Jackie Walorski

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act. There are many great pieces of this bill, but I want to highlight two in particular that will help Indiana's economy. For decades, the research and development tax credit has relied on short-term extensions, leaving innovators in complete limbo. Today, we are making it permanent, giving innovative industry the confidence to make investments here in the United States. Indiana is also home to 300 medical device companies, employing over 20,000 people, and stands to benefit greatly from this certainty. I am also thrilled today that we are delaying the damaging medical device tax for 2 years. This misguided tax will cost jobs, harm patients, and I look forward to the day that we can fully repeal it. Mr. Speaker, our Tax Code is a mess; but today we have an opportunity to give certainty to individuals, to families, charities, and job creators, and we can take another step forward toward comprehensive tax reform.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, our country is in the midst of a prescription drug epidemic. Fifty Americans die each day from prescription drug overdoses. The epidemic is also affecting our Nation's veterans, who, in some VA facilities, are being overprescribed medications. To combat this growing problem, my home State of Indiana and others have created statewide databases that collect data on medications prescribed to patients. It requires doctors and nurses to check patient records in the database before prescribing painkillers. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, VA facilities are not required by law to participate and have been known to overprescribe powerful medications. Today, I introduced legislation requiring all Veteran Administration Medical Centers to participate in their corresponding statewide drug monitoring program. Requiring VA facilities to comply will help ensure that veterans are not being overprescribed powerful pain medication. As a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I take the well-being of each Hoosier veteran very seriously, and they deserve high-quality health care. I also want to thank Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller for his commitment to fighting this epidemic in our State.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Charlie Hall as he retires as CEO of AM General after 5 years of leadership of this iconic company, the manufacturer of the Humvee. A natural and driven born leader, Hall joined AM General as CEO in January 2011 and led a top-to-bottom revitalization by launching key partnerships with the National Guard and Reserve, bolstering foreign military sales, and diversifying the company's commercial portfolio. Hall is known for his collaborative, deliberative, no-nonsense leadership style and has never lost track of his top priority, delivering the best, light tactical vehicles on the planet for our men and women in uniform. Under his leadership, AM General has truly been transformed and now stands poised for a very bright future. On behalf of the outstanding workforce at AM General and all Hoosiers in the Second Congressional District, I thank Charlie Hall for having such an extraordinary impact on this company and for serving as a role model for the next generation of leaders in our community. I wish him and his family the very best in his retirement.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2297, legislation that will impose sanctions on international financial institutions that knowingly engage in business with Hezbollah. Hezbollah is one of the world's largest, most dangerous, well-funded terrorist organizations. Trained, funded, and deployed as a proxy of the Iranian Government, with operations spanning several continents, the Shiite group has effectively taken over the Lebanese Government and has launched thousands of rockets at Israeli civilians. There is no question that Hezbollah is stronger than ever. They have murdered Americans, Israelis, Syrians, and citizens of other nations. They have amassed an arsenal of advanced weaponry, including 150,000 rockets and missiles; have made technological advances; and have gained battlefield experience in Syria, all which have helped turn Hezbollah into what could be Israel's most dangerous enemy in a generation. The bill also requires that President Obama report to Congress on Hezbollah's involvement in its drug business, money laundering, and other criminal activities--all of which are critical to funding its terrorism. We cannot jeopardize our national security and continue to ignore the serious threat that Hezbollah poses to our country and to our allies, including Israel. While this bill is not a silver bullet, it is a huge step in the right direction. I thank the chairman and the committee for their work on this important measure.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the conference report before us. Manufacturing is critical to the Hoosier economy and my district. A study by the Economic Policy Institute found that manufacturing jobs account for almost 17 percent of all jobs in Indiana. That is the highest rate in the Nation. Manufacturing jobs account for 23.1 percent of the jobs in my district, second highest in the Nation. This legislation will make our manufacturers so much more competitive by eliminating the red tape and removing supply chain bottlenecks. It provides new tools to tackle evasion of U.S. trade remedies and intellectual property theft. To be sure, I would like to have seen a new miscellaneous tariff bill process, and I thank the new chairman for his commitment to finding a path forward on that. But, Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly urge my colleagues to support this legislation that will help manufacturers in my district and across the country.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Principal Steve Hope of Penn High School for being named the 2015 Indiana High School Principal of the Year. His success in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students at Penn is nothing short of remarkable. Every year, the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP) recognizes outstanding principals who have succeeded in providing high- quality learning opportunities for students. Recipients are chosen based on their performance in showing leadership at the building level, at the district and community level, and at the state level. Every one of us depends on our teachers, and because of that, they deserve our support and appreciation. For nearly 20 years, Principal Hope has been contributing to the betterment of Indiana education. Since he became the principal of Penn High School in 2008, Indiana's Department of Education has named Penn an A-rated school and a 4-Star Award winner. U.S. News and World Report also named Penn an Outstanding High School in 2009 and 2015. Because of leaders like Principal Hope, Hoosier classrooms are filled with future doctors, scientists, and entrepreneurs. Principal Hope's efforts have been instrumental in advancing Indiana's education system. In 2010, he initiated the reorganization of Penn from a traditional high school to personalized approach through a $1.7 million dollar federal grant. This program begins with the Freshman Academy, which helps middle school students acclimate to high school, and offers six other academies which support college and career readiness. This includes Fine Arts & Communications, Management & Business, Health and Human Services, STEM, World Languages, and the Early College Academy. Contributions like these would not be possible without the efforts of passionate educators like Principal Hope. This smaller learning community structure is successful because of Principal Hope's dedication to both the students and the teachers. As a leader, he sees that students excel when they are taught by highly engaged and trained teachers and staff. Because of this, Principal Hope's vision also focuses on professional development for teachers. Quite simply, his work is bettering the lives of Hoosiers. I want to take this opportunity to once again thank Principal Hope for helping students and teachers at Penn develop their talents and become our future leaders. On behalf of myself and my fellow Hoosiers, I congratulate him on receiving this prestigious award.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 158. In order to protect our national security and the safety of Americans, we must also adapt our policies to prevent terrorists from entering U.S. soil. As we have heard earlier, approximately 5,000 Europeans have traveled to Syria and Iraq to join ISIS, many of whom are from countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program. Many of these countries fail to provide the U.S. intelligence community with critical information needed to ensure those traveling under the program are not a threat to the U.S. Today's legislation addresses and helps fix the vulnerabilities of this program. Before an individual is permitted to enter the United States, additional vetting is required. This includes enhanced screening of individuals who have visited or are citizens of Iraq, Syria, and terrorist hotspots like Iran and Sudan, or other nations that have seen a rise in significant terrorist activities. It strengthens intelligence and information sharing with our allies. It cracks down on passport fraud by requiring Visa Waiver countries to upgrade to biometrics and electronic passports and forces Visa Waiver countries to ramp up counterterrorism screenings of travelers. As our enemies continue to evolve, we must do the same to protect the American people from the risks posed by this threat. I thank Congresswoman Miller for her hard work on this important piece of legislation.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Miller's Vets, an organization in my district committed to supporting homeless veterans, and express my appreciation for the service and sacrifice our veterans have made on behalf of our country. Miller's Vets was founded by Robert Miller, Sr., a former St. Joseph County Superior Court judge and a retired lieutenant commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve, who began the organization to instill confidence and create opportunities for local veterans. Veterans in the program participate in various services, including color guard, flag raising, and parade marches. Miller's Vets also created a military honors funeral program comprised of 14 local veterans who have been trained to perform honor guard duty at funerals. This program partners with local funeral homes to provide full military service funerals to certain veterans without family or adequate finances to pay for their expenses. Simply put, Mr. Speaker, Miller's Vets restores the honor that these men and women deserve. I am grateful to Miller's Vets for their dedication to providing dignity and hope to our bravest and finest. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Miller's Vets for their tireless dedication to helping and honoring our local veterans.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 659, I was unavoidably detained off the House Floor and was unable to cast a vote. Had I been present, I would have voted no.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Chair, on rollcall No. 659 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' Amendment No. 19 Offered by Ms. Schakowsky

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I rise today to honor and remember 18-year-old Ezra Schwartz, a Massachusetts teenager whose life was tragically taken in Israel last month. Ezra was spending his gap year studying at a yeshiva in Israel and was one of the three people shot and killed last week by a Palestinian terrorist. The continued violent attacks targeting Israeli civilians are, without qualification or exception, acts of terror and deserve full condemnation. Attacks on innocent civilians, whether they are American, Israeli, or Palestinian, have zero justification, and our response to such terrorism cannot be silence. My heart and prayers go out to the friends and family of Ezra, and we honor those whose lives have been lost by such hateful actions. Mr. Speaker, please join me in remembering the young life of Ezra Schwartz.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Principal Steve Hope of Penn High School in Mishawaka for earning the 2015 Indiana High School Principal of the Year Award by the Indiana Association of School Principals. For nearly 20 years Principal Hope has been more than just a teacher. He has been a mentor, support system, and friend to countless people. His passion for education has been instrumental in preparing young Hoosiers for so much success later in life. Since he became the principal in 2008, Indiana's Department of Education has named Penn an A-rated school and a 4-Star Award winner. He has taught students more than just curriculum. He has taught students life lessons they will remember forever. On behalf of the people of the Second Congressional District of Indiana, I heartily want to thank Principal Hope for being an inspiration to students and teachers alike. His dedication to providing a quality education to each Hoosier that crosses his path is such an inspiration to all of us in Indiana. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Penn High School Principal Steve Hope on receiving this prestigious award.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Marian High School Knights for their victory in the IHSAA Class 1A Boys Soccer State Championship. Hard work and dedication led the Knights to this victory and allowed them to finish out the season with twenty wins, eight of which were shutouts, and two losses. The championship game was the team's first appearance in the state finals and is their first state title. During the championship game, Marian senior Augie Hartnagel started off with high intensity, scoring a goal within the first 20 minutes. The team took this momentum and scored two more goals, made by Kevin Torres and Jordan Morris. The team finished with 24 shots to Cardinal Ritter High School's four and a 3-0 victory. I also would like to highlight the many players who were honored for their performance in the tournament. Seniors Richie Ontiveros and lead scorer Augie Hartnagel were named to the Northern Indiana Conference's First Team, Kevin Torres and Cristian Juarez were named to the NIC's Second Team, and Christian Verstraete received Honorable Mention. Keeper Michael Cataldo also walked away with eight shutouts for the season. I want to congratulate Coach Ben Householter on this victory, which is truly a testament to his dedication to the boys' soccer program. This win gave Householter his first state championship in 18 years as head coach and earned him recognition throughout the entire conference as Northern Indiana Conference Coach of the Year. The Knights' level of excellence as a whole is a reflection of the individual players and their desire for success and dedication to hard work. This victory is a result not only from talent, but also from hours of practice, strategic planning, and fine tuning the skills of each player. I look forward not only to cheering for the Knights in the future, but to cheering on the men of this year's team as they pursue their goals in the years to come. I have every confidence that they will succeed. Congratulations to the entire team for their contributions: Kevin Torres-Villa, Christian Verstraete, Richie Ontiveros, Augie Hartnagel, Carlos Torres, Nate Pullin, Lorenzo Martinez, Michael Wuszke, Michael Cataldo, Max Frausto, Justin Saavedra, Alex Kokot, Cristian Juarez, Oscar Tavarez, Johnathan Tavarez, Roberto Ontiveros, Jordan Morris, Alex Rodela, Will Tiller, De'Quarius Strowder, Dennis Mammolenti, Gabriel Martinez, Juan Botello, Adam Evans, Alfredo Medina, Jonathan Magallon, Head Coach Ben Householter, Assistant Alfredo Juarez, Assistant Coach John Jonas, Assistant Coach Matt Englert, Manager Chloe Householter, Manager Jenna Householter, Athletic Trainer Anne Micinski, Assistant Athletic Director Linda Martin, Athletic Director Reggie Glon, and Principal Mark Kirzeder. The Knights' dedication and sacrifices have truly paid off, and is a source of pride for the entire city and Indiana. This is truly an exciting victory and this is a memory these students will have for a lifetime. On behalf of the people of the Second Congressional District of Indiana, I applaud Coach Householter for building this program, thank the student athletes for their determination, and congratulate them all on an amazing season. It is my honor to represent Marian High School, and I wish continued success to the team and each of its members in their future endeavors.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Marian High School boys' soccer team. For the first time in the school's 51- year history, the Knights won a State title. Last weekend, the Knights claimed the Class 1A State boys' soccer championship with a 3-0 victory. The win also earned Head Coach Ben Householter his first State championship in 18 years as head coach. He was also named the Northern Indiana Conference Coach of the Year. All season long, Marian competed against the best of the best, finishing with 20 wins and only 2 losses. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today a very proud Hoosier. Marian High School is a great school, and the team, the coach, the teachers, and the entire student body should be proud today. I want to recognize the parents, who sacrifice so much for their kids to play in sports programs. The achievement that this is today is something these students will have for a lifetime. On behalf of the people of the Second Congressional District of the State of Indiana, I applaud Coach Householter and the entire team for their determination and hard work. I congratulate them all on an amazing season.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize South La Porte County Special Education Cooperative Director Paula Nichols for her dedication to providing services to nearly 1,500 students of varying disabilities. The co-op employs 97 teachers and 50 paraprofessionals, ensuring that students receive high-quality instruction and have positive learning experiences. Currently, the demand for qualified teachers, especially in special ed, is increasing at a pace far greater than existing communities can produce. My thanks for Paula's dedication. This co-op provides students with services that empower students to become active members of society based on their individual strengths and abilities. Last year, I visited the South La Porte County Special Education Cooperative and saw firsthand the great work of this organization. I am grateful to Paula Nichols and the co-op for working with parents, schools, students, and the community to create an environment that celebrates and embraces individuality and accommodates diverse learning needs. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Paula Nichols for her tireless dedication to students in La Porte County.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Art Conservationist Specialist George Stout in honor of his granddaughter and Mishawaka resident, Lauren Parker. George Stout was one of the leaders of the Monuments Men, a group established in 1944 of men and women who served in the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives section under the Allied Armies during World War II. We cannot thank him and the Monuments Men enough for their heroic role in the preservation, protection, and restitution of monuments, works of art, and artifacts of cultural importance during and following World War II. Today, in accordance with H.R. 3658, the Monuments Men Recognition Act of 2014, a Congressional Gold Medal was given in commemoration of the Monuments Men. Stout is an honorary Hoosier, in my eyes, and I am grateful for the opportunity to meet his family as we honor him and the other Monuments Men with the Congressional Gold Medal Award. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring George Stout and the other Monuments Men for their invaluable efforts during World War II.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentlewoman and my friend from Missouri, Vicky Hartzler. The NDAA, as we have heard tonight, is the largest single authorization bill that Congress considers and one of this body's most significant pieces of legislation and accomplishments this year. This legislation is critical to our national security. It continues to fund the entire national defense of this country. For 54 years, Republicans and Democrats in both Houses in this body have come together to pass this defense bill. This year was no different. This Congress sent a bipartisan bill to President Obama. Today, though, the President vetoed this defense budget in order to gain leverage for additional increased spending, his demands of spending, a process of a budgetary procedure that is completely unrelated to this bill. This defense bill helps our men and women in uniform by adjusting pay and retirement benefits. It removes barriers that prevent access to urgent medical care for members of the armed services while also expanding employment opportunities for those exiting the service. It helps us retain our most experienced servicemembers. It makes those individuals safer by enhancing and improving military training and modernizing our resources and programs. Lastly, this bill provides very real authorities, such as the ability to protect Americans by keeping terrorists secured in the detention facility known as GTMO, or Guantanamo Bay. For 54 years, this defense bill has transited party lines and Washington dysfunction. As a candidate, President Obama promised to do the same. But with this veto, he has threatened to end this staple of bipartisanship in this Chamber. Our servicemen and -women put their lives on the line every day. The least we can do is offer them the security of knowing that they can provide for their families and plan for their own futures.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, the EPA is at it again. A few weeks ago, this runaway agency released its most expensive regulation in history. The new ozone rule joins a number of other costly, expansive, and crippling regulations put out by the EPA during the Obama administration. According to the EPA's own estimates, this new regulation will be one of the most crippling in history, at a cost of $1.4 billion a year. While no one disagrees that the protection of air quality is an essential responsibility, Hoosiers have a proven track record of being good stewards of the environment and good stewards of the economy. Yet the EPA continues to issue rules that overwhelm Hoosier companies and threaten job creation. We should focus on policies that grow the economy, protect our environment, and not burying job creators under red tape and mandates. It is time to end the EPA's assault on business. That is why, today, I am introducing a resolution of disapproval that would block this harmful regulation. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ron Gifford for his dedication to creating and nurturing a trained workforce for the growing industrial base of Starke County. Ron is the director of the Starke County Initiative for Lifelong Learning, known as SCILL, a 2-year school for juniors and seniors. SCILL also trains industrial employees, offers several continuing ed courses, computer classes, and an automotive tech program. The importance of SCILL and Ron's work cannot be understated. A highly trained workforce is the backbone of a strong, diverse economy. Many of the skills needed to compete in the global market of the 21st century are technically demanding. Currently, the demand for qualified workers is increasing at a pace far greater than existing communities can produce. Thanks to Ron's dedication, SCILL has focused on developing and training more workers to meet this demand, building a strong workforce to ensure the growth of our economy. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Ron Gifford for elevating the contributions skilled workers make to ensure that our economy is stronger than ever.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to be in Washington, DC on October 7, 2015 due to a death in the family and thus missed the recorded votes on that day. On Roll Call Votes 536, 537, 538, and 540, I would have voted yea had I been present. On Roll Call Vote 539, I would have voted no had I been present.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 535, I was not present due to a death in the family. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' personal explanation