Jackie Walorski

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1864) to amend title 10, United States Code, to require an Inspector General investigation of allegations of retaliatory personnel actions taken in response to making protected communications regarding sexual assault.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, in recognition of the 50th Annual National Small Business Week, I rise today to celebrate the Hoosier small businesses that have been serving our communities for decades. Growing up in South Bend, my parents owned a small appliance repair shop in town, and I learned the value of hard work firsthand. Many of our small businesses were started in Hoosier families and passed on to the next generation. One such place sits right in Elkhart at Bullard's Farm Market. Owned by Kevin Bullard and his wife, Cindy Reardon, Bullard's was started by his father, a sweet corn grower. It began as eight rows of corn and has grown to cover many acres, including a bakery, greenhouse, and antiques. Bullard's provides fresh, healthy food and local products to Hoosier families. It creates jobs and contributes to our economic engine. Awarded Business of the Year by the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce, Bullard's is a shining example of a Hoosier business. On Small Business Saturday, I look forward to visiting Bullard's and hope you'll join me in supporting all small businesses to make sure their doors stay open for generations to come.

Mrs. WALORSKI

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

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

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Chairman, may I inquire as to the remaining time?

Mrs. WALORSKI. With all due respect to the gentleman and his point on all these ``checkoffs,'' this is a tax that the American people themselves resoundingly in 2011 have said, absolutely not. In fact, the American people put so much pressure on President Obama, he actually backed off and rescinded this and moved it into a different time slot, which is what we're looking at today. The people in my district are hardworking Americans. They're double- income households, single moms with kids under the age of 18 that are trying to raise up households, they're trying to pay for their bills, they're trying to pay their mortgage and they're trying to put gas in their car. And I think that we have a government and a Washington that is out of control when it comes to taxation. We don't need another tax coming out of Washington. We need help for American families. With that, I would again urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Chairman, again I would just like to add, as I close, that this is a time--and I agree with the gentleman in one sense. This is a time for us to be talking here about things like jobs and a struggling, sluggish economy. Because of that, the hardworking people in my district, the last thing they expect to see, the last thing they want to see--and Americans did resoundingly cry out in 2011 to not send another tax their way. This is a tax. When the Federal Government says to Americans you must pay ``X,'' that's a tax. In my district, it's hardworking Hoosiers that have resoundingly said, No more taxes from this government. They are taxed enough, and they don't want to be taxed at the Christmas season. I again urge my colleagues to stand in support of this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of my amendment--to prevent the Christmas tree tax from taking effect. This amendment prevents President Obama's proposed Christmas tree tax from being implemented. The administration already tried to enforce this tax right before the Christmas season in 2011. In response to a resounding outcry from the American people, the tax was put on hold. When I'm at home in Indiana, I hear from Hoosier families firsthand about their daily struggles due to the sluggish economy--moms and dads and single parents who are struggling to make ends meet to pay their monthly bills and to pay their mortgages and still have enough left in their budgets to put food on the tables and fill up the gas tanks. Americans are seeking commonsense solutions from Washington to jump- start the economy, to provide more jobs, and to ensure that our children and grandchildren have the same opportunities that we enjoy in this great Nation. Now, as we focus on passing a comprehensive 5-year farm bill, some of my colleagues are looking to revive this unnecessary tax. There is no justification to impose another tax on the American people. There is certainly no justification to impose a tax on a commodity that symbolizes an historic Christmas tradition to many American families. The administration has denied that this is a ``tax,'' but I think most Americans would agree that, when the Federal Government forces us to pay something, it's a tax--a tax imposed on every American family the next time one goes to pick out a Christmas tree. Christmas tree growers opposed to this tax cannot opt out. This tax will be charged to the grower, passed on to the consumer, adding to the cost printed at the bottom of your receipt, and increasing the amount of your hard-earned dollars owed to the Federal Government. Supporters of this tax will call it ``nominal'' and will argue that it's only 15 to 20 cents, but with around 33 million fresh cut Christmas trees sold in the U.S. each year, this little tax adds up to millions of dollars in tax revenues. Our families save up for months to provide gifts for their families, to donate to charities, or to purchase a flight home to spend the holidays with their loved ones. This is not the time to raise taxes on our hardworking families, especially during the Christmas season. The President and Congress should, instead, focus on reducing government spending and finding commonsense solutions to lower taxes to provide relief for Americans. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment in order to make sure that our Christmas trees remain a symbol of Christmas and of the holiday spirit, not a symbol of more Big Government taxation. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. I rise today to address the importance of protecting life. While I am home in Indiana, spending time in our communities, the importance of strong values and Hoosier common sense continues to rule the foundations of our families. I believe it is critical for Congress to act today to protect human life and to treat women and the unborn children with the protection they deserve from the dangers of late-term abortions. We are talking about the next generation of moms and grandmothers, of aunts and sisters and of our loved ones. There is not a price that can be put on the value of an innocent human life. I have been a strong supporter of life and of defending the unborn, and I feel that it's our responsibility to protect the most vulnerable who cannot protect themselves. I urge my colleagues to join me in the support of H.R. 1797 for the sake of protecting the unborn from late-term abortions.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Adam Asher Duker, who received a Fulbright grant to study the Reformation in Switzerland. The Fulbright program promotes cross-cultural understanding and unifies the world's brightest minds to embark on innovative research projects. Adam Duker was selected due to an impressive resume of leadership and academic achievement maintained throughout his university and post-graduate career. His passion and motivation certainly deepens our connection between cultures and fosters a stronger relationship between our countries. In Switzerland, Adam worked with the brightest Swiss academics to study the Reformation. As a graduate student at the University of Notre Dame, Adam's dissertation illustrates the viewpoint of Christians through the lens of the Hebrew bible, and explains Israelite identity transformation of Christian armies. His studies in Switzerland will surely navigate an uncharted course to shed light on a unique perspective of religious conflict in early modern Europe. I am honored to recognize Adam Asher Duker's exemplary work ethic, intelligence, and accomplished research collected at home and abroad. On behalf of Indiana's Second District, I am proud to recognize Adam for his prestigious accomplishments and wish him luck toward future endeavors.

Mrs. WALORSKI

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

Mrs. WALORSKI. Ladies and gentlemen, colleagues, we worked for months on bipartisan legislation to confront this problem. The time for this Congress to act on this issue is right now. I ask you to support the bipartisan solution in this bill, reject the procedural motion to recommit, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the motion to recommit.

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Cotton).

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Chairman, in May, the President declared a renewed intention to transfer detainees from Guantanamo ``to the greatest extent possible.'' He also announced he was lifting his self-imposed suspension on the transfers of detainees to Yemen. This, I believe, is a dangerous policy. It is dangerous for our troops fighting overseas. It is also dangerous for citizens living in the homeland. The amendment I am offering prohibits the Department of Defense from transferring Gitmo detainees to Yemen for one year. In other words, this amendment simply puts into the law the President's previous judgment that transfers to Yemen should be suspended. Those listening to the debate today might be asking: ``Why is this prohibition needed?'' For starters, the Defense Department should not transfer detainees to Yemen because they represent some of the most dangerous terrorists known in the world. It is important to note that these individuals are still in Gitmo because even the Obama administration believes they are being legally held. The Bush administration didn't feel comfortable transferring these terrorists. After Yemen was the starting point for the foiled airline bombing over Detroit, the Obama administration correctly decided not to transfer these terrorists back to that troubled nation. These individuals pose a real threat to the United States. Detainees at Gitmo pose a real threat to our national security. Transfers to Yemen should be prohibited because Yemen has become a hotbed for terrorist activity. In fact, al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula--which is widely believed to be the most lethal of all al Qaeda affiliates--is based in Yemen. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper testified in 2011 that AQAP remains the affiliate most likely to conduct a transnational attack. This is an organization with which we are at war, an organization that is resolute on killing as many Americans as they can if we don't stop them first. It makes no sense to send terrorists to a country where there is an active al Qaeda network that we know has been engaged in targeting the U.S. The Christmas Day Detroit bombing attempt, the ink cartridge bomb plot, and the radicalization of the Fort Hood shooter all can be traced back to Yemen. Let's look at the facts. We should not be in the business of sending Gitmo detainees to Yemen because, one, they represent some of the most dangerous terrorists in the world and, two, Yemen is home of the most active al Qaeda affiliate, and lastly, because Yemen has a poor track record of securing its prisons. A Yemen citizen, the convicted mastermind of the USS Cole bombing who took the lives of 17 American sailors, was being held by Yemeni authorities when he escaped from prison in 2003. Luckily, he was recaptured, but he was able to escape again from Yemeni custody in 2006 along with 22 other terrorists. Why risk another jailbreak by people who intend to do us harm? This is a commonsense amendment with the purpose of protecting Americans. My amendment does not say the President can't transfer detainees elsewhere. My amendment is only in effect for 1 year to give Yemen time to demonstrate it can safely and securely handle Gitmo transfers. Before taking additional steps, I also believe it is prudent that Congress receive the Department of Defense's report on factors that contribute to re-engagement so that informed choices about future transfers can be made. This report is mandated by law, and it is currently overdue. In closing, I want to share a statistic from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. In 2012, ODNI reported that the combined suspected and confirmed re-engagement rate of former Gitmo detainees has risen to an alarming 27.9 percent. When I speak with constituents--moms and dads--back home who ask me how safe we really are, this rate of re-engagement comes to mind. I ask my colleagues to consider the national security implications of transferring detainees to Yemen, and join me in support of my amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Chairman, while I greatly respect the author of this amendment, I must rise in opposition. This amendment does, in fact, strike section 1251 of the underlying bill that expresses a sense of Congress in regard to Syria. Section 1251 says the President should have a plan in place to secure U.S. interests in Syria; that the U.S. should support the stability of our allies like Israel--our strongest ally in the region; and that the U.S. should continue to conduct rigorous planning to secure any chemical and biological stockpiles. It does not say that the U.S. should intervene in Syria. And it requires the President to provide a supplemental budget should military action be necessary. Although much delayed, the confirmation from the Obama administration just a few hours ago that the Assad regime has used chemical weapons against rebel forces demonstrates why section 1251 is needed. It's time to get serious about addressing Syria and develop a plan to protect American interests in the region. According to the President, Assad has crossed a red line. By turning a blind eye to this civil war that has already claimed more than 90,000 lives, we lose credibility within the region and embolden bad actors like Iran and Hezbollah. I would ask my colleagues to vote against this amendment.

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Chairman, I'd like to thank Representative Turner for giving me this opportunity to speak in favor of his amendment. He's been a leader on this issue, and I applaud his efforts and commitment to this cause. Currently, there's no minimum punishment required when someone is convicted of military sexual assault. This means a servicemember can be convicted of a serious crime and receive no punishment. The amendment will impose a mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years confinement and a dishonorable discharge for conviction of rape and sexual assault. Right now, 22 States have mandatory minimum sentences for those convicted of rape and sexual assault. My State, Indiana, is one of those States. In Indiana, there's a mandatory sentence of not less than 6 years for rape. It's inexcusable that servicemembers guilty of the most heinous crime should be allowed to remain in the military, allowing them to coexist with victims and potentially commit repeated offenses. Criminals must receive the full weight of justice for their wrongdoings. America's sons and daughters deserve protection while serving in the military and should never feel vulnerable or revictimized after suffering from any form of sexual assault or misconduct. This amendment is a much-needed reform that ensures victims receive the justice they deserve.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. I rise today to speak in support of this rule. Being new to the HASC Committee, I was very encouraged to see the bipartisan fashion in which this bill was crafted. We worked together as a committee, and we had vigorous debates on these issues in the committee. I even had the privilege to work with colleagues across the aisle to address the issue of sexual assault language. I want to thank Chairman McKeon and Ranking Member Smith for making efforts to combat sexual assault as a cornerstone of this bill. Within this bill are provisions that would strip commanders of their authority to dismiss findings. My bipartisan provision adds rape, sexual assault or other sexual misconduct to the protected communications of servicemembers with a Member of Congress or with an inspector general. This bill also establishes minimum sentencing guidelines. It establishes an independent panel to examine the role of the commander in sex-related offenses. It also reviews the practices of military criminal investigative organizations in sex-related crimes. Mr. Speaker, we spent months debating and drafting all of the reforms I just mentioned in this bill. There are a lot of good things in the overall bill. The time for Congress to eradicate sexual abuse in the military is now. I urge my colleagues to support the rule so that we can move these much-needed reforms one step closer to becoming law.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Last week's jobs report was yet another stark reminder that our economy has far from recovered. Nearly 12 million Americans remain out of work, and 4.4 million people have been out of work for 6 months or more; and these are more than just numbers that come out of some monthly Bureau of Labor statistics. These are our fellow Americans. These are our friends and our family. These are our neighbors and our kids. These are the folks next door. And they--each and every one of them--deserve better. House Republicans have passed legislation that helps working families maintain that crucial work-life balance. We've passed a long-term fix to the student loan programs to make life better for our recent grads. These are real solutions, and they're all a part of the House Republican plan to create jobs and secure our future.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee for yielding me time. I also want to thank him for his tremendous leadership, and Mr. Smith, as well, in crafting a bill that brings solutions to combat sexual violence in the Armed Forces. This bill includes a provision that I authored with Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez to encourage victims to step out of the darkness. The provision specifically identifies reports of sexual assault as a form of communication under whistleblower protections. It ensures that victims cannot face reprisal for reporting acts of sexual assault. Sexual violence has reached epidemic proportions and is eroding the foundations of trust that our military traditions have been built upon. I had the privilege to visit our troops in Afghanistan and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the finest military in the world. Hearing their concerns on this issue firsthand typifies the horrific reality of this situation. Mr. Chairman, there were an estimated 26,000 cases of military sexual assault last year alone, with only 3,600 victims reporting. It's reported that 62 percent of those who have been assaulted went on to experience some form of retaliation. Citing these facts and figures does not attest to the victims and the real-life faces of this problem. We're talking about our sons and daughters. We are talking about our brothers and sisters. In Indiana, a brave woman named Lisa Wilken, an Air Force veteran, came forward to share her own story of repetitive sexual abuse that she suffered during her military career. After being raped, she reported the incident to the Air Force. Her description of the reporting process was chilling. Whistleblower protections like what I'm talking about today will create an environment for safe reporting so that victims like Lisa can come forward and demand justice. For the troops who've been victimized while serving their country and the countless Americans who some day want to serve in this great military, I ask that we do the right thing. It's time for this Congress to do the right thing, and it's time for this Congress to act. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill and the thoughtful reforms contained within.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, last night the House Armed Services Committee approved its version of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2014. Included was a provision I sponsored, along with Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, to extend whistleblower protections to victims of military sexual abuse. This bipartisan proposal will strengthen whistleblower protection laws and ensure that victims are protected from punishment for reporting sexual assault in the military. The Pentagon recently reported that an estimated 26,000 servicemembers were sexually assaulted last year with just over 3,000 cases reported. This one statistic alone is chilling, and it's only the tip of the iceberg. Our military represents the bravest men and women in the Nation, and growing reports of sexual assault and underreporting are sadly tarnishing the reputation of our Armed Forces. This bill gets to the root of the problem by creating a safe reporting environment and demanding accountability from our military leaders. Passage of this bill will be a step in the right direction to help victims and restore trust in our military. I am pleased this bipartisan provision is one step closer to becoming law.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to honor Civil War Medal of Honor recipient Landsman Walter P. Johnston. At the young age of 13, Landsman Johnston bravely enlisted in the United States Navy. He was assigned to the USS Fort Hindman, a steamboat built in Jeffersonville, Indiana. During an engagement near Harrisonburg, Louisiana, Landsman Johnston suffered a severe hand wound that dramatically impaired his physical condition. Despite his horrendous injury, Landsman Johnston bravely took the place of another seaman to sponge and lead one of the cannons against the Confederate forces. The USS Fort Hindman was severely damaged in the battle, but thanks to the heroism of Landsman Johnston and his fellow sailors, the ship lived to see another day. After serving in the Navy, Landsman Johnston moved to La Porte, Indiana where he worked in the broom manufacturing business, until he passed away on May 8th, 1888 at the age of 39. Too often, the heroic tales of our Nation's brave servicemen are lost to the back pages of history. Thanks to the hard work of Ms. Colleen Malinowski and the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Landsman Walter P. Johnston's legacy has been revived. Landsman Johnston leaves behind an incredible legacy that will live on to inspire many Hoosiers. His life is a testament to the American fighting spirit that still lives on in all our men and women currently serving in the Armed Forces. I am honored to recognize the selfless heroics of Landsman Walter P. Johnston. Joining Hoosiers across the State, we remember his brave actions that helped preserve the lives of his fellow sailors, and the Union.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to recognize Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, president emeritus of the University of Notre Dame, who will be honored on May 22, 2013 in a special reception at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. to celebrate his upcoming 96th birthday and 70th anniversary as a priest. Rev. Hesburgh was ordained as a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross on June 24, 1943 at Notre Dame. Rev. Hesburgh taught theology and served as a chaplain to returning veteran students, next moving on to serve as president of the university for thirty-five years. Retiring in 1987, Rev. Hesburgh was considered one of the most distinguished and transformational leaders in American higher education. A familiar face on campus, Rev. Hesburgh was well-known for remembering the names and faces of the university students, always acknowledging others with heartfelt greetings. Outside of Notre Dame, Rev. Hesburgh continued his distinguished commitment to public service, shaping history at home and abroad. He was first tapped by President Dwight Eisenhower to serve on the National Science Board in 1954. Over the years, Rev. Hesburgh was appointed to over one hundred other advisory boards, developing peaceful solutions to nurture the civil rights movement and immigration reform. Due to his consistent efforts to pursue justice and strengthen human dignity, Rev. Hesburgh served as a member of the Civil Rights Commission for over a decade, including three years as the chairman. Advising multiple United States presidents, Rev. Hesburgh was awarded the Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor, by President Lyndon Johnson. He was also honored with the Congressional Gold Medal by President Bill Clinton in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol, recognized for his work in civil rights and world peace. Graciously welcoming many American presidents to the University of Notre Dame, Rev. Hesburgh has created a powerful connection between our world leaders and the university. Rev. Hesburgh has touched the lives of countless individuals around the world on his never-ending mission to spread world peace, eradicate poverty, and alleviate hunger. Approaching his upcoming 96th birthday and 70th anniversary as a priest, there are certainly many accomplishments to celebrate from the Notre Dame campus to the global community. Most of all, I applaud Rev. Hesburgh for following God's calling to the priesthood and being a good and faithful servant to the people. It is an honor to recognize Rev. Hesburgh for his patriotism and devoted commitment to bring peace, justice, and humility. His dignity and passion will be admired for generations for the unparalleled achievements and endless kindness that has forever shaped our society.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. I rise today to honor the service and sacrifice of our Nation's police officers. This week is Police Week, and I urge all Americans to take time and thank the men and women who keep us safe and to reflect on the heroes we have lost in the line of duty. I am continually impressed and humbled by the devoted efforts of law enforcement officers in our communities. From tracking down criminals to conducting safety programs for our kids, our law enforcement officers work around the clock, routinely putting themselves in harm's way to keep us safe. Sometimes officers make the ultimate sacrifice, leaving behind grieving loved ones and communities in mourning. At times like these, there are no words to adequately express the gratitude that we owe to our law enforcement. To all of our police officers, our Nation is grateful for your bravery and integrity, and is indebted to your public service.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. I rise in opposition to the motion to recommit.