Rudy Yakym

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize and congratulate Chief Timm Schabbel, who recently retired as Fire Chief of the Clay Fire Territory in South Bend, Indiana, after 35 impressive years with the department. During his nearly four decades in public safety, Timm has served in different roles within the fire department, including as a firefighter, Engineer, Lieutenant, Chief of Operations, and Fire Chief. Timm was promoted to Fire Chief in 1997, making him the longest tenured chief officer in the agency's 75-year history. Under Chief Schabbel's leadership, Clay Fire became the first internationally accredited fire department in Indiana. In addition, Clay Fire also expanded under Chief Schabbel's tenure, essentially tripling the area the department covers. These achievements were only possible thanks to Timm's vision and determination.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize and congratulate award-winning television journalist Terry McFadden, who is retiring from WNDU-TV this month after more than 40 years of covering news in the South Bend market. A fellow South Bend native and Notre Dame graduate, Terry has called St. Joe County home his entire life. To this day, Terry still lives on the same street he grew up on. It is undoubtedly this love for the South Bend community that has made Terry such a trusted name in local news over all these years. Terry made his start in broadcasting in 1982 as a news and sports reporter with WNDU. In the time since, Terry has become one of South Bend's favorite television journalists, and he has epitomized the highest standards of professional and journalistic integrity. The various broadcast journalism awards and accolades he has received over the years--including the Radio Television Digital News Association's prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award--are a testament to Terry's many career accomplishments, commitment to the community, and his passion for his profession and presenting the news in a compelling way. As he prepares to retire from journalism, spend more time with his family--especially his wife Laurie and their sons Michael, Sean, and Charlie--and write the next chapter of his life, I am proud to congratulate Terry on more than four decades of dedicated service and excellence in journalism. While I will miss him bringing us the news every day, I join so many others in expressing our gratitude to this lifelong Hoosier and in wishing Terry best wishes for a very happy and full retirement. I thank Terry.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our guest chaplain, my dear friend, Dr. Michael Cramer, who serves as lead pastor at my home church, New Life Baptist Church, in Osceola, Indiana. Dr. Cramer earned degrees from Word of Life Bible Institute, Moody Bible Institute, Liberty Theological Seminary, and Grace Theological Seminary. My parents began attending the church when I was just 1 year old, and my earliest childhood memories are with the Cramer family. My wife and I were there when he married the love of his life, Jaymie, and we celebrated the arrival of their three children, Bella, Mia, and Ethan. I also stood next to him as a pallbearer at the funeral of his 28-year-old brother, Joseph. Mr. Speaker, I and so many others in Indiana's Second District will forever be grateful for the impact that Dr. Michael Cramer has had on us as individuals, as well as the Kingdom of God.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the story of Ziv and Gali Berman. Ziv and Gali are 26-year-old twin brothers. Like many twin brothers with that special bond, they do everything together. They work as light technicians in the same sound and light company, root for the same soccer team, and have traveled the world together. They were also, tragically, 2 of more than 240 men, women, children, and elderly who were brutally kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on October 7. For 118 days now, Ziv and Gali have endured unspeakable horrors at the hands of their Hamas captors in Gaza. For 118 days, they have had to summon the incredible courage to hope, not sure if they will ever see their home and family again. I rise today not only to share their story, but also to demand that Hamas release Ziv and Gali immediately, along with the more than 130 hostages remaining in Gaza. Israel has acted in good faith during the ongoing negotiations. They have shown they are serious about a pause in fighting so hostages can be returned home. It is past time to bring Ziv and Gali home. It is past time to bring them all home.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate my friend and fellow Hoosier Don Gunden as he prepares to retire from Forest River Inc. early next month. Currently serving as General Manager of Forest River's Rockwood, Flagstaff and Palomino brands. Don ``Gunny'' Gunden has long been a leader in the recreational vehicle industry. Don started out in the RV business working at Starcraft straight out of college, and for the next half century he has devoted his professional life to the industry that is so important economically to northern Indiana and a source of so many happy memories for families all across America. Don's 2022 induction into the RV/MH Hall of Fame only underscores his entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to excellence, and the tireless work he has done to maintain Elkhart's proud status as the RV Capital of the World. As he prepares to retire, spend more time with his wife Theresa, and write the next chapter of his life, I am proud to congratulate Don Gunden on a distinguished career and a job well done. The Elkhart community and RV industry as a whole are unquestionably better off thanks to this good man. I join Hoosiers throughout Indiana's Second District in expressing our gratitude and thanks to Don for his many contributions to our area and in wishing him a very happy, well-deserved retirement.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act. Mr. Speaker, pregnancy centers provide vital services to expectant mothers and new parents at no cost. This includes pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, parenting classes, diapers and wipes, formula, and outfits. When my wife and I had very little money and we were expecting our first child, we turned to one such pregnancy center for an ultrasound. Due to my personal experience with that pregnancy center, I find the other side of the aisle's characterization of these pregnancy centers to be nothing short of insulting. The Biden administration is trying to circumvent Congress and take away this critical lifeline from low-income women by stopping States from using Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, TANF, funds for pregnancy centers. Instead of securing our border, the Biden administration is trying to take away diapers and parenting classes from low-income women. The Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act would stop this harmful policy in its tracks and ensure pregnancy centers continue to provide valuable services to low-income pregnant women and new parents. I thank my colleague, Mrs. Fischbach, for introducing this important bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. I thank the gentleman from Kansas, my good friend, for the time and for organizing this important event and for this Special Order. I also thank the gentleman for his leadership on promoting pro-growth research and development policies. Mr. Speaker, we are living through a time of great economic uncertainty created by the Biden administration. This Republican House has an opportunity to provide some certainty to all American families and businesses by bringing back full and immediate deductions for research and development, capital expenditures, as well as by undoing lower interest deductibility limitations. Doing so would help create high-quality, good-paying jobs across our economy for businesses of all shapes and sizes. My district in northern Indiana is no different. Many Hoosier companies have reached out to tell me what fixing those provisions would mean to them. A major medical device company in my district had a $60 million impact in 2022, because they couldn't fully deduct their research and development expenses, and they expect a similar hit for 2023. That is a huge sum of money to be sucked out of our local economy unnecessarily. However, the impacts aren't just felt in large gashes. There are thousands of less-visible cuts across Main Streets in my district, in our State, and across our country. Family owned restaurants have told me they are putting off buying new kitchen equipment. Engineering firms that build our roads and bridges are holding off on new cutting-edge software. Also, suppliers to the R.V. and auto industry are spending less money on new machinery. Mr. Speaker, the small businesses that are the engines of our economy have sand in their gears, and we have an opportunity to fix it. About a month and a half ago, I was proud to lead a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson signed by 145 of my non-Ways and Means colleagues calling for the return of full expensing for R&D and capital expenditures, as well as pro-growth interest deductibility. The high turnout shows just how important these provisions are to small businesses and workers across our great Nation. I know my friend, Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith, is hard at work on negotiations to fix these provisions. I hope both sides can come together on an agreement that provides wins for hardworking Hoosiers of Indiana's Second District. I want to close by thanking Mr. Estes once more for his leadership in organizing this Special Order.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate Mayor Mark Senter, who is completing his tenure of dedicated service to Plymouth, Indiana at the end of this month. Currently serving in his fourth term, Mayor Senter has advanced solutions that have made Plymouth a better place to live, work, and raise a family. In particular, Mark can and should be proud of his work in helping create downtown Plymouth's River Park Square, which hosts the popular ``Mayor's Month of Music'' event every August. Prior to becoming Mayor, Mark served as a trooper and detective with the Indiana State Police for 28 years. Mark's service on the thin blue line has given him valuable firsthand knowledge of the public safety issues our communities face as well as the brave sacrifices law enforcement officers make in the line of duty every single day. As he prepares to step down as Mayor, spend more time with his family, and write the next chapter of his life, I am proud to congratulate Mark on a distinguished career and a job well done. The Plymouth community and all of Marshall County is unquestionably better off thanks to this good man with a servant's heart. I join Hoosiers throughout Indiana's Second Congressional District in expressing our gratitude to Mayor Mark Senter for his service and in wishing him, his wife Leanne, and their family all the very best going forward.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life and honor the legacy of Ernestine Raclin, who passed away at the age of 95 earlier this year. Born and raised in South Bend, Indiana, as the youngest daughter of Ernest and Ella Morris, Ernestine devoted much of her life to making her home community an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. Many times that meant being a trailblazer and taking on roles and responsibilities like few women before her did. That meant chairing 1st Source Bank and 1st Source Corporation for more than 20 years, being the first woman Board Member of the University of Notre Dame, and being the first woman to chair a major campaign for the University. Ernestine was also the first woman in our country to chair a United Way campaign and to serve on the Board of United Way of America. In addition to her business acumen, Ernie was also deeply passionate about the arts. Ernestine believed strongly in the transformative power of the arts and the many ways that art can elevate and improve the human spirit. That passion translated into action, and throughout her life Ernie gave back to the wider South Bend community by generously volunteering her time, talents, and treasure to countless projects rooted in the arts. Above all, Ernie was a leader who loved her family and possessed a unique ability to inspire and rally people around serving causes greater than themselves. In her life Ernestine ``Ernie'' Raclin wore many hats: she was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother, a mentor, a colleague, a philanthropist, and a dear friend. The sheer number of remembrances that have come in since her passing goes to show just how many lives Ernestine Raclin touched and shaped for the better. I know that Ernestine's family and many friends dearly miss her and her kindly presence. But I also know that we ``do not grieve like those who have no hope,'' and take comfort in knowing that God-willing, one day we will be reunited with her for all eternity. I am proud to have known Ernestine and to help celebrate a life very well-lived. I join so many others in thanking God for sending us this compassionate soul who became a friend to so many and such a pivotal leader in the wider South Bend community. God bless Ernestine Raclin.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life and honor the legacy of William P. ``Bill'' Sexton, who passed away last month at the age of 85. Throughout his life, Bill wore many hats. He was a teacher, a loyal friend, a successful fundraiser, a family man, a devout Catholic, and a leader who left an indelible mark on the University of Notre Dame, the wider South Bend community, and on the many lives he touched and shaped for the better. Bill started on the faculty of the Management Department at the University of Notre Dame in 1966, an institution he served faithfully for more than half a century. From his teaching post, Bill went on to serve as Vice President of University Relations for 20 years. With Bill at the helm, Notre Dame was the beneficiary of what at the time were the two most successful capital campaigns in Catholic higher education history. His leadership also helped grow the Notre Dame Alumni Association to more than 200 clubs around the world; clubs that have become a model that other colleges and universities have sought to emulate. His service on the Board of South Bend's Center for the Homeless is also a testament to how Bill never forgot about the obligation all of us have to remember and give back to the least among us. In a life filled with many accomplishments and professional accolades, Bill valued the gift of family above all else: especially his love for his bride of more than 62 years Ann, their six children, 20 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren and counting. Now that he is gone, I and so many others will dearly miss Bill's sunny optimism, his love of all things Notre Dame, and his steadfast commitment to advancing the common good. And while we mourn Bill's loss, we above all are united in celebrating a life well-lived and in giving thanks to God for sending us this good and faithful servant. May God bless Bill Sexton.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate excellence in athletics for a special group of Hoosiers. This past weekend, the Southwood volleyball team out of Wabash, Indiana, won the 1A State championship for the very first time in program history. Southwood had made it to the final round twice back in 2009 and 2014, only to fall just short, but the third time proved to be the charm for the Knights. To capture their first State title, Southwood first had to go through reigning Class 1A State runners-up and top-ranked Tecumseh. It wasn't easy. The Knights found themselves in an early hole to the Braves after dropping the first set 25-15, but the Knights never wavered or lost faith, winning the next three straight sets en route to victory. In their exhilarating win, the Knights were led by Junior, Grace Drake, whose triple-double performance proved to be a difference maker. Congratulations to longtime head coach Tom Finicle and all the Knights on bringing home the hardware. Thank you for making your parents, peers, and entire Wabash community so very proud. Mr. Speaker, may God bless the Southwood volleyball team, and may God bless America.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Chair, the National Environmental Policy Act, NEPA, was created to balance environmental protection with our need to build infrastructure. The NEPA process was once timely and concise, but over time NEPA has become a four-letter word associated with frivolous litigation, mountains of paperwork, project delays, and cost overruns. Congress has taken meaningful bipartisan steps toward reform, but the work is far from over. My amendment would require the Council on Environmental Quality to report on current NEPA bottlenecks. It mirrors the legislation I introduced yesterday with my friend Jimmy Panetta, the Studying NEPA's Impact on Projects Act, which would require annual reporting on NEPA litigation, average page length, and timeliness. The American people deserve a government that does not give radicals a heckler's veto over roads, bridges, and energy projects. I thank the chair and ranking member for including the Yakym-Panetta amendment in this en bloc. I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I am proud to recognize and congratulate BCI Solutions, Inc. in Bremen, Indiana on being inducted into the Indiana Manufacturers Hall of Fame this month. I often say that Hoosier manufacturing is second to none, and I am proud to represent the Manufacturing Capital of the World here in Indiana's Second District. The professional, high-quality work that BCI has done for more than 80 years has played a meaningful role in allowing our District to have and maintain that distinction. Founded in 1939 as Bremen Gray Iron Foundry, BCI has grown into a renowned name and a leading provider of castings, machining, and complex assemblies. Because of their continuous commitment to improving and investing in advancing technologies, BCI is on the forefront of providing products to the defense, agricultural, healthcare, lawn and garden and automotive industries, among others. Additionally, BCI's example as a successful family-owned business now operating in their fifth generation is an inspiration to those looking to start their own companies, as well as a source of pride for many Hoosiers. Congratulations again to BCI Solutions, Inc. on being recognized for this impressive distinction. I join Hoosiers in thanking them for their many contributions to Marshall County and communities throughout the Second District. I wish them continued success and many more years in business and accolades to celebrate going forward.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I am proud to recognize and congratulate Mayor Joseph Thallemer, who is completing his tenure of dedicated service to Warsaw. Indiana at the end of this year. Currently serving in his third term as Mayor. Joe Thallemer has long advocated solutions that make Warsaw a better place to live, work, and raise a family, and that maintain and build on Warsaw's status as the Medical Device and Orthopedic Capital of the World. Prior to becoming Mayor. Joe Thallemer also served on the City Council and the Warsaw Plan Commission, meaning his record of faithfully serving Warsaw runs nearly three decades deep. Beyond City Hall, many Hoosiers know Joe through his Optometry practice that he established in Warsaw in 1980. Outside of his medical practice and elected office, Joe has also given back to the community he and his wife Jill call home by serving on the local YMCA board as well as in church and school activities with Jill and their four children. As he prepares to step down as Mayor, spend more time with his family, and write the next chapter of his life, I am proud to congratulate Joe Thallemer on a distinguished career and a job well done. The Warsaw community is unquestionably better off thanks to this good man with a servant's heart. I join Hoosiers throughout Indiana's Second Congressional District in expressing our gratitude to Mayor Thallemer for his service and in wishing him and his wonderful family nothing but the very best going forward.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize and congratulate the St. Joseph County Bar Association on their 150th anniversary this Fall. For a century and a half now, the St. Joseph County Bar Association has been dedicated to advancing the principles of justice and the Rule of Law. As the oldest county lawyer organization in Indiana, the St. Joseph County Indiana Bar Association has long been a leader in raising the standard for the legal profession in the Hoosier state. In their distinguished history, the St. Joseph County Bar Association has proved instrumental in bringing a federal district court to northern Indiana with a seat in South Bend. From offering referral services to connect clients with attorneys to implementing programs that provide low and no-cost legal services, the St. Joseph County Bar Association is a body that embodies sharing common ideals to serve the common good. On the wall inside the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives are 23 marble relief portraits of great lawgivers throughout history, from Moses to Thomas Jefferson. The portraits serve as a constant reminder of the foundational role the law plays in an ordered society and our daily lives. The Rule of Law tradition we have inherited helps secure individual liberty, promote justice, and ensures the conditions necessary for human flourishing. It is incumbent on us to do our part to make sure the principles of justice and Rule of Law precepts are passed seamlessly from one generation to the next. I know that mission is one the St. Joseph County Bar Association shares wholeheartedly and works tirelessly to advance. I am proud to congratulate the St. Joseph County Indiana Bar Association on reaching this impressive milestone and on 150 years of dedicated service. I wish them continued success and many more anniversaries to celebrate going forward.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize and congratulate Honeywell on 100 years of operations and doing business in South Bend, Indiana. For a full century now, Honeywell has been a staple in the South Bend community as well as a source of stability and economic opportunity for hardworking Hoosiers in our area. I often say that Hoosier manufacturing is second to none. Honeywell's South Bend facility proves this point every single day. By manufacturing aircraft wheel and brake systems, Honeywell Aerospace helps to keep people in the skies and American aviation safe and constantly on the move. I had the pleasure of touring their South Bend facility and meeting members of Honeywell's team last month. There, I was able to see firsthand the quality, professional work Honeywell employees do day in and day out and why Honeywell has chosen a home in South Bend for the past 100 years. Congratulations again on reaching this impressive milestone. I thank them for their many contributions to the city of South Bend and Indiana's Second Congressional District. I wish them continued success and many more years in business and anniversaries to celebrate going forward.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize and celebrate World War II veteran Raymond Francis Patnaude, who turns 100 years old this week. Born on August 9, 1923, Raymond embodies what it means to be a member of the ``Greatest Generation.'' When the forces of fascism threatened the peace, security, and freedom of millions upon millions, Raymond answered the call to serve, enlisting in the Army and eventually serving in the 97th Infantry ``Trident'' Division. President Ronald Reagan reminded us that freedom is fragile and must constantly be fought for and guarded by each generation. That noble mission is exactly what Raymond helped carry out when he wore the uniform of the United States Military. Because of the service and sacrifice of veterans, 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 Raymond and his fellow veterans a debt that we can never fully repay. Following his military service, Raymond and his late wife Beulah settled in South Bend, where Raymond bought and successfully operated McDonald Studio, the oldest photography studio in the South Bend area. In fact, many high school alumni from South Bend from the past half- century came to McDonald Studio for their senior photos. Others came to know Raymond and his professionalism along with his kind, generous nature at weddings, communions, and community engagements. Together, Raymond and Beulah also had five children together: Ray Jr., David, Philip, Chris and Paulette. All five children worked in the studio at some point, which is a testament to the loving and tight-knit family that Raymond and Beulah built. As Raymond celebrates with his family a century of life well lived, I join countless Hoosiers in wishing Raymond a very Happy 100th Birthday. I also commend him for his loyal service and the many, many contributions he has made to the South Bend community, Indiana's Second Congressional District, and our country. Godspeed Raymond.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize and congratulate Winamac Coil Spring, Inc. on 75 years of doing business in Indiana's Second Congressional District. For more than 7 decades, Winamac Coil Spring has been a leading manufacturer of compression, extension single and double torsion springs, and wireforms. I am proud to represent the ``RV Capital of the World'' in Congress. The work Winamac Coil Spring has done for 3-quarters of a century has played a meaningful role in allowing our District to have and maintain that distinction. The professional, quality work Winamac Coil Spring does is not limited to the recreational vehicle industry, however. From agriculture to appliances, construction to industrial, Winamac Coil Spring serves a wide variety of industries and markets, with an ironclad commitment to customer satisfaction always at the forefront. Additionally, Winamac Coil Spring's example as a successful family- owned business is an inspiration to those looking to start their own companies, as well as a source of pride for many Hoosiers. Congratulations again on reaching this impressive milestone. I thank them for their many contributions to Pulaski County and communities through the Second District. I wish them continued success and many more years in business and anniversaries to celebrate going forward.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize and congratulate Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. upon his retirement from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana. Born and raised in South Bend, Indiana, Judge Miller has served the Hoosier state and our Nation with distinction for more than 4 decades. Nominated to the federal bench by President Ronald Reagan, Judge Miller is now retiring as a Senior Judge as well as a Judge of the United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court of Review, a position he was appointed to by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts in 2020. Some of the awards and accolades Judge Miller has been recognized with over the course of his career are the Sagamore of the Wabash Award, the American Inns of Court Professionalism Award for the Seventh Circuit, and an induction into the South Bend Alumni Hall of Fame. As John Adams famously observed, our constitutional republic is supposed function as a ``government of laws, not of men.'' Our Nation depends on dedicated public servants who faithfully uphold the rule of law and ensure that Lady Justice remains blind. Judge Miller is 1 such person and jurist. As he prepares to retire and write the next chapter of his life, I am proud to congratulate Judge Miller on a distinguished career and a job well done. I join Hoosiers throughout the Second District and beyond in expressing our gratitude to Judge Miller for his service and in wishing him and his family nothing but the best going forward.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman for yielding and for his incredible work on this FAA reauthorization bill. It has been a bipartisan experience working with Ranking Member Larsen, and I thank him, as well, for his work on my amendments. I thank them both for including Yakym amendment 100 in this en bloc. This amendment which was developed in a bipartisan manner and partnership with my colleague, Representative Titus from Nevada, extends the requirement that the FAA take a maximal approach to hiring and training air traffic controllers through the full life of the reauthorization. This summer, we have seen headlines, heard from constituents, and maybe some of you have even experienced delayed flights and the chaos that that can bring--one big reason is that we have 1,200 fewer fully certified controllers than we did just 10 years ago. Hiring isn't keeping up with the attrition, and short-staffed facilities impose mandatory overtime and 6-day workweeks, which isn't sustainable for the controllers we have. An Inspector General report recently found that the FAA ``lacks a plan to address'' the controller shortage. The American traveling public needs the FAA to pursue a sustained, long-term commitment to maximum hiring of air traffic controllers, and Congress should require it. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and honor the legacy of Ernestine Raclin, who recently passed away at the age of 95. The youngest daughter of Ernest and Emma Morris, Ernestine was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana. Ernestine made it her life's mission to make her home community a better place to live, work, and raise a family. Ernestine was a trailblazer, taking on roles and responsibilities like few women before her. In addition to chairing 1st Source Bank, Ernestine was the first woman to serve on both the Notre Dame Board of Trustees and the Board of the United Way. She was a strong supporter of the arts, devoting her time, talent, and treasure to countless projects in the South Bend/Mishawaka area. Above all, Ernestine was a leader who loved her family and possessed a unique ability to rally people around causes greater than themselves. The sheer number of remembrances that have come in since her passing just goes to show you how many lives Ernestine touched and the people that she shaped for the better. I know Ernestine's family misses her during this deeply difficult time, but I also know that they ``do not grieve as those who have no hope,'' and they take comfort in knowing that they will one day be reunited with Ernestine for all eternity. May God bless Ernestine Raclin.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Chairman, let me begin by thanking Chairman Graves as well as Ranking Member Larsen for the great work that they both did on this FAA reauthorization. I rise in support of this en bloc, which includes Carbajal amendment No. 9, of which I am a cosponsor. I thank both the chairman and the ranking member for including this amendment in the en bloc. This amendment creates a pilot program at five airports to deliver mobile clearances for general aviation and part 135 air carriers. Early FAA trials of this technology have shown promise, and thus it seems worthwhile to continue development and testing in hopes of being able to deploy it more widely. As a pilot myself, I am excited about something like this down the road. Voice-based clearances can be difficult to understand, which leads to delays and misunderstandings. For airports without Towered Data Link Services, voice-based clearances can take 30 to 40 minutes. Trials of mobile deliveries have reduced that to 2 minutes. I thank Mr. Carbajal and Ms. Davids for their partnership on this amendment, and I thank the chairman and ranking member for their support.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, 2023 has been a banner year for sports in Indiana's Second District, and I rise today to highlight another very special group of Hoosiers for their excellence in athletics. Last month, the New Prairie High School softball team won the 3A State championship for the very first time in school history. The Cougars' 4-2 win over Tri-West Hendricks in the championship game was especially meaningful as it marked New Prairie's very first State title in any sport. In their big win, the Cougars were led by star pitcher Ava Geyer, who struck out nine batters to close out a season where she amassed an incredible 28-2 record. On offense this year, the Cougars were carried by senior slugger Abby Robakowski, who broke the State's home run record and is headed to play at Indiana State in the fall. Congratulations to Head Coach Derek Hicks and all the players for bringing home the hardware and another State championship to Indiana's Second Congressional District. Thank you for making the New Prairie community and all of LaPorte County very proud. God bless you, and go Cougars.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Jeremy Stutsman, who recently completed his tenure of dedicated service as the mayor of Goshen, Indiana. Before stepping down last month, Jeremy had served as mayor of Goshen since January of 2016, and he holds the distinction of being the youngest mayor elected in Goshen's history of nearly 200 years. Prior to becoming mayor, Jeremy also served on the City Council and Redevelopment Commission, and his record of serving Goshen runs over two decades deep. Jeremy and I might belong to different political parties, but I couldn't be more proud to count this good man with a servant's heart as a friend. Since leaving the mayor's office, Jeremy has hit the ground running in his new role of CEO of Lacasa, a local nonprofit that helps lower- income Hoosiers attain affordable housing and achieve financial stability. I saw Jeremy just a few weeks ago at a ribbon cutting ceremony for some of Lacasa's newly renovated homes, and I can attest that Lacasa is indeed in very good hands. We congratulate Jeremy on a job well done as mayor. May he keep up the good work in his new role. May God bless him and his family.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the importance of National U.S. Metalcasting Week and to highlight the significant contributions made by the metalcasting industry to our nation's economy and security. Metalcasting, an essential manufacturing process, plays a pivotal role in various sectors, including aerospace, automotive, defense, agriculture, infrastructure, and many others. This week-long celebration provides us with a unique opportunity to recognize and appreciate the achievements of this vital industry. Metalcasting is the process of pouring molten metal into a mold to create intricate shapes and components used in a wide range of applications. From the engine blocks that power our vehicles to the turbine blades that generate electricity, metalcasting is at the heart of modern industrial production. It enables the creation of complex and durable metal parts that are essential for countless industries, fostering innovation and progress. One cannot understate the economic significance of the metalcasting industry. According to the American Foundry Society, metalcasting contributes over $44 billion to the U.S. economy annually and employs over 200,000 skilled workers. These jobs are spread across the nation, supporting local economies and providing stability for communities. The industry's direct and indirect impact cannot be ignored, as it contributes to our nation's prosperity and competitiveness on the global stage. Moreover, metalcasting plays a critical role in national security. Defense systems, such as tanks, aircraft carriers, and missile guidance systems, rely on the durability and precision of metalcast components. The industry's ability to produce advanced materials and components that meet the stringent requirements of our armed forces is essential for maintaining a strong national defense. National U.S. Metalcasting Week serves as a platform to raise awareness about the technological advancements and environmental achievements of the industry. Over the years, metalcasters have embraced innovation and sustainability, adopting cleaner and more efficient processes. By reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste, and recycling materials, the industry is actively contributing to environmental preservation and sustainability goals. Furthermore, Metalcasting Week provides an opportunity to showcase the critical role of education and workforce development in sustaining this industry's success. It allows us to celebrate the skills and craftsmanship of metalcasting professionals while inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in this field. By investing in training programs and promoting STEM education, we can ensure a pipeline of talented individuals to support the continued growth of the metalcasting industry. National U.S. Metalcasting Week is a time to celebrate the achievements of an industry that is vital to our nation's economy, security, and technological progress. The contributions of the metalcasting industry are felt in numerous sectors and touch the lives of millions of Americans. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing and appreciating the dedication and excellence of metalcasters, not only in Indiana's Second District, but all across the United States.