Todd Young

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Madam Chair, I would just add that the purpose of this amendment, obviously, well received on both sides of the aisle--perhaps there are particulars we can work on--is to catalyze more innovation among the thousands, tens of thousands of entrepreneurs and innovators around this country, really around the world. If we can get more minds collectively thinking about medical breakthroughs, about actually curing diseases, as a preventative measure, we can save significant amounts of money in the long term. We can dramatically improve lives in the shorter term. This is a model that opens up Federal Government funding as a reward for these innovations to our Nation's innovators, our entrepreneurs, our doers. Right now, the NIH grant process is suboptimal for a lot of these individuals. I can speak to one individual. He used to be my neighbor, Fazni Aziz, of Bloomington, Indiana. He is a Thomas Edison-like figure, and he used to have a workshop right next to his house. He developed medical devices on his own and sold them off to larger companies. Fazni Aziz would not receive an NIH grant. He will never apply for one. He doesn't have time to apply for one. Would he target a medical innovation on account of a prize that is offered? Indeed. We have consulted with him. So for the people like Fazni Aziz around the world that can help Americans, we have developed this prize program. Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Upton), the chairman.

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Madam Chair, I want to thank Mr. Upton for his work on the 21st Century Cures Act, finally making medical breakthroughs a national priority. With this bill, we will extend the longevity and improve the lives of millions of Americans now and in the future. And in the process, we will dramatically reduce the taxpayer money we spend to treat sick Americans. With all that in mind, I want to highlight an amendment that my thoughtful and hard-working colleague, Dr. Harris of Maryland, and I have worked on, and I urge my colleagues' support. This amendment would create within NIH a structure for a medical prize program. The United States is currently spending $632 billion per year through just one program, Medicare, to cover health services of qualified beneficiaries. To help lower taxpayer costs as well as improve patient outcomes, this amendment will offer modest monetary rewards to those outside of government who can develop significant medical breakthroughs. The medical prize program will encourage scientists and entrepreneurs, especially those that don't typically receive NIH grants, to develop cost-saving, life-improving cures for some of the most debilitating diseases that afflict our young and old. With those thoughts in mind, I urge your support of the amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the importance of a simple modification to our Tax Code that will greatly support the consumer-driven growth of natural gas in the transportation sector. Today's abundant and domestically produced natural gas is an increasingly important fuel to our transportation sector, from small passenger vehicles in my home State of Indiana, to container ships that transport goods from America's heartland to overseas markets. Now, our Tax Code is still taxing cars and trucks that run on natural gas at a higher rate than their diesel equivalent because the tax was instituted years ago when our energy picture looked vastly different. We need to correct this disparity. It is a simple fix and just one example of how Congress can create a more level playing field while diversifying our energy mix. I urge my colleagues to work with me on this matter.

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, ObamaCare's medical device tax has already been devastating to innovation, patient care, and job creation, especially in my home State of Indiana. Up north, we have Warsaw, which is known around the world as the orthopedics capital of the world. In central Indiana, we have a burgeoning life sciences industry centered around the Indianapolis area. Further south, we have Bloomington, which is home to Cook Medical, the largest privately held medical device manufacturer in the world. Medical device startups dot Indiana's landscape from Lake Michigan down to the Ohio River. Indiana's world-class medical device companies like Biomet, Boston Scientific, Hill-Rom, Zimmer, and dozens more don't just create and produce lifesaving technology. They also employ tens of thousands of Hoosiers, and these jobs pay well. At a time when factories have closed and jobs in rust belt States have been sent overseas, medical device manufacturing jobs have been a lifeline for hard-working Hoosiers and their families. Every day this tax remains in effect, we continue to slow advancements in lifesaving and life-improving technologies, and we hinder patient care. This day is long overdue. It is time to support H.R. 160 and finally repeal this harmful, ill-advised tax.

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I was proud to work with Chairman Ryan to ensure that the House was able to include language within this act to ensure that no future free trade agreement can include language for backdoor cap-and-trade agreements. We included language that would prevent this as it would negatively impact States like Indiana, which is the second largest user of coal in the United States. I look forward to voting in support of this vital piece of legislation.

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of H.R. 1314, the Trade Act of 2015, and H.R. 644, the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act. With 96 percent of the world's customers living outside of the United States, it remains vital for Congress to facilitate free trade agreements through the passage of trade promotion authority. Absent TPA, America will continue to sit on the sidelines while the rest of the world negotiates free trade agreements and opens additional markets. In my home State of Indiana, we have the largest number of manufacturers per capita in the United States. In the Hoosier State, exporting manufacturing goods supports 22 percent of our manufacturing jobs, 1 out of every 5. Our Hoosier farmers export over $3.6 billion across our 5 largest agricultural export sectors. At the end of the day, trade equals jobs. Congress must pass TPA to empower our negotiators to receive the best deal possible for American families and job creators.

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Xander McPheeters of Salem, Indiana. I want to congratulate Xander on receiving the Hobie's Hero Award. Xander received this award as a result of heroic actions he took to save his father. James McPheeters was clearing brush from his farm near Salem, Indiana when he was suddenly struck by a falling tree. James was knocked off his tractor where he lay unconscious with multiple serious injuries. His son Xander, being the only person to see the accident occur, rushed to help his injured father. Xander proceeded to turn off the key to the runaway tractor and run to his nearest neighbor's home who called 911. The emergency response team arrived and saved James McPheeters life as a result of Xander's decisive actions. The Hobie's Heroes Award is presented to young people, 18 years or younger, who perform heroic actions in the spirit of self-sacrifice, without consideration of personal gain, for the benefit of another in significant need. Being that Xander was five years old when he performed these lifesaving actions, I know that he is the epitome of what the Hobie's Heroes Award represents. Xander will be the sixth Hobie's Hero Award recipient and he is the youngest recipient to date. Xander is an inspiration and role model for Hoosiers across Indiana. It is an honor to rise today and highlight Xander's fearlessness, and congratulate him on receiving the Hobie's Hero Award.

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to correct the record and express my support of Mr. King's amendment to the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. In the midst of the appropriations amendment series for this bill, I was mistaken about which amendment was being considered and accidentally voted against Mr. King's Davis-Bacon prohibition amendment on the floor. When these types of amendments have come up in the past, I have always voted to prohibit the Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements from applying to federally funded projects. Last Congress, I voted in favor of Mr. King's amendment in two different appropriations bills and in the 112th Congress, I voted in favor of eight different Davis-Bacon prohibition amendments in various appropriations and transportation bills. The Depression-era Davis-Bacon Act is fundamentally flawed, continues to create inefficiencies and inflates the cost of our construction projects. I want to make it clear that I am supportive of the King Amendment and it was my intention to vote ``aye'' both then and in the future.

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. I thank my colleague for his leadership today and every day. I really appreciate that. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule and, more broadly, H.J. Res. 43, and I want to thank the gentlewoman from Tennessee for her leadership and her conviction on this issue. We all want to protect the free speech and beliefs of all Americans, but too often, the line is drawn to discriminate against those with pro-life views. Ironically, this is often done under the guise of antidiscrimination, which is exactly what has happened in the District of Columbia. Under the recently passed ordinance, religious institutions and other pro-life employers in our Nation's Capital could be forced to make decisions that violate their deeply held religious beliefs. Despite the Supreme Court ruling in Hobby Lobby, for instance, under this ordinance, religious employers could be compelled to cover elective abortions in their healthcare coverage or face discrimination charges. It would also prevent faith-based employers from taking actions against employees who participate in activities that run counter to the mission of that organization. For instance, a pro-life crisis pregnancy center couldn't terminate an employee who undermines their cause by volunteering at an abortion clinic. As a strong pro-life individual myself, it boggles my mind that the government could force like-minded individuals to violate their conscience in such ways. Frankly, no American should be comfortable with such discrimination. We must take swift action to stop this ordinance, and I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the first sponsor of H.R. 978, a bill originally introduced by Representative Schock of Illinois, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for taking up this important piece of legislation today. I also want to thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Doggett) for his leadership on this issue. When seniors require a hospital stay, they are rightfully more concerned with their recovery than with understanding how the hospital classifies their status as a patient; but when that classification can impact future coverage of health care services related to their recovery, they deserve to be made aware of the potential ramifications. This act, the NOTICE Act, would require hospitals to provide meaningful written and oral notification to patients who are in the hospital under observation for more than 24 hours. This notice would alert the beneficiary or person acting on their behalf of the Medicare patient's admission status and the financial implications of that classification so he or she can advocate on their own behalf while in the hospital. No one should be caught off guard by a large medical bill just because they weren't aware of the status codes or the billing procedures. In a time of sickness and stress, families should focus on the recovery of their loved ones instead of dealing with the hidden costs due to lack of notice.

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Theodore Hesburgh. As the president and public face of the University of Notre Dame for so long, his passing isn't just deeply felt in South Bend, Indiana, but all across our great State. A lifelong educator, Father Hesburgh spent the vast majority of his 97 years giving lessons that everyone--regardless of age, profession, or station in life--can learn from. A few of those lessons, I think, are especially apt for those of us in this body, chief among them: ``The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet.'' Too often, those of us in elective office find it easier to blow the horn of opposition rather than committing ourselves to the hard work of developing constructive policies. As we reflect on his legacy at this time, my hope is that we will all follow the advice that Father Hesburgh exemplified so well throughout the course of his distinguished career and rededicate ourselves to laying out a positive vision and concrete solutions that will move our great Nation forward.

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 91 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Madam Chair, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Rokita), my colleague.

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentlewoman.

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Madam Chair, I want to thank the gentleman from Maryland for his hard work on this important amendment and for his leadership. Currently, teacher attrition costs the United States over $1 billion each year. Many teachers leave within the first 5 years because of a lack of effective mentoring, training, and support. Providing these teachers with effective, evidence-based training through a Pay for Success model will not only save the government money, it will also help to retain top talent in the classroom. Madam Chair, this amendment would do just that. It would give States and local school districts the ability to participate in this innovative new financing model in order to retain our best teachers. Now, Pay for Success projects, also known as social impact bonds or social impact partnerships, are public-private partnerships that harness philanthropic and other private sector investments to scale up scientifically proven social and educational programs. Because these projects are focused on results, government money is only paid out to private sector investors when desired outcomes are met and only in accordance with the value assigned to those successful outcomes. This social impact financing model has the potential to fundamentally transform our Nation's education programs, shifting the focus of such programs from inputs to outcomes. I want to thank the gentleman from Maryland, the gentleman from Colorado, and others for their leadership on this issue. I also want to thank my fellow colleague from Indiana for his overall leadership on this educational bill. I look forward to our continued cooperation on these efforts. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Madam Chair, I claim time in opposition, although I am supportive of the amendment.

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from the State of Washington (Mrs. McMorris Rodgers), my hardworking colleague.

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, mom-and-pop businesses are a vital part of local economies. Martinsville Candy Kitchen, located in Martinsville, Indiana, is a primary example of a small, family-owned business that has maintained a tradition of community involvement and devotion to making quality products. The Candy Kitchen not only influences the local economy but also serves as an important landmark in the Martinsville community. The Martinsville Candy Kitchen has been in operation since 1919, producing 16 flavors of candy canes and other sweet treats. Over 30,000 candy canes are handmade in this shop every year. Considering that a batch takes more than 3 hours, we can understand the immensity of the task they take on each year. The owners of the business, Pam and John Badger, have been known to spend late nights in the kitchen working on large batches of candy canes. Therefore, I am proud to honor the Martinsville Candy Kitchen in this installment of the 9th District's ``Hoosier Small Business Spotlight.'' Following 95 years of business, the Martinsville Candy Kitchen continues to be a staple within the area in which it operates. People from all across Indiana visit the business to see candy canes being made during ``pour times,'' becoming a Christmas tradition for many families. In addition, the alleyway adjacent to the shop has been officially named ``Candy Cane Lane'' in recognition of the Candy Kitchen's presence in the community. The history of Martinsville Candy Kitchen begins with its founder, Jim Zapapas, who learned the candy trade in St. Louis before moving to Indianapolis in 1916. His business originated as a short-order restaurant, soda fountain, and candy shop two years later. Over time, the company has had several owners. In early 2004, Pam and John Badger bought the Candy Kitchen from Bob and Karen Boyce, who were on the verge of having to close the doors of their business. The Badgers decided to buy the company in order to keep the historic business as a living part of Martinsville. Balancing their time between working full- time jobs and owning a business, they demonstrated their dedication to the community and the work ethic necessary to run a successful organization. The Badgers' devotion to their customers and to the quality of their products has sustained their company's legacy. Their efforts serve as a testimony to the longstanding success of their business. The Candy Kitchen has been a Martinsville attraction since opening over 95 years ago, and it will continue to be a significant landmark for years to come.

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the centennial celebration of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. Since 1915, the Chamber of Commerce has been a vital resource for the betterment of business in the Bloomington, Indiana community. Over the past 100 years, the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce has offered exceptional leadership opportunities, meaningful volunteer activities and exclusive business-building programs. The Chamber is the region's principal advocate for business. By providing chief support for local and statewide transportation projects, the development of public water resources and downtown revitalization projects, the Chamber demonstrates itself as a forward-thinking organization that is deeply concerned about the well-being of the community. In addition, its workforce preparedness programming, aimed at the area's large population of students and young professionals, exhibits a commitment to building better business for future generations in Bloomington. Bloomington's local economy has greatly benefited from the Chamber's work over the past century. As a result of its efforts, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce named Bloomington its 2011 Chamber of Year and its 2014 Community of the Year. In 2012, the Chamber received the national Chamber of Year Award from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, an accomplishment that is a testament to its outstanding service to the business community. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce for its tireless years of dedication. I wish the Chamber continued success in its service to local business for the next 100 years.

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the great work of Bosma Enterprises as they celebrate their 100th anniversary. For the past century, Bosma Enterprises has been dedicated to creating opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired across the great state of Indiana. Located in Indianapolis, Bosma Enterprises' commitment has made a difference in the lives of thousands of Hoosiers, showing them how to live life to its fullest. The loss of one's eyesight is a significant disability that impacts the lives of more than 140,000 Hoosiers and over 6 million individuals nationwide. Since 1915, Bosma Enterprises has continued to provide hope to those who are blind or visually impaired by showing them that vision loss does not have to mean a loss of independence. They have done this by providing blind or visually impaired individuals with job training, employment services, rehabilitation programs, and outreach programs, empowering those Hoosiers to reach their own personal goals while giving them the tools to live independently. Over the last 100 years, Bosma Enterprises has been able to change the lives of many by helping them navigate the complexities of finding meaningful employment, teaching critical daily living skills, and working to fight the 70 percent unemployment rate for people who are blind or visually impaired. I hope the entire House of Representatives will join me in congratulating Bosma Enterprises on their monumental milestone.

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, our nation has a long history of honoring our veterans. Even today, we reserve the highest levels of respect for our fellow Americans who served our country bravely in battle. And while many of us personally know some who served in one, or perhaps, two wars, it's exceedingly rare to find an individual who wore the uniform in three separate wars. In fact, in my home state of Indiana, there are only two such veterans alive. One of them, Robert Hyatt of Franklin, Indiana, will soon celebrate his 90th birthday. A veteran who served as a medic in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, he recently told a local news station that he'd still be serving in the military today if his health permitted. It's worth noting that along the way, his military service put his health at risk: He was shot in the leg during World War II and stabbed in Korea. So as he and his family prepare to celebrate his 90th birthday, I wanted to take some time today to wish him well and honor his service to our country. Each of us owes a debt of gratitude to all our veterans, but especially to veterans like Robert Hyatt who answered the call of duty every chance they got.

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana

Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, each year since 1999, the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform releases a Schools to Watch list to identify high-performing schools across the country. According to the stated criteria, each school on the list is academically excellent, developmentally responsive, and socially equitable. This list is well-respected and highly exclusive. That's why I'm proud to say that Highland Hills Middle School in Floyd County, Indiana, is a new entry to the list this year. This recognition is well deserved and reflects the hard work and determination of the administration, the teachers, and especially the students of Highland Hills and the entire New Albany Floyd County Consolidated School Corporation. As policy makers at every level of government continue to look for ways to improve our educational systems, we would all do well to look to models like Highland Hills Middle School for guidance.