Brad Wenstrup

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Medal of Hope Society, an organization in Ohio's Second District committed to honoring civilians among us who proudly serve our wounded and fallen veterans. Founded by one of my constituents, Mr. Richard Lynch, the Medal of Hope Society is an organization comprised of wounded military combat veterans & Gold Star family members. Every year, these men and women recognize a special civilian who demonstrates great dedication to our nation's heroes, both living and deceased, who have taken up arms in the War on Terror. As a veteran of this war, I have seen firsthand the heroism and sacrifice of members of our military. I've witnessed the bloodshed and loss of life. So I sincerely thank those who dedicate their lives and work tirelessly to make sure our returning troops are receiving the care and support they need. And thank you, Medal of Hope Society, for recognizing their noble commitment.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Chairman, I would like to raise some concerns I have about VA's efforts to streamline the catalog of surgical tools that are available to VA Medical Centers. I share the VA's goals of increasing efficiency and purchasing power. However, I am concerned that there is a reliance on single-source contracts, and here is why: I believe single-award contracts are too limited and will reduce choice for surgeons. As a surgeon myself, I know practitioners have specific preferences and a comfort for what tools work best in their hands. Surgical residents learn when they have more options, more techniques in front of them and innovations. Often, when surgeons are restricted, they practice elsewhere. I am concerned that limiting surgeons' options will have an effect on the morale and retention of surgeons in the VA, and I think the last thing the VA needs right now is to lose more providers. I also know that patients have different needs. Every surgery case is unique due to the individual patient anatomy, comorbidities, et cetera. So I would just like to be assured that surgeons will have flexibility, which means more choice and better care for veterans and for our patients. Unfortunately, in my efforts to get this assurance, I get conflicting information from various sources within the VA. Multiyear, single-award contracts are irreparable if we get them wrong. I would like to work with the chairman and the authorizing committee to conduct oversight on this issue to ensure that we do get this right because we can't lose more surgeons and we can't compromise care for our veterans.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the Nadler amendment because the amendment would allow detainees currently housed at Guantanamo to be transferred to the United States. Why? Why do you want to do that, to endanger our communities? That is what I ask, Mr. Chairman. I served at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. We were attacked three, four times a week. Why? To try to release these prisoners. We have seen that our enemy is capable of planning and, in some instances, launching attacks within the United States. Currently, this move is not allowed. We asked the President for details on a plan. It was said that it was comprehensive. It didn't say where they would be housed or what the housing would entail or how much it would cost the taxpayer. This was not a serious plan. What we do need, however, is a consistent policy on how to deal with future terrorist detainees. I would agree with that. Guantanamo remains our best option right now. It is a safe and appropriate location to hold detainees. It is secure and distant from our homeland. Guantanamo also provides humane conditions for the detainees. They have appropriate access to health care, the same as our troops have there. They have recreational activities, culture, and religious materials.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I missed ten votes on March 15. If I were present, I would have voted on the following: Rollcall No. 114: On Ordering the Previous Question, ``yea.'' Rollcall No. 115: On Passage of H. Res. 640, ``yea.'' Rollcall No. 116: On Passage of H.R. 2081, ``yea.'' Rollcall No. 117: On Passage of H.R. 3447, ``yea.'' Rollcall No. 118: On Passage of Pallone Amendment No. 1 to H.R. 3797, ``nay.'' Rollcall No. 119: On Passage of Pallone Amendment No. 2 to H.R. 3797, ``nay.'' Rollcall No. 120: On Passage of Bera Amendment to H.R. 3797, ``nay.'' Rollcall No. 121: On Passage of Veasey Amendment to H.R. 3797, ``nay.'' Rollcall No. 122: On the Motion to Recommit with Instructions, ``nay.'' Rollcall No. 123: On Passage of H.R. 3797, ``yea.''

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I missed three votes on March 14. If I were present, I would have voted on the following: Rollcall No. 111: On Passage of S. 2426, ``yea.'' Rollcall No. 112: On Passage of H. Con. Res. 75, ``yea.'' Rollcall No. 113: On Passage of H. Con. Res. 121, ``yea.''

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress and the Second District of Ohio, I wish to commemorate the life of Sgt. William G. Jones and recognize his receipt of the Montford Point Marines Congressional Gold Medal. A Virginia native, Sgt. William Jones moved to southern Ohio as a young man to attend the University of Cincinnati, where he studied Business Administration. Upon graduation Sgt. Jones spent a few years in the workforce, but was soon called to serve his country. During the height of World War II from 1942-1945, Sgt. Jones proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, one of the first 100 African Americans to do so. When he returned to the United States, Sgt. Jones continued to serve his country and his community. He became a member of the Montford Point Marine Association, a veterans' group that preserves the legacy of the nation's first African American Marines, and was elected the group's first Vice President. Sgt. Jones went on to found and head the Cincinnati chapter of the association. Sadly, Sgt. Jones passed away on September 29, 1988 at the age of 70. But the impact of his service lives on. The freedom that our nation now enjoys is due in large part to the sacrifices made by so many individuals, like Sgt. Jones, who have committed themselves to our nation through service in our Armed Forces. On behalf of a grateful nation, I sincerely thank Sgt. Jones and all of the Montford Point Marines for their commitment to protecting us and our freedoms.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress and the Second District of Ohio, I congratulate the students and teachers, past and present, of Norwood View Elementary School on their 100th anniversary. Providing a first-rate education for America's youth is one of our greatest responsibilities and is essential to creating the educated, productive, and innovative citizens who will shape our nation. For the past 100 years, Norwood View Elementary School has demonstrated a strong commitment to the children in our community. Thousands of students have graduated with a quality education and countless memories. I sincerely thank the school for their contribution to the Norwood community, and I look forward to their continued success in the years to come.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I wish to congratulate Clermont County Commissioner Bob Proud on a distinguished career serving the residents of Clermont County and southern Ohio. A seven-term Clermont County Commissioner, Bob has effectively guided Clermont County into the 21st Century. Involved in everything from the construction of a new Clermont County Animal Shelter in 2002, to the reclamation of the former Ford transmission plant on State Route 32, to his service for senior citizens as a Meals on Wheels volunteer, to his work on the Coalition for a Drug-Free Clermont County, Bob has served Clermont with integrity and class. Bob is also a champion for our troops, both at home and abroad. He has been nationally recognized for his work on behalf of our military and has even founded a local military family support group. For the last twenty-five years, Bob has served as Chairman of the Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission (OVRDC), a public regional planning commission that serves twelve southern Ohio counties, the majority of which are in Ohio's Second Congressional District. As he prepares to retire from this position, I commend him for his hard work and leadership to make Southern Ohio a better place to live and work. Thank you Bob, and God bless you.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3016, the Veterans Employment, Education, and Healthcare Improvement Act, as amended. I am proud to sponsor this bill and am glad to be joined by veteran service organizations in their support, like the VFW and the DAV. It will help ensure that the veterans receive the benefits they have earned. This veterans' legislation contains over 30 provisions from over a dozen Members of Congress and is the result of countless hours of work amongst the members of the committee. I want to highlight three specific provisions in the bill that improve the benefits our veterans receive. First is the VA Provider Equity Act, which would strengthen access to the comprehensive, first-class health care that veterans deserve. We all know wait times for health care at the VA remain somewhat unacceptable in many places. This is true, in part, because the VA struggles to employ enough healthcare specialists to meet the needs of veterans. The VA Provider Equity Act responds to this issue by aligning outdated VA standards more closely with the private sector practices of today. When introduced, every doctor on the Committee on Veterans' Affairs joined as an original cosponsor, understanding that we need to make it easier for the VA to recruit and retain the specialists our veterans so desperately need. The bill also includes H.R. 2344, the Veterans Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Improvement Act of 2015, which I introduced earlier this year. The VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program helps disabled veterans to prepare for employment or to live as independently as possible. If a veteran chooses to pursue education or training through this program, current law does not require the courses to be approved for GI benefits. My provision would tighten this requirement to provide additional oversight and protections for our veterans. We also include the GI Bill Quality Enhancement Act. By giving State Approving Agencies the increased oversight of GI Bill programs, this provision would provide veterans with the information they need to make good choices about education and training programs that offer the best quality. The Veterans Employment, Education, and Healthcare Improvement Act would make important progress in streamlining veterans' access to their earned benefits. It is one simple step we can take to ensure that our veterans receive the benefits they have earned. I thank Representative Takano for his help in moving this forward, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a valued constituent of mine in the second district of Ohio. Mary Lelia Eckhart, known by her friends as Lelia, will soon celebrate her 100th birthday on March 22, 2016. Lelia Eckhart was born into a large farming family in 1916 with six siblings, in Lewis County, Kentucky. Beginning to learn the skills of a homemaker from the age of eight, she quickly became an integral member of her large and loving family. As her family began moving away, Lelia decided to join her sister in Portsmouth, Ohio during the Great Depression in the 1930s. As southern Ohio struggled along with the rest of the nation during the Depression, Lelia was soon in high demand by many families for her skills. Soon, Lelia was employed by the Bannon family of Portsmouth where she worked for nearly 60 years. Lelia's significant talents include needlework of all types, from designing to tailoring her wardrobe, and her cooking abilities are legendary. When asked to reveal her secret to creating such great food, she faithfully replies ``It tastes so good because I stirred it with my finger!'' Lelia developed many lasting friendships which remain to this day. Central to her life is her devotion to her faith. She worships to this day at Cornerstone Methodist Church, from which follows the guiding principles of her long and story-filled life. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 100th birthday of Lelia Eckhart.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, 54 million, that is the number of lives that have been cut short in our Nation by abortion over the 43 years since the Supreme Court's infamous Roe v. Wade decision. That is 54 million children who were never given the chance to experience the world around them, and 54 million human beings who were denied the natural and inalienable right to life that our Founding Fathers enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. As a father, I have watched my son grow from his first sonogram to a very active 2-year-old. He looks to me for protection, for guidance, for comfort. So too do society's most innocent and vulnerable count on us to defend them. During his visit to the U.S. in 1987, now-Saint Pope John Paul II remarked: ``The ultimate test of your greatness is the way you treat every human being, but especially the weakest and most defenseless ones.'' I believe we must reach out to mothers in distress, as well as the child that they are bearing. There are few more vulnerable and defenseless than the unborn. On the 22nd of this month, hundreds of thousands of Americans will arrive here in our Nation's Capital for the annual March for Life. I look forward to joining them as we work toward that day when our great Nation will recognize the right to life for all Americans, especially our unborn children.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Russell L. Jackson, Jr. for his many years of service to Anderson Township. Russ Jackson has a long history of public service to Anderson Township, making invaluable contributions to its economic development throughout the last 20 years. With over 37 years of business experience in the transportation industry, including leadership as a CEO and small business owner, Russ's input on the Anderson Township Board of Trustees has been invaluable. For five elected terms, Russ has used his business acumen to help steer Anderson Township towards economic success. Due in part to Russ's leadership, Anderson Township has experienced sustained economic growth. More and more families are choosing to call Anderson Township home and more businesses are deciding to conduct their business in the township. As admirable as the service Russ has provided to his community is the attitude with which he has served. Russ has worked tirelessly to improve Anderson Township over the years, devoted to the big picture and listening to the people he serves without exception. I am grateful to have a fellow citizen in southwest Ohio as committed to service and progress as Russ Jackson is. Congratulations, Russ, on your 20 years of public service, and I wish you the best in all future endeavors.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, let's get our priorities straight when it comes to American leadership. Rather than showing leadership in the fight against ISIS or reassuring our allies in this fight, our current administration is still claiming that our greatest threat to national security is, believe it or not, climate change. I am all about science, but we need to be realistic as well. The biggest threat, according to them, isn't radical Islam, Russia, Iran, or North Korea. It is a couple of degrees Fahrenheit over the next century or so. And the remedy is costly. At a cost to whom? At a cost to hardworking Americans. Their government mandates mean higher energy costs for families, less energy reliability, higher manufacturing costs, and smaller take-home paychecks. I know that most Ohio families can't afford this, Mr. Speaker. Coal plants are already shutting down up and down the Ohio River, costing us jobs and reliable energy. We need American leadership that is willing to lead the fight and defeat ISIS. This week, the House voted to protect American families and consumers from the administration's price hikes. Let's get our priorities straight, Mr. Speaker, and bring the fight to ISIS, not burden Ohio families.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, ISIS is not contained. It is not enough to try and contain terrorists in the Middle East. They have proven capable of a global reach. Mere hope isn't going to win this, nor is sporadic, short-term planning. American leadership and an international coalition are required. The U.S. should move to indefinitely suspend resettling Syrian refugees here. The records simply do not exist in a war-torn Syria to properly vet individuals with needed confidence. All involved will be better served with an established safe haven in the Middle East and addressing the root cause that provides a motive for people to leave their own homeland. Our first responsibility is to protect our Nation. No one wants to fight this war here. The world must defeat this ideology and its evildoers at their doorstep, not ours. Our Nation recognizes that we need a short- and a long-term strategy, a smart use of force, and a greater commitment to victory. Eliminating the threat we face from the enemies of freedom is the challenge of this generation of Americans. Mr. Speaker, our children are counting on us.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I have served in the U.S. Army Reserve since 1998. In 2005-2006, I deployed to Iraq for 1 year. There were times during that deployment when we wondered if politicians at home had our backs, but we never wondered if the President did. We knew he did. Mr. President, let's not give our troops pause now. Please sign this bill. Troops serving overseas want to make sure the politicians in D.C. are behind them. With Chairman Thornberry and Ranking Member Smith, I am here to tell our troops right here, right now that Members of this body have their backs. We have troops serving in harm's way every day, and their missions are expanding. Let's leave no question in their minds about the support here at home. This legislation, the National Defense Authorization Act, gives our troops and military families the certainty they need as they serve. Troops stationed all over the world, in desperate and dangerous places watched the President veto the National Defense Authorization Act just a couple of weeks ago--a dangerous decision, in my mind. Now, this time, Mr. President, please sign this bill. Sign this bill so our troops know that we have their backs. Sign this bill so our military can adequately plan for the threats that we face and will continue to face through 2016. From China to Russia, to ISIS, to Iran, to North Korea, the threats are real. National security is not to be juggled around. Let's pass and sign this bill so military families don't have to worry. National security is our responsibility. Let's give them some assurance in a world of uncertainty. Veterans Day is fast approaching. Let's get this critical defense bill across the finish line in honor of every man and woman that has ever worn the uniforms of the United States military.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Well, I thank you, Mr. Chairman, for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I am here to recognize the gentleman from Reading, Ohio. It is a town in my district full of hardworking people and committed families. Now, this man from Reading grew up in a big and very faithful family. He learned the value of hard work sweeping the floors of his father's bar and worked his way through Xavier University in Cincinnati. When he came to Washington, he was a reformer from day one. The last man standing from the Gang of Seven, he worked to clean up corruption from the House bank in the 1990s to banning earmarks today. For the first time in half a century, the House of Representatives decreased discretionary spending for 2 years in a row. Mr. Speaker, with all of your service in mind, I am reminded of a Teddy Roosevelt quote. It says: ``It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.'' And that is you. John Boehner attended Moeller High School, as Representative Chabot mentioned, a school in Cincinnati that I am proud to say is a rival to my high school, St. Xavier. We beat Moeller this year, and, Mr. Chabot, we beat LaSalle this year. You know, through that Catholic schooling, John Boehner committed himself to thousands of children that seek a real education and values in their lives. His support for educational choice has opened pathways of opportunity for thousands of children locked in poverty, fighting to give all students a chance to choose their own future. For over a decade, John Boehner has held fundraisers for scholarships for D.C. children seeking a chance in life through education at D.C. Catholic schools that otherwise they could not get. I hope that these acts of kindness will be permanently engraved in the legacy of Speaker John Boehner. So thank you, Mr. Speaker, not only on behalf of the largest Republican majority since 1928, but on behalf of my family and for your and Debbie's personal kindness and guidance to us. Good luck, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Chris Smith on his retirement and thank him for his many years of service to Clermont County and Ohio. Chris Smith has a long and distinguished record of service to Clermont County, and is remembered for his invaluable commitment to the local economic development throughout his career. With decades of business experience, including 20 years in the banking industry and 10 years in real estate, Chris' contributions in his many capacities of public service has been invaluable. Chris Smith served his community in numerous ways, including as the Director of the Clermont County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Economic Development Director for Clermont County, and as an economic development staff member for Ohio Governor Bob Taft. Due in part to his leadership, Clermont County has become a thriving hub of economic activity. The residential and economic growth of Clermont County is a testament to this hard work and success. Also commendable is the positive and solutions-oriented attitude with which Chris has served. He has worked tirelessly to improve Clermont County over the years, always devoted to the big picture and listening to the people he serves, never asking or expecting anything in return. Southwest Ohio is fortunate to have a local leader as committed to service and progress as Chris Smith is. Again, I congratulate Chris on his retirement, thank him for his public service, and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, this bill would respond to one of many significant problems with President Obama's disastrous Iran deal, which gives Iran sanctions relief without requiring it to make reparations for the crimes it has committed against Americans. Anne Dammerell, who was born in Cincinnati near my district, was working at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut in 1983. A bomb exploded while she was in the embassy cafeteria, breaking 19 of her bones. She received a judgment against Iran for $6.8 million because of the physical and mental suffering she endured. Anne is one tragic story among many. Over the past 15 years, U.S. courts have handed down 80 judgments against Iran, adding up to more than $43.5 billion in unpaid damages. Iran refuses to pay. Yet, the President's nuclear agreement provides Iran with $150 billion in sanctions relief. Those that have destroyed innocent American lives, Iranian terrorists, are being chosen over the American victims themselves. This bill would prohibit the President from removing any sanctions in place against Iran until the President has certified to Congress that Iran has paid each Federal court judgment.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, our military must always be available and able to ready, aim, fire at a moment's notice. The threats we face around the world today demand it; and as soldier and a veteran, I can tell you that ``ready'' in the military needs to be spoken as a command, not proposed as a question. There is one crucial element: our military has to be ready to engage the threats. This bill ensures our military readiness, and it ensures that there is a plan for 2016. From ISIS to Russia to North Korea, the threats we face are too serious to wait any longer. But in the same week that the President was surprised by the Russians bombing U.S.-backed forces in Syria, he is threatening to veto this National Defense bill. Veto our national security, really? I encourage the President to use his phone, and to paraphrase his own words, to call the 1980s and ask for their foreign policy back because we need it. That policy demands that our military must be backed by the full confidence of this government now. This can't wait. Pass this pay raise for our troops. Pass this to give our troops new retirement benefits. Pass this to keep our critical weapons systems at an operational level. Mr. Speaker, we have been working on this legislation since the beginning of this year. It is a good bill that adheres to the law, and it is the certainty our troops need. Pass this bill. Our troops need it. They don't let you down. Don't let them down.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Madam Speaker, I serve on the board of health in Cincinnati, Ohio, and I am very familiar with FQHCs. I might say that FQHCs provide services, expansive services, not only to women, but men and children as well. My wife and I are currently in the process of adoption, and it sickens me to see these parts of young children sitting there, knowing that we could take them, love them, and nurture them into a wonderful life. I don't know how people look at themselves in the mirror and think that this is okay.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, Primum Non Nocere: Above all, do no harm. Today we honor the service of Lieutenant General Patricia D. Horoho, the United States' 43rd Surgeon General of the Army. Lt. Gen. Horoho, the first woman and first nurse to serve in the role, boasts a remarkable record of service to our nation and the medical profession. Serving at all levels of leadership of Army Medicine, her service includes deployments in Haiti and Kabul, Afghanistan. In the United States, she has served as Chief of the Army Nurse Corps among other roles. Any recognition would be incomplete without highlighting her heroic service on September 11, 2001. Working in the Pentagon, she rushed to triage wounded victims in the immediate hours following the attack. Lt. Gen Horoho's service is recognized with four of the highest honors awarded by the United States: the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Army Meritorious Service Medal. She exhibits the highest standards of integrity, moral character, and professional excellence. Also a recipient of the Order of Military Medical Merit Medallion, an award presented to those who demonstrate the in their service to the Army Medical Department. For those in military medicine, Lt. Gen. Horoho says it best: ``In every conflict the U.S. Army has fought, Army Medicine has stood shoulder to shoulder with our fighting forces, supporting those who are putting their lives on the line to defend our freedom.'' Lt. Gen. Patricia Horoho, our grateful nation thanks you, and salutes you, for your service to us all.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Batavia Township on their bicentennial anniversary and celebration. For 200 years, Batavia Township has stood at the center of Clermont County and has lived up to its motto, ``The Heart of Clermont!''. Since its initial survey in 1788 and its incorporation in 1815, Batavia Township has been an industrial leader in Clermont County. From roller coaster production to the manufacturing of food and consumer products, Batavia Township boasts a wide diversity of commerce. Home to the University of Cincinnati East, a higher education leader in the county, and the Clermont County Airport, a hub of economic activity, the township is central to the region's continued growth. The township is also home to a wide array of outdoor recreational activities from its new Williamsburg-Batavia Bike Trail to the East Fork State Park, which hosts some of the region's finest rowing competitions and camping options. I am honored to represent Batavia Township today, an area of the state with a rich history and strong community. Again, I congratulate Batavia Township on this historic milestone, and I wish the township the very best over their next 200 years.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, the details found within the nuclear Iran deal are stunning. The original pledge of anywhere, anytime inspections gave way to a 24-day lead time for Iranians to hide their activities from inspectors. We now know that Iran has entered into two secret deals with the IAEA and that the details are not available to the duly elected Members of this body. We were told that no deal is better than a bad deal. Yet here we are with a very bad deal. The alternative to this deal is not war, as this administration is fear-mongering, but through strengthened sanctions to continue international pressure on the largest state sponsor of terrorism. Without war, we can pursue a nuclear-free Iran through diplomacy by engaging with our allies and with peace-loving nations and with the deterrent of military might and effective economic sanctions. ``Do I trust Iran?'' I am asked. Based on the last four decades and on its recent behavior, I only trust them to cheat. Congress and the American people must defeat this deal in the interest of regional stability and our own national security and for the prospect of peace for future generations of Americans and our allies.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Pike County on their bicentennial anniversary and celebration. For 200 years Pike County has stood proudly at the heart of Southern Ohio. Created by the Ohio General Assembly in 1815, Pike County was named after American Brigadier General and explorer Zebulon Pike. Over the next 200 years, the people of Pike County have lived up to Pike's relentless American spirit. Throughout its two century-long history, Pike County has proudly contributed to the strength, prosperity, and growth of our state and our nation. Pike County residents fought and died for the United States in defense of this nation since the days of the Civil War. That service continued into the Cold War, where their hard work and industriousness in the heartland provided the nuclear technology and tools that continued to secure our blessings of freedom. Pike County fostered the freedom and economic prosperity that are pillars of the American Dream, from an active role in the Underground Railroad to a key link in the Ohio-Erie Canal that connected commerce across Ohio. I am honored to represent Pike County today, an area of the state with a rich history and strong community. Again, I congratulate Pike County on this historic milestone and I wish them the best over their next 200 years.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Military, I congratulate Colonel Todd Mayer on 30 years of valued service and dedication to his country. Since 1985, Col. Mayer has upheld the core LDRSHIP values that are near and dear to the National Guard: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless- Service, Honor, Integrity, & Personal Courage. A highly decorated soldier, Col. Mayer was awarded the Purple Heart in 1991 after being wounded in Operation Desert Storm and the Bronze Star in 2003 for his heroic achievement. His time in uniform is celebrated by these courageous leadership efforts. He has brought incomparable virtue to himself, his family, his uniform, and his nation. Col. Mayer, congratulations again on your retirement and thank you for your longstanding service to the United States Army National Guard.