Jackie Walorski

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 534 I was not present due to a death in the family. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a pharmacist in my district, Harry Webb, for his dedication to curbing the meth epidemic that has taken America by storm. Meth has infected rural communities across America, consuming working class Americans who build meth labs in rural areas using household products and ingredients. Make no mistake, Indiana's meth problem is appalling. In 2013, the Hoosier State had more meth incidents than any other State in the U.S. Harry and his team, the Citizen Action Committee, are working to curb meth production by partnering with local and State officials and pharmacies to reduce pseudoephedrine sales, the active ingredient in producing meth. They have taken the initiative in marketing drug abuse resistant products to their customers. This is a critical issue for the whole country, but I am grateful for Harry's dedication and work to reduce the amount of meth labs in our communities. Mr. Speaker, once again, join me in honoring Harry Webb for his meth lab reduction program and his service to our State.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Thank you, Mr. Benishek. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the distinguished gentleman from Michigan and the distinguished gentlewoman from Arizona for yielding. In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, I rise today to increase awareness about some of our bravest and most at risk: our veterans. Many of our Nation's troops, both past and present, face struggles many of us can never imagine. Every day 22 veterans take their own lives. I have experienced this same tragedy in my own district. In 2013, a constituent in my district, a former marine who served in Vietnam, began experiencing severe pain over his entire body. After visiting four VA clinics and facilities, doctors could not diagnose his condition and instead prescribed morphine for ongoing and oftentimes excruciating pain. To help manage his undiagnosed condition, doctors recommended he enter a nursing home. Unfortunately, he discovered he did not meet the eligibility requirements. Later that day, his wife was told that she had 1 hour to pick him up or they, the VA, would send him home in a cab without clothes since he did not have any at the hospital to wear. Two days later, just a week before Christmas, the pain proved too great for him to bear and he took his own life. His story details the urgency our Nation's heroes deserve. Instead of ending in heartbreak, veterans and their families need to know their lives count, which is why we must improve veterans' access to physical and mental health care. Together, we can change this system to prevent tragedies like this from ever happening again.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Nappanee Mayor Larry Thompson on his retirement. A devoted husband and proud father, Mayor Thompson has dedicated his life to serving his community. He and his wife, Linda, grew up in the Nappanee area and, along with his two children, run their family funeral home business. Since his election in 1995, he has been instrumental in making Nappanee one of the most vibrant cities in the State of Indiana. He helped establish the Boys and Girls Club of Nappanee and created the West Industrial Park. In the aftermath of an F3 tornado that struck Nappanee in 2007, Thompson led a coalition of community leaders to help rebuild the parts of the city that had been destroyed or damaged. In addition to his work in the public sector, Mayor Thompson is an active member of the community, involved with Kiwanis and the American Red Cross. He has dedicated his life to public service. God bless you, Larry, in your retirement.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the honorable public service of Larry Thompson as he retires as Mayor of Nappanee, Indiana. As a five-term mayor, Mayor Thompson continues to represent the American spirit and his contributions are truly deserving of this body's recognition. A devoted husband and proud father, Mayor Thompson has dedicated his life to serving his community. He and his wife Linda grew up in the Nappanee area and are both graduates of Northwood High School. He worked part-time in the funeral home business during high school and graduated from Indiana College of Mortuary Science in 1973. His dedication to public service was obvious early in his life, when he began serving as one of Nappanee's first Emergency Medical Technicians in 1973. Ten years later, he and his wife purchased what is now the Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home and he began serving as a local firefighter. Today, he and his family continue to run and operate their funeral home business, where they provide funeral services to the entire community. Mayor Thompson became involved in government affairs when he was appointed to serve on the Nappanee Park Board and ran in his first election, a successful bid for the Wa-Nee Community Schools Board of Education. After several years of serving in those capacities, the mayor's position became open. Prodded to run, he ran against an opponent for the only time in his career. Every election since, Mayor Thompson has run unopposed. Since 1995, Mayor Thompson has been instrumental in improving the structure and services of Nappanee. His support to create community development, economic expansion, and job growth, made Nappanee one of the most vibrant communities in Indiana. Mayor Thompson's tireless work to improve the community is nothing short of remarkable. His collaboration with local and regional partners to lobby for specific projects and funding for the city brought businesses like Martin's Super Market and Miller's Assisted Living to Nappanee. Mayor Thompson also helped establish the Boys and Girls Club of Nappanee and develop the East Side/Airport Industrial Park. While Mayor Thompson should be commended for his business savvy, his training as a first responder proved helpful when an F-3 tornado struck Nappanee in 2007. During the aftermath, Thompson led a coalition of community leaders to help rebuild areas of Nappanee that had been destroyed or damaged. The care and compassion the mayor had for his friends, neighbors and relatives who suffered loss and experienced trauma was abundantly clear. His business sense, integrity, and passion to restore people's lives were driving forces behind the recovery process for the town. Mr. Speaker, once again, please join me in congratulating Mayor Larry Thompson on his retirement. It is my hope that my colleagues will join me in thanking him for his leadership and service to the City of Nappanee.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the VA Accountability Act. I also want to thank Chairman Miller for sponsoring this bill and for his work to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs. It wasn't long ago that news reports of VA mismanagement made headlines across this country. Reports surfaced of veterans dying due to mismanaged wait times and senior executives receiving bonuses instead of receiving punishment for knowingly allowing this negligence to occur. Over the past year, the Veterans' Affairs Committee has continued to uncover instances of mismanagement or misconduct by VA employees. We discovered the VA often does not hold employees accountable for their actions. When the VA attempts to take disciplinary action against an employee, the process is so complicated and lengthy that such action rarely occurs. In May, VA Deputy Secretary Sloan Gibson admitted that it was very difficult to fire bad employees. For too long, taxpayers have been footing the bill to pay poor-performing employees to provide substandard care to our veterans. Only in government are special protections put in place that protect those who cannot appropriately do their job. However, I also recognize there are individuals in the VA who do a great job for our veterans, and they should be commended for that. This legislation simply builds on last year's law that gave the VA Secretary the authority to remove employees for poor performance or misconduct. The VA Accountability Act of 2015 expands that power further to the entire VA workforce, giving the Secretary increased authority to remove employees who are not meeting the standards of service that veterans deserve and taxpayers expect. In addition, the legislation protects whistleblowers and would shorten the appeal period and end what many veterans believe is a never-ending process to remove employees who may be damaging the Department's reputation and, even worse, putting veterans at risk. This bill takes those steps to ensure our Nation's servicemen and - women receive the care they rightfully deserve. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill because our veterans deserve nothing but the best.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Principal James Condon of Plymouth High School for being named the 2015 Principal of the Year. His success in fostering an exceptional learning environment for students in Plymouth is nothing short of remarkable. Every year, the National Association of Secondary School Principals recognizes outstanding middle school and high school principals who have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students. Recipients are chosen based on their performance in four categories, which include personal excellence, collaborative leadership, curriculum and personalization. Among other requirements, an award winner must model values, beliefs and attitudes that encourage others to higher levels of performance; create a culture of collaboration; ensure that each student has the best possible opportunity of realizing success; and create a school climate that is warm, inviting, safe and secure. Every one of us depends on our teachers, and because of that, they deserve our support and appreciation. For over 20 years, Principal Condon has been contributing to the betterment of Indiana education. Since he became the principal of Plymouth High School in 2007, the school has been rated as one of the top high schools in Indiana and has received an ``A'' from the state in school accountability. As an added accomplishment, the school has achieved an 86 percent graduation rate, exceeding the Indiana state average by nearly 10 percent. These remarkable achievements have been duly-recognized and rewarded. Before receiving Principal of the Year, he was named the top high school principal in Indiana's second district, which includes Elkhart, St. Joseph, Starke, Marshall, Pulaski, Fulton, LaPorte and Kosciusko counties. Because of leaders like him, Hoosier classrooms are filled with future doctors, scientists and entrepreneurs. Principal Condon's efforts have been instrumental in advancing Indiana's education system. His leadership has led to the development of digital and project-based learning, creation of dual credit courses and preparation of students for the job market. As a result, Plymouth High School now offers 35 dual credit courses and has achieved one of Indiana's highest pass percentages on AP classes. The school recently opened a state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing Training Center that serves students during the day and adults in the evening. Contributions like these would not be possible without the effort of passionate educators like Principal Condon. Quite simply, his work is bettering the lives of Hoosiers. I want to take this opportunity to once again thank Principal Condon for helping students in Plymouth 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 today to recognize Jenna McGivney of Southwood Junior-Senior High School for being selected to participate in the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources Summer Teacher Institute. Her dedication to providing the highest quality of education to young Hoosiers is nothing short of remarkable. Educators attending the teacher institute participate in and develop primary source-based teaching strategies that they can take back to their school districts, apply in the classroom, and share with their colleagues. This is an opportunity reserved for only the finest teachers in the country and is a testament to Ms. McGivney's success as an educator. It is the work of passionate teachers like her that make me so grateful to represent Indiana's Second Congressional District. The future of Indiana's children lies in the hands of our educators. Because of that, they deserve our support and recognition. Today, I congratulate Ms. McGivney and thank her for her dedication to educating young Hoosiers.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the North Miami Future Farmers of America members for their dedication to aiding their fellow classmate, Evan Exmeyer. As a student at North Miami High School, Evan was born with cerebral palsy. He lives on a hog and grain farm and relies on a wheelchair accessible van to transport him around his family's land. Unfortunately, the van can't travel to every corner of the farm, making parts of his own land inaccessible. These outstanding FFA students, with the help of our generous Hoosier community, raised $20,000 in donations to purchase and modify a UTV Gator. Thanks to their hard work, Evan has the freedom to explore all that his farm has to offer. The commitment to bettering the lives of others demonstrated by the North Miami FFA members makes me so proud to represent Indiana's Second District. Their dedication to public service is something to be admired by Hoosiers everywhere. Today, I thank the North Miami FFA members for serving as role models for our entire Hoosier community statewide.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize former Notre Dame basketball player and Army veteran, Danielle Green, who was recognized at last week's ESPYs ceremony with the Pat Tillman award. The award is named after former NFL player Pat Tillman, who joined the Army Rangers following 9/11, served several tours in combat before he died in a friendly fire incident in Afghanistan in 2004. It recognizes an individual with a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes Pat's legacy. Danielle Green could not be more deserving of this prestigious honor. While bravely serving her country in Iraq, she lost part of her left arm from a rocket-propelled grenade attack. Upon her return, Green earned the Purple Heart for injuries suffered in combat. She now works with returning veterans as a readjustment counselor in South Bend, Indiana. Danielle's sacrifice to protect our freedom and her contributions to Indiana veterans deserves recognition. She is an inspiration to Hoosiers everywhere. Today, I thank Danielle Green and all of our servicemen and -women for the sacrifices they make in the name of freedom.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Robert Eugene Bartels, who passed away at the age of 78, in South Bend, Indiana on July 17, 2015. Bob was born in 1937 in Zanesville, Ohio to the late Martin H. and Verna K. Bartels. In 1959, he graduated from Purdue University earning a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. He joined General Electric and worked in various East Coast cities. In 1962, while visiting a fraternity brother in South Bend, he met Nancy Tarnow on a blind date. They later married and settled in Providence, Rhode Island. In 1964, Martin and Jane Tarnow offered Bob an opportunity to join Martin's Super Markets as a right-hand executive with the company. With Nancy as a partner and trusted confidante, Bob led Martin's Super Markets through many changes during his tenure. He developed a single `mom and pop' Martin's Super Market into an innovative, respected store chain covering much of Indiana. Today, these stores are more than just a supermarket; they are the glue that holds our Hoosier communities together. At 51, he became an employee of the supermarket and served as president and CEO beginning in 1973, and as chairman beginning in 2005. Under Bob's leadership, Martin's Super Markets grew into a fully functioning corporation by adding 19 additional stores, relocating six and completing countless updates and remodeling projects under his watch. In addition, he oversaw the introduction of many of the company's most popular features, such as Side Door Deli Cafes, Starbucks Coffee kiosks, catering, and more. Bob was instrumental in expanding Martin's Super Market's commitment to its communities, with fundraisers such as Heat for Homes, Roofsit, Advantages of Education and student scholarship programs, both public and private. Bob served his community and industry in many roles, including as former trustee of the Stanley Clark School in South Bend, Indiana; former director of St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce; former director of his local YMCA; and former trustee of Project Future in South Bend, Indiana. Make no mistake, Bob was a man gifted with a powerful intellect and the ability to understand great complexities, reduce them into simple concepts, and put them to work. He was a good steward and defined his responsibilities expansively. His commitment to personal excellence, education, demanding workloads, and his ability to turn opportunity into accomplishment were inspiring. His commitment to high personal standards of conduct and seemingly tireless effort and engagement were his way of showing his love for his family, colleagues and friends. Mr. Speaker, I ask the entire U.S. House of Representatives to join me in expressing our deepest sympathy to Bob Bartels and the entire Bartels family.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 2722.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina and also my colleague from Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise to express my deepest concern that the President of the United States is signing an agreement with a leading state sponsor of terrorism, Iran. This administration has collectively created a pathway for Iran to create a nuclear bomb. This agreement endangers the lives of Americans by providing billions of dollars in sanctions relief for Iran to continue killing Americans. The lack of adequate safeguards and controls in this plan that literally allows Iran to choose if and when they agree to verification is deeply troubling, and it should be to every American, especially when we start by lifting sanctions without any verification. Also, let's not forget that by lifting the weapons embargo, Iran will increase their stockpile of missiles, ICBMs, directly from Russia--able to strike this homeland and other more advanced weapons that will lead to an arms race in the Middle East. Once again, the President is bypassing the American people by threatening a veto of any legislation that comes from here that would curb his agreement. The President of the United States continues to reject the will of the American people. As this unrest continues, the United States has to maintain our rich partnership with our allies, including Israel, sitting directly in line with Iran. I just want to say to my colleagues here, very quickly, let's not forget that it was just a couple of months ago that Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel stood in this very place right here. It was an unbelievable moment for this country. He traveled all the way here to tell this body and to tell the American people how bad of a deal and how dangerous this agreement is. If you weren't here, I can tell you there was electricity in this place. People were moved, and America heard for the first time what a danger this was not only to us and our homeland, but the existential threat to the nation of Israel. They were moved, and the next morning, our Nation was not the same. I just appreciate so much my colleague from North Carolina for allowing us to talk about this tonight. See, the American people know that this is not just a bad deal; this is not just a danger to our Nation. This is the complete unravelling of the Middle East as we know it today, and we are going to do everything we can--I can tell you I will do everything I can--to make sure that this bad deal goes away and we do what we are called upon when we raised our right hand to take these positions, which is to protect this Nation from attack.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Principal James Condon of Plymouth High School for being named the 2015 Principal of the Year. His success in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students in Plymouth is nothing short of remarkable. Principal Condon's leadership has been instrumental in the development of digital and project-based learning, creation of dual credit courses, and preparation of students for the job market. As a result of his leadership, Hoosier classrooms are full of future doctors, scientists, and entrepreneurs. His success reminds us of how important educators are to kids everywhere. Every one of us depends on our teachers, and because of that, they deserve our support and our appreciation. Principal Condon has helped spark imagination and give young Hoosiers the ability to make their dreams become a reality. Today I thank Principal Condon for helping students in Plymouth develop their talents and become our future leaders.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I just came from an Armed Services Committee meeting where the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs both agreed that under no circumstances should this House consider this resolution at this time, which is conceivably an immediate withdrawal of our troops from Iraq and Syria. This causes, they discussed, an immediate risk to our homeland and our allies. We would not be here today debating this issue if the Commander in Chief had articulated a strategy to the American people. We would not be debating this concept. Even so, Mr. Chairman, this is dangerous for America, and this is not the way to go on a plan for an immediate withdrawal with our allies and with our homeland being at risk. The world is watching today. The world has watched for the last several years our lack of a foreign policy plan, but today the world is watching to see if this U.S. House is going to stand together in a bipartisan manner and reject this resolution and stand together for the safety that we were sworn to stand together and uphold, which is the safety of the United States of America. I ask my colleagues to reject this resolution.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment made in order by the rule.

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte).

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Chair, may I inquire how much time I have remaining?

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank Congressman Goodlatte and Chairman Conaway for their continued leadership in support of my amendment. My amendment today would encourage the CFTC to keep both U.S. producers and users of aluminum firmly in mind as they proceed in their work. We might take it for granted, but aluminum is part of our everyday life. It is used in everything from food packaging to commercial buildings and homes to automotive and air transportation. In my home State of Indiana, aluminum is home to 10,000 industry jobs that account for over $5 billion in economic activity every year. About 1,800 of those workers are employed at an integrated facility in southern Indiana that boasts the largest operating smelter in the United States and is one of eight still in use in the country. My amendment would require the CFTC provide this body with an update of the status of its consultations with U.S. producers and consumers of aluminum. To better protect the thousands of workers in my district and businesses and consumers across the country, we must ensure the CFTC is operating in a transparent manner where the rules are designed to help fair and open price discovery. It is imperative that everyone who participates in the physical aluminum market have confidence in the system, and my amendment will ensure the protection of our workers, businesses, and consumers. I ask my colleagues to join me in support of my amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Culver-Union Township Carnegie Public Library, located in Culver, Indiana as it celebrates its 100th Anniversary on June 6, 2015. In the early 1900's, local communities around the country were awarded funds to build libraries using money from the businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. In 1915, the Carnegie Corporation granted $10,000 to the town of Culver to build a library on Main Street. Still needing additional funds, local Culver businessmen helped to raise the money needed to purchase the land for the building site. On December 30, 1915 the library opened, consisting of 17 books that were donated by local members of the Culver community and Zolla Moss was hired as their first librarian. The lower level of the library was used as a meeting and performance space until the 1950's. Many church congregations met in the lower level of the Carnegie library building at one time or another. During the 1960's, the library's book collection continued to increase in size, leading to the use of the lower level to hold books. Today, the Culver-Union Township Public Library Carnegie building is still in use as a library, and has undergone an addition and renovation which were completed in 2001 and remains the only Carnegie Library still in existence in Marshall County, Indiana. The library continues to play a vital role in the education and success of all communities and, with its historic Carnegie building, is a shining example of all that public libraries can accomplish for local communities. For the past century, the Culver-Union Township Public Library has been an important piece of communal life in Culver. Families, friends, and students gather to conduct research, enjoy literary works, and socialize. There is no question the library holds an important public function in serving the community through literary means, and is enjoyed by many. I commend the staff, visitors and members of the library for their dedication to serving the people of Culver. They serve the diverse needs of its communities through the sharing of library resources and services in a welcoming atmosphere for all and will continue to function as a public forum for learning. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Culver-Union Township Public Library as they celebrate their 100th Anniversary.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), the distinguished chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Thornberry for his support of my amendment. I just wanted to start out by saying this debate is fundamentally about risk and trust. It is safe to assume the administration is risking our national security for the sake of fulfilling a misguided campaign promise. Simply put, we have too much at stake to trust an executive order from the President. My amendment protects our national security, further strengthens and extends commonsense restrictions on Guantanamo transfers. It prohibits detainees from coming to the U.S., policy which has, in the past, had strong bipartisan support. In addition, it restricts the most dangerous detainees from being transferred. Finally, it bans transfers to Yemen, an al Qaeda stronghold, one of the most dangerous places on Earth to set terrorists free. When it comes to foreign policy and the security of the U.S., including the threat of Islamic extremism, President Obama doesn't seem to get it. It seems like the only thing we can trust the administration to do is underestimate the threat. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.