Rudy Yakym

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Richard M. ``Dick'' Treckelo of Elkhart, Indiana. He is a veteran, a lifelong Hoosier, and a man who has given a century to the community he loves. On October 22, 2026, Dick will turn 100. Dick was a college student at the University of Michigan when his country called and he answered. He set his studies aside and served in the United States Army Air Forces in 1945 and 1946, as World War II came to a close, earning the designation of sharpshooter. He did what his generation did. He served, he came home, and he got to work. Home was always Elkhart. Dick finished his degrees in Ann Arbor, then came back to practice law beside his father, Frank, a respected attorney who later served as City Judge and Elkhart Superior Court Judge. Dick built a practice of his own and later became a partner at Barnes & Thornburg, guiding local families and businesses through four decades of growth. He did not chase a bigger city. He chose to build his life and his career right here. That is who Dick is. Steady. Humble. Loyal to the people and the place that raised him. He met his wife, Anne, on a blind date in 1954. They shared nearly 65 years of marriage and raised two daughters, Marla and Mary. Today, Dick is a proud grandfather of five and great-grandfather of six, a family that carries his example forward. Service to country. Devotion to family. A lifetime of quiet, faithful work in his hometown. Dick Treckelo embodies the very best of Indiana's 2nd District. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Dick for his service and wishing him a very happy 100th birthday.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, in the last 2 months northwest Indiana has sadly seen a rash of violence against law enforcement. Three officers in and around my district have been shot in the line of duty. Trooper Benjamin Beers was shot during a traffic stop. Deputy Jon Samuelson was shot three times while helping a stranded driver. Sergeant Justin Helfin was shot during a pursuit. I want to be clear: If someone targets our officers, they will face justice. For far too long, we have seen the officers who protect us demonized while excuses are made for the career criminals who terrorize our communities. It is dangerous, and as we have seen recently, it has tragic consequences. These officers deserve to go home to their spouses, their children, and their parents at the end of every shift. I am grateful that these three survived, but survival is not safety, and three shootings in 2 months cannot be ignored or normalized. It must be a wake-up call. Law and order does not sustain itself. It is upheld by the men and women who put on the badge, and they are willing to risk everything for strangers. That is what separates us as a functioning society and why I and the thousands of Hoosiers I serve will always back the blue.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Danny Reynolds of Stephenson's of Elkhart, who will be named the 2026 America's Retail Champion on July 15 at the NRF Retail Advocates Summit here in Washington, DC. Danny Reynolds is a name known to just about every family in Elkhart County. For decades, he has helped fit local residents for life's biggest moments, and he's done it with the kind of personal touch you only find on Main Street. The Stephenson's story goes back to 1931, when the store first opened as a small, appointment-only dress shop in downtown Elkhart. Today, nearly a century later, it has grown into a fixture spanning three buildings, still rooted in that same stretch of Main Street where it all began. Danny's own story with the business started young. His parents took over Stephenson's in 1964, and Danny was practically raised in the stockroom, learning the trade from the ground up as a teenager. I have to think that's also where he picked up his sense of style, which I can personally attest to, having picked up clothing from Stephenson's myself. After finishing college in 1994, he came back home and never left, building on his family's legacy one customer at a time for more than thirty years since. But Danny's impact reaches well beyond downtown Elkhart. He has become a leading voice for retailers across this industry in the halls of Congress, helping connect policymakers with the realities of Main Street. Mr. Speaker, small businesses like Stephenson's are the heartbeat of our communities and the backbone of our local economies. With 36.2 million small businesses across this country accounting for nearly half of all private-sector jobs, their impact reaches every corner of America, and Danny Reynolds is a shining example of what makes Main Street work. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Danny Reynolds on being named the 2026 America's Retail Champion, and in thanking him for his decades of service to Elkhart County and to Hoosiers across Indiana's 2nd District.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a hero from Indiana's Second Congressional District, Deputy Jon Samuelson of the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office. On May 22, Deputy Samuelson did what good people do: He stopped to help a stranger stranded on the side of the road and drove him to the hospital. That act of decency nearly cost him his life, but before it did, he saved someone else's life. What began as kindness quickly escalated into a violent confrontation. Before the suspect opened fire, Deputy Samuelson intervened. He deflected the weapon away from a nurse who was directly in the line of fire. That nurse told investigators that Jon saved his life. That is the definition of sacrifice and service. There is a thin blue line, and it is a dangerous line, that separates chaos from civilization. Most of us will never see that line. However, men and women like Deputy Samuelson stand on it every single day so the rest of us don't have to. Jon comes from four generations of law enforcement in LaPorte County. He knew what the badge demanded, and he chose it anyway. To his wife, Quinn: We stand with you as Jon recovers. May God continue to have His healing hand on Jon.

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Boys & Girls Club Week and celebrate the incredible impact the Boys & Girls Clubs have on young people across our country. Before coming to Congress, I had the privilege of serving as board chair of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Indiana. Through that experience, I saw firsthand how these clubs do things like taking care of young people, how they change lives, how they create opportunities, and how they mentor our young people and the future generations. When I came to Congress, I knew I wanted to continue to support their mission. That is why I was proud to introduce a bipartisan resolution last night honoring the National Boys & Girls Club Week with my friends, Representatives Scholten and Fitzpatrick. Each year Boys & Girls Clubs serve more than 4 million young people nationwide, including over 180,000 Hoosiers. Through career readiness programs, these clubs help prepare the next generation for success in school, work, and life. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Americans to recognize the dedicated staff, volunteers, and supporters who work tirelessly to build great futures for millions of young people. I also urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution and celebrating National Boys & Girls Club Week. Honoring Deputy Jon Samuelson of LaPorte County Sheriff's Department

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Missouri for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support the Fostering the Future Act, which will make meaningful changes to the Chafee program to better support foster youth and alleviate unnecessary challenges. This bill includes the Support for Expectant and Parenting Foster Youth Act, which I was proud to introduce with the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), my friend and the ranking member. This bill strengthens the coordination between the Chafee program and the Maternal Infant Early Childhood Home Visiting program, or MIECHV. Foster youth are more likely to become parents earlier compared to their peers. Navigating the foster youth system can be difficult enough, but adding the demands of parenting presents a special challenge for older foster youth who are also parents. My bill will help more parenting and expectant foster youth access evidence-based home visiting services by improving program coordination and allowing for specialized case management. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I thank the ranking member, as well as Chairman LaHood for their support.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Baker Youth Club of Warsaw, Indiana, on its 100th anniversary. Founded in 1926 by East Coast banker and Rotary Club member Bramwell Baker, the club began with a simple challenge: match a $1,000 donation and a Boys Club would be born. What started with comic books and a peach basket in the upstairs of a downtown Warsaw hardware store has grown into one of Kosciusko County's most vital institutions for young people. For a century, Baker Youth Club has been guided by just four directors, each of whom grew up in the very club they would one day lead. Current Executive Director Tracy Furnivall has served for 23 years, growing the organization's budget from $90,000 to nearly $800,000. Today, the club serves up to 160 children each afternoon. with second- and third-generation families coming through its doors. Perhaps no story better captures Baker Youth Club's mission than that of Director Robert ``Coach'' Lichtenwalter, who joined the Boys Club at age 10 as an alternative to juvenile detention and went on to serve as a member, staff, and director for 77 years. That is not just dedication. That is transformation. Baker Youth Club's centennial is a testament to Warsaw and Kosciusko County, a community that has sustained this organization through the Great Depression, multiple wars, a recession, and a global pandemic, and has never stopped showing up for its kids. I congratulate Baker Youth Club on 100 years of service.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 6956, the BARCODE Efficiency Act. I am proud to co-lead this act with my friend from Illinois (Mr. Schneider). This is a simple but powerful bill that will make tax return processing faster, more accurate, and more efficient. E-filing taxes is becoming even more common. In 2009, two-thirds of taxpayers e-filed their returns. By 2015, it was up to 85 percent. Last year, 94 percent of taxpayers e-filed their returns. That remaining 6 percent still accounts for 10 million tax returns. There are good reasons to file a paper return. I actually found myself in such a position last year. After I electronically filed my taxes, as most taxpayers do, the IRS continued to kick back my return, trying to convince me that I owed the IRS less money than I actually did. We reran the numbers time and time again, but we still came up with the same results. We had a few choices at this point. We could either file the return, as the IRS suggested, and risk later on owing a lot of money in penalties and interest and things like that, or we could call them up and get into an argument with somebody at the IRS, or we could just simply print it off and file the return. That is exactly what we chose to do. The problem is once we file that return, and my return this last year was 202 pages, there is someone at the IRS who actually manually enters in every single digit on all 202 pages. Just imagine the problems that could create, Mr. Speaker. If someone transposes a number, then all of a sudden, you have an inaccurate return and the IRS can later come after you for an audit. Or, Mr. Speaker, you may have substantial delays in receiving your refund because of the amount of time it takes to manually key in all that data. It is just simply a waste of time and a waste of resources. There are better ways of handling that, and, frankly, I think it is time for the IRS to come into the 21st century. That is why my colleague, Mr. Schneider, and I have introduced the bipartisan BARCODE Efficiency Act. This would require that the IRS increase its usage of scanning technology, particularly for paper or handwritten returns. No more manual entry would be needed or required. This will certainly complement efforts already underway by the Trump administration to phase out the use of paper and to adopt scanning technology. Scanning technology has been recommended by the taxpayer advocate as well as the GAO, and it has been used by State tax agencies for years. Paper returns will still be necessary at times, but we can do better, Mr. Speaker, because there is proven commercially available technology that can end the hand entry of tax returns. It will increase the speed, the efficiency, and the accuracy of processing. It will get refunds out the door quicker so Hoosiers, whom I serve, can get their money back faster. Again, quite simply, it is time for the IRS to come into the 21st century. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague across the aisle Mr. Schneider for his great work in getting this bill introduced. I would also like to thank Chairman Smith and Chairman Schweikert for their partnership as well as Senators Young and Warnock. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan commonsense bill.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Manufacturing Technology, Inc. (MTI) of South Bend, Indiana, on its 100th anniversary. Founded in 1926 by Conrad R. Adams as a small tool and die shop, MTI has grown into a global leader in advanced friction welding technologies, serving customers that include GE, Rolls-Royce, Pratt & Whitney, and NASA across six continents. From its earliest days supplying Studebaker Automotive to its current partnerships with some of the world's most critical aerospace and defense programs, MTI has consistently delivered practical engineering solutions to complex manufacturing challenges. MTI's story is also a story about family. Now in its fifth generation of Adams family leadership, the company has expanded from a single Midwest shop into a global enterprise with operations in the United States, United Kingdom, Slovakia, and India, employing over 200 people worldwide. Each generation built on the last, pioneering new technologies including Inertia, Linear, Friction Stir, and Low Force Friction Welding, while remaining guided by the values Conrad R. Adams established at the company's founding. As President and CEO Dan Adams said, ``Friction Welding is where we lead today, but our strength has always been the ability to evolve alongside our customers.'' That mindset has defined MTI for a century and will carry the company through the next 100 years. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Adams family and the entire MTI team on this extraordinary milestone. Indiana is proud to call MTI home.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, yesterday we lost a giant. Growing up in South Bend, Coach Holtz was more than a football coach. He was a living legend. When I was young, my family took me to a Notre Dame hockey game. We were walking up late, so there was nobody else around. Appearing out from the shadows, you could see the silhouette of Coach Holtz. My father asked if he had a moment to say hello and sign autographs for us. The coach could have just blown us off, but he didn't do that. He walked straight up to me, got down on one knee, stuck out his hand and said: ``Hi, I am Coach Holtz. What is your name?'' That moment for me became a lifelong lesson. It taught me that no matter who you are or where you go in life, you are never too important to say hello to someone that wants your time. That is exactly who Coach Holtz was--a national champion, a Hall of Fame coach, sure; but even more importantly, he was an extraordinary person. He is someone who brought out the best in people. He got more out of people than they ever believed possible. He inspired them to be the best that they could be, and he set a high standard of excellence that the people around him could only hope to achieve. Sallyann and I lift up the Holtz family in our prayers. Mr. Speaker, I thank Coach Holtz for the memories and his positive influence on the South Bend community and Notre Dame at large. Go Irish.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, from hearing my Democratic colleagues talk today, it is clear that none of them has ever been to a pregnancy resource center, and they certainly have never used their services. Mr. Speaker, 17 years ago, my wife, Sallyann, and I found out we were expecting our first child. Sallyann thought she was having some issues with our pregnancy when she was only 7 weeks pregnant. We were young, and we were scared. We didn't have a place to turn until one of her friends suggested that we go to a pregnancy resource center. We went down to the Women's Care Center in South Bend, where they welcomed us with open and loving arms. They gave her an ultrasound, and for the very first time, we saw our child, who, at that time, was about the size of a peanut. Half of that peanut was a heartbeat. Most importantly, they assured us that our child was okay and would be just fine. When we went to leave, I had just one question for them: How much do we owe you? They looked at us and they said: Guys, the services that we provide here are free. You can go on your way. They assured us that our baby was healthy, and they gave us such peace of mind. Here we are, 17 years later, and our daughter Elle is smart. She is beautiful. She is a junior in high school, and we are out looking for colleges. The pregnancy resource center in my community was there for us when we were young and scared, when we had very limited resources, but, unfortunately, if my Democrat colleagues had their way, our healthcare would have been denied. Why deny the Sallyann Yakym's of the world access to the care that they need? Why deny people like my daughter, Elle, the care to make sure that they are okay? I wish my friends from the other side of the aisle would simply join me in voting ``yes'' today on this measure. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Mrs. Fischbach), for the introduction of this bill, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, today we celebrate an incredible woman, Mary Alice Edwards, on her 90th birthday. Mary Alice was born February 1, 1936, in Trenton, Tennessee, and moved to South Bend at just six months old. She grew up on Scott Street and later helped make history when her family became the first African American homeowners on the 1400 block of Washington Street. From the start, her life has been about courage, progress, and faith. She attended Oliver Elementary and graduated from Central High School in 1954. That same year, she got married and began raising her greatest legacy: five children, three daughters and two sons. One of her sons went on to become a respected business leader in this community, which says a lot about the values Mary Alice poured into her family. Mary Alice worked hard her whole life, from Essex Wire and Wells Electronics to more than 20 years at Curtis Products, retiring in 2016 at the age of 80. She also served as PTO secretary at Linden School, always making sure kids and families were supported. Her faith has guided everything she's done. She joined Laken Chapel Primitive Baptist Church on December 31, 1964, during a night watch service, and went on to serve as assistant clerk, then clerk. For over 30 years, she has also served as clerk of the Big Creek Primitive Baptist Association, faithfully serving churches across the region. So today, Mr. Speaker, we don't just celebrate a birthday. We celebrate 90 years of faith, hard work, leadership, and love. Mary Alice's life has shaped her family, strengthened her church, and lifted this community. We thank God for her and pray for many more healthy, joyful years ahead. Happy 90th birthday.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for the time this morning. Mr. Speaker, Indiana is proud to have manufactured housing facilities across the State that build hundreds of thousands of homes for Americans. Manufactured housing is critical to giving Hoosier families affordable housing. It gives options and supports our domestic manufacturing economy. It makes homeownership attainable, particularly in rural areas. Democrats have allowed the Department of Energy and the Department of Housing and Urban Development to regulate these homes. This has led to unnecessary and sometimes conflicting regulations, which drive up costs for homeowners and creates confusion for manufacturers. The Affordable HOMES Act, led by my friend and Hoosier colleague, Erin Houchin, eliminates this redundant regulation and allows HUD to be the sole regulator of manufactured housing. Homeownership is the cornerstone of the American Dream. We need to get the government out of the way so that housing is more affordable and more Americans can achieve that dream. This is a commonsense bill that will lower housing costs. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to voting in favor of the bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Battalion Chief James Jones of the South Bend Fire Department, as he retires after 35 years of outstanding service to the City of South Bend and to the state of Indiana. Chief Jones began his career in April of 1991 and has spent more than three decades protecting the safety and well-being of our community. He has served with distinction in every role he has held, most recently as the Battalion Chief for C-shift, where his leadership, professionalism, and steady presence have earned the respect of both his colleagues and the citizens he served. In 2016, Chief Jones faced a personal battle with prostate cancer. Throughout his treatment, he continued to report for duty and remained committed to the people who depended on him. This strength of character reflects the very best of public service and stands as an inspiration to all who know his story. Today, we offer our deepest gratitude. I thank Chief Jones for his devotion to duty, his courage in the face of adversity, and his unwavering commitment to our community. His service has made a lasting impact on our community, and he leaves a legacy of integrity, compassion, and dedication. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Battalion Chief James Jones and congratulating him on his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and express my sincere gratitude for the extraordinary service and cherished friendship of Susan Baxmeyer, whose decades of dedication have strengthened our community and enriched public life across Indiana. Susan began her political involvement in 1980, volunteering for John Hiler's congressional campaign. Her skill and dedication were immediately evident, and after his election, she joined his staff as District Secretary and Scheduler. She quickly became a trusted contact for constituents and a reliable support to the office. Whether at county fairs, fish fries, Lincoln Day dinners, or state conventions, she immersed herself fully in the work and built lasting relationships throughout the former 3rd Congressional District. After leaving the congressional office in 1987 to join her husband Carl in their planning and consulting business, Susan remained deeply engaged in public service. She has served continuously as a Precinct Committeeman and held key leadership roles at both the district and county levels, including positions within the Indiana Republican State Committee and the St. Joseph County Republican Women. Her service as a delegate to state and national conventions and her recognition as a St. Joseph County Republican Woman of the Year nominee reflect the respect she has earned across our community and our state. She lifts others up simply by being who she is, and she has strengthened every organization and every effort she has touched. On a personal note, I want to express my deep appreciation for her friendship. In public life, the support and kindness of people like Susan mean more than can be measured. Her counsel, encouragement, and loyalty have been invaluable, and I am honored to call her a friend. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Susan Baxmeyer for her outstanding contributions, her unwavering dedication to our community, and her lifelong commitment to service. Indiana is better because of her, and we are grateful for all she has given.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of my bipartisan bill, H.R. 573, the Studying NEPA's Impact on Projects Act, which I introduced with my good friend, Mr. Panetta from California. The National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, was passed in 1970 to look at the impacts of projects on the environment. After decades of abuse and misuse, NEPA has strayed far from its original purpose. Now, it is a four-letter word, often weaponized to bury infrastructure, housing, energy, and other critical projects under a mound of paperwork and litigation. NEPA is more synonymous with red tape than a green light. One recent study found that energy projects spend a median of 3 years from final agency approval to a final court decision, with some projects facing delays that last for decades. At various points in time, the White House Council on Environmental Quality, or CEQ, has compiled reports on lawsuits, paperwork, and delays associated with NEPA, but these efforts have mostly been ad hoc. This bill would formalize and consolidate these reports by requiring the CEQ to publish a single annual report detailing the burdens created by NEPA, including the volume of lawsuits, the length and complexity of environmental review and paperwork, and the cost of delays to taxpayers and project sponsors. This report, coupled with the efforts of the Trump administration and this Congress to rein in permitting burdens, will allow us to conduct oversight, ensure accountability, and identify areas of further reform. The consequences of NEPA are felt across this country, from manufacturing and construction in my district to critical forest management, mining, and housing projects. These delays impact our economy, but they also constrain our efforts to achieve energy dominance, protect our national security, and compete with China. This bill is an important step in our work to continue reforming the permitting process. It is time to get the government and unnecessary barriers out of the way of hardworking Americans who want to make America build again. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Westerman for his help in getting this bill to the floor and to my friend, Mr. Panetta, for his partnership. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an important milestone for our region. On January 1, 2026, Memorial MedFlight will celebrate its 20th Anniversary of service to the people of northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan. For two decades, Memorial MedFlight has provided lifesaving air medical transport to our communities, often responding in the most critical moments when every second matters. Their pilots, flight nurses, paramedics, and support teams have demonstrated extraordinary skill, professionalism, and courage day and night, in all conditions. Thousands of families across our region have been touched by the fast, expert care this team delivers. Their work has strengthened our emergency response system, expanded access to advanced medical care, and saved countless lives. Today, we honor Memorial MedFlight's dedication, their unwavering commitment to the people they serve, and the strong partnerships they have built with hospitals, first responders, and local communities. We celebrate 20 years of excellence, and we express our deepest gratitude for the lives they have protected and the hope they continue to provide. I congratulate Memorial MedFlight on this remarkable anniversary and thank them for their continued service.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Mr. Bert Gumkowski of South Bend, Indiana, on the occasion of his 100th birthday. Bert was born on January 1, 1926. He grew up in South Bend, where he developed a love for music and played in local school bands. At 18, he set aside an opportunity with the South Bend Symphony to serve his country in World War II. He served on an Army transport ship, completing six overseas missions and helping maintain morale on board. After the war, Bert worked as a draftsman at the Studebaker Corporation. He joined the Naval Reserve in 1947 and was later activated during the Korean War, serving on the USS Twining during operations in the Pacific. In 1950, Bert married Irene Cichon, and they were married for nearly 65 years raising three sons. He went on to a long career with Bendix, later Honeywell, where he designed brakes and earned 65 patents. He remained active in retirement and valued time with his growing family. Bert is a devoted Notre Dame sports fan, a longtime attendee of Bendix retiree breakfasts, and a man rooted in family, faith, and community. Mr. Speaker, reaching 100 years is a remarkable milestone. Bert Gumkowski's life reflects service, resilience, and dedication to those around him. We congratulate him on this special birthday and thank him for his many contributions to his community and his country.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the already tremendous impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. During the August work period, I traveled across all 11 counties in my district, hitting over 40 stops, meeting with Hoosiers where they live and work. I heard from Chuck at Allie's Cafe, who shared about how limiting tax on tips puts more money directly into workers' pockets. I spoke with Camping World and other companies about how the Made in America provision and immediate expensing strengthened American manufacturing jobs. I joined law enforcement officers at a drug enforcement roundtable to discuss how this bill invests billions of dollars in border security to stem the flow of fentanyl into our communities. I celebrated 100 years of egg production with Creighton Brothers, a century of hard work and family enterprise. That is just a fraction of the stories I encountered. Each day on the road, I was reminded that the strength of Indiana and America lies in our people, families, farmers, workers, and small businesses. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act was written for them and because of them. Together, we are proving that when we keep government out of the way, Americans can keep more of what they earn, and there is no limit to what we can achieve.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable milestone for a family-run business that has been a cornerstone of Indiana agriculture for a century, Creighton Brothers LLC. This year, Creighton Brothers is celebrating 100 years in business, a legacy that began in 1925 when Hobart and Russell Creighton started a modest egg operation with just 2,500 hens. Over the last century, this operation has grown into one of the most respected and vertically integrated egg producers in the country, with more than 3 million laying hens, feed production on 10,000 acres of farmland, and distribution to customers nationwide. What makes this story truly special isn't just the scale of their growth, but the fact that Creighton Brothers is still proudly family-owned. Today, over 180 family members are connected to the business; such a level of generational commitment is rare, and it speaks volumes about the values on which this company was built. Over the years, Creighton Brothers has faced its fair share of challenges. Still, through it all, they've stuck to their principles: producing safe, high-quality food, caring for their employees, and supporting the local community. Just last month, the town of Mentone honored Creighton Brothers as the Grand Marshal of the Egg Festival Parade, celebrating ``100 Years of Egg-cellence.'' It's clear how deeply rooted this business is in our community, and we take immense pride in their success. As we reflect on what it takes to keep a business running strong for 100 years, we see that it requires hard work, innovation, and an unshakable commitment to people. I want to congratulate everyone at Creighton Brothers on achieving this remarkable milestone. Here's to the next 100 years of continued success.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding American success story, LeMaster Steel Erectors of Elkhart, Indiana, as they celebrate their 50th anniversary in business. Founded in 1975, LeMaster Steel Erectors began as a family-run operation in Elkhart and has since grown into a regional leader in steel erection, proudly serving not only Indiana but also throughout the Midwest. Over the past five decades, the company has completed countless high- quality metal building projects, as well as specialty installations, demonstrating excellence and innovation at every turn. LeMaster's growth is a testament to their hard work, skill, and dedication to its workforce: expert supervisors, veteran foremen, and hardworking crews whose craftsmanship and professionalism have earned the respect of clients across Indiana and beyond. Beyond their business success, LeMaster Steel Erectors has become a pillar of the local economy. With offices in Elkhart and Noblesville, they provide stable employment, support local suppliers, and are a pillar in their communities. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating LeMaster Steel Erectors on this remarkable milestone. For 50 years, they have built more than steel structures; they've built the foundation of stronger communities across Indiana. May they continue to have success across Indiana and beyond for years to come.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Smith for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. President Trump inherited a disastrous open-border policy from the Biden-Harris administration. There were nearly 9 million encounters at the southern border under President Biden, more than the last 14 years combined. You can plainly see the difference between the first 5 months of President Biden and the first 5 months of President Trump on this chart. As it turns out, all we really needed was a new President. Now the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will permanently secure the southern border. It completes the wall, funds thousands of new border agents, and equips them with the cutting-edge tools that they need. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' because border security is national security.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional member of my team, my director of operations, Mariah Greenlee. From day one, Mariah has been an indispensable part of our office. As every Member knows, the director of operations is the person who keeps the trains running on time. While I may be biased, I truly believe that Mariah is one of the very best. Whether it was fitting 47 meetings in 2 days, managing our intern program, overseeing travel logistics, or simply keeping the office running smoothly, Mariah did it all with excellence. Her calm under pressure, strong organizational skills, and unwavering dedication helped our office serve the people of Indiana's Second District at the highest level. Hoosiers who visited the Capitol often commented on her customer-service-driven approach. Over the past 2\1/2\ years, I have come to rely on Mariah not only as a trusted colleague but as a friend. Her work ethic, professionalism, and commitment to service to Indiana's Second District have left a lasting impression and mark on our team. While I am sad to see her go, I am incredibly excited for what lies ahead for her in her next chapter. I thank Mariah for everything. Her contributions have meant so much to me and my team. She will always be part of the Yakym family.

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank an outstanding member of my team as he departs for a new opportunity. Michael Kraan has served as one of my legislative assistants for the past 2 years. He has covered a broad range of issues, from natural resources to veterans affairs, and has done so with exceptional diligence and precision. While working in my office, Michael also earned his master's degree in national security policy studies. He quickly established himself as an indispensable asset. I have often said that a good Member can become a great Member with a great team, and Michael proved that every single day in my office. Michael played an essential role in creating and advancing key legislation, including the National Veterans Advocate Act of 2025. This bill would help ensure our servicemembers have the support and resources they need when they return home. After a veteran in my district could not get the timely access to mental health care from the VA that he needed, Michael created the Sergeant Ted Grubbs Mental Healthcare for Disabled Veterans Act. Just last night at dinner, Michael shared how the highlight of his time in my office was meeting Sergeant Ted Grubbs. I also highlight his critical work on the SECURE American Telecommunications Act, which I recently introduced to protect our Nation's infrastructure from enemy threats. None of these would have been possible without Michael's dedication and expertise. Although it is also often difficult to see a team member leave, Michael is taking steps to go on to be a military legislative assistant in another office. Max is getting one of the best. I trust the gentleman will take good care of Michael. I thank Michael for his hard work, loyalty, and service. He will always be part of the family. Recognizing Mariah Greenlee

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize and honor Culver Police Chief Wayne Bean for more than four decades of dedicated service to the Town of Culver and the broader law enforcement community as he enters retirement. Chief Bean, a lifelong resident of Culver and Union Township, graduated from Culver Community Schools and began his law enforcement career as a reserve deputy marshal in 1980 for the Culver Police Department, becoming a full-time deputy in 1982. His leadership quickly stood out as he was promoted to deputy chief in 1991 and chief of the Culver Police Department just a few years later, a role he has held with distinction for more than two decades. Throughout his career, Chief Bean has served with professionalism, bravery, and compassion. He supported law enforcement efforts beyond Culver, including service as a reserve officer with the Argos Police Department in the 1990's and again from 2007 to 2012. Chief Bean has been involved in numerous complex and critical investigations. In one particularly heroic incident, he assisted in defusing a dangerous standoff, disarming an armed individual who was threatening family members, thereby preventing serious harm or loss of life. Chief Bean also championed traffic safety and enforcement, recording over 60 DUI arrests in a single year, and worked tirelessly to modernize the department's equipment and operations to better serve the community. Beyond his law enforcement duties, Chief Bean has remained active in civic life. He is a long-standing member of the local Fraternal Order of Police, having served as president and currently serving as vice president. Mr. Speaker, Chief Wayne Bean's legacy is one of steadfast dedication, courage, and unwavering commitment to public safety. As he retires, I join the residents of Culver and law enforcement professionals across the Hoosier state in thanking him for his outstanding service and wishing him all the best in the years ahead.