Jackie Walorski

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today and speak on the importance of combating human trafficking. I am grateful that the House is bringing forth five antitrafficking bills to the floor today. Human trafficking, which includes labor and sex trafficking, is the second-largest and fastest-growing criminal industry in the world. Trafficking may seem like an international problem, but there are 300,000 children at risk of sex trafficking here in the U.S. The State of Indiana has formed a cutting edge, antitrafficking task force that involves both public and private groups. This task force, called IPATH, has investigated more than 200 cases in Indiana, and continues to rescue children and adults from involuntary servitude in commercial sex trafficking. Great work is being done in the Hoosier State, but antitrafficking advocates agree that much more is needed. That is why I am proud to cosponsor the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act and proud to support the bills being voted on today. This bill will provide law enforcement with necessary tools to address the problem of trafficking by helping tackle the demand issue itself and improve services for survivors. It also protects foster children by requiring that the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children be notified when children are missing from foster homes or child care institutions. Madam Speaker, protecting people trapped in trafficking situations is not a partisan or a political issue. It is not an issue that only happens overseas. It happens on American soil, and it happens every day all across this country. We must work together to fight this issue, to be the voice for those who are literally trapped, and to bring an end to this terrible crime. I urge my colleagues to support the antitrafficking bills on the floor today.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise to oppose the amendment. While I appreciate the good intention of the gentleman from California, I believe we have immense security challenges in Africa and limited defense resources. Defense has been cut over $1 trillion in recent years, the military is facing shortfalls in readiness, and terrorism threats across Africa are evolving and expanding. Given that the military cannot meet our current requirements in Africa, I don't think it is wise to add new requirements at this time. Military commanders in Africa have testified about shortfalls in intelligence, crisis response forces, and enablers to meet the ``new normal'' security requirements in Africa. No military commander has highlighted wildlife trafficking as a key issue in their area of responsibility, nor have they recommended it be prioritized before this committee. Combating wildlife trafficking should not be a core DOD mission. DOD and the administration recognize that combating wildlife trafficking is not a core DOD function, and thus the national strategy for combating wildlife trafficking does not set forth any DOD requirements. In an era of declining budgets, the DOD should not be duplicating efforts that are already occurring within the interagency, including the intelligence community, the law enforcement community, and the State Department, all of which are already working on and collecting information on this issue.

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Chairman, we have the strongest and best military in the world. Thanks to the hard work of Chairman McKeon and Ranking Member Smith, this year's defense bill works within budgetary constraints to ensure that our military continues to have the best people, the best training, and the best hardware. This bill guards against irresponsible cuts to pay and benefits. It improves readiness, and it provides our men and women in uniform with the vital aircraft, ships, and ground vehicles they need to fight and win today's increasingly complex battle space. We also included several bipartisan commonsense provisions that build on our important work last year to combat military sexual assault. We hold Russia accountable for its aggression against Ukraine and its treaty violations. Finally, we lay the groundwork for a comprehensive defense reform effort, including finding ways to stretch the taxpayer dollars for the defense of this Nation. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to file a supplemental report on the bill, H.R. 4435.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Mrs. Dorothy ``Dot'' Wiekamp, who reached the milestone of her 100th birthday on March 15, 2014. Mrs. Wiekamp is a truly remarkable woman who is known in our community as an outstanding volunteer, community leader, philanthropist, mother, and grandmother. Dot met her late husband Darwin at Mishawaka High School and the two married in 1936, forming what many have called ``the perfect team.'' Together the Wiekamps began a family, built a business, and created a legacy in our local community. In 1945, the Wiekamps founded the Owners Discount Corporation in Elkhart, Indiana. The business serviced customers who were overlooked by other banks, specializing in small loans for cars and new businesses. After purchasing the West End State Bank of Mishawaka in 1966, Owners Discount continued to grow, changing its name several times, until finally becoming National City Bank. The Wiekamp's business success gave way to their philanthropic efforts. The couple played an instrumental role in the building of Memorial Children's Hospital in South Bend and also generously gave their time and money to the construction of the Schwartz Wiekamp Medical Center in Mishawaka. These efforts continue to play a key role in ensuring that local children have access to quality healthcare. In regards to higher education, the Wiekamps have contributed to numerous institutions and scholarships. The couple helped fund the main classroom building, Wiekamp Hall, at Indiana University--South Bend. They built the Wiekamp Athletic Facility at Bethel College and the Dorothy Wiekamp Demonstration Kitchen at Ivy Tech Community College. In addition, the couple provided funding for the Schwartz Tennis Center at Purdue University. Mrs. Wiekamp was also instrumental in the construction of a new auditorium at the Northern Indiana Center for History, as well as the South Bend Center for the Homeless. Throughout her life, Dot has been involved in numerous community organizations. She served on the board of trustees for the Northern Indiana Historical Society, as president of the Mishawaka Visiting Nurses Association, and is a founding member of the Mishawaka YMCA. From philanthropic support to countless charities and educational institutions to leadership on the boards of our community's most important organizations, the Wiekamps have left a legacy in our local community. I am forever grateful for their service and dedication. It is a privilege to recognize Dot Wiekamp, a woman whose admirable service and commitment to the local community is truly inspirational. On behalf of Indiana's Second District, I wish her a happy 100th birthday and many more to come.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow marks the 63rd annual National Day of Prayer. Tomorrow morning, I will join a bipartisan group of Members to gather together and pray for our country. As we continue to face obstacles each day, both as a country and as an individual, I urge Americans to join us in praying for wisdom and guidance, thanking God for the many blessings we have been given in this Nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with our brave servicemen and servicewomen and their families who are serving our country overseas and here, protecting our freedom and putting their lives on the line for our security. We pray they return home to our grateful Nation swiftly and safely. Let us also continue to pray for peace in our own communities. Psalm 145 promises that the Lord is near to all who call upon Him, and I urge you to join me tomorrow in observing the National Day of Prayer.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the 2013- 2014 University of Notre Dame Lady Irish Women's Basketball team on their perfect regular season and exciting NCAA tournament run. The team finished the regular season with an unbeaten record of 29-0 and finished the post season winning the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament, as well as competing in their third straight NCAA National Championship game. The Lady Irish were led by their head coach, Muffett McGraw and senior captains Kayla McBride, Natalie Achonwa, and Ariel Braker. These outstanding players led their team to 37 consecutive victories, the university's first ever regular season, the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament Championships, and a third consecutive National Championship game appearance. Altogether, the Lady Irish finished their first season in the ACC, the same way it ended its time in the Big East, with another dominating conference title. In addition, the Irish earned several prestigious individual conference and national honors. Along with the 37 game winning streak, Conference Championship, and Final Four appearance, Coach McGraw earned a sweep of the AP, Naismith, Pat Summit, and US Basketball Writers Association for Coach of the Year awards. Along with Coach McGraw's amazing accomplishment, the team had three AP All-American's with Seniors Kayla McBride and Natalie Achonwa and Sophomore Jewell Loyd. The team also won numerous Atlantic Coast Conference awards including: Coach of the Year (Coach McGraw), Player of the Year, (Kayla McBride) and ACC tournament MVP (Jewell Loyd). Along with those ACC awards McBride, Loyd, and Achonwa each earned all-conference honors as well. The hard work and dedication by the players and coaches showed in both the individual awards and their dominating run to the National Championship game. This team will be one that is remembered forever in university history for years to come. As a former basketball player and Representative of Notre Dame, it is my honor to recognize the hard work and success of the 2013-2014 Lady Irish Basketball team. The dedication, selflessness, and sportsmanship these student athletes display is a model for young Hoosiers throughout Indiana. On behalf of Indiana's Second Congressional District, I am proud to recognize the University of Notre Dame Lady Irish's perfect regular season and amazing tournament run and wish them continued future success.

Mrs. WALORSKI

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

Mrs. WALORSKI. Thank you, Chairman Culberson and Ranking Member Bishop, for your assistance with this amendment. I rise to offer an amendment that will protect veterans with diabetes. Specifically, this amendment will ensure the VA continues to offer diabetes patients a variety of glucose monitoring supplies through the competitive bid process. Mr. Chairman, almost 25 percent of veterans in the VA health care system have diabetes, compared to about 8.3 percent of the general public. As a result, diabetes care places a significant cost burden on the VA's budget, accounting for almost 4 percent of the overall VA health care budget and costing almost $1.5 billion annually. Presently, each of the 21 Veterans Integrated Service Networks, or VISNs, competitively bid for monitoring devices and test strips. This competition is good for the patient, and it is good for the marketplace, allowing the VA to utilize significant purchasing power. Because of this competition and the competition in the non-VA market, vendors are pushed to reduce costs and to innovate. VA physicians rely upon the patient to be a partner in disease management and treatment. Therefore, it is critical for patients and caregivers to be comfortable with the devices they use so they can best monitor the disease, resulting in better health outcomes. As a member of the VA Committee, I learned recently the Department of Veterans Affairs is actively considering a national contract with a single provider for diabetic supplies. While this may sound like a good idea initially, both the House and the Senate, under the leadership of both Democrats and Republicans, have consistently agreed this is not prudent. Sole sourcing could dramatically increase costs and deny patients the ability to use devices they are most comfortable with. The cost to reeducate and retrain patients and caregivers throughout the VA population would be significant. Finally, because of the size of the VA diabetes population, a sole- source contract would likely reduce the number of vendors for future competitive contracts and also reduce innovation. I urge my colleagues to support passage of this commonsense amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address H.R. 1872, the Budget Accounting Transparency Act. While the current accounting methodology for federal credit programs does not fully capture the financial risk assumed by the Federal Government, I am concerned that the fair-value estimates required by this legislation could over calculate the risk of default, potentially resulting in an overestimation of the costs associated with certain federal credit programs. I will be following this legislation and any methodological transition to fair-value estimates closely.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. I thank the gentleman from New York for organizing tonight's discussion on this important topic. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and I rise today to say ``no more'' to sexual assault. This tragic epidemic impacts every community. Most of us know at least one sexual assault survivor. In my area, a report released by Saint Mary's College, found an alarming number of Hoosier girls affected by acts of sexual violence. Indiana ranks second out of 46 States for the highest number of rapes among female high school students, and this is unacceptable. 14.5 percent of Indiana's female high school students and 5.2 percent of Indiana's male high school students have reported being raped. This shocking number only accounts for those attacks that are reported. As we all know, most assaults go unreported. Since joining Congress, I have worked to put an end to sexual violence. Working with the House Armed Services and the House Veterans' Affairs Committees, I have authored and supported a number of provisions aimed at combating the growing number and the epidemic of military sexual assault trauma. Today I call on my colleagues to raise awareness of about sexual assault and how we can all work together to prevent it, to respond to it, and to say ``no'' to sexual assault together. I thank the gentleman from New York for this opportunity to join you in saying ``no more'' to sexual assault.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Save American Workers Act. ObamaCare redefines full-time employment as 30 hours per week, rather than the traditional 40 hours per week, and mandates that any business with more than 50 full-time equivalent employees must provide health insurance. If these businesses do not provide insurance, they face a tax penalty. My district is ripe for job growth. Indiana's manufacturing industry is booming. Yet, as I travel throughout the district, I speak frequently with business owners afraid to expand due to this rule. Other Hoosier businessowners will be forced to lay off employees if this 30 hour definition is not changed. Women are disproportionately affected. Sixty-three percent of those most at risk of lost hours in my district are female. The Save American Workers Act will unleash job creation by repealing this 30 hour definition and replacing it with the traditional 40 hour definition. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 3826. I appreciate Congressman Whitfield's leadership on this commonsense bill. I am proud to be an original cosponsor. This bill addresses President Obama's sweeping proposed rule for new power plants, which set the mediation standard so strict that the creation of a new coal-fired power plant is virtually impossible. Indiana is the backbone of manufacturing in America, but manufacturing depends on affordable energy. More than 80 percent of Indiana's electricity is coal-powered, and electricity rates in Indiana are expected to rise 32 percent by 2023, partly due to these EPA regulations. If President Obama is able to implement his radical environmental agenda, energy prices could skyrocket, having a devastating impact on economic growth and job creating and hurting Hoosiers trying to pay their bills. This bill provides a commonsense way to protect our environment by setting emission standards that are actually achievable. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to pass additional bipartisan Iran sanctions legislation. While we are all hoping the diplomatic efforts to address Iran's nuclear program are successful, Congress must not neglect its responsibility to be prepared for all outcomes. Changes to Iran's nuclear programs have been minimal thus far, and Iran continues to assert that it will not dismantle its nuclear facilities. In fact, Iran's Supreme Leader himself has predicted that diplomatic talks ``will lead nowhere.'' Iranian state television continues to air documentaries showing simulated attacks on Israel and on American forces as well. Passage of additional sanctions will demonstrate to the Iranian regime that the American people will not be swayed by empty rhetoric or a disingenuous commitment to peace. Congress must stand together and reinforce our diplomatic quest for disarmament with the legislative tools necessary to support this goal.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Officer Derek Dieter who retired from the South Bend Police Department after 39 years of service. Officer Dieter served the SBPD in multiple roles, including uniform patrol, narcotics, and twenty years in S.W.A.T.--where he spent ten years as a team leader. Officer Dieter, in addition to his law enforcement duties, also serves his community as a Councilman and Vice President of the South Bend City Council. On February 24th, he will be honored by his fellow councilmembers with a resolution for his extensive service to the South Bend Community. Officer Dieter's work has also been recognized over 200 times by multiple interests, including the St. Joseph County Prosecutor, the Mayor, the City Council, and his fellow citizens of South Bend. In the community, Officer Dieter worked tirelessly to keep our children safe, advocating for increased security in our schools and working to keep drugs off the streets. I am honored to recognize Officer Dieter's accomplishments and exemplary commitment to community during his service in the police department. On behalf of Indiana's Second District, I am proud to recognize Officer Derek Dieter for his 39 years of protecting the people of South Bend, and I wish him a very happy retirement.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, it has been a frigid winter in the Hoosier State. Subzero temperatures and arctic conditions have forced school closings, travel bans, and challenges for the business community. The demand for propane and home heating fuel is at an all- time high. As a result, Federal officials declared a state of emergency for the Midwest, lifting hours of service limitations for motor carriers to ensure consumers can steadily receive home heating fuel. But this waiver only remains in effect until February 11, 2014. Today, I led a letter with Hoosier lawmakers to the U.S. Department of Transportation requesting that the emergency exemption be extended. Winter weather is unpredictable, but if we are ready to act, we can alleviate this stress for our families. This simple extension is a commonsense way to provide some much-needed relief for Hoosiers as we weather this harsh winter.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to cosponsor this legislation to enact much-needed consumer protections for healthcare.gov. It is unfair that the Department of HHS launched healthcare.gov without performing a complete security control assessment. Installing the necessary safeguards for the exchanges should have been the administration's top priority. Now Congress has an opportunity to pass a law that simply requires HHS to notify consumers within 2 business days if their personal information is unlawfully accessed or stolen. In a digital world, Americans deserve to know their information is compromised so they can immediately take action to protect themselves. Last summer, I traveled my entire district in Indiana to notify and to make aware cybersecurity issues and steps to avoid identity theft. Hoosiers in Indiana, especially seniors, shared with me frightening stories about fraud and scams. They need to know that healthcare.gov will not contribute to the cybersecurity dilemma. This is the kind of representation they deserve in Congress. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense law to safeguard our personal information.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, January 7, I was unavoidably detained due to inclement weather. Had I been here for the quorum call (rollcall No. 1), I would have voted ``present.''

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this National Defense Authorization Act. This year's act includes historic reforms to address the growing epidemic of military sexual assault that is shamefully tarnishing the reputation of our Armed Forces. I want to thank Representative Loretta Sanchez for assisting me with a bipartisan provision that extended whistleblower protections to victims to ensure they cannot be retaliated against for reporting sexual assault. This commonsense measure will create an environment for safe reporting and encourage victims to come forward without fear of retribution within their own ranks. Passing the NDAA with these critical reforms is a step in the right direction toward eradicating the horrific problem of military sexual assault in the military. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and quickly sign it into law so that our servicemembers have whistleblower protection. I urge my colleagues to vote for this NDAA.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, December 10, I was unavoidably detained due to inclement weather and missed two rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on both rollcall 630, the Department of Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Lease Authorization Act, and rollcall 631, the VA Expiring Authorities Extension Act.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Thank you, Mr. Roskam, for your leadership on the issue and for the opportunity to speak about this issue tonight. Mr. Speaker, in his State of the Union address on January 24, 2012, President Barack Obama said: Let there be no doubt: America is determined to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, and I will take no options off the table to achieve that goal. On March 4, 2012, President Obama again stated his desire to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran. He said: Iran's leaders should understand that I do not have a policy of containment; I have a policy to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. On October 22, 2012, President Obama said of Iran: The clock is ticking . . . and we are going to make sure that, if they do not meet the demands of the international community, then we are going to take all options necessary to make sure they don't have a nuclear weapon. Fourteen months later, the clock is still ticking, and Iran is now closer to acquiring a nuclear weapons capability. Now that world leaders have reached an interim agreement on Iran's illegal nuclear program, we must be able to verify compliance and demand that any final deal completely dismantle Tehran's existing nuclear program. There are three reasons this is imperative and for the international community to demand the suspension of nuclear enrichment: First, Tehran must stop all enrichment activities because Iran is in noncompliance with the highest form of international law: Iran is in direct violation of mandatory U.N. Security Council resolutions demanding them to suspend all enrichment and reprocessing. By not requiring Iran to abide by multiple U.N. resolutions, we are rewarding bad behavior. We are signaling to the entire world that we are not serious about preventing the spread of nuclear weaponry; Second, a nuclear-armed Iran threatens our national security. The threat of a nuclear-armed Iran is not something that is just talked about in the Halls of this Congress. Every time I am home, I hear the fears of Hoosiers who worry about how acts of terrorism might impact gas prices, food prices, and the well-being of loved ones. Since 1984, our government has designated Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism. The State Department has characterized Iran as the ``most active state sponsor of terrorism'' in the world. Iran has provided weapons, training and funding to terrorist groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah and Shiite militias in Iraq, who are responsible for the murders of hundreds of U.S. servicemembers and innocent civilians; Third, a nuclear-armed Iran threatens to further destabilize an already volatile region: If Iran is allowed to further pursue its nuclear ambitions, the region--highlighted by perpetual conflict in places like Iraq, Syria and Yemen--will become more destabilized. Furthermore, a nuclear-armed Iran will jeopardize the safety of our allies and partners in the region, like Israel. I believe--now more than ever--the United States must renew our unbreakable commitment to Israel and her inherent right to self- defense. Iran's continued violation of U.N. and International Atomic Energy Agency restrictions have only given the world good reason to question Iran's willingness to abide by any future international agreement. Mr. Roskam and Mr. Speaker, I call on the President to remember his words to the American people about preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, and I urge the President to use all tools at his disposal, including additional sanctions, to persuade Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to cosponsor the Keep Your Health Plan Act to make sure individuals can keep the health care plans they like and need. I have asked Hoosiers in the State of Indiana to share their stories with me about their experiences with ObamaCare. The stories are shocking. Kathryn from South Bend got this letter from her insurance company stating that her plan will be canceled. Her monthly payments will increase from $186 per month to $329 per month--nearly double. Kathy from Elkhart is a cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy. Under ObamaCare, she now has to pay over $1,200 a month just for her own coverage. Barton, a small business owner, said his group premiums will increase up to 80 percent this year. These are serious problems causing incredible hardships for the very people we represent. It is time to work on commonsense reforms that will lower health care costs and improve the quality of care for our constituents. If we work together, we can get it done.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to recognize the organizational partnership between the Church of Jesus Christ Latter- Day Saints and the Boy Scouts of America. This year marks the 100th anniversary of their partnership that enriches the lives of over 300,000 young men each year across the country. I am pleased that Northern Indiana will join the nationwide celebration as the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day and the Boy Scouts of America Saints reflect back on a century of achievement and success fostered through this special bond. There are more than 32 Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints and Boy Scout of America organizations in the Second District involving all levels of scouting, including Eagle Scouts. Their presence has certainly contributed to strong leadership skills and personal growth for the Boy Scouts, in addition to helping countless others in our communities. The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints and Boy Scouts of America organize a myriad of activities, such as mentoring youth and volunteering in local events. This partnership also reaches out to the less fortunate and host educational outdoor experiences for our communities. As a result, over 1,000 Hoosier Boy Scouts make important strides to enrich their faith and garner lasting leadership skills each year. There is no doubt that these fine young men will be the leaders of tomorrow, finding positive ways to shape our society. It is a privilege to congratulate the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints and the Boy Scouts of America as they celebrate 100 years of partnership.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in celebration of World War II Veteran Leslie Mast's 100th birthday on Saturday, October 5, 2013. Mr. Mast, a Machinist Mate First Class, is an extraordinary individual from Elkhart, Indiana. Throughout his life, Mr. Mast has demonstrated a deep-rooted courage and commitment to his family and our country. At the age of 29, Mr. Mast enlisted in the United States Navy as a machinist. After training, Mr. Mast sailed to New York where he received his overseas assignment. He was sent to Arzew, Algeria where his crew spent three weeks training and preparing before they received orders to Bizerte, Tunisia. Mr. Mast spent one year in Bizerte maintaining and repairing a variety of different vessels. During his time in the Navy, Mr. Mast learned how to appreciate the little things in life. Thanks to the brave fighting spirit of servicemembers like Mr. Mast, freedom triumphed over the empires of tyranny. Our country owes a great deal of respect and gratitude to incredible individuals like Mr. Mast who have devoted their lives to protect the United States of America at home and abroad. Thanks to the service and sacrifice of Hoosier war heroes, our country remains strong and free. Mr. Mast's commitment to defend liberty truly symbolizes the essence of American patriotism. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in celebration of Leslie Mast's 100th birthday and admirable service to this great nation.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Manufacturing Caucus, I am pleased to rise in support of National Manufacturing Day on October 4. In northern Indiana, we have a great story to share. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Elkhart County was named number three on the U.S. Department of Commerce's list of counties with the fastest growing job growth. Much of this increase is attributed to the RV manufacturers and suppliers that provide products and create great jobs. I'd like to highlight one recent accomplishment of Drew Industries in Elkhart. A parent company of Lippert Components and Kinro, this RV manufacturing supplier has strengthened our Hoosier economy. Together, they employ over 4,000 Hoosiers in Elkhart County. The Elkhart Truth reports that the company plans to add 800 more jobs in 2017, expanding operations in Elkhart and Goshen. The manufacturing industry has pumped life back into northern Indiana, and once again Hoosiers are leading the way.