Rudy Yakym

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the remarkable career of Mark Peterson, a distinguished journalist who has served my community with unwavering dedication and integrity for decades. On June 24, 1985, Mark began his tenure at WNDU, embarking on a journey that would see him become one of the most respected reporters in our region. Throughout his 40-year career at WNDU, Mark has been lauded for his ability to quickly grasp complex issues and report them with great clarity and composure. His commitment to factual reporting and his calm demeanor under pressure have made him a trusted voice in our community. As someone who grew up in South Bend, I have vivid memories of watching Mark deliver the news with professionalism and poise. His reporting was not just informative, it was a fixture in our home. To now have had the privilege of working alongside him during my tenure in public service has been not only an honor but also a full- circle moment. Mark's dedication extended beyond the newsroom. He viewed his colleagues at WNDU as family and approached his work with both seriousness and a sense of comradery. His passion for journalism and commitment to the community left an indelible mark on our region. As Mark embarks on his well-deserved retirement, I extend my deepest gratitude for his four decades of service. His contributions have not only informed but inspired countless individuals in my community. I wish Mark and his wife, Sue, all the best in this new chapter of their lives. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and honoring Mark Peterson for his outstanding career and his unwavering commitment to journalistic excellence.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the extraordinary bravery and selfless service demonstrated by Deputy Christopher Parish of the Pulaski County Sheriffs Office. This past April, Deputy Parish responded to a vehicle fire near a residence in Winamac, Indiana. Upon arrival, he discovered that the fire had spread to the house, which was rapidly becoming engulfed in flames. Although initial reports indicated that all occupants had evacuated. Deputy Parish heard a voice from inside the burning home. Without hesitation, he broke a window using his flashlight, but dense smoke prevented the trapped individual from escaping. At this critical moment, volunteer firefighter Mike Anderson arrived on the scene. Together, Deputy Parish and Firefighter Anderson entered the smoke- filled room through the broken window and successfully rescued the individual, pulling him to safety just before the fire overtook the room. The rescued individual received immediate medical attention and is currently in stable condition. Deputy Parish was treated for smoke inhalation and sustained minor cuts during the rescue. Deputy Parish's actions exemplify the highest standards of public service and courage. His quick thinking and fearless response undoubtedly saved a life that day. His heroism serves as an inspiration to us all and underscores the vital role of first responders in our committees. I thank Deputy Christopher Parish for his valor and dedication to public safety.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the courageous actions of volunteer firefighter Mike Anderson of Buffalo, Indiana, whose selfless service exemplifies the highest ideals of public safety and community commitment. On April 11, 2025, a vehicle fire near a residence in Winamac, Indiana, escalated into a house fire. Deputy Christopher Parish of the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office arrived on the scene and discovered that the fire had spread to the house, which was rapidly becoming engulfed in flames. Although initial reports indicated that all occupants had evacuated, Deputy Parish heard a voice from inside the burning home. Without hesitation, he broke a window using his flashlight, but dense smoke prevented the trapped individual from escaping. At this critical moment, volunteer firefighter Mike Anderson arrived on the scene. Together, Deputy Parish and Firefighter Anderson entered the smoke- filled room through the broken window and successfully rescued the individual, pulling him to safety just before the fire overtook the room. Firefighter Anderson's actions exemplify the highest standards of public service and courage. His quick thinking and fearless response undoubtedly saved a life that day. His heroism serves as an inspiration to us all and underscores the vital role of first responders in our communities. I thank Mike for his valor and dedication to public safety.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Niff-Tone, a family-owned business in Mentone, Indiana, celebrating 50 years in the building materials industry. Since its founding in 1975, Niff-Tone has exemplified American craftsmanship, customer dedication, and community spirit. Established by the father and uncles of current owner Joe Secrist, Niff-Tone began as a modest garage operation and has grown into a leading supplier for commercial, agricultural, and residential construction. Its extensive product line includes steel, siding, roofing, windows, doors, insulation, and full steel building packages-- most of which are American-made, with Indiana-produced steel backed by lifetime warranties. At the heart of Niff-Tone's success is its unwavering commitment to service. Mr. Secrist, who began working with his father at age 12, upholds the founding principle: treat every customer like family. This philosophy drives the company's personalized approach, including direct consultations, site visits, and prompt issue resolution. Today, Niff- Tone serves over 5,000 customers and collaborates with about 10 manufacturers. Beyond business, Niff-Tone actively supports its community--donating materials to schools and projects, and sponsoring local events like Miss Mentone, represented by Kinley Rowe. As Niff-Tone marks this milestone, it remains committed to delivering dependable, American-made products and building strong, lasting relationships. Congratulations to Niff-Tone on 50 years of outstanding service and I wish them 50 more years of continued success.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Ryleigh Carr, School Resource Officer at Culver Community Schools in Indiana, for her exceptional dedication and service to her school and community. Chief Carr has recently been sworn in as Chief of the Community Police Department, becoming the first female to hold that position in the department's history. Her appointment marks a milestone in leadership and public service in the town of Culver. This new role only amplifies her impact on the community she has long served with distinction. She has also been awarded the Regional Exceptional Service Award for Region 5--which includes Indiana, Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, and Iowa. This prestigious honor, presented at the national level, recognizes individuals who demonstrate sustained and extraordinary service to their school communities, going above and beyond the expectations of their roles. In addition to her duties as School Resource Officer and now Chief of Police, Chief Carr also serves as a coach and as President of the Culver Community Athletic Boosters. Her multifaceted engagement speaks to a deep and ongoing commitment to fostering a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for students and families alike. Chief Carr's outstanding service will be formally recognized at the 2025 National Association of School Resource Officers' National School Safety Conference this July in Grapevine, Texas. I thank Chief Carr for her leadership, service, and for exemplifying the highest standards of community and public safety.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the profamily, proworker, progrowth bill before us. We keep hearing the same tired claims from my friends on the other side of the aisle about giveaways to the rich. They said the same things about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Do you know what? It wasn't true. Even The New York Times admitted that most payers got a tax cut, but many didn't believe it. Why? ``To a large degree, the gap between perception and reality on the tax cuts appears to flow from a sustained and misleading effort by liberal opponents.'' Are the American people going to believe their bank accounts, or will they believe the same people who told them it was a racist conspiracy theory that COVID originated in a Wuhan lab, who censored Hunter Biden's laptop as Russian disinformation, and who insisted that the former President was doing cartwheels in the Oval Office? Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the South Bend Saint Joseph Huskies on their remarkable triumph in the Class 3A State basketball championship this past weekend. The Huskies made history with this win, the first-ever boys' basketball State championship. Winning a State title is an achievement that only a select few teams get to experience. Yet, for the Huskies, this championship was even more meaningful as it came just 1 year after the heartbreaking loss in last year's State championship. Coming back just 1 year later, rising to the challenge, coming back, and securing the ultimate victory speaks volumes about the character and the commitment of this team. The road to a championship is never guaranteed. It is earned through hard work in the gym, trust in one another, and the ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. The Huskies did just that. I congratulate Coach Eric Gaff for his leadership. I also congratulate the players, whose determination and refusal to give up have written a new chapter in Saint Joseph's history. I saw the putback dunk made by Chase Konieczny. The unwavering encouragement of the families, fans, and support staff helped fuel this team. The South Bend community celebrates this moment with the Huskies, and their victory will serve as an inspiration for years to come. I congratulate the Huskies. This is an accomplishment that will never be forgotten.

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride to recognize and congratulate the Manchester Squires on an extraordinary achievement: winning the Class 2A basketball State championship this past weekend. This victory marks a historic milestone because it was the first boys' basketball State championship title in the school's history. The journey to a championship is never easy. It requires months, if not years, of dedication, sacrifice, and relentless effort. The championship win is not just about the trophy or the title. It is about the countless hours of practice, the late nights and early mornings, and the unwavering belief in one another. It is about the community that stood behind them: the fans who filled the stands, families who provided constant support, and coaches who guided them every step of the way. I especially congratulate Coach Henson for his leadership. I also congratulate the players, specifically Gavin Betten and Ethan Hendrix, who scored 21 points apiece. The players all made their school, their families, and their entire community incredibly proud. The encouragement of the families, fans, and support staff was invaluable to this accomplishment. Their legacy as the first State champions in Manchester boys' basketball history will inspire future generations of Squires. This victory is not just for the team, but for Wabash as a whole. They should enjoy this moment. They have earned it. I congratulate them once again. South Bend Saint Joseph Huskies State Champions

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1156, the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act. Unemployment insurance, or UI, fraud ran rampant during the pandemic. The Government Accountability Office estimates that pandemic-era unemployment insurance fraud totaled $135 billion. That is about 15 percent of total UI benefits during the pandemic. Other estimates estimate that UI fraud ran up to $400 billion. California alone accounts for $20 billion to $33 billion of fraudulent pandemic UI payments. One estimate put the State's improper payment rate at almost 37 percent during the first 6 months of the pandemic. This fraud isn't just a blatant waste of hardworking taxpayer dollars. It completely undermines Americans' faith in the system, in our management of taxpayer-funded programs. The Hoosiers who I represent expect more from their government, as they should. Despite these egregious levels of fraud, we have recovered only $5 billion, or less than 4 percent, of fraudulent payments. As of January, the Department of Justice had over 1,600 open, uncharged criminal matters relating to COVID-19 fraud. Additionally, the Department of Labor has approximately 157,000 open UI fraud complaints assigned to its hotline office. Unfortunately, the statute of limitations for prosecuting these fraudsters expires at the end of March. This bill would extend that deadline for another 5 years so that we can continue to hold these criminals accountable and recover the stolen funds. One of our most important responsibilities as Members of Congress is to be good stewards of taxpayer money. It would be irresponsible not to take every possible step to recover these fraudulent funds. This is a commonsense bill, and I am proud to be a cosponsor of it. I urge its support. I thank Chairman Smith for his leadership on this bill.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the victims of the tragedy that unfolded in Elkhart, Indiana, last week. What should have been a normal evening of shopping at Martin's Supermarket quickly turned into a nightmare. Tragically, 19-year-old cashier Annasue Rocha and a bystander, Benjamin Jeffery, were both killed. Annasue was a kind and caring person who was just starting off in life. Benjamin was always willing to step up and help his community when it needed him. Our community will never forget Annasue or Benjamin. I also want to recognize and thank the Elkhart Police Department for their heroic efforts. Corporal Paul Vandenburg and Patrolman Ethan Pasternak were both wounded when they ran into harm's way to protect innocent shoppers. Our prayers continue to be with the victims and their families after last weekend's devastation. Elkhart, Indiana, is known as the City with a Heart. Although our hearts are broken, we know that our community is resilient and will come back from this tragedy even stronger.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Laken Riley Act. The Biden-Harris administration was marked by failure and corruption, but the failure that sits head and shoulders above all others was their open-border policy. Almost immediately after President Biden was sworn in, America was overrun by a massive, unprecedented surge in illegal immigrants. The chart next to me shows just how dramatically President Biden failed compared to his predecessors, over double the southern border crossings of any President since 2001. This border chaos was ignored for all 4 years of the Biden-Harris administration. It was downplayed as seasonal or written off as mere ebbs and flows. Mr. Speaker, find me somewhere on this chart where the surge was only seasonal. Show me where it ebbed or flowed. Illegal immigrants continued streaming across President Biden's open border in droves because they knew they would face no consequences from an administration that was more focused on inventing new rhetorical flourishes to paper over this very real crisis. They were more content to wish it away rather than actually do something about it. President Biden's failure at the border had impacts across America. Every town was a border town. Once sleepy places were suddenly forced to contend with sex trafficking, drug trafficking, child labor, infectious diseases, petty theft, and, yes, even rape and murder. Cartels got rich, and small towns in my district were left scrambling for money and resources. This chaos was a choice made every single day of Joe Biden's Presidency. No more, Mr. Speaker. Monday marked a new era. President Trump has already taken more decisive action in 48 hours than President Biden took in 4 years. Mr. Speaker, let's send this bill to President Trump's desk. I urge my colleagues to vote for sanity and common sense. I urge them to vote ``yes.''

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the United States-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act. The EU, U.K., Japan, Australia, and New Zealand are among the countries that have a tax treaty with Taiwan. The U.S. is not one of them. In fact, Taiwan is our largest trading partner and ally that isn't covered by a tax treaty. This puts American companies and citizens at a competitive disadvantage. The bill before us would level the playing field. It would incentivize Taiwan to provide tax benefits to Americans that are similar to those of a tax treaty. Once Taiwan has done so, the United States would provide those same benefits to Taiwan. Taiwan is a key partner in derisking our supply chains away from China. Taiwanese investment already supports 21,000 American jobs, and over $1.5 billion in American exports. Reducing double taxation will strengthen our partnership, increase bilateral investment, and create jobs. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Neal for their leadership on this issue. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate my friend and devoted public servant Mark Root as he prepares to step down from the St. Joseph County Council after nearly two decades of service in elected office. As Councilman, Mark's commitment to meeting the needs of St. Joseph County Hoosiers has been deep and unwavering. Quite simply, Mark is the kind of person that you want in your corner as well as serving in government and making decisions that affect peoples' lives. Mark's leadership abilities have brought important projects and investments to St. Joseph's County over the course of his twenty years serving on the Council, and he has helped keep St. Joseph County on the move through both good economic times and bad. Mark's focus has always been on making his home county an even better place to live, work, and raise a family, something he has done through bringing to bear his expertise on fiscal and budgetary matters, and his commitment to being a responsible steward of taxpayers' dollars. Through his time on the Council, Mark has developed a well-deserved reputation for being a thoughtful leader who is easy to work with. Regardless of their political beliefs, so many people have testified to Mark's good nature, his personal loyalty, and his Hoosier common sense. In addition to his service to the people of St. Joseph County in elected office, Mark has also been a mentor to me and a close personal friend. In fact, Mark is the one who taught me how to comb through election results on a precinct-by-precinct basis, a lesson that has been invaluable to me in my political career. As Mark's time and career in public service comes to a close, I have absolutely no doubt that St. Joseph County and our communities are better off thanks to this good man with a servant's heart. I also know that Mark's wife Sara and his whole family are very proud of him, a sentiment I share wholeheartedly. I join Hoosiers throughout St. Joseph County and Indiana's Second Congressional District in expressing our gratitude to Mark Root for his service and in wishing him a very happy retirement and all the best going forward.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 2414, the Working Dog Health and Welfare Act. I was happy to work with Senator Braun and be the sponsor of the bipartisan House companion bill, H.R. 6950. Over 5,500 working dogs perform various tasks in the 40 programs across the Federal Government. These impressive animals are essential to the daily operations of law enforcement and to our national defense. They keep us safe by chasing down criminals and by finding deadly narcotics. Famously, a Delta Force working dog named Conan heroically helped neutralize the leader of ISIS, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, in a raid in Syria back in 2019. They also help with disaster relief and search and rescue efforts. These hardworking and heroic canines deserve the best care, but a government accountability audit found that none of the 40 working dog programs were satisfactory across all 18 aspects of care. This legislation is simple. It requires government agencies with working dog programs to implement the GAO's sensible recommendations for health and welfare of these remarkable working dogs that are in their care. I am very proud to sponsor the House companion bill for this legislation, and I encourage its passage.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and offer my praise and gratitude to World War II veteran, American hero, and 101 -year-old Kosciusko County resident Charles Garner. Born in Fulton County on July 3, 1923, Charles Garner is a decorated veteran who honorably served our Nation in uniform, and who has shown his commitment to making Kosciusko County an even better place to live, learn, work, and raise a family after he returned home from battle. Charles enlisted in the Army Reserves in 1942 during the height of World War II while attending Indiana Central College in Indianapolis. Charles' service in uniform saw him serve in a mortar battalion, once digging five foxholes in two days while being surrounded by the German Army during the Battle of the Bulge, and it took him across Normandy, northern France, central Europe, and the Rhineland during different campaigns and battles. After his service in Europe, Charles was on his way to fight in the Pacific Theater in Japan when he and his fellow servicemembers learned that the war was finally over. Because of his honorable and valorous service, Charles was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, one service stripe, two overseas bars, and a European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with five bronze stars. Upon returning home, Charles attended Indiana Central College and received a master's degree from Indiana University, which he used to launch a career in education that took him from teacher to Leesburg School principal to Warsaw Community High School assistant principal over the course of 38 years. After more than a century and still going of living life to the fullest, I am happy to join countless Hoosiers, including his three sons and dozens and dozens of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, in commending Charles Garner for his brave military service and thanking him for the many contributions he has made to Kosciusko County, Indiana's Second District, and our country. May God bless Charles Garner.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and honor decorated World War II veteran and devoted member of the Kosciusko County community, Bob Gast. Born more than a century ago, Bob embodies what it means to be part of the ``Greatest Generation.'' When the forces of fascism and tyranny threatened the peace, security, and freedom of millions, Bob answered the call to serve our Nation as a soldier in the United States Army. During one of the most crucial periods of fighting on the Western Front in the Second World War, Bob led his Army platoon during the Battle of Hurtgen Forest. A Second Lieutenant at the time, Bob earned the Silver Star after being shot in the arm. The Silver Star is one of the most prestigious medals of honor our Nation can bestow on a servicemember, and it appropriately recognizes Bob's valor in combat and his gallantry in action against the enemy. Bob's Silver Star, along with his Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, World War II Victory Medal, and European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, are all physical proof and outward symbols of Bob's inner fortitude, leadership abilities, and his unwavering commitment to duty and service. President Ronald Reagan reminded us that freedom is fragile and must constantly be fought for and vigilantly guarded by each generation. That noble mission is exactly what Bob helped carry out when he wore the uniform of the United States Military. Because of the service and sacrifice of warriors like Bob, generations of Americans have been able to experience the blessings of liberty and live in a land that is free. For that, all of us owe Bob and his fellow veterans a debt we can never fully repay. Bob's dedication to service did not stop when he returned home to Indiana after battle. Bob has been very active in a number of community organizations throughout Kosciusko County, and the Warsaw City Council, the Rotary Club, Salvation Army, Warsaw Evangelical Community Church, and Mobile Meals program have all benefited greatly from Bob's involvement. Simply put, Bob epitomizes what it means to put ``Service Above Self.'' Despite all these impressive accolades and countless testimonials from those he has helped over the years, perhaps Bob's best legacy are his and his wife Marge's seven children, and their more than two dozen grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After more than a century of life well lived, I join countless Hoosiers in celebrating Bob Gast and in thanking him for his loyal service and the many, many contributions he has made to the Kosciusko County community, Indiana's Second Congressional District, and our country. May God bless Bob Gast.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate and wish a very happy and special birthday to Inez Beiswanger, who will turn a whopping 105 years old on December 9, 2024. Born in Nappanee in 1919, Inez is a resident of Milford, Indiana and one of the many Hoosiers I have the privilege of representing in Congress. Earlier this month, some friends, family, and other members of the Milford community came together to throw a surprise celebration for Inez, which was a fitting testament to such a special, memorable, and impressive milestone. As she reflects on more than a century of life well lived, Inez is full of gratitude to God for the many blessings he has bestowed on her. Especially around this time of year, embracing the disposition of gratitude that Inez embodies is something that our Nation could use a lot more of. Inez also credits her long life in part to trying to always be an optimist about everything, as well as being content and happy with what you have. This mindset has clearly worked, and it is a refreshening antidote to the culture of despair and restlessness that we all too often witness. As she celebrates more than a century of life lived to the fullest, I join her family, including her three children, seven grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, and many other Hoosiers in wishing Inez Beiswanger a very happy 105th birthday.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor, recognize, and congratulate my good friend, business leader and builder, devoted public servant, and Kosciusko County Commissioner Brad Jackson as he prepares to retire as County Commissioner at the end of this year after 28 years in elected office. Brad has been a close personal friend of mine for more than a decade and a committed and effective champion for all things Kosciusko County for even longer. From his work as a second-generation homebuilder and experienced business owner to his service in elected office, Brad's long-standing commitment to meeting the needs of Kosciusko County Hoosiers has been deep and unwavering. Quite simply, Brad is the kind of person that you want in your corner and serving in government and making decisions that affect people's lives. Brad's belief in and adherence to conservative principles and values has helped keep Kosciusko County growing and on the move during Brad's nearly three-decade tenure as County Commissioner. Fiscal discipline, low taxes, preventing unnecessary regulations on businesses and job creators, and support for law enforcement and keeping crime low have all been hallmarks of Brad's approach to politics and public service. Most of all, his love for community, his family, and God has kept Brad grounded in the things that matter, and it has made him a leader who is admired and respected by so many. As Brad's career in public life comes to a close, I am reminded of the saying ``I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.'' I believe this quote applies uniquely well to County Commissioner Brad Jackson. The Kosciusko County community is unquestionably better off thanks to this good man with a servant's heart. Brad has not only built countless construction projects in his career, he has also built an incredible legacy and a stronger foundation for Kosciusko County to stand and grow upon going forward. I join Hoosiers throughout Indiana's Second Congressional District in expressing our gratitude to Brad for his many years of dedicated service. I wish Brad a very happy retirement and him, his wife Lynnette, their two sons, and their extended family all the very best going forward.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize, congratulate, and celebrate Horizon Transport in Wakarusa, Indiana as they mark 40 years in business and excellence in service. For four decades now, this 100% employee-owned company has been a staple of Indiana's Second District because of their record of delivering quality service for local RV manufacturers. In 1984, Melvin Schrock and his wife Ruth Ann Schrock founded Horizon Transport after recognizing the need for a transport company that would provide professional, high quality, and prompt deliveries to local RV manufacturers. And for the past 40 years, RV Transport has been doing exactly that. In Congress, I am proud to represent and be an advocate for the ``RV Capital of the World,'' a unique industry that is such a source of pride as well as economic activity and opportunity for our area. It takes many dedicated, professional individuals and businesses to make the RV industry fire on all cylinders and operate as well as it does. Horizon Transport is clearly one of those businesses, a business that has been recognized and appreciated for maintaining a family feel after all these years. As CEO, Marion Schrock has continued his parents' proud legacy and commitment to excellence. He has also demonstrated his commitment to his employees by selling Horizon Transport to his employees through their Employee Stock Ownership Plan, making the company now 100% employee owned. Congratulations again to the Schrock family, Horizon Transport, and all of their dedicated employees on achieving this impressive milestone and on their even more impressive legacy of excellence. I look forward to celebrating many more milestones, accolades, and satisfied customers of yours in the years ahead.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate Pat Goin, who will be concluding her tenure as Chair of the North American Blueberry Council at the end of this year. This August, I had the honor of visiting Pat and her husband Kevin at their blueberry farm, Goin's Blueberry Lane, in North Judson, Indiana as part of my district-wide ``Factories, Freeways, and Fields'' tour. During my visit, I had the opportunity to learn more about their family-owned and operated blueberry farm that has been in business since 1980. Just as importantly, I was able to see firsthand Pat's great character and the passion she has for consistently putting out a high-quality product over all these years. I am immensely grateful to Pat for the warm hospitality that my team and I received on our visit, as well as for the fresh and ripe blueberries that she, Kevin, and their family have been producing for more than 40 years. I also greatly appreciate the leadership that Pat has provided to the North American Blueberry Council in her role as Chair on behalf of our blueberry producers and those connected to the blueberry industry all across our country. Our farmers and agricultural producers are some of the most industrious and important men and women anywhere in America, and I know that Pat has done a great service by effectively advocating on behalf of blueberry growers and their interests. God bless Pat Goin.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Missouri and the chairman for his time as well as his leadership on this bill. I rise in strong support of the Taxpayer Data Protection Act, which will increase penalties for the unauthorized disclosure of personal information. Americans want certain things kept private. For example, the secret ballot protects the sanctity of the voting booth. HIPAA keeps medical history between you and your doctor. Section 6103 is supposed to safeguard the sensitive information of our tax returns. Beginning in 2017, an IRS contractor illegally downloaded tax returns for thousands of Americans and began sharing them with reporters. When the investigators caught on, he tried to destroy the evidence of his crime. Yet the Biden-Harris administration let off the perpetrator of this egregious breach of trust with only a single count of unauthorized disclosure. We cannot let partisan actors with delusions of white knighthood think they can get away with sacrificing institutional trust in furtherance of their personal political vendettas. I thank Chairman Smith for keeping the spotlight on this case, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Supporting America's Children and Families Act, which updates key child welfare programs for the first time since 2008. That includes reducing the paperwork burden for States and caseworkers, improving training and technology available to caseworkers, strengthening support systems for grandparents and other relatives who become primary caregivers, and providing better services for those aging out of foster care. When I was board chair for the Boys and Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County, I saw firsthand the difference programs of all types make in putting at-risk youth on a path to success and keeping them on it. That involves treating each child as an individual, not just another number, and assessing their unique circumstances and needs. This takes more work, but it ensures the best result for the child, their family, and their communities. I thank Mr. LaHood, Mr. Davis, Chairman Smith, and Ranking Member Neal for their bipartisan work on this bill. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize and congratulate Fire Chief Dan Sink, who is retiring as Fire Chief of the Goshen Fire Department in Goshen, Indiana, in November of this year. Fire Chief Sink's career in public safety spans back more than four decades, as he first joined the Goshen Fire Department 43 year ago. Danny's 19 years in his current role means that when he retires in November, he will hold the record for the longest serving Fire Chief in Goshen history. As Fire Chief, Danny leads a dedicated team of 56 men and women comprised of professional firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians. Danny's record of leadership has been so exemplary that when the city of Goshen dedicated their new fire training center in March of last year, they did so in Danny's honor by naming it the `Chief Danny Sink Regional Training Facility.' Because of his service as Fire Chief, the Goshen community and Hoosiers of Elkhart County are safer thanks to this good man who exemplifies what it means to be a true public servant who sacrifices for others. Chief Sink's example and leadership are also reminders that first responders are on the frontlines of some of the most difficult situations our communities face. When there is a problem, first responders like Danny answer the call and willingly put themselves in danger's path to keep us safe. For that, all of us are extremely grateful. I am proud to join so many Hoosiers throughout Indiana's Second District in expressing our appreciation to Chief Sink for his long career spent in the service of others. As he prepares to begin the next chapter of his life, I wish Danny all the very best going forward and a happy and well-deserved retirement. May God bless.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and celebrate Olympic Gold Medalist and wrestling champion Sarah Hildebrandt, who brought home the gold in the women's wrestling freestyle 50-kilograms event at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. Growing up in Granger, Indiana, and a proud 2011 graduate of Penn High School where she wrestled all four years, Sarah's achievements in the sport of wrestling are almost too numerous to list. Prior to coming to Paris this summer, Sarah could claim being a two-time world bronze medalist, a two-time world silver medalist, and an Olympic bronze medalist from the Tokyo Summer Games as just a few of her many accolades. With her win over Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the 50- kilogram weight class women's freestyle final on August 7, 2024, Sarah is now also just the fourth woman to win gold in wrestling for Team USA in history. Upon winning the gold this summer, Sarah reflected, ``this gold medal is for everyone who has ever faced a setback or felt like giving up. It's proof that with hard work, determination, and a little bit of faith, anything is possible.'' Sarah's determination and persistence have inspired so many around the world, especially but not limited to those in the sport of wrestling. I have always found it fitting that the Summer Olympics take place in the same year as our U.S. presidential elections. While Americans are often divided politically, every four years the Summer Olympics afford us an opportunity to unite around our love of country and be united in pride and admiration for athletes like Sarah who represent our Nation on the world stage so well. I thank Sarah for bringing a healthy dose of Hoosier pride to Paris this summer. I congratulate her on her incredible athletic achievements, both at this summer's Olympics and throughout her impressive, decorated career. I and so many others look forward to seeing what she will continue to accomplish going forward. May God bless.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution introduced by my colleague, Representative Stefanik. In March 2021, an Axios headline declared: ``Biden puts Harris in charge of border crisis.'' According to this article: ``The first goal will be stemming the flow of illegal migrants to the U.S.'' The chart next to me shows cumulative Southwest border encounters for the first 42 months of the last six Presidential terms. The red line represents the Biden-Harris administration. Look at the chart and ask yourself: How did Vice President Harris do as the person in charge of the border? In June 2021, Vice President Harris said: ``If you come to our border, you will be turned back.'' Look at that chart and ask yourself if anyone took her warning seriously. In September 2022, Vice President Harris said: ``The border is secure.'' Look at that chart and ask yourself if it was then or if it is now. Mr. Speaker, the Venn diagram of border security and the Biden-Harris administration are two separate circles. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''