Rudy Yakym

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight a very special group of Hoosiers. Last Saturday, the Penn High School baseball team shut out top-ranked Center Grove 2-0 to win the Class 4A State championship for the second straight year. Their victory Saturday marks the first time in program history that the Kingsmen have repeated as State champs, and now it is the sixth State crown under Hall of Fame Coach Greg Dikos' belt. The Kingsmen's big win came just 1 week after the Lady Kingsmen softball team also won the State title, making Penn just the second school in Indiana history to win a softball and baseball State championship in the same year. The most exciting moment in Saturday's game came in the bottom of the fourth inning when senior center fielder Cooper Hums laid out for an amazing, over-the-shoulder diving catch. In fact, Cooper's catch was so spectacular that it landed him a top spot on ``SportsCenter's Top 10'' playlist. I watched the clip, and it is worth your time to watch. Congratulations to Cooper, Coach Dikos, and all the Kingsmen on defending their title and for bringing another State championship back to the Second District. God bless them, and Go Kingsmen.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the newest State champions to come out of Indiana's Second District. Last weekend, the Penn High School softball team won the 4A State Championship for the second time in school history. The return of State champs was 24 years in the making for the Lady Kingsmen. It wasn't easy. To take home the trophy, the Kingsmen first had to go through two-time defending champs Indianapolis Roncalli. With the score tied 1-1 going into extra innings, Head Coach Beth Zachary knew that her team was going to do whatever it took to pull out a win. That is exactly what the Kingsmen did, eventually prevailing 2-1 after an exhilarating nine innings. Congratulations to Coach Zachary and all the Lady Kingsmen on your big win and an incredible season. Thank you for making Hoosiers and north central Indiana and beyond so incredibly proud. God bless you, and Go Kingsmen.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate excellence in college athletics and a very accomplished group of young men. One of the many great things the University of Notre Dame is known for is the slogan: ``Play Like a Champion Today.'' That is exactly what the Notre Dame men's lacrosse team did last Monday when they defeated the Duke Blue Devils to win their first national title in program history. The Fighting Irish had faced the Blue Devils in the championship game twice before, only to fall just short. However, the third time was the charm for the Irish. Their exhilarating 13-9 win came before a Memorial Day crowd of more than 30,000 fans and countless more cheering from around the country. Notre Dame's defense proved key in taking home the title as the Irish led the Blue Devils to their fewest goals of any game all season. Congratulations to Head Coach Kevin Corrigan, his entire staff, and all the Irish lacrosse players for bringing a national championship back to Notre Dame. God bless, and go Irish.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1163, the Protecting Taxpayers and Victims of Unemployment Fraud Act. The Department of Labor's inspector general pegs pandemic-era unemployment insurance fraud at $191 billion, though other experts say it could run as high as $400 billion. These are staggering figures. This fraud enriched criminals. It harmed innocent Americans who faced processing delays, stolen benefits, and stolen identities. These were not victimless crimes. H.R. 1163 takes a couple of important and commonsense steps toward addressing this fraud. First, it extends the statute of limitations so that we can continue to investigate reports, recover taxpayer dollars, and prosecute the fraudsters. More importantly, it incentivizes States not just to recover fraudulent payments but to shore up their systems against future fraud by allowing them to use a portion of recovered funds for program integrity and fraud prevention efforts. The unemployment insurance program is an important part of our safety net that helps Americans recover from a job loss. The pandemic exposed major flaws that are in desperate need of attention. I support the bill before us today because we shouldn't just catch the fraud that was. We need to stop the fraud that will be. H.R. 1163 takes steps to ensure that we in Congress and Americans across the country have faith in this program to deliver during difficult times.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of legislation I am introducing today: A balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This is the first bill I am introducing as a Member of Congress, and it is because I believe we need to get our fiscal house in order as it is the issue of our time. For the first time ever, we risk passing off to our kids and grandkids a country with fewer opportunities and less freedoms than the ones we inherited, and our out-of-control debt is the reason why. What was a problem a decade ago is quickly becoming a full-blown crisis. We didn't get into this mess because anyone thinks that the path that we are on is sustainable. We got here because Congress has lacked the political will to do anything about it. That is why we need to fundamentally reform how this place operates in order to get the outcomes that Americans deserve. States across America are required to balance their books. In Indiana, we make responsible spending choices and exercise fiscal discipline every single day. It is high time we brought that same Hoosier common sense to Washington, and a balanced budget amendment is the way to do it. I encourage my colleagues to support my legislation and join me in the fight to restore fiscal responsibility.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate excellence in athletics and a very special group of Hoosier young men. March in Indiana is all about basketball, and this past weekend, the NorthWood boys basketball team out of Nappanee and Wakarusa reached the heights of basketball glory by winning the 3A State title for the very first time in school history. The Panthers took home the hardware by outlasting Guerin Catholic in a 66-63 overtime thriller, with senior guard Cade Brenner leading the scoring with 28 points. When they cut down the nets on Saturday night, it was a fitting end to a season in which the Panthers went a near undefeated 28 and 2. Their State championship win was the result of countless hours of hard work and practice that every player put in, what they call, The Pit. Congratulations to Coach Aaron Wolf, who was just named coach of the year, and every single Panther on being the last team standing. Thank you for making your parents, peers, and the entire Wa-Nee community proud. God bless you and may God bless America.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to highlight and celebrate a very special group of Hoosiers. Recently the Fairfield Falcons Girls Basketball Team out of Goshen, Indiana captured the 3A state title for the very first time in school history. The Falcons' 49-42 win over Corydon Central in Indianapolis on Saturday was exhilarating, and extra special as it marked Fairfield's first state trophy in any sport. We've all heard the maxim ``defense wins championships'' and for the Falcons it turned out to be true. All season long the Falcons defense was downright stingy, allowing the fewest points per game out of any team in Indiana. But it wasn't only because of their defense that the Falcons are celebrating. In particular, Head Coach Brodie Garber credits the 4 senior girls he is graduating for consistently providing the leadership and mentorship needed for his team to take home the title. Congrats to Coach Garber and all the Falcons--both players and staff--on bringing home the hardware. Their names are listed below: Varsity Team Members: Brea Garber, Morgan Gawthrop, Kaylee Dillon, Delana Geiger, Jayslynn Hall, Savannah Cronin, Zoie Miller, Haddee Herbert, Eva Herbert, Bailey Willard, Natalie Whitaker, Macy Worthman. Coaches: Head Coach Brodie Garber, Amy Garber, Troy Sands, Lindsay Kauffman. Managers: Ava Bontrager, Kealee Dillon. I thank them for making Hoosiers in Goshen and beyond so incredibly proud. God Bless them and God Bless America.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Comer).

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Chair, my amendment is a simple one. It would require that the President's inflation analysis include not just a top-line estimate but also a breakdown to the CPI's three major subgroups: food, energy, and all items less food and energy. Americans are navigating inflation rates not seen in generations, and their dollar isn't going far enough because wages aren't keeping up. It is no wonder that a recent Gallup poll found that 50 percent of Americans say they are worse off financially than just a year ago, and that is a level not seen since the Great Recession. Let me be clear: We have this generational inflation thanks to 2 years of runaway spending. I will grant that the pandemic caused massive disruptions to our economy, supply chains, and our way of life. It was going to be a bumpy ride coming out of that. However, policies like the American Rescue Plan that were rammed through Congress without a single Republican vote threw gasoline on the fire and supercharged inflation. With one hand, the government was giving away money, and with the other hand, they were taking it right back, and then some, due to inflation. Yet, Americans have essentially been told not to believe their lying eyes. They were assured that inflation would merely be ``transitory,'' even as it spiraled higher. They were told it was all Vladimir Putin's fault, even though energy inflation averaged just over 21 percent in 2021, the year before Russia invaded Ukraine. Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act--again, without a single Republican vote. The only problem with the Inflation Reduction Act is that it doesn't actually reduce inflation. Everyday Americans' experience with inflation has made one thing abundantly clear: Not all inflation is created equal. Energy and food inflation are particularly harmful. There is no more kitchen-table issue than food inflation. There is no more readily available reminder of the toll of inflation than the price at the pump. Energy and food inflation impact every single American and hit those living paycheck to paycheck especially hard. Seniors and others on fixed incomes have watched helplessly as costs have risen beyond their ability to keep up. My amendment will ensure that the President keeps food and energy costs front and center before signing an executive order by breaking out the inflation analysis down to CPI's three main subgroups: food, energy, and all items less food and energy. An overall inflation figure is not enough. Last month's inflation reading showed a 6.4 percent year-over-year rise in top-line inflation, but let's drill down one level deeper. Food inflation was 10.1 percent, and energy inflation was 8.7. This has been the story for the last 2 years. Energy inflation has outpaced overall inflation for 24 of the last 24 months, and food inflation has outpaced overall inflation for 13. The top-line number simply doesn't tell the entire story. Drilling down one level deeper in the inflation analysis will increase transparency for the American people. It will focus attention not just on inflation but on the type of inflation. If the President wants to sign an executive order that, for example, bans new energy production, the American people deserve to know how that order will impact energy inflation. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight and celebrate a very special group of Hoosiers. Over the weekend, the Fairfield Falcons girls basketball team out of Goshen, Indiana, captured the 3A State title for the first time in school history. The Falcons 49-42 win over Corydon Central in Indianapolis was exhilarating and extra special as it marked Fairfield's first State trophy in any sport. We have all heard the maxim, ``defense wins championships,'' and for the Falcons it turned out to be true. All season long the Falcons' defense was downright stingy, allowing the fewest points per game out of any team in Indiana. But it wasn't only because of their defense that the Falcons are celebrating. In particular, Head Coach Brodie Garber credits four senior girls he is graduating for consistently providing leadership and mentorship needed for his team to take on the title. Congratulations to Coach Garber and all the Falcons--both players and staff--on bringing home the hardware. Thank you for making Hoosiers in Goshen and beyond so incredibly proud. God bless you, and God bless America.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a special group of Hoosiers who recently made their hometown very proud. Earlier this month the Mishawaka Cavemen won the 3A state title in wrestling for the fourth time in school history. Their return as state champions was 13 years in the making for the Cavemen. And it wasn't easy. To take home the title, the Cavemen first had to go through defending champs Columbus East, which they did on their way to an exhilarating 43-31 win. As Head Coach Steven Sandefer said: ``You have to wrestle for the guy next to you.'' It's the kind of team-first mindset every wrestler embraced wholeheartedly. It's a big part of why they and the Mishawaka community are celebrating. l know it's an attitude that will serve these young men well in their future careers and family lives. I know one more thing: that approach--of rallying to pick up a teammate when they're down--is something that our country could use a whole lot more of. Congratulations to Coach Sandefer, his dedicated staff, and all the wrestlers on their big win. Their names are listed below: The members of the varsity who wrestled in the state finals: Brody Blevins; Beau Brabender; Christian Chavez; Xavier Chavez; Trey Dunning; Josh Kite; Will Mason; Zander Paden; Chris Peacock; Courtney Rider; Mikey Robles; Gunnar Sandefer; lsaac Valdez; Zar Walker; Caiden Williams; Trevor Wendt. Managers: Mia Mason; Rayleigh Dodd; Abbi Holloway; Liliahna Meyers; Lylee-Anah Boyer. Coaches: Head Coach Steve Sandefer; Fabian Chavez; Josh Olsen; Yancy Gradeless; Adam Sandefur; Brandon Dillenbeck; Collin Meggison. God Bless and go Cavemen.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a special group of Hoosiers who recently made their hometown very proud. Earlier this month, the Mishawaka Cavemen won the 3A State title in wrestling for the fourth time in school history. Their return as State champions was 13 years in the making for the Cavemen, and it wasn't easy. To take home the title, the Cavemen first had to go through the defending State champs, Columbus East, which they did on their way to an exhilarating 43-31 win. As Head Coach Steve Sandefer said: ``You have to wrestle for the guy next to you.'' I think that is the kind of team-first mindset that every wrestler embraced wholeheartedly. It is a big part of why they and the Mishawaka community are celebrating. I know it is an attitude that will serve these young men well in their future careers and family lives. I know one more thing. That approach of rallying to pick up a teammate when they are down is something that our country could use a whole lot more of. Congratulations to Coach Sandefer, his dedicated staff, and all the wrestlers on their big win. God bless you. Go Cavemen.

Mr. YAKYM

Mr. YAKYM. Madam Speaker, it is an honor and a privilege to deliver this maiden speech from the well of the House Chamber. First, I acknowledge the late Congresswoman Jackie Walorski. Jackie delivered results for the district, and she had the utmost respect for her colleagues in this room. This was never more evident than at her funeral services in August, where one-third of the room was filled with hundreds of Members, Republicans and Democrats, from all over the country. Jackie fostered relationships on both sides of the aisle and worked collaboratively to get things done for our families and businesses. She was particularly dedicated to our veterans, our U.S. military, and our allies in Israel. As her successor, I will work every day to honor her memory and uphold her impeccable work ethic. Since the founding of our Nation, a little over 10,000 people have been elected to this body, and it is the honor of a lifetime to stand here tonight representing Indiana's Second Congressional District. I am grateful to my beautiful wife, Sallyann, as well as our three children, Elle, Rudy IV, and Eliza. We also have other family and close friends who are in the gallery this evening. To the Hoosiers who have placed their trust in me to best represent them in this House--the people's House--thank you. I ask for your continued prayers for wisdom as we work to make our Nation a more perfect Union. Yes, there are real policy issues that need to be addressed, such as our massive deficit and 40-year high inflation rates. But just as importantly, our country needs unity. And it starts right here. I often tell my kids to stop complaining and do the hard things. That is how we grow, how we learn, and how we succeed in life. And I will apply that same approach here in Congress. It is time to roll up our sleeves and do the hard work collaboratively to find common ground and forge solutions for Hoosiers. That is what Jackie did, and I can't wait to get started. May God bless the United States of America.