Jackie Walorski

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. WALORSKI

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

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis).

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess).

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from Texas.

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2477, the Beneficiary Enrollment Notification and Eligibility Simplification Act, or the BENES Act. This important bipartisan legislation will improve education and outreach to Americans approaching Medicare age while simplifying the part B enrollment process, which hasn't been updated in over 50 years. Currently, Medicare enrollment is often too complicated and confusing, and in the event of a mistake, very costly. The consequences of making a simple mistake in the enrollment process can be significant, with a lifetime late enrollment penalty of 10 percent for every year a beneficiary hasn't enrolled in part B. According to a Congressional Research Service report, last year, approximately 764,000 part B enrollees paid an average penalty of nearly 30 percent higher Medicare premiums. That is a superheavy financial burden these Medicare beneficiaries will carry throughout their retirement. That is what the BENES Act aims to help seniors avoid. This vital bill will help prevent late enrollment penalties by sending an advance notice about the Medicare enrollment process to Americans approaching Medicare eligibility. It will also prevent gaps in coverage by requiring that part B coverage begin during the first month after an individual enrolls through either the initial enrollment period or general enrollment period. These long-overdue reforms will significantly improve the health and well-being of Medicare beneficiaries and protect America's seniors from unnecessary penalties and unexpected healthcare bills. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Smith).

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Reed).

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Puerto Rico (Miss Gonzalez-Colon).

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, as more and more Americans reach Medicare age, we need to simplify the part B enrollment process and improve education and outreach to seniors. The commonsense reforms in this bipartisan BENES Act will protect seniors from unnecessary late enrollment penalties, gaps in coverage, and unexpected healthcare bills. I urge my colleagues to support this vital piece of legislation that will simplify complicated Medicare enrollment rules. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, on 12/2/2020, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 228.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with members of the Indiana delegation in support of the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court. We can think of no one better qualified to serve on the Nation's highest court than our fellow Hoosier, Judge Barrett. Her record as a law professor and appellate judge demonstrates her first-rate legal mind and her unwavering commitment to constitutional principles. She graduated summa cum laude and first in her class at Notre Dame Law School, clerked for Judge Antonin Scalia, and returned to her alma mater as a highly respected professor. In 2017, she was confirmed by the Senate on a bipartisan vote as judge on the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, where she currently serves. Finally, Judge Barrett is a woman of faith and a dedicated mother of seven. Given her impeccable credentials, she should be qualified and confirmed without delay. Mr. Speaker, we applaud President Trump for fulfilling his promise to appoint judges who will faithfully uphold the rule of law, defend the Constitution, and protect the life and liberty of every American.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 8265 to extend the Paycheck Protection Program to keep millions of employees on the payroll of America's small businesses.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Margaret and Sylvester ``Syl'' Walorski of Englewood, Colorado, on their 65th wedding anniversary. Margaret and Syl met at a U.S.O. dance in the summer of 1951 just before Syl left for the Korean War. Placing their love in God's hands, Margaret and Syl sent each other countless letters during Syl's deployment and could not wait to be reunited. Syl returned to the U.S. and presented Margaret with a ring and a marriage proposal as soon as he could. They were married on August 22, 1955. To finish school and secure a bright future for his family, Syl moved with Margaret to South Bend, Indiana, where they had two children. However, having briefly stayed at a military base in Colorado after being discharged, Syl felt drawn to the state's breathtaking sites, fresh air, and freedom. So in 1958 the couple moved to Englewood, Colorado, where they continued to grow their family and build a beautiful life together. A true embodiment of the American Dream, Margaret and Syl bought their first home in 1959 and have lived there ever since. Sixty-five years of marriage is a marvelous accomplishment that speaks volumes about their compassion and the tremendous foundation of respect, gratitude, and faith they share with one another. Stronger together, Margaret and Syl have found the more love they have for each other, the more they have to offer others. They have always been active in their church and community, and their children watched as they led their lives in service to the Lord and as shining examples of the American spirit. Their lasting commitment not only to each other but also to their five children, 15 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren is rooted in their devotion and faithfulness. Having dedicated themselves to teaching their children strong American values, like working hard and giving back to those in need, they have touched the lives of countless people in their community and across the country. I feel blessed to know such compassionate, tenacious, and whole-hearted people who make this nation and the world a better place with everything they do. Madam Speaker, I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to Aunt Margaret, Uncle Syl, and their entire family. It is my hope that their love continues to grow stronger with each passing year.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the Great American Outdoors Act. Our Nation's public lands have long been treasured sources of enjoyment and beauty available to every American. They also play a critical role in our economy, with the outdoor recreation industry supporting 5.2 million jobs. The hardworking Hoosiers I represent know that better than anyone. Manufacturers in northern Indiana build products like boats, trailers, and 80 percent of the Nation's RVs. That is why Elkhart, Indiana, is known as the RV Capital of the World. I am a proud cosponsor of the Great American Outdoors Act because it will support RV and boat manufacturers and their workers, promote conservation, and revitalize our national parks. By investing in long- delayed maintenance projects, it will ensure our national parks can continue to be enjoyed by all Americans for generations to come. By enhancing access to our public lands, it will boost tourism, strengthen our economy, and support good-paying jobs. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for the Great American Outdoors Act.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, on June 26, I was unavoidably detained and unable to make it in time to vote. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 120, YEA on Roll Call No. 121, and NAY on Roll Call No. 122.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, on May 28, I was unavoidably detained and unable to make it in time to vote. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 115

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, on May 15, and May 27, I was unavoidably detained and unable to make it in time to vote. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 105; NAY on Roll Call No. 106; YEA on Roll Call No. 110; NAY on Roll Call No. 111; and NAY on Roll Call No. 112.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I want to give a shout-out to the healthcare workers in Indiana's Second District while I am standing here supporting this legislation. What a phenomenal job and risk they have taken. I am supporting this legislation today, but this delay was long, too long, completely avoidable. Two weeks ago, Democrats blocked attempts to replenish PPP and ensure small businesses could continue making payroll and rent. They said there was no data supporting more funding, even though the program ran out of money only a week later. PPP has helped so many small businesses across my district save jobs. But others have been waiting for loans they urgently needed while Democrats played games with workers' livelihoods. As one frustrated small business owner wrote to me: I saw the Speaker laughing it up on late night television, showing off her stash of high- end ice cream, while I and other small business owners don't know how we will make the next payroll. I tell you what, ladies and gentlemen: Times are tough. Small business needs everything we can give them in a bipartisan way. I strongly urge support of this bill.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 2,411 unborn children whose remains were finally laid to rest with dignity yesterday in South Bend, Indiana. These victims of Indiana's most prolific abortionist would be in their late teens now, graduating from high school and entering into college, but their innocent lives were cut short, and they were denied a proper burial. Instead, their remains sat for almost 2 years in a garage, a car trunk, in moldy boxes and Styrofoam coolers. Such callous disregard for human life should shake us to the core. These children deserve justice and dignity. To ensure this never happens again, the House must pass the Dignity for Aborted Children Act to build on Indiana's law, upheld by the Supreme Court, that requires dignified treatment of aborted fetal remains. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in observing a moment of silence for the thousands of innocent victims who were laid to rest yesterday.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise today in opposition to H.J. Res. 79. Of course, I believe in equal rights. Women should never face discrimination and harassment. I believe we should be empowering women and girls to achieve their dreams. So it is disappointing today to stand in this Chamber and see this important issue turned into some type of political stunt. The deadline for States to ratify the ERA passed nearly 4 decades ago. Even Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has stated the only path forward is to start over. Let's be honest, this is not about equality or women's rights. This is about enshrining unrestricted abortion in the Constitution and allowing full taxpayer funding for abortion. Now is not the time to be weakening pro-life protections. Yesterday, in South Bend, Indiana, in my district, the remains of 2,411 victims of abortion were finally given a dignified burial after spending 20 years in moldy Styrofoam boxes in the back of the doctor/ abortionist's car and in his basement. These unborn boys and girls would be young men and women today entering college. Moments ago, we stood on this House floor together and we offered a moment of silence that these innocent lives were taken and there were victims, over 2,400. Madam Speaker, I would ask that, together, we stand again to defend the rights of the most vulnerable among us, that we stand together today for the sanctity of life, to lift women up, to protect women, and to strengthen families. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting against this misguided resolution.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4031, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act. GLRI is a vital program that coordinates Federal efforts among 15 agencies to address the most significant challenges facing the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes are among our most precious natural resources and a key economic driver in my home State of Indiana. For instance, the recreational boating industry alone provides $2 billion to Indiana's economy each year. Yet the environmental and economic health of our region is under threat from a host of issues facing the Great Lakes, including pollution, severe erosion, loss of native habitat, invasive species, and destructive algae blooms. GLRI is a critical investment in preserving and protecting the Great Lakes as well as creating jobs and growing our economy. That is why I am proud to be an original cosponsor of H.R. 4031, which would reauthorize the program funding through fiscal year 2026. Protecting and improving the Great Lakes means making sure current and future generations can experience the natural beauty and the recreational activities like fishing, boating, and hiking that have always been important to our part of the Midwest. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Representatives Joyce and Kaptur for their hard work on this bipartisan legislation. I also want to thank my fellow Hoosier, Congressman Pete Visclosky, for his decades of service and his leadership in making the Indiana Dunes Indiana's first national park. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to protect the Great Lakes by voting for H.R. 4031.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark National School Choice Week and recognize all the students in Indiana's 2nd District. I believe every child in America should have access to a high-quality education in a safe and welcoming environment. Nothing should stand in the way of a child receiving a world-class education, and parents should have the ability to make decisions about their children's education. School choice gives students the opportunity to find the path to success that works best for them, especially in the face of obstacles in their own school district. Look no further than the examples set in my community in northern Indiana, where students cross district lines to attend public schools that offer programs not available in their own school district. These programs equip students in Indiana with the tools to succeed and set them apart from their peers. Hoosier families have the freedom to put their children first so they can achieve their goals. Education is power, and all Americans have the right to tap into that power and put their best foot forward. It is important that our state and local governments are equipped to ensure teachers, students, and school administrators have the resources and tools they need to learn, teach, and grow. Madam Speaker, on behalf of 2nd District Hoosiers, I affirm that National School Choice Week is critical in the fight to ensure our children have limitless potential and bright futures.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Indiana Speaker of the House Brian Bosma on his retirement and to thank him for his many years of dedicated service to Hoosiers. He was first elected to the Indiana Statehouse in 1986 and served as speaker from 2004 to 2006 and again from 2010 to 2020, making him the longest-serving speaker in Indiana State history. Speaker Bosma has clearly dedicated his life to moving Indiana forward. His commitment to Hoosier common sense and his tireless efforts to advance opportunities for future generations have made our state a better place to live and work. I am grateful to have served alongside him in the Statehouse and to have worked together to improve the lives of our fellow Hoosiers. Speaker Bosma's strong conservative values and outstanding leadership have helped bring Indiana's economy and infrastructure into the 21st century. Thanks to Speaker Bosma, Indiana is one of the only states in the nation to pass a 20-year, fully-funded roads plan to improve state- maintained and local roads. Throughout his time as speaker, he never stopped fighting for Indiana businesses and workers. Speaker Bosma helped secure the strong economic climate in which Hoosiers are able to start and grow businesses, including maintaining a AAA credit rating, large budget reserves, and a low unemployment rate. He is also a fierce defender of the unborn and has worked to ensure that every human life in our state is treated with dignity and respect. In addition to the positive impact of his legislative accomplishments, Brian Bosma's passion for helping others goes unmatched. His family's impressive work through Bosma Industries for the Blind is a testament to the power of one person determined to make a difference. Speaker Bosma brought those same values with him to the Statehouse each and every day. His dedication and passion exemplify the progress our society can make toward greater opportunities and brighter futures through innovative thinking and perseverance. I have no doubt his legacy will last far into the future. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Indiana Speaker of the House Brian Bosma for his lifelong commitment to serving Indiana communities. On behalf of 2nd District Hoosiers, I wish him the best as he embarks on this next chapter in life.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark 47 years since the Roe v. Wade decision and to affirm my commitment to defending the unborn. The discovery last year of thousands of fetal remains in the garbage of Ulrich Klopfer, Indiana's most prolific abortionist, was a tragic reminder of the terrible cost of abortion. After this shocking event, I introduced the Dignity for Aborted Children Act, which would require the dignified burial or cremation of aborted fetal remains, with a strong reporting requirement to hold abortion providers accountable. I also signed a discharge petition to bring the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act to the House floor for a vote. This commonsense bill would ensure a child born alive after a failed abortion attempt would receive the same kind of medical care any other child would. Madam Speaker, as we mark 47 years since Roe v. Wade, we have a lot of work to do to stop a radical agenda and stand up for the sanctity of life. Congress can start by passing these two pro-life bills without delay.