the Sonlight Fellowship Wesleyan Church since the age of ten--and various volunteer and service organizations. For many years she has planned and made a meal every two months for Hope Ministries. She was a member of Faith in Action, did respite care for several families, and helped support several missionaries, as well as the Northern Indiana Food Bank and Chiara House. She is a member of the St. Joseph County Home Extension Normain club, a Bible study group, Gleaners, a Red Hat Society group, and a hospice organization, just to name a few. In 2008 she was awarded the Golden Hoosier Award for her volunteer work. She still loves to read, travel, play the piano, crochet, and spend time with her family and friends. Many have benefitted from her strong faith, her kind and caring nature, her quiet wisdom, and her unconditional love. Happy 90th Birthday, Juanita.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the American Health Care Act. Yesterday marked 7 years since the ObamaCare law was signed into law. For 7 years, we have seen the same pattern: rising premiums, dwindling options, broken promises, and a collapsing system. In the State of Indiana, four insurers left the ObamaCare exchange just this year in the past 3 months, forcing 68,000 Hoosiers to shop for a new plan, making it even harder for them to choose and keep their doctor. But today we have the opportunity to repeal ObamaCare and replace it with a patient-centered system, lowering costs, increasing choices, and providing real protection. This legislation dismantles ObamaCare's burdensome taxes, mandates, and the job-killing medical device tax. It gives individuals and families access to quality, affordable health care through refundable tax credits and expanded health savings accounts. It provides resources for States to tailor solutions to the needs of their citizens, protecting women's health, addressing the opioid crisis. It gives States flexibility to implement innovative reforms. It allows my home State to continue building on its patient-centered Healthy Indiana Plan. It protects patients with preexisting conditions and ensures a stable transition so no one has the rug pulled out from underneath them. With the American Health Care Act, we are delivering on our promise and acting on the policies of President Trump. This bill is just the first step in a three-part effort to repair our Nation's healthcare system. Coupled with administrative actions and additional legislation, the AHCA will lower costs and build a marketplace with real choices instead of a one-size-fits-all plan. Mr. Speaker, 7 years of ObamaCare is long enough. Seven years of families seeing their premiums rise, plans canceled, and doctors dropped is enough. Today we can deliver on our promise and put our bold solutions into decisive action. The AHCA is a bill 7 years in the making. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 162, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 163.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Black. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.J. Res. 43. This resolution will overturn an Obama administration rule that forces States to direct Federal funds to abortion providers like Planned Parenthood. States receive Federal funding to support family planning services, and they have the discretion to distribute these title X funds in the way that best serves their communities. Many States have exercised their discretion to direct title X funding to community health centers and family health clinics that do not provide abortions and withhold funding from abortion providers like Planned Parenthood. It is just common sense that States know the needs of their people and their communities better than Washington bureaucrats do. The States should be able to decide how these Federal funds are distributed. Unfortunately, the Obama administration disagreed, so they issued a last-minute regulation in their final days in office that would force States to distribute funding to abortion providers. Their rule would take away States' abilities to direct title X funds to providers that offer comprehensive care but do not participate in abortion. It would force States to enable the flow of funds to Planned Parenthood and others in the abortion industry. I think it is reprehensible. Now Congress has the opportunity to right this wrong and undo the massive overreach. We are taking action to defend taxpayers and defend life by using the Congressional Review Act to overturn this rule. Overturning this rule won't reduce funding for women's health care. In fact, it will let States direct these funds in the way that is best for their citizens. It will ensure States can support women's heath as well as protect the unborn. Madam Speaker, this resolution is essential to rolling back executive overreach and standing up for the sanctity of life. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.J. Res. 43.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.J. Res. 42. This resolution is the latest effort in the House to undo the wave of bureaucratic overreach from the Obama administration. Five years ago, Congress passed a bipartisan law that included a commonsense provision giving the States flexibility to drug test some applicants for unemployment insurance. Instead of following the law Congress passed and allowing--not requiring--States to implement the policies right for their citizens, the Obama administration decided to tie States' hands. It issued a regulation that left no flexibility for States, the opposite of the bipartisan law Congress passed. Mr. Speaker, frankly, it is sad that we are even here today. This all could have been avoided if the Obama administration had simply followed the congressional intent, but yet here we are. I support this resolution, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Ed Moore, who was truly a pillar of our community in northern Indiana. In 1979, Ed founded the Christian radio station, WFRN, which has been a beacon of faith and joy to its family of listeners for nearly 4 decades. I have had the privilege of visiting the WFRN studio many times over the past 5, 6 years. Each time, I saw Ed's passion for serving the Lord and helping listeners strengthen their faith. WFRN has had such a positive impact on so many lives, and Ed's legacy is that it will continue to do so. In announcing Ed's passing, his family noted they were saddened, yet rejoicing, because Ed is with the Lord. Mr. Speaker, I join Ed's children, Doug, Steve, and Rachelle, his 11 grandchildren, and the entire WFRN family in mourning Ed's passing, celebrating his life, and rejoicing that today he is with the Lord.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Grace Brown of Granger, Indiana, on receiving a Silver Congressional Award Medal for her dedicated service to our community and her outstanding personal growth. Grace stands out not only because of her hardworking Hoosier spirit, but also because of her dedication to setting and achieving goals of personal growth and public service. Grace is driven, talented, and compassionate, and at her young age she has already left a positive mark on her community. I look forward to learning of the amazing accomplishments that I am certain lie ahead for Grace. The Congressional Award recognizes the best of America by honoring individuals who have achieved goals that build character, foster community service, and strengthen personal development and citizenship. Grace exemplifies these qualities and much more. She has shown great commitment to bettering the lives of others through her dedicated public service. She has built on her talents and developed new skills by teaching and taking part in dance classes. She has shown a genuine interest in learning about different cultures and exploring new environments, organizing and leading a five-day Expedition to Hocking Hills, Ohio. And she has given back to her community, spending more than 200 hours collecting and distributing food for local families in need. Through all of this, Grace has shown an exceptional understanding of the importance of civic engagement. She has taken on huge responsibilities and demonstrated the power of a dedicated and inspired young mind. Mr. Speaker, I am inspired by Grace's example and grateful for young Hoosiers like her. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending Grace our congratulations and best wishes.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.J. Res. 40. As part of our bold agenda for the American people, we are reining in the out-of-control bureaucracy in Washington. We are taking action to roll back 8 years of Obama administration overreach. Today we are stopping an egregious violation that flies in the face of the Constitution. This regulation, finalized in the final days of the Obama Presidency, would deny certain Social Security recipients their Second Amendment rights without due process. If you receive Social Security disability payments and someone helps you manage those payments, this regulation stops you from being able to purchase a firearm, your name gets added to a Federal database, and the burden is on you to prove it doesn't belong there. This is absolutely outrageous. This regulation discriminates against individuals with disabilities by denying them their Second Amendment rights and violating their rights of due process. And it gives far too much power to bureaucrats at the Social Security Administration, who should be focused on making sure people get the benefits they deserve, not deciding who can own a gun. This is why we are standing up for the Second Amendment rights of all disabled citizens. Being disabled doesn't make you a danger to society, and getting help managing your benefits doesn't mean you forfeit your constitutional rights. Mr. Speaker, I want to absolutely thank Congressman Sam Johnson and Congressman Ralph Abraham for their leadership on this issue. I strongly support this resolution, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record additional letters of support. National Association of County Behavioral Health & Development Disability Directors, Washington, DC, February 1, 2017. Re NACBHDD and NARMH Letter of Support for the CRA on the SSA NICS Rule. Hon. Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House, Washington, DC. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Office of the Democratic Leader, Washington, DC. Dear Speaker Ryan and Democratic Leader Pelosi: NACBHDD and NARMH urge you to support a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to disapprove the Final Rule issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) on December 19, 2016, ``Implementation of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007. This rule would require the Social Security Administration to forward the names of all Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit recipients who use a representative payee to help manage their benefits due to a mental impairment to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). NACBHDD is a national organization that represents county mental health, substance use, and developmental; disability directors in Washington, DC. NARMH represents rural mental health in the Capital. Prior to the issuance of the Final Rule, NACBHDD and NARMH conveyed our opposition to the rule through a letter to the Obama Administration and through the public comment process. We join many of our mental health coalition members and advocates who--opposed the rule for a number of reasons, including: The damaging message that may be sent by a SSA policy change, which focused on reporting individuals who receive assistance from representative payees in managing their benefits to the NICS gun database. The current public dialogue is replete with inaccurate stereotyping of people with mental disabilities as violent and dangerous, and there is a real concern that the kind of policy change encompassed by this rule will reinforce those unfounded assumptions. The absence of any data suggesting that there is any connection between the need for a representative payee to manage one's Social Security disability benefits and a propensity toward gun violence. The absence of any meaningful due process protections prior to the SSA's transmittal of names to the NICS database. Although the NICS Improvements Act of 2007 allows agencies to transmit the names of individuals who have been ``adjudicated'' to lack the capacity to manage their own affairs, SSA's process does not constitute an adjudication and does not include a finding that individuals are broadly unable to manage their own affairs. Based on similar concerns, the National Council on Disability, an independent federal agency charged with advising the President, Congress, and other federal agencies regarding disability policy, has urged Congress to use the Congressional Review Act to repeal this rule. We urge Congress to act, through the CRA process, to disapprove this new rule and prevent the damage that it inflicts on the disability community. Sincerely yours, Ron Manderscheid, PhD, Executive Director.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Ben Russo. When Ben passed away one year ago today, Elkhart lost a devoted member of the community, and I lost a good friend. Ben found great success in the private sector, working in various sales and management positions, including as vice president of E.J. Nagy and Associates. In retirement, Ben became quite active in the community, being elected to the Osolo Township Board and later becoming the Trustee of Osolo Township. He sat on the boards of The Boys and Girls Club of Elkhart, Council of Aging, and Riverview Adult Day Care Center. Finally, he was vice president of Elkhart Vintage Auto Club and president of Glenwood Park Civic Association, as well as an active member of Elkhart Trinity United Methodist Church. Always looking to give back to the community that he loved, Ben became a household name in Elkhart as someone who would do his best to help those in need. In the Trustee's office, he worked tirelessly on behalf of Osolo Township residents, and was determined to treat everyone with respect. Even when out with his beloved family, he would find people he knew and could help, and he would drop everything to see that their needs were met. As a recognition of his service to the community, Ben was honored with the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash Award, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the State of Indiana. Despite his distinguished career and place in the community, Ben was a humble and kind man. Today Elkhart is better for his public service, and his legacy of hard work and giving back to the community will not be forgotten. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the life of Ben Russo and his service to the northern Indiana community. His passion for helping others strengthened Elkhart and improved the lives of everyone he knew. I am honored to ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating his life and recognizing his outstanding public service.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to because we made a promise to the American people, and we are going to keep it. ObamaCare is an unpopular and failed law collapsing under its own weight. Polls have shown it; rising premiums have proven it; and, in November, the voters said it loud and clear. It is time to repeal ObamaCare and replace it with more choices, lower costs, and real protections for patients. Already, we are working to end this damaging law and take control away from Federal bureaucrats and give it back to the people of this country. One year ago, we sent an ObamaCare repeal bill to the President's desk; but, not surprisingly, he vetoed it. In a few weeks, this Congress will again send a repeal bill to the President's desk. This time, we will have a President who will sign it. Mr. Speaker, healthcare decisions should be made by patients and their doctors. American families should have access to health insurance they can actually afford. That is why we will repeal ObamaCare and replace it with real reforms.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding service that John Leszczynski has dedicated to the South Bend community. For 30 years and on behalf of four mayors, John has served on the Transpo Board of Directors. He leaves the Board in January having led the agency through a period of great change and challenge. His public service began when he served as the Public Works Director for the City of South Bend. John established himself as a public servant with undeniable character and integrity. Then, after joining the engineering firm the Troyer Group, John spent 30 years as a volunteer serving on the Board of Directors of Transpo, the transit agency for South Bend and Mishawaka. Over his 30 years on the Transpo Board of Directors, John was Chairman for 10 years and led the planning committee for most of his time on the Board. When he leaves the Transpo Board in January, he will leave behind a legacy that will be with us for years to come. That legacy includes the development of the ``Lucky Reznik'' Operations Center. Transpo's headquarters was the first LEED transit facility to be awarded a platinum designation. This outstanding facility has received national recognition and serves our community well. John led Transpo's decision to replace its diesel-fueled bus fleet with compressed natural gas buses. As Transpo's fleet neared the end of its useful life, John initiated a review to determine the most cost- effective and environmental fuel for the new buses. But, as is characteristic of John's leadership, he developed a plan to develop CNG as a resource not only for Transpo, but also for the City of South Bend. Today, the City and Transpo share a re-fueling facility. Under John's leadership, Transpo adopted a major bus route restructuring with the installation of new bus stops and the first bus shelters in Transpo's history. The new route system and shelters improve performance and offer better service and comfort to the thousands who depend on Transpo every day. Throughout his tenure, John offered quiet, modest leadership that brought people together and exemplified the ``South Bend'' way. At all times, he approached his duties understanding that the opportunity to serve is an honor and an obligation that must be conducted with the highest sense of duty. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to John Leszczynski for his accomplishments and service to the community of South Bend. I am honored to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing John for his tireless dedication and hard work as a member of the Transpo Board of Directors, and I want to wish him the very best in all of his future endeavors.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Michael Seitz, who will retire December 8th as president of the La Porte, Indiana, Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Seitz has spent decades working to keep the Northern Indiana economy growing, including 15 years as the Greater La Porte Chamber president, and our community will miss his invaluable contributions. Mr. Seitz began his path of public service while attending Indiana University, where he received an undergraduate degree in Public Administration and graduated from the United States Chamber of Commerce Institute. He furthered his commitment to economic development by attending the Certified Economic Developers program at the University of Kentucky. After school, Mr. Seitz began a long career dedicated to the economic success of the Hoosier State. Before serving as president of the Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Seitz worked for the South Bend Chamber of Commerce and in twelve years rose from manager to vice president of Existing Business Development and Membership Services at the St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce. He later served as president of the Logansport Chamber of Commerce, finally joining the Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce. With this background of dedicated service, clear passion for helping Indiana, and true commitment to economic prosperity, it is not surprising that Mr. Seitz oversaw a range of advancements and improvements for La Porte's business community during his tenure. The Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce has accomplished much through the work of Mr. Seitz, his staff, and Chamber and LEAF board members. It has gone through three accreditation processes, received two four-star ratings, and most recently, a five-star rating. The five-star rating elevated the Chamber into the highest class possible and defined it as an outstanding organization and facilitator of local commerce. Mr. Seitz's work both as president of the Chamber and in his other public service exemplifies his dedication to Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Michael Seitz upon his retirement after nearly three decades of hard work and dedication to improving the business environment of Northern Indiana. I am grateful for his public service and wish him the very best in all of his future endeavors.