url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/mental-health-funding-could-get-boost-in-states-budget,Mental-Health Funding Could Get Boost in State's Budget,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,IN,Susan Brooks,B001284,susanwbrooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"In 2012, Indiana cut more than $24 million, or 9 percent, from its mental health budget, according to a report published by the National Alliance on Mental Health. It was the second biggest state cut to mental health funding in the country, next to Illinois. Since then, state legislators haven’t upped funding, making Indiana one of only eight states that didn’t increase mental-health spending in 2014, according to a NAMI state legislation report. “The state has not been good at adding to the federal dollars that we get for mental health,” said Stephen McCaffrey, president and CEO of Mental Health America of Indiana. “We don’t put a lot of money into mental health and substance abuse in Indiana.” But the state’s withering mental-health spending could see a boost in the upcoming budget, which will be voted on next year. Rep. Mike Karickhoff, R-Kokomo, who will serve as the Budget Subcommittee Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, said most of the funding for mental-health services will come out of the $11 million appropriated to enact criminal sentencing reform, which legislators passed last year. He said the question now is how and where to allocate that funding to provide local authorities the resources they need to properly treat mental-health problems. “Several discussions have taken place about what the needs of our local facilities might be, because different counties require different resources,” he said. “The challenge the legislature always faces will be how to equitably deploy those resources, and what best practices are available in other counties that can be replicated statewide.” Rep. Steve Davisson, R-Salem, who served as chairman of a mental health summer study committee and was appointed to the Ways and Means Committee, said he anticipates more money will be budgeted for mental health spending next year, beyond the money allocated for sentencing reform. “We’ve got to put money into this. There doesn’t seem to be any other option,” he said. “If we can get to the root of our mental-health problems, we can prevent a lot of crime and recidivism in the state. Every dollar we invest will probably pay us huge dividends down the road.” Mental Health America’s McCaffrey said his organization will be pushing legislators to not only increase funding, but look at restructuring how the state’s mental-health system operates to provide proactive treatment. “In mental health, we always treat people like they’re in stage four,” he said. “In cancer, it’s bad news if you wait to get treatment until stage four, but that’s what we do in mental health. We get bad results, and then we’re surprised. “We need to be smart in the way we put our systems together so that they’re integrated and do what we want them to do, and we’ve never done that.” Davisson said he’s working on some bills aimed at bolstering the state’s mental-health services, including one that would give clinicians and psychiatrists an incentive to offer telemedicine — a way to provide clients with counselling and treatment via online video conferencing. He said teleconferencing allows people in rural communities, where there aren’t any mental-health services, to access care from mental-health providers in cities like Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. Most insurance providers don’t pay for telemedicine appointments, Davisson said, which deters clinicians from offering the service. His bill would require insurance companies to pay out the same amount for telemedicine appointments as regular, face-to-face sessions with a counselor or psychiatrist. “Telemedicine is really expanding,” Davisson said. “There’s lots of opportunities there for getting more mental-health treatment to people.” On the federal level, a proposed House bill that would have brought sweeping changes to the nation’s mental-health system failed to get a vote, but U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks, who serves Greentown and Tipton, said she hopes to get the bill back onto the floor next year. The Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act aimed to increase access to inpatient psychiatric care, clarify privacy rules for families of the mentally ill and promote alternatives to long-term inpatient care, such as court-ordered assisted outpatient treatment. The 135-page document was written and sponsored by Pennsylvania Rep. Tim Murphy, who worked for three decades as a psychologist. Brooks, who will serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee, which would oversee the legislation, said she’ll push to get the bill back into the committee and work to see it become law. “This is really important legislation that we need to continue working on,” she said. “When you have bills that are this significant and this transformative to national systems, sometimes it can take a couple of sessions of Congress to change, and that can be frustrating. A lot of work has been done on this bill, and I want to help strengthen it.” Brooks said the bill wouldn’t just create more access for people suffering from a mental illness. In the end, she said, it would save money by keeping people out of jail, probation and other federally subsidized programs. “If we can put more funding into mental-health programing and mental-health systems, at the end of the day, it will save us money,” she said. “If people get to a stable place where they can maintain jobs and take care of themselves, as they want to do, that’s going to help decrease funding in other areas.” Carson Gerber can be reached at 765-854-6739,carson.gerber@kokomotribune.com or on Twitter @carsongerber1.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/susan-brooks-committees-record-of-success-fuels-growth-innovation,"Susan Brooks: Committee's record of success fuels growth, innovation",2014-12-18,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,IN,Susan Brooks,B001284,susanwbrooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"As your representative in Congress, my goal is to make life better for you. I came to Congress to be a problem solver and consensus builder — to increase the number of opportunities open to Hoosiers and to all Americans. That’s why I’m looking forward to serving on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in the 114th Congress. This impactful committee is focused on indentifying solutions that will make us stronger and more secure as a state and as a nation. The Energy and Commerce Committee is the oldest standing committee in Congress. It has a broad jurisdiction that includes oversight of policies related to health care, energy, manufacturing, telecommunications, consumer protection, food and drug safety, environmental quality and trade. Under the leadership of Chairman Fred Upton, R-Michigan, in the 113th Congress, the committee has passed 90 bills in a bipartisan fashion and has seen 37 of those bills signed into law by the president. In the next Congress, it will build on this bipartisan record of success by addressing several pressing matters, including: • How the U.S. can spur a new era of medical innovation that prolongs and saves lives; • How we can work together to unleash our nation’s energy abundance and attract new energy jobs; • How we can make government more efficient and more prepared to promote and safeguard the well-being of our citizens. All of these questions are intrinsically connected to goals 5th District Hoosiers have spoken to me about time and again: health care reform, job creation, energy security and government accountability. The Energy and Commerce Committee has already taken several powerful steps to address these concerns, and many others. On health care, its bipartisan 21st Century Cures initiative is focused on maintaining and extending America’s edge in medical innovation by finding new and improved treatments for some of our most devastating diseases. This collaborative endeavor will bridge the gap between the science of cures and the way we regulate them by carefully examining the three stages of bringing new treatments to market: discovery, development and delivery. Through an extensive information-gathering and outreach process, the hope is to identify real policy changes that can extend and save lives. On energy, the committee is working to build the Architecture of Abundance needed to harness the benefits of our rich energy resources. The committee has fought tirelessly for the Keystone XL Pipeline, a project with wide bipartisan backing that will support up to 40,000 jobs and produce 830,000 barrels of domestic oil each day. Construction of the pipeline, and other energy infrastructure projects, will also make gas and electricity more affordable for Indiana families and will mean more equipment orders for our many Hoosier manufacturers. Legislation authorizing construction of the pipleline originated in the Energy and Commerce Committee and has been passed by a bipartisan margin in the U.S. House. On the oversight front, committee members have been consistent and powerful advocates for taxpayers, working to identify and fix government waste, fraud and abuse. As we seek to lower our $18 trillion national debt and confront mounting national security and public health challenges, this mission is more critical than ever. Our government can and should be more efficient and accountable. As the committee continues its oversight work, I will use my experience as a former federal prosecutor and current member of the House Ethics Committee to contribute to this effort. I’m also proud that my friend and colleague, Rep. Larry Bucshon, R-Indiana, will be joining the Energy and Commerce Committee as well. I look forward to working with him to be a voice for Hoosiers as we collaborate with our colleagues on vital legislation. In the meantime, I encourage you to visit www.energyandcommerce.house.gov to learn more about the committee’s history, role and work. I want to hear your thoughts on the issues we’re tackling. It’s an honor to serve my fellow Hoosiers, and I will take on this new assignment with a keen focus on making a positive impact in your lives and jump-starting a new era of growth and innovation for our nation.   Rep. Susan W. Brooks represents Indiana’s 5th Congressional District, which includes eastern Howard and much of Tipton counties. Contact her at 202-225-2276.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/us-rep-susan-brooks-looks-back-on-first-term,U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks looks back on first term,2014-12-18,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,IN,Susan Brooks,B001284,susanwbrooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – After Susan Brooks was elected to Congress in 2012, political handicapper Stuart Rothenberg said GOP leaders would be nuts not to take advantage of her. ""She's personable, articulate and has a good head on her shoulders — exactly what the Republican Party needs,"" Rothenberg wrote. The party did put Brooks to work. Brooks, of Carmel, was one of only a handful of freshmen to chair a subcommittee. She was appointed to a special panel to investigate the 2012 attack on the American consulate in Benghazi, Libya. And she was assigned to sit in judgment of her new colleagues as a member of the House Ethics Committee, an unenviable assignment that nonetheless shows that House leaders consider her trustworthy. In the next Congress, Brooks will serve on the sought-after House Energy and Commerce Committee with jurisdiction over health, energy and other issues important to business, including the state's influential pharmaceutical and medical device industries. Brooks talked with USA TODAY about her first term and the advantages and responsibilities Republicans will have next year when they will take over the Senate and expand their majority in the House. Question: When you were sworn into office, Congress' approval rating was 14 percent. It's now 16 percent. Is that progress? Answer: Obviously it's not the progress that the American people are hoping for, but the fact that our approval rating is slightly up is a small victory. But it's certainly not satisfactory. Part of why I ran — and one of our themes during the campaign — was trying to restore some confidence in Congress. The fact that only 16 percent of the American people like the way we do our job isn't good enough for me. There were opportunities in my first term that I have tried to take to restore some of that confidence in Congress. One was accepting the appointment to the Ethics Committee. ... That is a type of assignment that actually I hope allows my constituents to realize that members of Congress are certainly not above the law, not above the rules, and that's what this committee is in place to do. Q: How difficult is it to sit in judgment of your colleagues, particularly as a new member? A: It's been helpful to be a part of a deliberative group that works in a very bipartisan way to determine appropriate punishments or to determine whether to close investigations. We work through very, very difficult subjects that affect the reputations of our members and affect their careers, and I think it could set a precedent for how other tough issues are dealt with in Congress. So I've seen that it can be done. Q: Did you ever feel your colleagues treated you differently because you're on the Ethics Committee? A: I have not felt that. Other members feel sorry for those of us who are on the committee because they know it is not an easy assignment. But they often also thank us for doing it because they wouldn't want to do it, honestly. Q: You've been involved in government at the city level (as deputy mayor of Indianapolis) and as a U.S. attorney. What have you learned about this level of government service? A: This has been an entirely new experience. What I've been a bit frustrated about at times is that, as bills are being worked through Congress, things that seem very common sense ... don't always make it through the process. One of my bills, a computer science education act, we're going to try to push again. I've got 120 bipartisan co-sponsors. It's to try and encourage more computer science education in our K-12 system and allow federal dollars to flow more freely to computer science education. I think it's a smart bill, not just for the future, but our schools need it now. Q: You voted with fellow Republicans 97 percent of the time last year and 95 percent of the time this year on votes that split the two parties. How should your constituents who are Democrats view that record? A: While yes, the Republican Party may have voted that way as a party, we are trying to promote an agenda that is positive for all American people, whether they're Republican, Democrat, independents and those who don't vote. We're trying to take up policies led by a Republican-led House that truly have benefits across all political spectrums. Most of the votes that we take up are very focused on promoting jobs and the economy, global competitiveness, national security issues, ensuring we have a strong military — these are the types of things that are behind our votes. Q: Your biggest split with most House Republicans was on your vote last year to end the partial government shutdown and avoid a default on the nation's debt. There was a lot of pressure to vote against the deal by conservative groups that target Republicans in primaries. How difficult was it for you to vote for it? A: It was an important vote. I felt that we had fought and had tried to put up votes prior to that vote to demonstrate what we knew was our constituents' unhappiness with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. But at the end of the day, to be honest, the government shutdown period was very much a low point in governing for me during my first term. I wish it hadn't happened. But it did happen. Certainly, the Republican Party did not get from that shutdown what they were hoping, which were some concessions in the Affordable Care Act. ... I felt that my constituents wanted me to vote to reopen the government and not to default on the debt. Q: There's a view that the Republican Party is divided between the ""purist"" wing and the ""pragmatist"" wing. Is that a fair description? A: I do think there are splits within our conference and within the party that are often demonstrated on some of these tougher votes. That's an interesting way to describe how and why people vote. I think at the end of the day, particularly with respect to the Republican conference, we want the same things. We want to lower our country's debt. We want to keep the country safe. We want jobs and the economy to be strong. But I think we have a difference in how we get there. Q: You were appointed to the House committee investigating the 2012 attack on the American consulate in Benghazi, Libya. The panel will continue its investigation next year, even though the GOP-led House Intelligence Committee concluded last month that the Obama administration responded appropriately to the attacks. Why should this probe continue? A: The House Intelligence Committee's report was actually only focused on the intelligence part of the administration's role. It did not address the State Department's role or the White House's role ... so that's why our work is continuing. It really will heat up again beginning with a hearing in January. I think you will begin to see more regular hearings than what we've had thus far because there still are many questions that remain. Q: Your biggest committee assignment next year will be the Energy and Commerce Committee. Have you already started hearing from businesses, particularly those in Indiana, about issues they want the committee to address? A: Absolutely. I have heard from the health care community. ... Repeal of the medical device tax (included in the Affordable Care Act) is significant for the state of Indiana. That is a top priority. I have also heard from the energy sector ... (which) is very excited about my placement on the committee as well. I'm also on the Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade Subcommittee. With Indiana being one of the top manufacturing states in the country, I'm anxious to talk to a lot of manufacturers ... (to find out) what are the regulatory issues, what are the tax issues, that are impeding their growth? Q: You've also already started working on mental health issues. Is there a reason that's a priority for you? A: From the time I started the practice of law in 1985, and my extensive background in the criminal justice system, so much of what the criminal justice system deals with stems from mental health issues. ... We look at many of the mass shootings, we look at many of the crime issues in this country — particularly one-on-one, whether it's domestic violence crimes, whether it's anything often involving hostages. These often have at their root mental health issues, and we don't identify them early enough, we don't then deal with them, we don't give the families the tools they need to deal with them. It's something that I think is going to get more and more attention, and I'm pleased to be a part of it. Q: On a personal note, how have you settled into Washington? I understand you furnished your apartment with leftovers from your daughter's dorm room. A: Yes, but here's what's so funny. I'm moving apartments because they've raised my rent a few times. It's a very expensive city to live in. So I'm moving to another studio apartment to try to save a little money. So that furniture is moving with me. Q: Did you go to the White House holiday reception for members of Congress? A: I did. My niece, who is sharing my studio apartment with me right now, as she's job-searching, was my guest. We had a lovely time. It was really fun. Q: Did you have any bipartisan holiday wishes for the president? A: Well, I thanked him for his service to the country, but because my niece had graduated from the University of Chicago ... I think they were excited to have a University of Chicago young person standing there more than me. (The president lived in Chicago before his move to the White House in 2009). Q: What do you expect will happen in your next term, after Republicans take charge of the Senate and expand their majority in the House? A: I'm very confident that we can work together to really govern responsibly, and I'm excited about the 114th Congress, in large part because of that. I see that we can get things done, and with Republican leadership in the Senate, I'm excited about the possibilities. But with the opportunity comes that responsibility. We have to do it. And shame on us if we don't.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/rokita-votes-solve-issues-brought-him-hoosiers-and-restrain-federal-spending,ROKITA VOTES TO SOLVE ISSUES BROUGHT TO HIM BY HOOSIERS AND RESTRAIN FEDERAL SPENDING,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,IN,Todd Rokita,R000592,rokita.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: 202-225-5037 DECEMBER 11, 2014   ROKITA VOTES TO SOLVE ISSUES BROUGHTTO HIM BY HOOSIERS AND RESTRAIN FEDERAL SPENDING   Congressman Rokita: “Hoosiers around Indiana and District 4 spoke, and I listened. Everywhere I’ve gone I’ve heard about a radical EPA and corrupt IRS.  This bill cuts those agencies dramatically.  I heard about the proposed Waters of the U.S. regulation that would hurt Hoosier farmers and by extension – all of us.  This bill blocks that regulation.  I’ve heard to keep the fight up against ObamaCare.  This bill prevents any new money from funding the law, and actually cuts portions of the law like the Independent Payment Advisory Board.  This is a good bill with dozens of gains to be locked in. Not only does this bill take us back to Bush-era discretionary spending levels, it also reduces our deficit by nearly $1 trillion from six years ago.  While not perfect, this is a step forward.” Washington, D.C. – Representative Todd Rokita (IN-4) voted for an omnibus spending bill today that locks in major policy wins for Hoosiers and avoids a government shutdown.  Specifically, Rokita highlighted the changes in store for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) under the bill.  The EPA would be cut by $60 million – the fifth consecutive year for agency cuts, and a 21 percent reduction since 2010.  Staffing levels would be taken back to before the rise of the internet – 1989 to be exact.  The IRS would see cuts nearing $350 million, taking that agency back to 2008 levels, and prohibiting them from targeting organizations based on their political beliefs or exercising their First Amendment rights.  In addition to spending cuts, this bill prohibits the EPA’s regulation of farm ponds and irrigation ditches – a concern Rep. Rokita has heard from farmers and property owners in recent months.  It provides school districts flexibility from onerous lunch regulations and necessary relief from ill-conceived rules imposed by the federal government on Hoosier truck drivers. Rokita also understands many Hoosiers want to stop President Obama’s executive amnesty.  “I believe the President has brazenly ignored the Constitution and the will of the American people, which is why I voted on legislation last week to block the President’s action.” Instead of welcoming an outright veto or shutting down the government weeks before Christmas, Rokita believes the best course of action is to challenge the executive authority with legislation that can actually get to the President’s desk, given an incoming Republican-led Senate next year.    The omnibus spending bill passed the House with a vote of 219-206. The bill adheres to the terms of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013, which reduces discretionary spending by $165 billion since 2010, saving taxpayers $2.13 trillion over the next ten years.  In an effort to protect the retirement of nearly one million Americans with savings in multi-employer pension plans, including at least 2,200 Hoosiers, this bill also empowers unions to make the tough choices necessary to maintain plan solvency. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/brooks-statement-on-fiscal-year-2015-omnibus-appropriations-bill,Brooks Statement on Fiscal Year 2015 Omnibus Appropriations Bill,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,IN,Susan Brooks,B001284,susanwbrooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) released the following statement after voting in favor of the fiscal year 2015 Omnibus Appropriations bill: “This legislation keeps the government open while further securing the savings negotiated in the Ryan-Murray budget deal. The House of Representatives has outlined and provided for clear and smart priorities such as national defense, veteran services, public health and education. It has also taken a stand against burdensome federal bureaucracies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) whose regulations mean less jobs and higher bills for Hoosiers. Since the Department of Homeland Security is only funded through February of 2015, the next Congress is provided additional opportunity to explore options for holding this Administration accountable for unlawful executive actions on immigration.”    Funding for government agencies is divided between 12 appropriations bills. The omnibus funds the government through September of 2015 by passing 11 of these 12 appropriations bills. Seven of these bills were previously passed by the House after receiving more than 79 hours of debate. Funding for the Department of Homeland Security is provided through a Continuing Resolution that will sunset on February 27, 2015. Key pieces of the omnibus include a one percent pay raise for members of the armed forces, additional funding for military readiness and more resources to better serve patients in the VA hospital system. Vital funding is also supplied to fight Ebola at home and abroad while the maximum PELL grant for higher education students is raised to $5,830. The omnibus cuts EPA funding for the 5th year in a row, reduces funding for Obamacare’s Independent Payment Advisory Board by $10 million and prevents the Army Corps from regulating farm ponds and irrigation ditches under the Clean Water Act. To learn more about the legislation, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/brooks-to-join-allisonville-elementary-students-for-hour-of-code,Brooks to Join Allisonville Elementary Students for Hour of Code,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,IN,Susan Brooks,B001284,susanwbrooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) will celebrate Computer Science Education Week by joining Allisonville Elementary School students for their “Hour of Code” event on Friday, December 12, 2014 from 1:15 – 2:15 PM. The “Hour of Code” challenges students and adults of all ages to take a one hour computer coding tutorial. So far 64,700,940 individuals in over 180 countries have participated. The Congresswoman will address a group of 5th grade students before joining them for their official “Hour of Code.” She has introduced the Computer Science Education Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, bipartisan legislation aiming to increase computer science education opportunities for students in k-12 classrooms across the nation. For more information about the Hour of Code, please visit: www.hourofcode.com.  Computer Science Education Week runs from December 8-14, 2014. Visit www.csedweek.org/ to learn more.    WHO:  Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5)              Allisonville Elementary School administrators, educators and students WHAT: Hour of Code WHERE: Allisonville Elementary School                4900 East 79th Street                Indianapolis, IN 46250 WHEN: Friday, December 12 from 1:15 – 2:15 PM",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bucshon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=426,Dr. Bucshons Statement on Omnibus Appropriations Bill,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,IN,Larry Bucshon,B001275,bucshon.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dr. Bucshon's Statement on Omnibus Appropriations Bill f t # e Washington, DC, December 11, 2014 Congressman Larry Bucshon, a physician from Southern Indiana who was recently selected to serve as a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for the 114th Congress, released the following statement after the House passed the Omnibus Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2015. Dr. Bucshon stated: Effective government means taking advantage of what is possible and achieving significant conservative policy wins where the opportunity exists, especially in divided government. This bipartisan legislation avoids an irresponsible government shutdown and prevents us from losing ground on hard fought conservative policies debated and passed on the House floor and supported by the American people. While this bill is not perfect, we negotiated a big win for sound, conservative policy. All government functions are funded for a year, with the exception of the Department of Homeland Security, which we temporarily fund until February when a Republican controlled House and Senate will be in the best position to directly challenge the President's unilateral actions on immigration. Challenging the President now with a Harry Reid controlled Senate will not be successful and will jeopardize all of our conservative policy wins. This bill helps protect Hoosier farmers and our energy industry from reckless regulations, significantly cuts the EPA, gives schools who are struggling to implement the Administration's school lunch standards more flexibility, prevents funding for more ObamaCare waste, and supports efforts to defeat and destroy ISIL. Overall, we protect taxpayers and ensure their hard-earned dollars are spent efficiently and effectively. I look forward to achieving more significant gains and returning to the regular appropriations process next year under a Republican-controlled Congress. HIGHLIGHTS: Agriculture: Prevents the Army Corps of Engineers from regulating farm ponds and irrigation ditches under the Clean Water Act, protecting many Hoosier farmers Exempts livestock producers from burdensome EPA greenhouse gas regulations, and relieves livestock operations from EPA permitting requirements Amends Dodd-Frank swaps push out requirements to protect farmers and other commodity producers from having to put down excessive collateral to get a loan, expand their business, and hedge production Restricts the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) from implementing certain regulations that would allow harmful government interference in the private market for the livestock and poultry industry Ebola: Includes $5.4 billion to help fight and eradicate Ebola in the United States and abroad Education: Increases special education grants to states by $25 million Increases the maximum Pell Grant award to $5,830 Energy: Strategically targets funds to ensure a balanced investment in fossil, nuclear, and renewable energy to help secure American energy independence and lower energy prices for families and businesses No funding for the Green Climate Fund Requires the Administration to report to Congress on federal agency obligations and expenditures on climate change programs EPA: Slashes funding for the EPA for the fifth consecutive year, a 21 percent reduction since Republicans took control of the House Reduces staffing at the agency to the lowest level since 1989, reduction of over 2,000 positions since Republicans took control of the House Rejects a White House proposal for $66 million in new, expanded EPA regulatory programs Fiscal Responsibility: Freezes funding for the House of Representatives, Member offices and Committees Marks $176 billion in spending reduction since Republicans took control of the House, targets funds to most effective and important programs and cuts lower-priority programs Blocks pay raise for the Vice President and senior political appointees Foreign Affairs: Includes new reporting requirements to ensure the Secretary of State keeps Congress informed on Iranian nuclear regulations No funds to Palestinian Authority unless they act to counter incitement of violence Prohibits aid to Libya until the Secretary of State confirms Libyan cooperation in the Benghazi investigation Guantanamo Detainees: Prohibits funds from being used to transfer detainees from Guantanamo Bay to the United States, specifically the federal prison facility in Terre Haute. Also prohibits funds for the construction, acquisition, or modification of a facility in the United States to hold detainees Immigration: Temporarily funds the Department of Homeland Security, the department tasked with carrying out President Obama's executive immigration action, until the end of February when Congress will be in the best position to directly challenge to the President's unilateral actions on immigration IRS: Cuts almost $346 million from the IRS and prohibits funds for improperly disclosing confidential taxpayer information, unnecessary conferences, and targeting groups based on their political ideology Local governments: Includes $373 million in funding (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) to local governments to help offset losses in property taxes due to large areas of nontaxable federal lands benefiting multiple counties in Southern Indiana Manufacturing: Prioritizes U.S. manufacturing and emerging technologies by including H.R. 2996, the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act, which passed the House unanimously this year Military/ Veterans: Funds a 1% pay raise for our troops and fully funds the cost-of-living allowance shortfall for military retirees Provides significant funding to help end the VA's disability compensation claims backlog by the end of 2015 Rescinds $41million dollars from the Department of Veterans Affairs for performance bonuses ObamaCare: Prevents taxpayer bailout of ObamaCare's risk corridor program, which subsidizes health insurer losses Cuts the unelected, Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), which is tasked with making cuts to the Medicare program Blocks the Prevention and Public Health Fund from being used as an ObamaCare slush fund Includes no new or increased funding for ObamaCare Ports/Waterways: Provides significant funding for Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund activities Pro-Life: Maintains all existing pro-life policy and anti-funding provisions Requires ObamaCare plans to tell customers if they provide abortion services School lunch regulations: Peels back the Administrations' restrictive school lunch regulations that have created hardship and uncertainty for school districts in the 8th District Allows $21.3 billion in required mandatory funding for child nutrition programs. Of this amount, $25 million is directed to help schools purchase needed equipment to operate the program. This funding will provide for an estimated 7.7 billion school breakfasts, lunches and snacks for 31 million children who qualify for the program Second Amendment: Maintains important protections of the Second Amendment Prohibits the EPA from regulating the lead content in ammunition or fishing tackle Prohibition on implementation of UN Arms Trade Treaty More details about the bill can be found here - http://appropriations.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=393925.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-questions-officials-on-veterans-homelessness/,Walorski Questions Officials on Veterans Homelessness,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,IN,Jackie Walorski,W000813,walorski.house.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday, December 11, 2014 WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (IN-02), member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, questioned Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) officials during a hearing on veteran's homelessness regarding a report released last week that found a hotline established to help homeless veterans missed thousands of opportunities to provide assistance. The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) report concerning the VA's Homeless Hotline Call Center, which costs over $3 million a year, failed to answer, check on, or provide services to tens of thousands of veterans who called its help line. Walorski, and members of the committee, heard from officials in order to determine if the VA has taken necessary actions to provide homeless and at-risk veterans with appropriate housing, healthcare, and training and employment opportunities. The OIG report is embarrassing to our nation's brave men and women, Walorski said. Almost 50,000 veterans experience homelessness on any given night and yet we can even help the ones who reach out for help. This is another example of the persistent lack of accountability at the VA and cannot continue. Key findings from the report included: The OIG found that of the nearly 80,000 phone calls made to the hotline, there were roughly 40,500 missed opportunities where the Call Center either did not refer the Homeless Veterans' calls to VA medical facilities. The Inspector General could not account for a significant amount of the counselors' time. Counselors often did not log in or did not spend the entire day logged into the Call Center telephone system. Counselors who worked the night shift were not logged into the telephone system and were unavailable to answer calls an average of 4 hours each night. It's clear this call center, which is costing American taxpayers millions of dollars, is failing our nation's finest. I hope Secretary McDonald will move quickly to enact the recommendations from the report and look forward to receiving an update in the coming weeks and months, said Walorski. Click here to watch Walorski's remarks. Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District in Indiana, where she serves as a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, House Armed Services Committee, and House Budget Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/rokita-announces-committee-slate-adds-transportation-retains-key-posts-education-and,ROKITA ANNOUNCES COMMITTEE SLATE: ADDS TRANSPORTATION; RETAINS KEY POSTS ON EDUCATION AND BUDGET PANELS,2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,IN,Todd Rokita,R000592,rokita.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: 202-225-5037 DECEMBER 10, 2014   ROKITA ANNOUNCES COMMITTEE SLATE: ADDS TRANSPORTATION; RETAINS KEY POSTS ON EDUCATION AND BUDGET PANELS   Congressman Rokita: “In an era when our country is experiencing a crumbling transportation infrastructure and struggling to pay for its repairs due to our crippling debt, I am prepared to accept this challenge. I look forward to working with my colleagues to bring common sense and fiscally responsible methods for funding our nation’s transportation and infrastructure projects the right way.  In Indiana, the Crossroads of America, we have practiced these approaches – and they work.” Washington, D.C. – Representative Todd Rokita (IN-4), has been selected to join the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure in the U.S. House of Representatives. Rokita begins his duties with his new committee assignment when the 114th United States Congress begins in January 2015. ""I'm pleased to welcome my good friend from Indiana to the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee,” said Bill Shuster, Chairman of the Committee. “Representative Rokita is a proven and effective leader, and will bring a wealth of ideas and expertise to the table as we tackle some of our country’s greatest challenges. I know Todd is principled, yet pragmatic – both of which will benefit the Committee in the 114th Congress, as well as his constituents in Indiana."" Rokita has also been re-selected to serve on the House Budget Committee and the Committee on Education and the Workforce, where he currently chairs the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education. Rokita brings a depth of knowledge to tackling a U.S. transportation network that has increasingly fallen apart due to historic debt and bureaucratic interference. Recently, states have led the efforts to improve infrastructure through unique and innovative methods. “I entered Congress to address our staggering and irresponsible budget situation in order to leave a stronger America for our children and our grandchildren,” said Rokita. “We are now increasingly facing the same issue with our nation’s infrastructure – the threat of leaving our posterity with highways, bridges, and communities that are falling apart without the means to repair them.” Rokita joins the committee tasked with oversight over all modes of transportation, from aviation to trucks to railroads, as well as jurisdiction over water resources, the Coast Guard, and development of economically depressed areas. As a former two-term statewide officeholder in Indiana, Rokita has seen first-hand the successes of Hoosier outside-the-box thinking that led to the largest infrastructure program in his state’s history – Major Moves – which funded critical projects to advance the Hoosier economy.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/brooks-celebrates-computer-science-education-week,Brooks Celebrates Computer Science Education Week,2014-12-09,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,IN,Susan Brooks,B001284,susanwbrooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) released the following statement in recognition of Computer Science Education Week:  “Right now, students and educators across the nation are celebrating Computer Science Education Week. This is a perfect time to ignite a passion for innovation, learning and technology in our youngest generation of Americans. In today’s world, computer science transcends industries and opens doors to all kinds of new and exciting occupations. I hope more students will take an active interest in computer science and encourage their classmates to do so as well.  This week is also a time to renew our push for more computer science education opportunities in our K-12 classrooms. I’m proud to have introduced the bipartisan Computer Science Education Act, which will redefine computer science as a core academic subject in our federal education laws. Doing so will give local school leaders more flexibility to purchase new technology, provide vital educator professional development and offer more Computer Science Advanced Placement classes. As our nation prepares to fill millions of new computing jobs, we must remove barriers that prevent students from learning 21st century skills. This is critical to unleashing the unlimited potential of America’s workforce.”  Computer Science Education Week runs from December 8 – 14, 2014. For more information, please visit: https://csedweek.org/. The Computer Science Education Act – House Resolution 2536 – was introduced in June of 2013 and has 120 cosponsors. For more information on the legislation, click here.  Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks represents the 5th District of Indiana. She is the Congressional Co-Chair of the Women’s High Tech Coalition (WHTC). Visit www.womenshightech.org to learn more.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-applauds-legislation-to-lower-military-suicide-among-troops-veterans/,Walorski Applauds Legislation to Lower Military Suicide among Troops & Veterans,2014-12-09,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,IN,Jackie Walorski,W000813,walorski.house.gov,,,legacy,"Tuesday, December 9, 2014 WASHINGTON, DC In an effort to reduce the number of veterans and troops who commit suicide, Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (IN-02) today supported legislation she co-sponsored to increase access and improve the quality of mental health care administered to veterans. H.R. 5059, the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans (SAV) Act, helps to reduce the number of military and veteran suicides by providing greater access to mental health care. According to the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA), 22 veterans commit suicide every day. Every day, veterans take their own lives and I've experienced this same tragedy in my district. Our brave servicemen and women face a number of challenges when transitioning back to civilian life. They shouldn't have to navigate a bureaucratic nightmare within the VA in order to receive help. We must improve the access and effectiveness of mental health care available to our returning heroes, Walorski said. The bill was named in honor of Iraq and Afghanistan War veteran, Clay Hunt who took his own life after battling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after his service overseas. Hunt relied on the VA for care and received a 30 percent disability rating for his PTSD. He appealed the rating and encountered administrative obstacles, including the VA losing his files. Hunt took his life weeks later. Five weeks after his death, and 18 months after filing an appeal with the VA for his PTSD rating, his appeal was approved. Clay embodied what it meant to live a life of service, both in and out of uniform. Together, we can change this system so no other veteran ever has to endure what thousands of veterans have gone through, including Clay, Walorski said. Specifically the bill: Requires suicide-prevention programs within the Defense Department and VA undergo a third-party evaluation. Examines which mental health programs could be improved. Requires a website be established that focuses on mental health services for veterans. Encourages improved collaboration between the VA and outside veteran's advocacy groups. Earlier today, Walorski spoke on the floor of the U.S. House in favor of the bill. She also heard testimony from Hunt's mother who testified before the House Veterans' Affairs Committee in July. The bill now heads to the Senate for further action. Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District in Indiana, where she serves as a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, House Armed Services Committee, and House Budget Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-statement-on-nomination-of-ashton-carter-as-secretary-of-defense/,Walorski Statement on Nomination of Ashton Carter as Secretary of Defense,2014-12-05,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,IN,Jackie Walorski,W000813,walorski.house.gov,,,legacy,"Friday, December 5, 2014 WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (IN-02) issued the following statement following today's nomination of Ashton Carter as Secretary of Defense: As a member of House Armed Services Committee, I have worked with Ashton Carter previously and believe he is fully capable of performing his new duties as Secretary of Defense. Like his three predecessors, he must provide a strategy to protect our nation and our allies while the president continues to cut the defense budget. I look forward to working with him after his Senate confirmation. Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District in Indiana, where she serves as a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, House Armed Services Committee, and House Budget Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-supports-financial-security-independence-for-disabled-americans/,Walorski Supports Financial Security & Independence for Disabled Americans,2014-12-04,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,IN,Jackie Walorski,W000813,walorski.house.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday, December 4, 2014 WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (IN-02) supported helping individuals with disabilities by voting for H.R. 647, the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act'. The bill, which Walorski co-sponsored, allows families to create tax-free savings accounts, similar to college savings accounts, for their child with disabilities to allow them to be economically self-sufficient when they enter adulthood. Many American families currently enjoy tax incentives to save for future expenses including college, retirement, and other life events, said Walorski. Sadly, our tax code does not provide the same options to people with disabilities, leaving them with few choices to save for their future. The legislation is intended to ease the financial strains faced by individuals with disabilities by amending Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Service Code to cover qualified expenses such as education, housing, and transportation. The bill does not replace, rather supplements the benefits provided through private insurance, Medicaid, the supplemental social security income program, the beneficiary's employment, and other sources. This bill is about so much more than just a savings account, Walorski said. Finally, we can level the playing field for everyone, especially for the millions of Americans with autism and other disorders who want the ability to one day live on their own, receive an education and find a job. H.R. 647 passed the House by a vote of 404-17 and now heads to the Senate for further consideration.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bucshon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=427,Dr. Bucshons Subcommittee Assignments for the 114th Congress,2014-12-03,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,IN,Larry Bucshon,B001275,bucshon.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Larry Bucshon, a physician from Southern Indiana who was recently selected to serve as a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for the 114th Congress, will serve on three of the influential panel's subcommittees. Bucshon will join the Subcommittees on Environment and Economy, Health, as well as Oversight and Investigations. Rep. Bucshon released the following statement regarding his new posts: I am looking forward to joining these important Subcommittees to help continue the committee's bipartisan record of success, said Bucshon. As a physician, I will have the unique opportunity to help shape healthcare legislation that expands access and improves quality of care for all Americans. I am also pleased to join the Subcommittees tasked with exploring the intersection of regulations and the economy to protect vital jobs and our environment as well as rigorous oversight of agencies like HHS, EPA, and FDA to protect taxpayers. Upon announcing the new assignments, Committee Chairman Fred Upton said: Our subcommittees are truly the legislative and oversight engines of the Energy and Commerce Committee, delivering an impressive record of bipartisan accomplishment. They ask the tough questions, explore big ideas, and generate policies to grow our economy and get bureaucracy out of the way so America can thrive in the 21st Century, said Upton. The members who will serve on each of our subcommittees will together offer a mix of policy experience and expertise, dogged oversight to protect taxpayers, and fresh new ideas to modernize cumbersome agencies and laws. I am excited about the good work our team will deliver in the coming year. Bucshon's statement following his appointment to the full committee can be found here - http://bucshon.house.gov/press-release/dr-bucshon-serve-house-energy-and-commerce-committee. BACKGROUND: The Committee on Energy and Commerce, the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, is vested with the broadest jurisdiction of any congressional authorizing committee. Today it has responsibility for the nation's telecommunications, consumer protection, food and drug safety, public health research, environmental quality, energy policy, and interstate and foreign commerce. It oversees multiple cabinet-level Departments and independent agencies, including the Departments of Energy, Health and Human Services, Commerce, and Transportation, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Trade Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Federal Communications Commission. The Subcommittee on Environment and Economy has jurisdiction over: All matters related to soil and water contamination, including Superfund and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; the regulation of solid, hazardous, and nuclear wastes, including mining, nuclear, oil, gas, and coal combustion waste; emergency environmental response; industrial plant security, including cybersecurity; the regulation of drinking water (Safe Drinking Water Act), including underground injection of fluids (e.g., deep well injection or hydrofracking); toxic substances (Toxic Substances Control Act); noise; and all aspects of the above-referenced jurisdiction related to the Department of Homeland Security. The Subcommittee on Health has jurisdiction over: Public health and quarantine; hospital construction; mental health; biomedical research and development; health information technology, privacy, and cybersecurity; public health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) and private health insurance; medical malpractice and medical malpractice insurance; the regulation of food, drugs, and cosmetics; drug abuse; the Department of Health and Human Services; the National Institutes of Health; the Centers for Disease Control; Indian Health Service; and all aspects of the above-referenced jurisdiction related to the Department of Homeland Security. The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations has responsibility for: Oversight of agencies, departments, and programs related to the jurisdiction of the full committee, and for conducting investigations. *Information provided by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Find out more here www.energycommerce.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/brooks-comments-on-obama-administration-s-decision-to-extend-talks-with,Brooks Comments on Obama Administrations Decision to Extend Talks with Iran,2014-12-01,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,IN,Susan Brooks,B001284,susanwbrooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) made the following comments on the extension of U.S. led negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program: “I am deeply concerned about the precedent the Obama Administration’s second extension of talks with Iranian leadership sets, and worry about what message this decision sends to both our allies abroad and the Mullahs in Iran. The Iranian economy has already markedly improved since the talks began, and providing an additional $700 million a month in relief will only further weaken our negotiating position while allowing this State Sponsor of Terrorism to push closer toward a nuclear weapon. This indecisive action is unacceptable and directly undermines our strategic interests and those of our allies.  More pressure, not less, is needed to make it abundantly clear that America will not accept a nuclear armed Iran under any condition, and that we will not sacrifice our commitment to human rights or abandon our fight against terrorism for short term political expediency.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/brooks-gop-must-show-it-can-govern,Brooks: GOP must show it can govern,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,IN,Susan Brooks,B001284,susanwbrooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"ANDERSON — Republicans have to demonstrate to the American people that they can govern in a manner that will benefit all Americans, according to U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks, R-5th District. Brooks won election to a second term in the U.S. House on Nov. 4 with 65 percent of the vote in the 5th District, which includes all of Madison County. During the off-year election, the Republican Party strengthened its majority in the U.S. House and gained control of the U.S. Senate. During a telephone interview with The Herald Bulletin, Brooks said that the GOP-controlled Congress has to remind the American people that they are not going to give in to everything requested by President Barack Obama. “There will be tension because of the significant oversight of the executive branch by the Congress,” she said. “We have to make sure that the administration through the federal agencies doesn’t pass rules and regulations that are hurting America.” Brooks said what legislation is passed through 2016 will depend on how willing Obama is to work with the Republican Party. “We are preparing for next year,” she said of when the GOP takes control of both houses of the Congress. “We’re on the same calendar as the Senate. The leadership is working together, which is good for the American people.” She said bills passed in the House will get a hearing in the Senate and won’t be delayed as has been the case in the past few years. Legislation that Brooks expects to be considered early in 2015 is the Keystone Pipeline, which she said has bipartisan support in the House. The bill was defeated in the Senate last week by one vote. “This is a pro-jobs, pro-economy bill,” she said. Brooks expects the Republican-controlled Congress to tackle tax reform, with Rep. Paul Ryan leading the effort. “He (Ryan) brokered the deal with the Senate Democrats that ended the government shutdown,” she said. “He has a good track record.” Brooks said one area of tax reform that will benefit Indiana is the repeal of the medical device tax, a part of the Affordable Care Act. She expects changes in the Affordable Care Act but was unsure if there would be one bill to repeal Obamacare or individual bills making changes to the law. “We will try to repeal it again,” Brooks said. “But we have to have a replacement plan attached to it.” Brooks said people are starting to see increases in health insurance premiums. “This was not a good piece of legislation for the American people,” she said of the president’s landmark legislation. Brooks said a change will be a return to the 40-hour, full-time work week, which she said cost people money by employers cutting their hours to 30 hours a week. Any replacement legislation has to include provisions for people with pre-existing conditions and for allowing a child to stay on their parents' insurance until the age of 26, she said. Brooks said a high priority will be national security with the continued growth of the Islamic State terrorist group, Ebola and the nuclear capabilities of Iran. “We’re still waiting on the president to conclude negotiations with Iran,” she said. “There is also concern about Russian aggression in the Ukraine. “This is serious times for national security,” Brooks said. “We want to have a strong military and no terrorists in our midst.” Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 640-4863.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/hundred-attend-memorial-for-indiana-aid-worker,Hundred attend memorial for Indiana aid worker,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,IN,Susan Brooks,B001284,susanwbrooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"INDIANAPOLIS — An Indiana aid worker beheaded by Islamic State militants in Syria was praised for his humanitarian work Sunday during a memorial service attended by hundreds that included readings from the Bible and the Quran. Peter Kassig, who took the first name Abdul-Rahman after converting to Islam during captivity, was remembered as a good man, son, student and volunteer who dedicated himself to helping others and lived a short but full life. ""We're not here because of how he passed,"" said Hazem Bata, executive director Islamic Society of North America in Plainfield. ""We're because of how he lived. We're here because of the type of man he chose to be. We're here because of his selflessness."" The 26-year-old Indianapolis man was captured last year in eastern Syria while delivering relief supplies to refugees of Syria's civil war. Kassig, a former U.S. Army ranger who had served in Iraq in 2007, had returned to the Mideast in 2012 and founded a relief organization to help war victims. His parents, Ed and Paula Kassig of Indianapolis, learned of their son's capture last year, but did not disclose his c0.0aptivity while family and friends quietly worked to secure his release. In October, their son appeared in another video released by the Islamic State group that showed the beheading of a fellow aid worker, Britain's Alan Henning. The militants vowed that Kassig would be next, leading his parents to plead publicly for mercy while stressing his humanitarian work and conversion to Islam. The Muslim community rallied around them, participating in prayer vigils and rallies urging his captors to follow the Quran's teachings that prohibit Muslims from killing other Muslims. Speakers at Sunday's 80-minute service at Clowes Hall at Butler University, which Kassig briefly attended before moving to the Middle East, praised him for his humanitarian work and urged others to use his life as inspiration. ""Our hearts broke with the news of not only his death, but the brutal and barbaric way in which it occurred,"" said the Rev. Bill Hoopes, pastor of Epworth United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, which the Kassig family attends. ""Many of us had hoped deeply that Peter would be the exception. That he would be the one his captors would be set free."" Hoopes challenged those at the service to do more than pray that those who killed Kassig and Syrian President Bashar Assad be brought to justice. Among those attending the service were Gov. Mike Pence, Sens. Joe Donnelly and Dan Coats, Rep. Susan Brooks and Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard. Donnelly said he never met Kassig, but said over recent months of meeting Kassig's parents and friends feels he got to know Kassig's spirit. ""It's the spirit of believing things can get better. That together we can make a difference,"" Donnelly said. ""He was an extraordinary in every way."" Read more at https://www.wral.com/kassig-recalled-as-man-who-sought-to-help-others/14214314/#beYBS4HPKeoBuV3A.99",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206074526/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/editorials/transforming-common-days-into-days-of-thanksgiving,Transforming common days into days of Thanksgiving,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,IN,Luke Messer,M001189,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"One of my favorite quotes about Thanksgiving comes from a celebrated Christian writer, William Arthur Ward, who once said, “Gratitude can transform common days into Thanksgiving...and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”  Thanksgiving Day gives us a yearly reminder to count our God-given blessings.  It’s a time to focus on what we have, rather than on what we don’t.  President Lincoln exemplified this attitude of gratitude.  He had countless reasons to be downtrodden and ungrateful.  America was torn by civil war.  Brothers were fighting brothers.  And, the future of the great American experiment was in jeopardy.  Yet, Lincoln was the first President to declare Thanksgiving Day a national holiday.  He said in 1863, “The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come…the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.”  Lincoln spoke these words during one of the most difficult times in our young nation’s history.  Yet, he found reasons to be thankful.  Today, America faces different, but still difficult challenges.  Too many middle class families are struggling to make ends meet.  The future of our health care structure remains uncertain.  Our immigration system is in desperate need of reform, and our national security continues to be threatened by terrorists who seek to destroy our way of life.   Yet, these challenges are mere obstacles. They present yet another opportunity to prove to the world that America will rise to meet our challenges and emerge even stronger than before.   The desire for freedom of religion and speech, the respect for the rule of law, and the belief that government should not intrude on the everyday lives of its citizens are the very ideas that brought the Pilgrims to this land.  These principles are the key to bringing prosperity back to our great country. Because of the profound foresight of our Founding Fathers, we have a system of government that protects these ideals.  And, for that I am truly thankful.  I am also thankful this Thanksgiving season for the opportunity to serve the people of Indiana’s 6th Congressional District.  You have placed a lot of trust in me, and I work every day to represent our shared Hoosier values here in Congress.  I’m grateful for my family.   My wife and children bring joy to my life every day.  And, finally, I’m thankful for our nation’s challenges, because they provide us with an opportunity to grow and improve this great country and work every day to enhance the lives of its citizens.  So, let’s enjoy the holiday season with friends and family, and then get back to work to ensure this nation of ours remains great for this generation and the next.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bucshon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=431,Dr. Bucshon's Statement on President Obamas Unilateral Executive Action,2014-11-21,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,IN,Larry Bucshon,B001275,bucshon.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dr. Bucshon's Statement on President Obama's Unilateral Executive Action f t # e Washington, DC, November 21, 2014 Congressman Larry Bucshon, a physician from Southern Indiana, released the following statement regarding President Obama's unilateral executive action on immigration. Dr. Bucshon released the following statement: We need to fix our nation's broken immigration system this is something on which we all agree. That being said, any attempt to act on immigration reform must go through Congress, not executive decree. The President has argued he does not have the authority to act alone over 22 times, yet last night he announced a plan to ignore the rule of law by acting unilaterally. The President's announcement is not about policy, it's about partisan politics. He had the opportunity to pass his amnesty plan when his party controlled the House and Senate during the first two years of his presidency, but they did not act. Instead of ignoring the American people after an election, the President should work with Congress on common-sense legislation that secures our borders and reforms our broken immigration system. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206041052/http://bucshon.house.gov/press-release/dr-bucshon-statement-president-obama%E2%80%99s-unilateral-executive-action,Dr. Bucshon's Statement on President Obamas Unilateral Executive Action,2014-11-21,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,IN,Larry Bucshon,B001275,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Congressman Larry Bucshon, a physician from Southern Indiana, released the following statement regarding President Obama’s unilateral executive action on immigration. Dr. Bucshon released the following statement: “We need to fix our nation’s broken immigration system – this is something on which we all agree.  That being said, any attempt to act on immigration reform must go through Congress, not executive decree. The President has argued he does not have the authority to act alone over 22 times, yet last night he announced a plan to ignore the rule of law by acting unilaterally. “The President’s announcement is not about  policy, it’s about partisan politics. He had the opportunity to pass his amnesty plan when his party controlled the House and Senate during the first two years of his presidency, but they did not act.  Instead of ignoring the American people after an election, the President should work with Congress on common-sense legislation that secures our borders and reforms our broken immigration system.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/brooks-named-to-energy-and-commerce-committee,Brooks Named to Energy and Commerce Committee,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,IN,Susan Brooks,B001284,susanwbrooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) released the following statement today regarding her selection to the House Energy and Commerce Committee for the 114th Congress:   “The Energy and Commerce Committee has broad jurisdiction over issues of significant importance to all Americans and particularly in the sectors of health care, energy, telecommunications and manufacturing.  Under Chairman Fred Upton’s leadership, the committee has a proven track record of bipartisan success. I look forward to serving on the Energy and Commerce Committee in the 114th Congress as we work to grow our economy, increase energy production and promote medical innovation.  I am also extremely pleased to be serving on this committee with my friend and colleague, Representative Larry Bucshon (R-IN8). It’s great news for the state of Indiana to have two Hoosiers on this impactful committee.” Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (MI-6) released the following statement congratulating Congresswoman Brooks: “I am excited to welcome Congresswoman Brooks to the Energy and Commerce Committee. Her diverse background, strong work ethic and ability to build consensus will serve our team well. We are going to hit the ground running next year as we continue our efforts to create jobs, promote life-saving cures, unleash America’s energy abundance, protect families, and foster growth in this new era of innovation.” For more information on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, go to: https://energycommerce.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/brooks-statement-on-president-obama-s-executive-action,Brooks Statement on President Obamas Executive Action,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,IN,Susan Brooks,B001284,susanwbrooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) released the following statement in reaction to this evening’s immigration executive action announcement from President Obama:  “I remain committed to effective and lasting immigration reform that fixes a clearly broken system. But we must do this through a collaborative process that allows everyone to make their voices heard rather than the ‘go it alone’ approach outlined by President Obama this evening. This is not how a representative government should work. Tonight, the President directly contradicted his own previous statements to the American people on the role of Congress and the executive branch in altering our nation’s immigration laws. We must now explore both legislative and legal options to ensure the White House does not exceed its constitutional authority.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bucshon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=432,Dr. Bucshon to Serve on House Energy and Commerce Committee,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,IN,Larry Bucshon,B001275,bucshon.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Larry Bucshon, a physician from Southern Indiana, was selected to serve as a member of the influential House Committee on Energy and Commerce for the 114th Congress. Dr. Bucshon released the following statement: I'm honored to be selected by my colleagues to serve on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for the 114th Congress, said Bucshon. I look forward to working with Chairman Upton and the rest of the committee to advance sound policy related to healthcare, energy, and telecommunications. With my first-hand experience as a physician; the importance of the Hoosier coal industry to our low-cost energy and economic vitality; Indiana's robust and growing manufacturing sector, and the critical need to improve our broadband capabilities for education, business, industry, and rural development, this appointment offers me a platform to advocate for issues of key importance to our district, state, and country. I'm excited to get to work. Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) stated: ""We have a great team in place and I am excited to welcome Dr. Bucshon to the Energy and Commerce Committee, said Upton. Dr. Bucshon's background in medicine and his experience representing an energy-rich district adds a unique strengths and perspective that will help further our bipartisan record of success in the new Congress. We are going to hit the ground running next year as we continue our efforts to create jobs, promote life-saving cures, unleash America's energy abundance, protect families, and foster growth in this new era of innovation. I'm happy to have Dr. Bucshon as a part of that effort. BACKGROUND: The Committee on Energy and Commerce, the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, is vested with the broadest jurisdiction of any congressional authorizing committee. Today it has responsibility for the nation's telecommunications, consumer protection, food and drug safety, public health research, environmental quality, energy policy, and interstate and foreign commerce. It oversees multiple cabinet-level Departments and independent agencies, including the Departments of Energy, Health and Human Services, Commerce, and Transportation, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Trade Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Federal Communications Commission. Find out more here www.energycommerce.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bucshon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=502,Background on President Obama's executive overreach on immigration,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,IN,Larry Bucshon,B001275,bucshon.house.gov,,,legacy,"Tonight, President Obama is set to deliver a prime time address where he will outline his plan for unilateral executive action that will ignore or change existing law related to immigration action the Washington Post claims will expand the authority of the executive branch into murky, uncharted territory. In advance of the speech, I thought it would be helpful to provide background on the issue. The President has, in the past, repeatedly argued that he does NOT have the legal authority to act without Congress. In fact, the Speaker's office has compiled a list of 22 statements made by the President claiming he cannot do what he now plans to do. The Washington Post gave the President an upside-down Pinocchio, their worst rating, for what the publication deemed a flip-flop by the President. Previously he said that was not possible, using evocative language that he is not a king' or the emperor.' Apparently he's changed his mind. The president earns an upside-down Pinocchio for his flip-flop. (Washington Post; 11/18/2014) In the same article, the Post highlighted these previous assertions made by President Obama claiming he does not have the authority to act alone: Univision Town Hall, March 28, 2011: The executive branch's job is to enforce and implement those laws.' Interview with Univision, Jan. 31, 2013: I'm not a king' Google Hangout, Feb. 14, 2013: I'm not the emperor of the United States' Interview with Noticias Telmundo, Sept. 17, 2013: There is a path to get this done and that is through Congress.' What do the American people think about executive action by President Obama? 48% oppose it while only 38% support it. Instead of acting unilaterally, the President should listen to the American people and work with Congress on common-sense reforms.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-statement-on-president-obamas-announcement-of-executive-action-on-immigration/,Walorski Statement on President Obamas Announcement of Executive Action on Immigration,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,IN,Jackie Walorski,W000813,walorski.house.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday, November 20, 2014 WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (IN-02) issued the following statement tonight after President Obama's announcement to act unilaterally on immigration reform: At a time when Americans want Washington to work together, I'm disappointed that instead of working with Congress to find real solutions, the president has decided to abuse his executive powers, break the law and ignore the Constitution at the expense of resolving a national crisis. This week, I joined with the Republican Women's Policy Committee and sent a letter to President Obama urging him to abandon any unconstitutional executive actions on immigration reform and instead work with Congress and the people of this great nation. There is no question that the current immigration system is broken and there is a growing need for reform, but denying members of Congress and the American people an opportunity to offer any input only jeopardizes the chance of finding real, workable solutions.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141205201230/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/353,Stutzman Supports New Manufacturing Act,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,IN,Marlin Stutzman,S001188,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Stutzman Supports New Manufacturing Act Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman spoke on the House floor in support of H.R. 4795 the Promoting New Manufacturing Act. The following remarks are as prepared for delivery.   “Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Promoting New Manufacturing Act.   “Mr. Speaker, for too long the Obama economy has remained weak and the American worker has suffered the consequences. Too many people are struggling to find work and provide for their families. They want to know when things are finally going to pick up.   “We in Congress have a responsibility to help create an economic environment that allows individuals to succeed and businesses to grow. And we can achieve that kind of success by cutting back on job killing regulations, removing bureaucratic red tape, and increasing transparency. That is what today’s bill is all about.   “As a representative from Indiana, I understand that a strong manufacturing industry is absolutely crucial to our national and  local economy. The third congressional district, the place that I call home, is one of the top manufacturing districts in the entire Congress.  This bill will not only bring new opportunities to Hoosier families, but to families all across America.   “Strengthening our manufacturing industry should not be a partisan issue. And today, we have an opportunity to stand together and support legislation that will help create jobs and move our economy in the right direction.   “I would like to thank Whip Scalise, Chairman Upton, and the members of the Committee on Energy and Commerce for their hard work on this issue, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Thank you.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141205201236/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/354,Statement on President's Executive Action on Immigration,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,IN,Marlin Stutzman,S001188,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Statement on President's Executive Action on Immigration Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued this statement ahead of President Obama’s announcement to pursue executive action on immigration.   “By taking executive action and refusing to work with a new Congress, President Obama has willingly chosen to ignore the voices of American voters and is setting a dangerous precedent for future administrations. Our Founders created a system of checks and balances so that no one branch of government could overstep its power. While we are a nation of immigrants, we are also a country that believes in the rule of law.   “The President’s actions are nothing more than a blatant disregard for the Constitution. It is this type of action that fosters distrust among public officials, and adds to the toxicity of Washington. The American people want both parties to work together and find ways to solve our problems. President Obama should sit down with members of Congress so that we can find areas of common ground and fix our broken immigration system.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206043701/http://bucshon.house.gov/press-release/dr-bucshon-serve-house-energy-and-commerce-committee,Dr. Bucshon to Serve on House Energy and Commerce Committee,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,IN,Larry Bucshon,B001275,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Congressman Larry Bucshon, a physician from Southern Indiana, was selected to serve as a member of the influential House Committee on Energy and Commerce for the 114th Congress. Dr. Bucshon released the following statement: “I’m honored to be selected by my colleagues to serve on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for the 114th Congress,” said Bucshon. “I look forward to working with Chairman Upton and the rest of the committee to advance sound policy related to healthcare, energy, and telecommunications.  With my first-hand experience as a physician; the importance of the Hoosier coal industry to our low-cost energy and economic vitality; Indiana’s robust and growing manufacturing sector, and the critical need to improve our broadband capabilities for education, business, industry, and rural development, this appointment offers me a platform to advocate for issues of key importance to our district, state, and country. I’m excited to get to work.” Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) stated: ""We have a great team in place and I am excited to welcome Dr. Bucshon to the Energy and Commerce Committee,” said Upton.  “Dr. Bucshon’s background in medicine and his experience representing an energy-rich district adds a unique strengths and perspective that will help further our bipartisan record of success in the new Congress. We are going to hit the ground running next year as we continue our efforts to create jobs, promote life-saving cures, unleash America’s energy abundance, protect families, and foster growth in this new era of innovation. I’m happy to have Dr. Bucshon as a part of that effort.” BACKGROUND:   The Committee on Energy and Commerce, the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, is vested with the broadest jurisdiction of any congressional authorizing committee. Today it has responsibility for the nation's telecommunications, consumer protection, food and drug safety, public health research, environmental quality, energy policy, and interstate and foreign commerce. It oversees multiple cabinet-level Departments and independent agencies, including the Departments of Energy, Health and Human Services, Commerce, and Transportation, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Trade Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Federal Communications Commission.  Find out more here – www.energycommerce.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206071413/http://bucshon.house.gov/press-release/background-president-obamas-executive-overreach-immigration,Background on President Obama's executive overreach on immigration,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,IN,Larry Bucshon,B001275,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Tonight, President Obama is set to deliver a prime time address where he will outline his plan for unilateral executive action that will ignore or change existing law related to immigration – action the Washington Post claims will “expand the authority of the executive branch into murky, uncharted territory.” In advance of the speech, I thought it would be helpful to provide background on the issue. The President has, in the past, repeatedly argued that he does NOT have the legal authority to act without Congress. In fact, the Speaker’s office has compiled a list of 22 statements made by the President claiming he cannot do what he now plans to do. The Washington Post gave the President an “upside-down Pinocchio,” their worst rating, for what the publication deemed a flip-flop by the President. “Previously he said that was not possible, using evocative language that he is not a ‘king’ or ‘the emperor.’ Apparently he’s changed his mind. The president earns an upside-down Pinocchio for his flip-flop.” (Washington Post; 11/18/2014) In the same article, the Post highlighted these previous assertions made by President Obama claiming he does not have the authority to act alone: “Univision Town Hall, March 28, 2011: ‘The executive branch’s job is to enforce and implement those laws.’” “Interview with Univision, Jan. 31, 2013: ‘I’m not a king’” “Google Hangout, Feb. 14, 2013: ‘I’m not the emperor of the United States’” “Interview with Noticias Telmundo, Sept. 17, 2013: ‘There is a path to get this done and that is through Congress.’” What do the American people think about executive action by President Obama? 48% oppose it while only 38% support it. Instead of acting unilaterally, the President should listen to the American people and work with Congress on common-sense reforms.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206074549/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-messer-congratulates-rep-brooks-and-dr-bucshon-on-energy,Congressman Messer congratulates Rep. Brooks and Dr. Bucshon on Energy & Commerce Committee appointments,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,IN,Luke Messer,M001189,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Congressman Luke Messer released the following statement after Dr. Larry Bucshon and Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks were appointed to serve on the Committee on Energy and Commerce: “Congratulations to my good friends and Indiana colleagues Congresswoman Brooks and Dr. Bucshon on their appointments to the Energy and Commerce Committee.  Their expertise and insights will be a great asset to this important panel that has jurisdiction over issues that are vital to our state and have a significant impact on the everyday lives of Hoosiers.  I look forward to their good work in the 114th Congress.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206074613/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-messer-blasts-president-obama-s-executive-amnesty-plan,Congressman Messer blasts President Obamas executive amnesty plan,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,IN,Luke Messer,M001189,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Congressman Luke Messer (IN-06) released the following statement in anticipation of President Obama’s announcement tonight that he will grant amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants currently living in the United States: “As the President said a year ago, he is ‘not a king.’ He’s also not an ‘emperor.’ The American people won’t stand for it and neither will those of us who were sent to Congress to represent them.  We must stop this President from ignoring the Constitution, and I will do whatever necessary through the legislative process to block him from granting blanket amnesty.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/release-president-signs-rokita-led-child-care-modernization-bill-law,Release - President Signs Rokita-Led Child Care Modernization Bill Into Law,2014-11-19,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,IN,Todd Rokita,R000592,rokita.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 19, 2014     PRESIDENT SIGNS ROKITA-LED CHILD CARE MODERNIZATION BILL INTO LAW                                                                                                                                                      Chairman Rokita: “The people sent the message on November 4th to “get something done.”  Here is Exhibit A.  This bi-partisan bill empowers parents to build better lives for themselves and their families through access to safe and affordable child care.”   Washington, D.C. – Representative Todd Rokita, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education, saw a chief priority, the reauthorization of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Program (CCDBG), signed into law by the President today. “The reauthorization of this welfare-to-work program gives moms and dads child care choices while they work to eliminate long-term dependency on welfare programs. This assistance provides an opportunity to improve the lives of both current and future generations,” said Rokita, Chairman of the Subcommittee that oversees the program. Rokita shepherded passage of the bi-partisan reauthorization of the CCDBG program, which will break families away from the long-term dependency of federal welfare programs by ensuring them the dignity of work or training for a career as a requirement for program participation. The reauthorization modernizes the CCDBG program by implementing necessary safety standards for child care providers. “This is an example of the leadership necessary to reduce the power of the regulatory state and restore the law-making process to the proper branch of government,” said Rokita. During the bill signing, the President vowed to abandon his proposed child care regulations due to passage of this bill. “Access to quality child care empowers people so they can build better lives for themselves and their families,” Rokita stated. The CCDBG program helped 36,600 Hoosier children from 19,300 families in 2013. It was first authorized in 1996 and provides funds to states to help low-income families access child care. Parents receive funds in the form of vouchers or certificates to pay the child care provider of their choice.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141205201242/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/352,Stutzman Congratulates Cameron Memorial Community Hospital,2014-11-17,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,IN,Marlin Stutzman,S001188,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Stutzman Congratulates Cameron Memorial Community Hospital Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued the following statement about the new Cameron Memorial Community Hospital.   “Since Cameron Memorial first opened its doors in 1926, it has been a leader in the fields of health and medicine. For over eighty years, the hospital’s staff members have been an important part of our community, dedicating themselves and making it their mission to administer high quality care to the people of Indiana, as well as to our neighbors in northwest Ohio, and southern Michigan.   “This new facility will allow them to strengthen that dedication by providing Cameron Memorial with the necessary resources and equipment to expand its services, and continue the Hoosier tradition of caring for others; a tradition we can all be proud of. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this new facility, and congratulate Chairman Dave Goodwin, President Greg Burns, the doctors, nurses, and staff members of Cameron Memorial for their hard work and commitment to the wellness of others.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/brooks-congratulates-messer-on-election-to-house-leadership,Brooks Congratulates Messer on Election to House Leadership,2014-11-14,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,IN,Susan Brooks,B001284,susanwbrooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) released the following statement congratulating Representative Luke Messer (R-IN6) on his election to House Leadership: “Representative Messer will be an effective and energetic leader for the House Republican Policy Committee. He has been an excellent freshman class president, encouraging discussion and action on important issues and making sure everyone has a chance to share their perspective. I know this experience will serve him well in his new role. I’m also extremely encouraged that a member of Indiana’s delegation will be part of the House Republican leadership team in the 114th Congress. Congratulations to my good friend and colleague on this exciting and noteworthy accomplishment.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/brooks-time-to-build-keystone-xl-pipeline,Brooks: Time to Build Keystone XL Pipeline,2014-11-14,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,IN,Susan Brooks,B001284,susanwbrooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) released the following statement after voting in favor of House Resolution 5682, legislation approving the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline: “Six years have passed since the Keystone XL Pipeline application was submitted to the U.S. State Department. For six years, Americans have been waiting to unleash the potential of our nation’s energy abundance. For six years, working class families have been waiting to benefit from the jobs this project will create. For six years, Indiana’s manufacturers have been waiting to fill work orders the construction of this pipeline will bring. It’s time to build the Keystone XL Pipeline. Today, the House once again passed bipartisan legislation to ensure the Keystone XL Pipeline is built. This legislation will create thousands of American jobs and lower energy prices for American families. It’s time for Senate Democrats and the President to listen to the American people and join the House in moving this project forward.”  For more information on the Keystone XL Pipeline, go to: https://energycommerce.house.gov/content/keystone-xl.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-supports-legislation-to-approve-keystone-xl-pipeline/,Walorski Supports Legislation to Approve Keystone XL Pipeline,2014-11-14,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,IN,Jackie Walorski,W000813,walorski.house.gov,,,legacy,"Friday, November 14, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (IN-02) released the following statement today after the House passed H.R. 5682: My House colleagues and I overwhelmingly supported a plan to create 9,000 shovel-ready jobs for hardworking Americans. Not only will this project contribute $3 billion toward the US economy, but it will also strengthen our energy security. I urge my Senate colleagues to take swift action in passing this legislation that will give Americans access to a safe, stable supply of oil from an important trading partner. Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District in Indiana, where she serves as a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, House Armed Services Committee, and House Budget Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141114190232/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/350,Stutzman Signs Letter Opposing Executive Action on Immigration,2014-11-14,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,IN,Marlin Stutzman,S001188,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Stutzman Signs Letter Opposing Executive Action on Immigration Washington, D.C. – Congressman Stutzman joined 62 of his House colleagues in urging leaders of the Appropriations Committee to prohibit funds for any executive action to grant amnesty. Below is a quote from Congressman Stutzman. A copy of the letter can be found here.   “In light of last week’s elections, it is clear the American people are demanding a return to the checks and balances granted by our Constitution. Any executive action taken by President Obama would circumvent the legislative process, set a bad precedent for future administrations, and run counter to the wishes of voters. Congress should reassert its role as the lawmaking body, continue to debate solutions for our immigration system, and block any funding that would allow President Obama to unilaterally rewrite immigration law through executive fiat.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141114203734/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/351,Stutzman Supports Keystone XL Pipeline,2014-11-14,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,IN,Marlin Stutzman,S001188,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Stutzman Supports Keystone XL Pipeline Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 5682, approving the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline.   “Today, I proudly voted to begin the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline, a project with bipartisan support that will strengthen our energy security by lowering oil imports from the Middle East, and bolster our economy by creating thousands of new jobs.    “The American people deserve to have leaders in Washington who are focused on passing common sense legislation that will promote economic growth and strengthen our national security. With a firm understanding that the building of this pipeline achieves both, the House has supported legislation to begin its construction nine times.  With the passage of this bill, I am hopeful President Obama will finally realize its benefits and sign it into law. After six years of waiting, it’s long past due.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141115020216/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/indiana-rep-luke-messer-wins-key-house-gop-post,Indiana Rep. Luke Messer wins key House GOP post,2014-11-14,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,IN,Luke Messer,M001189,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — Indiana Rep. Luke Messer was elected Thursday to the No. 5 House GOP leadership slot, a position he said he will use to show Republicans can help working families. “We need a positive agenda, so we’re not defined by just what we oppose,” Messer said after his colleagues elected him chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee for the next Congress. Messer called the panel the party's “engine for policy development.” “It will give our area a bigger voice in the national debate,” the Shelbyville Republican told Indiana reporters. Messer beat New York Rep. Tom Reed 137 to 90 after Georgia Rep. Rob Woodall was knocked out on the first ballot. Both Reed and Woodall have served two years more than Messer, who is finishing his first term. Indiana Rep. Todd Young said Republicans recognized that Messer is “an incredibly capable person” with a “strong policy mind and a real clear grasp of politics.” Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie called Messer “probably the best listener I have met here in Congress.” “He’s always able to articulate what I think better than what I can,” Massie said after the election. “He’s also committed to working very hard at this job.” Messer said the bill lawmakers are voting on this week to approve the Keystone XL pipeline is a “great start” to advancing an agenda that will help working families. He also wants to make changes to the Affordable Care Act while working toward a broader repeal. “(Former Indiana Gov.) Mitch Daniels always said elections are green flags, not checkered flags, so now the hard work begins,” Messer said. The election was held behind closed doors in a House office building as Republicans lunched on Subway sandwiches. Messer's wife, Jennifer, was present as Indiana Rep. Susan Brooks and two other colleagues gave nominating speeches for Messer. Jennifer Messer had to leave to pick up their three children from school while the ballots were being cast so Messer sent a ""We won"" text to the family, who hurried back. Messer, 45, has served as president of his GOP freshman class and had been the first of the three candidates to announce he was running for the policy job. He had emphasized that he wanted to use the position to help lawmakers produce and advance legislation. “He worked very hard,” Brooks said. “I think he talked to almost everyone in our conference.” Messer also contributed more than $100,000 to congressional candidates and to the campaign arm of House Republicans. And he sent aides to help several campaigns. The current chairman of the policy committee, Oklahoma Rep. Jim Lankford, was elected to the Senate last week. Gov. Mike Pence, who is Messer's predecessor and the last Hoosier to serve in GOP leadership, had written a letter to his former colleagues on Messer's behalf. Pence called Messer a ""principled conservative"" and a ""strong messenger."" ""He knows that message matters and plays an integral role in our ability to deliver for the American people,"" Pence wrote in his support letter. In addition to gaining a seat at the leadership table, Messer will have a budget of about $80,000 to pay for support staff and materials. Although he has just one term under his belt, Messer gained Capitol Hill experience as an aide in the 1990s. He also served in the Indiana General Assembly and was executive director of the Indiana Republican Party. Asked if he hopes to move up the leadership ladder, Messer said his philosophy has been to ""do your current job and do it well and you never know what doors might open later.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/rokita-tours-4th-district-hear-hoosiers-their-hometowns,ROKITA TOURS 4TH DISTRICT TO HEAR HOOSIERS IN THEIR HOMETOWNS,2014-11-11,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,IN,Todd Rokita,R000592,rokita.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 7,  2014 Contact: Brendan Thomas Phone: (202) 225-0664 E-mail: brendan.thomas@mail.house.gov ROKITA TOURS 4TH DISTRICT TODAY TO HEAR HOOSIERS IN THEIR HOMETOWNS                                                                                                                                                  WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Todd Rokita toured Indiana’s 4th District today, visiting eight towns from Brownsburg to Rensselaer to hear Hoosiers closer to their homes. In Kokomo, Kentland, Monticello, Greencastle, West Lafayette and Crawfordsville, too, he told his constituents, “I get my marching orders from you” – before he travels to Washington, D.C., next week to plan a pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda with a new Congressional class. “The House has passed over 300 pieces of legislation, dozens of them jobs bills, many bi-partisan, which Harry Reid has refused to bring to a vote in the Senate,” explained Rokita in Brownsburg. “America replaced him because they want action, not more paralysis. The Republican majority in the House and now Senate will fulfill its duty to govern – something the Senate Democrats refused to do under Harry Reid’s reign.” The House Budget Committee member is hopeful for legislative action on a number of priorities, which may include moving ahead with the Keystone Pipeline, repealing ObamaCare’s medical device tax, and reforming K-12 education policy. Rokita also serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education, and he led negotiations to help pass the Student Success Act in 2013.  The bill was the first in 13 years to reauthorize federal K-12 education law, but sits idly in the Senate. “This is going to be an active 114th Congress,” he said. “Hoosiers are demanding free-market solutions to problems from education to economic regulation.  We’re going to deliver results.” Rokita spoke with Hoosiers over breakfast, lunch and dinner at a variety of local restaurants and diners. In Monticello, he talked with constituents about enacting Indiana’s model reforms on the federal level. “Since I was Indiana’s Secretary of State, Hoosiers have been driving conservative policy at the national level.  That record will only continue into the 114th Congress, as I continue fighting for all people so that they can build better lives for themselves and their families,” he said. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141111185628/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/349,Stutzman Signs Letter Pressing for Further Democratic Reforms in Burma,2014-11-10,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,IN,Marlin Stutzman,S001188,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Stutzman Signs Letter Pressing for Further Democratic Reforms in Burma Washington, D.C. – U.S.Congressman Marlin Stutzman joined a bipartisan group of House members signing a letter to President Obama calling on him to pressure leaders of the Burmese government to pursue democratic advancements, economic reforms, and expand human rights. Below is a quote from Congressman Stutzman and a copy of the letter.   “It is time for the Burmese government to end its oppressive policies. While progress has been made, the government needs to establish truly open democratic reforms and recognize the rights of all its country’s citizens. In Northeast Indiana, we are happy to call many from Burma neighbors and friends. When President Obama visits Burma later this week, he should use it as an opportunity to promote the values of freedom and to urge for more positive changes from the Burmese government.”     Dear President Obama,   We are deeply concerned about the situation in Burma, including stalled reforms, back-tracking on core commitments and the government’s targeting of ethnic and religious minorities with shocking policies of hate and discrimination. We strongly urge you to insist during your second trip to the country that these issues be addressed and make clear that the United States will not support full normalization of our relations absent genuine change.   With respect to stalled reforms, we understand the current government claims it will hold elections in late 2015. Yet, over a year before the election and despite the fact that President Thein Sein’s own party dominates the committee that would initiate Constitutional changes, the military-backed Constitution continues to arbitrarily bar the leader of the opposition party, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, from being eligible to compete on equal footing for the Presidency.    This has created a situation in which the election cannot by definition be fully free, fair or credible because the Burmese people can’t elect a leader of their own choosing. This same constitution also guarantees 25% of seats in parliament lie in the control of the Commander in Chief. This cannot be the basis of a truly democratic society.   We are also deeply concerned about the increasing number of political prisoners and detainees. President Thein Sein and his advisors have made a clear commitment to the international community that they will release all prisoners. Yet, the number of political prisoners has steadily increased since the beginning of this year, while those who have been released are still forced to serve suspended sentences – a situation which discourages them from participating in politics because they could be returned to prison, for decades, at any moment. Meanwhile, there are growing concerns that the press freedom is being eroded.   Long sentences were recently handed down to investigative journalists, and a climate of fear is growing amongst those who wish to report on key issues relating to the Burmese economy and society. This has led the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights for the country to say ""In recent months many of my interlocutors have seen the shrinking of that space for civil society and the media.”   Further, we are concerned about the government’s treatment of ethnic and religious minorities, as attacks against the Kachin, Shan and others illustrate. Tens of thousands, including Christian Kachin, remain stuck in stark internal displacement camps where the government refuses to allow unimpeded international humanitarian aid. Land grabs are also endemic and are a clear threat to change.   And, it has become clearer than ever that Thein Sein’s government is provoking and catering to anti-Muslim violence, circulating a draft plan that would force even more Rohingya Muslim men, women and children into internment camps. The draft plan’s clearly stated intention of interning the Rohingya follows violence that has already displaced approximately 140,000 people over the past two years. This is not an isolated issue but the latest in a series of decisions by Thein Sein’s government impacting minority Muslims – including proposing discriminatory laws to parliament, maintaining restrictions on even the most basic freedoms like movement and marriage, and still preventing Doctors Without Borders from operating freely and fully to provide life-saving care to people with no other services. This has now become a clear pattern interrupted mainly by promises, but insufficient action, to end the discrimination and violence. That has resulted in horrifying images of emaciated and dying children.   The United States should not continue to support significant advancements in our relations under these conditions. The constitution must be amended to ensure that the Burmese people can choose their own leader, attacks on ethnic minorities must come to an end, and the government and military must responsibly participate in national reconciliation efforts. Urgently, the Burmese government must put an immediate end to its policy of keeping the minority Rohingya population stateless, displaced, and in a constant state of humanitarian crisis.   The United States should continue to engage diplomatically, but must recognize and act upon these important issues.   We urge that these issues remain at the top of your agenda in Burma and that you seek specific steps to resolve them. These issues are directly within the power of the current government and military to change, and unless they do so Burma will not be making the transition that was promised to the world and that the Burmese people deserve.   Sincerely,   Joseph Crowley Steve Chabot Trent Franks James P. McGovern Joseph R. Pitts                                                                           Peter T. King                                                                              Luis V. Gutiérrez                                                                                        Jim McDermott                                                                                      Gerald E. Connolly                                                                                Grace Meng                                                                                Carolyn B. Maloney                                                                               Chris Van Hollen                                                                                       Judy Chu                                                                                    Peter A. DeFazio                                                                                   Eleanor Holmes Norton                                                                                      James R. Langevin                                                                                 James P. Moran                                                                                          Barbara Lee                                                                                    Dana Rohrabacher                                                                                     Charles B. Rangel                                                                                   Bobby L. Rush                                                                                       Albio Sires                                                                               Nydia M. Velázquez John F. Tierney Gregory W. Meeks Gwen Moore Ted Poe Sam Farr Hakeem S. Jeffries David N. Cicilline Chellie Pingree Alan Grayson Christopher H. Smith Edward R. Royce Rosa L. DeLauro Stephen F. Lynch Michael M. Honda Jerrold Nadler Marlin A. Stutzman William R. Keating Eliot L. Engel                                Matt Cartwright Scott Perry Matt Salmon",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/brooks-statement-on-indiana-chamber-of-commerce-government-leader-of-the,Brooks Statement on Indiana Chamber of Commerce Government Leader of the Year Award,2014-11-07,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,IN,Susan Brooks,B001284,susanwbrooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) released the following statement after receiving the Indiana Chamber of Commerce “Government Leader of the Year” Award this evening at the organization’s 25th Annual Awards Dinner: “I’m honored to receive this award from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the diverse Hoosier employers it represents. It’s also incredibly humbling to share this recognition with previous recipients such as former Governor Mitch Daniels and Senator Richard Lugar. Indiana is home to so many vibrant and growing sectors of our national economy. With strong leadership at all levels in both the private and public sector, we are well positioned to succeed in the global competition for jobs and prosperity. As a member of Congress, I will continue to be a passionate voice for Indiana’s employers and the hard working Hoosiers so key to their success. It’s vital our nation’s policy makers work together to expand economic opportunity for all Americans and create a better climate for business expansion and job creation throughout the nation.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141107190601/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/348,Stutzman Statement on October Jobs Report,2014-11-07,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,IN,Marlin Stutzman,S001188,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Stutzman Statement on October Jobs Report Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued this statement following the release of the October jobs report.   “I am happy to see that more Americans found work in the month of October. However, the sad reality is that tens of millions of people are still struggling to find a good paying job. They deserve an economic environment that will allow them to find opportunities, provide for their families, and build a bright future.   “It has become explicitly clear that more taxes, more regulations, and more spending do not provide a formula for growth. We need common sense conservative reforms that will stimulate the economy and create jobs. Determined to turn things around, House Republicans have passed dozens of jobs bills that are still stuck in the Senate. This kind of obstruction has only slowed our recovery.     “Now that the midterm elections are over, I am hopeful that politics and partisanship will be put aside and both parties can come together to enact legislation that will strengthen America both at home and abroad.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/rokita-epa-abandon-harmful-farm-regulations,ROKITA TO EPA: ABANDON HARMFUL FARM REGULATIONS,2014-10-31,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,IN,Todd Rokita,R000592,rokita.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Representative Todd Rokita is again leading the charge to stand up for Hoosier Farmers. Today, the Congressman called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to abandon its “Navigable Waterways” rule, which could potentially allow the agency to regulate Hoosiers’ puddles and front yards. “The EPA is using flawed economic and scientific data, bypassing court decisions, to control private property,” said Rokita, making his official comment to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and Army Corps of Engineers Secretary John McHugh, federal officials responsible for implementing the change. The Congressman, who represents Indiana’s 4th District, exposes serious problems with the EPA proposal.  “This rule intrudes on the very basic functions of operating a farm,” he said, pointing out that farmers would not be the only Hoosiers affected: Homeowners could be punished for fertilizing their land. In addition to more fees and penalties, they would probably all pay more for specialists to reduce their confusion.  Rokita questioned the timing of the EPA’s proposal, as the agency presented it on the same day as its scientific study. He challenged the EPA’s claim that regulations would generate $100 million of annual economic activity. “Only in Washington, where bureaucrats have no sense of time or money, would they come up with such a number,” said the member of the House Budget Committee. Two Supreme Court decisions in the past decade have limited the meaning of “navigable waters” under the Clean Water Act. To define the term, Rokita co-sponsored the Defense of Environment and Property Act. He supports the Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act, as well, limiting EPA powers and requiring more accountability to states. “This Administration prefers to operate by executive order, but I’m fighting to make sure it abides by the Constitution and Indiana,” he said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/congresswoman-brooks-how-do-we-start-to-feel-secure-again,Congresswoman Brooks: 'How do we start to feel secure again?',2014-10-31,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,IN,Susan Brooks,B001284,susanwbrooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks visited Noblesville today, speaking to the Chamber of Commerce and its members at its October Luncheon about Congress' goals in the upcoming term, particularly focusing on different types of security issues. Brooks said security is something she hears people show concern with more and more.  ""Our country is built on bringing people together and believing in our future,"" Brooks said. ""How do we fix it? How do we start to feel secure again? I do think Congress has a role to play in security: economic security, personal security, retirement security, and national security."" Brooks continued, saying that things like a strong middle class and tax reform are major players in repairing economic security. Going along with personal security, Brooks spoke of creating a stronger, more educated and more skilled workforce and the creation of the jobs to match. ""We know that we have far too many young people coming out of our high schools and even coming out of our colleges who truly have no idea...what the jobs are in your businesses or in you sectors,"" Brooks said, speaking to the crowd. Brooks said she believes that major changes need to be made concerning retirement security. ""There are a lot more tools now for retirement security, but still we have far too many Americans relying on Social Security,"" she said. ""That is not sustainable for the future. Doing nothing isn't an option. Hopefully in this next Congress, we'll get to some changes in Social Security and Medicare."" Saving the biggest issue and topic for the end, Brooks spoke extensively about national security, concentrating on ISIS and the Ebola virus. ""I knew Al Qaeda, when I started, was the top terrorist organization,"" she said. ""ISIS wasn't even mentioned in 2013, and now ISIS is the largest growing, well-funded and most tech-savvy terrorist organization in the world."" About Ebola, she said, ""We just need to be prepared in a way unlike we have been in the past. (The two political parties) do come together, although I know it's hard to imagine, on some of the federal government's most critical roles, and we need to come together on these things."" Overall, Brooks said she was confident for changes and progress in both chambers of Congress.  ""I am optimistic about our prospects,"" she said. ""We are a country that we've got to pull out of the pessimism. I know we're in a pessimistic mood, but we can overcome it with action and with results.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/state-federal-leaders-addressing-sexual-assault-on-indiana-campuses,"State, federal leaders addressing sexual assault on Indiana campuses",2014-10-31,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,IN,Susan Brooks,B001284,susanwbrooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Preventing sexual assault on Indiana’s college campuses is getting the attention of state and federal political leaders and policy makers. On Monday, the Commission for Higher Education convened a meeting attended by representatives of 21 Indiana colleges and universities — including Indiana State University — as well as sexual assault prevention advocates and elected officials. Among those participating were Teresa Lubbers, Indiana’s commissioner for higher education, fifth district Congresswoman Susan Brooks; and State Rep. Christina Hale, D-Indianapolis. ”I think it was a very positive thing that this meeting took place,” said Hale, who has been outspoken on the issue of sexual assault prevention. “I think it’s significant we had leaders from both sides of the aisle convening to get something done about this problem in Indiana.”  Hale is a Democrat, while Brooks and Lubbers are Republicans (Lubbers previously served as an Indiana state senator). Among other things, “We’re trying to align state and federal policy and talk with our college and university leaders, including Title IX directors, to see what they need from us to help make their efforts successful,” Hale said. One issue that Hale would like to address through state legislation is a definition of consent, modeled after language in a new California law. In California, when a campus sexual assault is investigated, the definition of consent requires “an affirmative, conscious and voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity.” The legislation says silence or lack of resistance does not constitute consent, and someone who is drunk, drugged, unconscious or asleep cannot grant consent. The Commission convened the meeting because the issue of sexual violence on college campuses is receiving much attention by policy makers at both the state and federal levels, Lubbers said. Legislation enacted, and proposed, have implications for students and colleges. ”We felt it was an important topic for the Commission to engage with partner colleges and universities,” she said, crediting Hale as being instrumental in calling attention to the issue. <\z188888893127441>”We wanted to hear from colleges about their practices,” Lubbers said, “and whether there are areas for improvement in what the federal government is considering or gaps in state policy.”  Brooks, who is a sponsor of the proposed federal Campus Accountability and Safety Act, used the meeting as a listening session to hear from campus leaders who work directly with the issue. ”Sexual assault is a very real problem on our college campuses. I believe we must improve coordination between victims, victim advocates, law enforcement and our universities,” Brooks stated in an email Friday. “I was pleased to join Commissioner Lubbers and nearly 100 administrators from 21 Indiana colleges and universities who participated in Monday’s campus sexual assault discussion.” The meeting provided an opportunity to learn what can be done at the federal level to  lessen the incidents of sexual assault on campuses and  improve the processes when an assault does occur, Brooks said. ”Schools need to be supported in developing a clear process to follow when an assault occurs that protects the rights of the victims and the rights of the accused. I believe Indiana’s higher education institutions take this issue very seriously and will continue working on proactive solutions,” she stated.  “What I also heard on Monday and what students have told me is that addressing sexual assault must come from the bottom up rather than the top down. We must engage and educate students about how to protect themselves and their peers.”   The proposed Campus Accountability and Safety Act takes aim at sexual assaults on college and university campuses by strengthening accountability and transparency for institutions and establishing stiff penalties for non-compliance with the legislation’s new standards for training, data and best practices. One summary states: “Currently, an American woman who attends college is more likely to be a victim of sexual assault than a woman who does not attend college. At the same time, institutions of higher education across the country do not have an incentive to acknowledge the problem publicly or address it proactively. The current oversight of the federal laws has the perverse effect of encouraging colleges to under-report sexual assaults. The bipartisan Campus Accountability and Safety Act will create incentives for schools to take proactive steps to protect their students and rid their campuses of sexual predators.”  The summary is from the website of U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Missouri, a senate sponsor of the bill. According to an article in the Christian Science Monitor, the Campus Accountability and Safety Act aims to hold college campuses more accountable for preventing sexual violence and supporting students who come forward.  • It would require colleges to provide confidential advisers to students in the wake of a sexual assault. • It would boost enforcement of current laws and address underreporting.  • Schools would not be allowed to sanction students who reveal a violation such as underage drinking in the course of reporting a sexual assault. • All campus personnel who investigate sexual assaults and participate in disciplinary hearings would have to receive specialized training on the nature of such crimes and their effects on survivors. • To improve transparency, all colleges and universities would have to administer a standardized survey on sexual violence, and the results would be published online. This would not only help parents and prospective students, but would also help track national progress on reducing sexual violence on campuses. • Campuses would be required to create memorandums of understanding with local law enforcement to clarify responsibilities and better share information.  Schools that violate various requirements would face penalties of up to 1 percent of their operating budgets. The federal government has had the option of withholding all federal aid, but it has not done so. The new provision is considered more enforceable. The bill would increase penalties for Clery Act violations to up to $150,000 per violation from the current penalty of $35,000. Among those attending Monday’s meeting was Michele Barrett, ISU assistant police chief. One purpose of the session was to get feedback from college representatives about the proposed federal law and potential problems or concerns, she said.  ”At ISU we’re pretty up-to-date on everything,” Barrett said. But not all campuses are, and some don’t have their own police departments and must rely on outside police agencies to respond to crimes. Hale said the goal of all of those attending is to prevent and reduce sexual assaults on campuses and to make campuses safer places. But in moving toward that goal, “We have to take a moment and learn more about the problem ... You can’t develop good policy without talking to people at the grass roots.” Sue Loughlin can be reached at 812-231-4235 or at sue.loughlin@tribstar.com Follow Sue on Twitter @TribStarSue",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/us-rep-brooks-supports-ebola-quarantine,U.S. Rep. Brooks supports Ebola quarantine,2014-10-31,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,IN,Susan Brooks,B001284,susanwbrooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"ANDERSON – U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks believes health care workers treating patients with the Ebola virus should be quarantined in West Africa. Brooks spoke at the Anderson Rotary Club’s weekly luncheon Tuesday at Anderson Country Club, where she presented Ann Hardacre with a copy of the remarks read into the Congressional Record honoring Hardacre’s late husband, Bill. The Ebola virus is the No. 1 health care and national-security concern, Brooks said. “The health care providers are on the front line,” she said. “This is a disease we were not prepared for. We will get it right.” Brooks, chairman of the subcommittee on emergency preparedness, said she sent a letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supporting a quarantine of health care workers. “The CDC should send a letter to all airlines not to allow those workers to board. It should be a no-travel policy,” she said. “I prefer there be a quarantine in West Africa.” If health care workers and members of the military exposed to the Ebola virus return to the United States, they should be placed in quarantine for 21 days, she said. Brooks said officials are still learning about the virus and that mistakes have been made. “To prevent a pandemic in this country, we need to determine the right procedures,” she said. Brooks noted that in 2009 President Barack Obama eliminated the position of special assistant to the president on bioterrorism, a position she believes should be reinstated. She said Ron Klain, who was named the Ebola czar by Obama, doesn’t have the background to deal with bioterrorism and should report to a special assistant to the president.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/rep-rokita-and-house-take-action-stop-ebola-us,REP. ROKITA AND HOUSE TAKE ACTION TO STOP EBOLA IN U.S.,2014-10-30,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,IN,Todd Rokita,R000592,rokita.house.gov,,,legacy,"October 30, 2014 Contact: Brendan Thomas Phone: (202) 225-0664 E-mail: brendan.thomas@mail.house.gov   REP. ROKITA AND HOUSE TAKE ACTION TO STOP EBOLA IN U.S.   Washington, D.C. – Congressman Todd Rokita is leading the way with his House colleagues to protect Americans from Ebola in the absence of firm leadership from the Administration. “The President is refusing to do the obvious, to ban flights from Ebola-infected countries and suspend travel visas to prevent carriers from arriving in the United States,” said Rokita. This week he and 26 other congressmen sent a letter to President Obama, urging him to take action against Ebola, including mandatory quarantines for travelers from affected areas. “Congress must again lead efforts to address Americans’ concerns about a public health and safety threat,” said the Congressman, who has made previous calls for a flight ban and visa suspensions.    Representing Indiana’s 4th District, he has signed on to be a leading co-sponsor of the Stop Ebola Act, a legislative solution to the Administration’s slow response from House members Sam Johnson and Kenny Marchant of Texas, where two nurses contracted the disease, after President Obama said it was unlikely to reach the U.S.  The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention admitted it failed to send expert teams with necessary equipment to Dallas when the country learned of a dying patient from Africa there. “This President is downplaying our legitimate concerns about Ebola due largely to his miscommunication,” said Rokita. “He’s simply not giving this dangerous situation the seriousness it deserves.” More recently, federal authorities failed to prevent a foreign aid worker returning from West Africa with Ebola from entering New York City. After the President accused governors of New York and New Jersey of over-reacting, they relaxed their mandatory quarantines for returning doctors and nurses. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141026184718/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/347,Stutzman to Attend ICU Press Conference in Fort Wayne,2014-10-24,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,IN,Marlin Stutzman,S001188,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Stutzman to Attend ICU Press Conference in Fort Wayne Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman will participate in a press conference for the re-opening of the ICU at the Northern Indiana VA hospital in Fort Wayne on Saturday, October 25th.  The event will take place in the auditorium from 9:30 -10:00 AM.   Background: In October of 2012, due to staffing shortages and questionable administration of care, the Fort Wayne VA put a pause on offering inpatient services. In response, the next month Congressman Stutzman and then-Congressman Donnelly requested the VA Office of the Inspector General review of the overall quality of care and management at the Fort Wayne hospital, investigate the issues leading to the suspension of inpatient care, and determine what measures would be needed to reopen the facility to normal operations.   After two years of corrective actions and oversight, the Fort Wayne VA hospital is ready to completely resume inpatient services and reopen its intensive care unit (ICU).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/press-release-rep-rokita-advances-highway-i-69-development-indiana-summit,PRESS RELEASE -- REP. ROKITA ADVANCES HIGHWAY I-69 DEVELOPMENT AT INDIANA SUMMIT,2014-10-22,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,IN,Todd Rokita,R000592,rokita.house.gov,,,legacy,"October 22, 2014 Contact: Brendan Thomas Phone: (202) 225-0664 E-mail: brendan.thomas@mail.house.gov   REP. ROKITA ADVANCES HIGHWAY I-69 DEVELOPMENT AT INDIANA SUMMIT   Washington, D.C. – At yesterday’s I-69 Summit at Indiana University in Bloomington, Congressman Todd Rokita joined fellow Indiana Congressmen Todd Young and Larry Buschon for a panel discussion of their state’s major north-south highway. Transportation leaders from as far as Texas and Canada attended the discussion, which the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce organized to highlight I-69’s importance to Indiana and North America. ""I’ve been committed to this important infrastructure project since my very first days as Indiana’s Secretary of State, visiting all of our 92 counties,” said Rep. Rokita, a member of the House I-69 Caucus. ""My support is stronger than ever for this project, because Indiana is the Crossroads of America and our infrastructure needs to continue to reflect that."" As a member of the House Budget Committee, Rokita said he’s working to ensure the long-term stability of federal highway funding. Congress designated the I-69 route, running through Indiana from Canada to Mexico, as a national priority in the 1990s. Five of its six sections are fully paid for or financed. Three are complete, but Section 6 to Indianapolis is incomplete and lacks funding. “A bigger issue than shrinking fuel taxes is our federal government’s unsustainable spending. Mandatory entitlements on auto-pilot consume two-thirds of our federal budget and will consume it entirely,” Rokita said. “So that they and our infrastructure remain for our next generation, I’m working to reform those programs.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/brooks-hosts-hoosier-roundtable-on-ebola-preparedness,Brooks Hosts Hoosier Roundtable on Ebola Preparedness,2014-10-21,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,IN,Susan Brooks,B001284,susanwbrooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) and newly appointed Indiana State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams, M.D., joined Hoosier state, local and medical leaders today for a roundtable discussion on Indiana’s preparedness for the Ebola virus. The 90 minute session gave attendees the opportunity to discuss precautions and procedures already in place and provide their input on the federal response and how federal government agencies can be most helpful to them as they train and prepare. “Today’s gathering provided a vital opportunity for key stakeholders to discuss coordinated efforts to protect Hoosiers from this serious public health threat,” Brooks said. “If Indiana is confronted with a case of Ebola, it’s important for federal, state, local and medical officials to be on the same page and ready to respond with a cohesive plan of action. As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I also wanted to provide Hoosier leaders an opportunity to share their thoughts on the guidance and assistance being provided by federal agencies.” “The State Health Department, along with federal and local officials, has been working around the clock to ensure that Indiana is prepared to effectively respond to a case of Ebola in Indiana, should we have one,” said Indiana State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams, M.D. “As we demonstrated with the first North American case of MERS-CoV earlier this year, Indiana has excellent public health infrastructure and communication channels in place to effectively treat and contain emerging diseases, including Ebola.” Last week, Congresswoman Brooks called upon the CDC to add individuals exposed to the Ebola virus to the Do Not Board list administered by the TSA. To see her letter to CDC Director Tom Frieden, click here. She also joined several House Committee on Homeland Security colleagues in requesting the temporary suspension of visas of individuals from high risk countries until the outbreak is under control within these countries. To read the full text of this letter to Secretary of State John Kerry and Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141024000835/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/346,Statement on Parkview Hospital Investment,2014-10-21,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,IN,Marlin Stutzman,S001188,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Statement on Parkview Hospital Investment Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued the following statement after visiting the Parkview Hospital Randallia campus for the announcement of a new $55 million investment.    “Earlier today I was thrilled to be at Parkview Hospital’s Randallia campus for the announcement of a new $55 million investment to its facilities. It is so important that our hospitals and health care providers have what they need for a variety of services and that is exactly what this investment will do. Parkview has been a leader on many fronts, providing care for newborn babies, cancer treatment, behavioral health and neurosciences among others and investments like these will allow it to remain one of the best health care centers in Indiana.   “Not only will this investment help expand treatment for those who need care, it will also create good paying jobs that are so important to our local economy. I would like to congratulate Mike Packnett, Ben Miles, Tom Kimbrough, and the rest of the Parkview community for all of their hard work and for making today possible.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/press-release-rokita-calls-greater-protection-ebola-threat,PRESS RELEASE -- ROKITA CALLS FOR GREATER PROTECTION FROM EBOLA THREAT,2014-10-20,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,IN,Todd Rokita,R000592,rokita.house.gov,,,legacy,"October 20, 2014 Contact: Brendan Thomas Phone: (202) 225-0664 E-mail: brendan.thomas@mail.house.gov   ROKITA CALLS FOR GREATER PROTECTION FROM EBOLA THREAT   Washington, D.C. – Because the President has acted slowly to protect Americans, Representative Todd Rokita and bi-partisan members of the House and Senate have proposed practical solutions to stopping the spread of Africa’s deadly Ebola virus in the United States. “Hoosiers, concerned about Ebola, as well as misleading information from the Administration, expect quicker action,” said Rokita. “I support a ban on flights from infected countries, visa suspensions, as well as stronger screenings at our ports of entry, including airports and border crossings.” In August, the Congressman was one of the first to raise the possibility of a public health crisis, before two Dallas healthcare workers contracted Ebola from a foreign traveler. “The president stated Ebola was unlikely to reach the U.S. and failed to take precautions,” said Rokita. “When it did reach us, our hospitals were unprepared, and his Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] even permitted a nurse with symptoms to fly.” “It’s time to restore confidence in our public health infrastructure, as other countries have done,” said the Congressman. “We need to do a much better job of monitoring who’s coming in and out of our country, and make sure our health care professionals have proper training to identify public health threats,” said Rokita. The Congressman, a House Budget Committee member, added that the CDC and National Institutes of Health waste millions of taxpayer dollars researching massage techniques, for instance, rather than fatal diseases. Over the last five years, the two agencies have dedicated just six percent of the $3 billion they have received to epidemiology and laboratory capacity.   “While Ebola is out of control in Africa, federal spending here in the U.S. is out of control and jeopardizing our safety,” said the Rokita. “I’m committed to reforming federal bureaucracies that have forgotten their true purpose.”   ###   https://rokita.house.gov/",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141024024438/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/lawmaker-urges-for-more-to-be-done-on-ebola,Lawmaker urges for more to be done on Ebola,2014-10-20,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,IN,Luke Messer,M001189,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"SHELBYVILLE, Ind.--While federal government officials and officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to address the Ebola issue, a lawmaker who represents Shelby County said more should be done. U.S. Rep. Luke Messer, who represents Shelby County in the 6th Congressional District, urged Ebola Czar Ron Klain to help lead the effort to combat Ebola immediately. “We all know the old saying ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ There are steps we could be taking right now to prevent the spread of Ebola before it becomes a widespread health care crisis in the U.S.,” Messer said in a press release issued by his staff. Messer joins U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks, R-Indiana, as urging for more to be done. Brooks, who hails from Carmel and chairs a House panel on emergency preparedness, urged the CDC to block people from flying for at least three weeks if they’re a health care worker who has treated an Ebola patient. In a letter to the CDC, Brooks wrote, “Given the deadly nature of this virus and its long incubation period, the Do Not Board list can serve as an added layer to protect public health and prevent a tragic situation from becoming much worse.” Messer called on the Obama administration to implement the following: issue a temporary travel ban into the U.S. from countries where Ebola is widespread and temporarily stop issuing visas to travelers from West African nations. “I’m mindful of the concerns about banning travel from West African nations. But until we have demonstrated the capacity to contain Ebola in this country, we shouldn’t continue to allow unfettered travel between West Africa and the United States,” Messer said. CDC Director Tom Frieden told the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee last week that the Obama administration has not ruled out imposing restrictions on travel to and from West Africa to protect Americans from the disease. Messer has asked for a requirement for American Ebola patients to be treated at designated high-risk facilities and require the CDC to develop a contingency plan in the event of a widespread Ebola outbreak in the U.S.; Require mandatory monitoring of all individuals traveling from West Africa to the U.S. and an expansion of airport screenings of international flights at additional U.S. airports. Once the protocols are in place, any travel or visa bans could be lifted, according to Messer. “These protocols won’t be cheap, but America must provide whatever resources and funding is necessary to ensure we stop this deadly virus. Ebola is not only a national security threat; it is a threat to the world community that has to be stopped at its source,” Messer said. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Paul Gable is the editor of The Shelbyville News. Follow Gable on Twitter @PaulGableTSN.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bucshon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=381,Dr. Bucshon Comments on Ebola Outbreak,2014-10-17,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,IN,Larry Bucshon,B001275,bucshon.house.gov,,,legacy,"(EVANSVILLE, IN) Congressman Larry Bucshon, a physician from Southern Indiana, called for a temporary travel ban from West African countries affected with Ebola. Dr. Bucshon released the following statement regarding the ongoing Ebola outbreak: We are thankful for the selfless acts of Americans who have answered the call to help their fellow citizens and people around the world. Our thoughts are with the healthcare workers who have contracted Ebola and we pray for a healthy recovery. As we work to get a firm handle on the Ebola outbreak, it is acutely critical that we do everything in our power to control and contain this disease. Enhancing airport screenings is not a sufficient response. I believe a temporary ban on travel into the United States for individuals who have traveled from or live in affected West African countries is a prudent and proper response. While the first cases were transports into the United States, we have subsequently seen the virus spread within the hospital setting. Therefore, we must implement more specific, diligent training and treatment protocols to protect our healthcare workers and communities and prevent any further spread of Ebola within the United States. We need to work together on decisive actions and should avoid attempts to turn this challenge into a political issue. The United States has the best healthcare system in the world and we are uniquely positioned to lead in eradicating Ebola. BACKGROUND: Travel Ban: U.S. military personnel are now authorized to quarantine soldiers assisting in the Ebola mission. According to CNN, U.S. military commanders are being given the authority to quarantine troops for 21 days at a Defense Department facility where they will be monitored for signs of the disease and treated if they do contract the virus, a Defense Department memo explained. (CNN; 10/15/2014) On Wednesday, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pennsylvania) and Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Ranking Member John Thune (R-South Dakota) called for a travel ban and sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson requesting a specific plan to address the Ebola outbreak. House Action: On his blog, Speaker of the House John Boehner outlined actions taken by the House and its committees to assist and assess the government's response to the Ebola outbreak. That information can be found here - http://www.speaker.gov/ebola. Funding: Some, like the NIH director, have made political claims regarding funding for Ebola research. Contrary to these claims, the Republican-led House of Representatives has acted decisively and consistently when it comes to efforts to combat the deadly disease, even providing more funding than requested for the agencies on the front lines of the fight against Ebola. (Speaker's Blog; 10/16/2014) Center for Disease Control (CDC) funding: For FY 2014, CDC received $6.9 billion. The House actually authorized more funding than the White House requested and this figure is an 8% increase from 2013. National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding: For FY 2014, NIH received $30.14 billion. The appropriated funding for NIH has nearly doubled since 2000.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141017212715/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-luke-messer-calls-on-the-administration-to-show-decisive,Congressman Luke Messer calls on the Administration to show decisive leadership to combat Ebola,2014-10-17,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,IN,Luke Messer,M001189,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Luke Messer welcomed the President’s appointment of Ebola Czar, Ron Klain, to help lead the effort to combat Ebola.  He also called on Klain to show decisive leadership and act quickly to combat the spread of this deadly virus. “We all know the old saying ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’” said Congressman Luke Messer. “There are steps we could be taking right now to prevent the spread of Ebola before it becomes a widespread health care crisis in the U.S.”    Congressman Messer called on the Administration to implement the following protocols: Issue a temporary travel ban into the United States from countries where the Ebola virus is widespread. Temporarily stop issuing visas to travelers from West African nations. “I’m mindful of the concerns about banning travel from West African nations,” said Congressman Messer. “But, until we have demonstrated the capacity to contain Ebola in this country, we shouldn’t continue to allow unfettered travel between West Africa and the United States.” Congressman Messer believes taking the following steps will better prepare the nation to contain the Ebola virus.  Once these protocols are in place, any travel or visa bans could be lifted: Require American Ebola patients to be treated at designated high-risk facilities and require the CDC to develop a contingency plan in the event of a widespread Ebola outbreak in the U.S. Currently, there are four facilities in the U.S. properly equipped to handle Ebola patients.  Anyone infected with Ebola should be transferred to one of these facilities.  If these facilities reach capacity, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) should have a contingency plan in place to determine where additional patients should be treated.   The health care workers at these designated hospitals should be trained and properly equipped to protect themselves from infection and prevent transmission to the general population. Require mandatory monitoring of all individuals traveling from West Africa to the U.S.  Anyone who has traveled between West Africa and the U.S. should be required to check-in at the closest health care facility on a regular basis to be physically examined until the 21-day incubation period has passed and it is determined they have not been infected with the Ebola virus.  Expand airport screenings of international flights at additional U.S. airports.  Currently, Ebola screenings are being conducted at five international airports—JFK (New York), Dulles (Washington, D.C), O’Hare (Chicago), Liberty International (Newark), and Hartsfield-Jackson (Atlanta). Additional screening should be conducted at the next tier of international airports that have a high number of inbound international flights on which individuals potentially infected with Ebola could be onboard. “These protocols won’t be cheap, but America must provide whatever resources and funding is necessary to ensure we stop this deadly virus,” said Congressman Messer.  “Ebola is not only a national security threat; it is a threat to the world community that has to be stopped at its source.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141024014821/http://bucshon.house.gov/press-release/dr-bucshon-comments-ebola-outbreak,Dr. Bucshon Comments on Ebola Outbreak,2014-10-17,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,IN,Larry Bucshon,B001275,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(EVANSVILLE, IN) – Congressman Larry Bucshon, a physician from Southern Indiana, called for a temporary travel ban from West African countries affected with Ebola.  Dr. Bucshon released the following statement regarding the ongoing Ebola outbreak: “We are thankful for the selfless acts of Americans who have answered the call to help their fellow citizens and people around the world. Our thoughts are with the healthcare workers who have contracted Ebola and we pray for a healthy recovery. “As we work to get a firm handle on the Ebola outbreak, it is acutely critical that we do everything in our power to control and contain this disease.  Enhancing airport screenings is not a sufficient response. I believe a temporary ban on travel into the United States for individuals who have traveled from or live in affected West African countries is a prudent and proper response.   “While the first cases were transports into the United States, we have subsequently seen the virus spread within the hospital setting.  Therefore, we must implement more specific, diligent training and treatment protocols to protect our healthcare workers and communities and prevent any further spread of Ebola within the United States. “We need to work together on decisive actions and should avoid attempts to turn this challenge into a political issue. The United States has the best healthcare system in the world and we are uniquely positioned to lead in eradicating Ebola.”  BACKGROUND:   Travel Ban: U.S. military personnel are now authorized to quarantine soldiers assisting in the Ebola mission.  According to CNN, “U.S. military commanders are being given the authority to quarantine troops for 21 days at a Defense Department facility where they will be monitored for signs of the disease and treated if they do contract the virus, a Defense Department memo explained.” (CNN; 10/15/2014) On Wednesday, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pennsylvania) and Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Ranking Member John Thune (R-South Dakota) called for a travel ban and sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson requesting a specific plan to address the Ebola outbreak. House Action: On his blog, Speaker of the House John Boehner outlined actions taken by the House and its committees to assist and assess the government’s response to the Ebola outbreak. That information can be found here - http://www.speaker.gov/ebola. Funding: Some, like the NIH director, have made political claims regarding funding for Ebola research.  Contrary to these claims, “the Republican-led House of Representatives has acted decisively and consistently when it comes to efforts to combat the deadly disease, even providing more funding than requested for the agencies on the front lines of the fight against Ebola. (Speaker’s Blog; 10/16/2014) Center for Disease Control (CDC) funding: For FY 2014, CDC received $6.9 billion. The House actually authorized more funding than the White House requested and this figure is an 8% increase from 2013. National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding: For FY 2014, NIH received $30.14 billion. The appropriated funding for NIH has nearly doubled since 2000.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/reps-brooks-and-hudson-urge-cdc-to-update-do-not-board-list,Reps. Brooks and Hudson Urge CDC to Update Do Not Board List,2014-10-16,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,IN,Susan Brooks,B001284,susanwbrooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Susan Brooks (R-IN), Chairman of the Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications Subcommittee, and Richard Hudson (R-NC), Chairman of the Transportation Security Subcommittee, released the following statements after urging the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to place individuals who have been exposed to the Ebola virus on the Do Not Board list enforced by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for a minimum of 21 days: “This step is necessary to protect the health of the American people,” said Brooks. “We cannot allow individuals who may have been exposed to the Ebola virus to compromise the safety of airline passengers or the general public. While I am confident in our ability to manage this significant public health challenge, it’s extremely vital that the CDC and other government agencies take smart and decisive steps to limit potential risks.”  ""It is important that everyone remain calm and understand that the risk of an Ebola outbreak in this country remains extremely low,” said Hudson. “That being said, it is absolutely critical that we examine our protocols and utilize every layer of security to protect public health and prevent a tragic situation from becoming worse. In light of the Dallas health care worker’s ability to board a commercial flight while being monitored for signs of infection, I am urging the CDC to temporarily restrict the travel of all individuals being monitored or under quarantine."" The Do Not Board list should include any health care worker assigned to the treatment of an Ebola patient, or other person being monitored as a result of possible exposure. To learn more, click here to read the letter to CDC Director Tom Frieden. Yesterday, Congresswoman Brooks and several House Homeland Security Committee colleagues called on the Administration to temporarily suspend the visas of individuals from Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone until the outbreak of the Ebola virus is under control within these countries.  To read the full text of this letter to Secretary of State John Kerry and Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/rep-rokita-honored-award-manufacturing-legislative-excellence,Rep. Rokita Honored with Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence,2014-10-14,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,IN,Todd Rokita,R000592,rokita.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                           CONTACT: Jamie Hennigan (202) 637-3090       Rep. Rokita Honored with Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence Nation’s Largest Industrial Trade Association Says Rep. Rokita is a Champion of Manufacturing Washington, D.C., October 14, 2014 – The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has awarded Rep. Todd E. Rokita (R-IN-04) the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence. The award is based on his votes in the 113th Congress on issues that are critical to manufacturing in the United States. “Manufacturers in Indiana and throughout the United States are making a comeback, creating jobs, making more products and making them better than ever before,” said NAM Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Relations Aric Newhouse. “However, manufacturers are often disproportionately impacted by decisions made by policymakers in Washington. The NAM is proud to stand with lawmakers like Rep. Rokita who understand what is at stake and seek to implement policies that will foster innovation, growth and competitiveness.” Key Votes included in the Voting Record are selected by small, medium and large manufacturing executives who serve on the NAM’s Key Vote Advisory Committee. Additional information on the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence can be found here.   -NAM-   The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12 million men and women, contributes $2.08 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for two-thirds of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/todd-rokita-earns-seniors%E2%80%99-approval-protects-social-security-and-medicare,"Todd Rokita Earns Seniors Approval, Protects Social Security and Medicare",2014-10-14,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,IN,Todd Rokita,R000592,rokita.house.gov,,,legacy,"The 60 Plus Association 515 King Street · Suite 315 · Alexandria, VA  22314 Phone 703.807.2070 · Fax 703.807.2073 · www.60Plus.org  Kill the Death Tax. Protect Social Security. Energy Security. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                   Contact:  Gerry Scimeca 804-402-0032 October 8, 2014                                                                                                                            Todd Rokita Earns Seniors’ Approval, Protects Social Security and Medicare (Alexandria, Virginia) – Legendary entertainer Pat Boone, spokesman for the national non-partisan senior citizen group the 60 Plus Association today announced that Congressman Todd Rokita of Indiana’s fourth Congressional district has earned the group’s Guardian of Seniors’ Rights award.  Chairman Jim Martin, who founded 60 Plus in 1992, commented, Todd Rokita can be counted on to protect Social Security and Medicare, fight to repeal Obamacare and end the 'death tax.'  As a trusted public servant, Todd Rokita will continue to protect the pocket books of senior citizens and end the wasteful spending of our tax dollars, which has our government now borrowing over 40 cents of every dollar to pay its bills. Seniors have to live within their means and so should our government.” In a statement released by 60 Plus, Boone remarked, “I’m still singing at concerts, but today I’m singing the praises of Todd Rokita. Seniors can depend on Todd Rokita.”  Boone, 80, and his wife of 60 years, Shirley, reside in Beverly Hills, California. Boone is familiar to audiences as a star of music, film and television. Boone has had 38 top-ten hits since his recording career began in the 1950s, and, according to Billboard magazine, still holds the record for the most consecutive weeks (220) on the charts by any performer. Martin added, Todd Rokita is more than just a committed public servant with a distinguished track record of fighting on behalf of seniors in Washington; Todd Rokita is a trusted voice for smaller, more effective and less expensive government. Todd Rokita is a tireless worker who makes decisions every day based on what's best for our children and grandchildren. Seniors have no better friend in the U.S. House of Representatives than Congressman Todd Rokita.”                -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-introduces-recreational-vehicle-certainty-act-of-2014/,Walorski Introduces Recreational Vehicle Certainty Act of 2014,2014-10-09,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,IN,Jackie Walorski,W000813,walorski.house.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday, October 9, 2014 Walorski Introduces Recreational Vehicle Certainty Act of 2014 Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Jackie Walorski (IN-02), co-founder of the Congressional Recreational Vehicle Caucus, issued the follow statement after the recent introduction of H.R. 5658, The Recreational Vehicle Certainty Act of 2014 with Rep. Marlin Stutzman. The Recreational Vehicle (RV) industry currently faces a regulatory nightmare and in the RV Capital of the World Elkhart County, this issue could have a substantial negative impact. RV manufacturers currently lack clarity on interpretation of RV classes, forcing them to rely on bureaucratic interpretation, Walorski said. Since 2008, the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) has been working with Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to clarify the definition of RVs and make it crystal clear what an RV is and is not. Since HUD has still not provided this clarity, the industry has continued operating as it always had, until a memo released last month created more confusion about the definition of an RV. Now, the legislation I have co-sponsored with Rep. Stutzman will give Congress an opportunity to once and for all clarify the distinction between RVs and manufactured housing, helping our RV industry in Indiana continue to thrive and succeed. For nearly a decade, HUD and Congress have failed to clearly define policy for RVS, Stutzman said. The legislation I introduced with Congresswoman Walorski ends the confusion for RV manufacturers, consumers, and lenders, by simplifying and establishing one clear standard in the law for RVs. Indiana's robust RV industry should not have to fear that Washington bureaucrats will suddenly change the rules on them. The certainty provided by our bill will protect important American businesses and thousands of Hoosier jobs. Background on H.R. 5658 The Recreational Vehicle Certainty Act of 2014 The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has the authority to strictly regulate the construction of manufactured homes, formerly known as mobile homes. Importantly, Recreational Vehicles (RVs), are built by and follow their own successful industry standards. This legislation officially codifies a single, simple definition of RVs to ensure that they clearly and consistently remain distinct products from manufactured homes and are not unnecessarily subject to federal regulation by HUD. Recreational Vehicles are an estimated $10 billion industry for the country with approximately 80 percent of RVs being manufactured in State of Indiana. Last June, Walorski and Rep. Dennis Ross created the House RV caucus to educate members of Congress on issues that impact the RV industry and highlight the importance of this American tradition for the tourism industry and the economy. Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District in Indiana, where she serves as a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, House Armed Services Committee, and House Budget Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141009235952/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/345,Stutzman Introduces Recreational Vehicle Certainty Act of 2014,2014-10-09,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,IN,Marlin Stutzman,S001188,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Stutzman Introduces Recreational Vehicle Certainty Act of 2014 Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued the follow statement after the recent introduction of H.R. 5658, The Recreational Vehicle Certainty Act of 2014 with U.S. Congresswoman Jackie Walorski.   “For nearly a decade, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Congress have failed to clearly define policy for Recreational Vehicles (RVs),” Stutzman said. “The legislation I introduced with Congresswoman Walorski ends the confusion for RV manufacturers, consumers, and lenders, by simplifying and establishing one clear standard in the law for RVs. Indiana’s robust RV industry should not have to fear that Washington bureaucrats will suddenly change the rules on them. The certainty provided by our bill will protect important American businesses and thousands of Hoosier jobs.”   “The RV industry currently faces a regulatory nightmare and in the RV Capital of the World – Elkhart County, this issue could have a substantial negative impact. RV manufacturers currently lack clarity on interpretation of RV classes, forcing them to rely on bureaucratic interpretation,” Walorski said.  “Since 2008, RVIA has been working with HUD to clarify the definition of RVs and make it crystal clear what an RV is and is not. Since HUD has still not provided this clarity, the industry has continued operating as it always had, until a memo released last month created more confusion about the definition of an RV.” Now, the legislation I have co-sponsored with Rep. Stutzman will give Congress an opportunity to once and for all clarify the distinction between RVs and manufactured housing, helping our RV industry in Indiana continue to thrive and succeed.”   Background on H.R. 5658 The Recreational Vehicle Certainty Act of 2014   ·        The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has the authority to strictly regulate the construction of manufactured homes, formerly known as mobile homes.   ·        Importantly, Recreational Vehicles (RVs), are built by and follow their own successful industry standards.   ·        This legislation officially codifies a single, simple definition of RVs to ensure that they clearly and consistently remain distinct products from manufactured homes and are not unnecessarily subject to federal regulation by HUD.   ·        Recreational Vehicles are an estimated $10 billion industry for the country with approximately 80 percent of RVs being manufactured in the state of Indiana.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/brooks-grow-nurses-connects-careers-with-classrooms,Brooks: GROW Nurses Connects Careers with Classrooms,2014-10-07,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,IN,Susan Brooks,B001284,susanwbrooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) issued the following statement after speaking today to students, faculty and community partners who support and participate in Grant County’s GROW Nurses program: “GROW Nurses is a 5th District program doing an outstanding job of connecting careers with our classrooms. The program is dedicated to building a healthier Grant County through community partnerships that encourage more young people to become nurses. I am particularly pleased to know GROW Nurses is working to provide more males and minorities the step by step support necessary to enter the nursing profession. As the baby boomer generation continues to age, we will need a new generation of diverse and well-trained nurses ready to meet increased demand.  GROW Nurses breaks down silos between our local schools, career and technical education programs and universities. It gives students access to the tools and information they need to find the career paths they want. Moreover, it provides quality training and learning opportunities for students before they even enter high school. In Grant County, more young people are pursuing degrees and beginning careers in health care because of this program.  As a member of Congress focused on workforce training issues, I’m committed to supporting and highlighting 5th District programs that make such a positive impact in the lives of our students.” Today’s GROW Nurses event was held at Marion Community School’s Tucker Career and Technology Center. GROW Nurses was started in 2008 with grant funding from the United States Department of Energy. Indiana Wesleyan University is the program’s lead sponsor in partnership with organizations like Ivy Tech Community College and Marion Community Schools. For more information on GROW Nurses, please visit: www.grownurses.com.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141010020634/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/editorials/the-state-of-our-economy-whats-really-going-on,The state of our economy: What's really going on?,2014-10-06,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,IN,Luke Messer,M001189,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"“More jobs created than expected.” That was the headline Friday as the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its monthly jobs numbers.  No doubt, there was some much needed good news in this latest report.  The economy is slowly showing signs of recovery.  But, beneath the surface of the headlines, we still have a long way to go. While the unemployment rate now sits at 5.9 percent, the number of people participating in the labor force fell to 62.7 percent - its lowest level since 1978.  According to the report, nearly five years after the height of the recession, more than 7.1 million Americans who want full-time work are only working part-time.  That’s because they either can’t find full-time jobs or they had their hours cut by their employer.  The average worker is working less than 35 hours a week. Given those not-so-positive insights into the latest report, it’s easy to see why the economy remains the number one issue for most Americans.  According to the latest Associated Press-GfK poll, 9 in 10 likely voters call the economy an “extremely” or “very important” issue, but only 34 percent expect to see any improvement in the economy over the next year.   Many Hoosiers in the 6th District agree.  As I’ve traveled throughout our 19 counties, I’ve heard time and time again that paychecks aren’t going as far as they used to, budgets are tighter than ever before and people are being forced to work fewer hours.  Many are working harder, but falling farther behind, and have little optimism that things will improve.  That’s why the House of Representatives has worked over the last year to pass job-creating, economy-boosting bills that would make life better for all Americans.   We’ve passed more than 350 bills that are sitting, unheard, in the U.S. Senate.  Dozens of these bills would help create good-paying jobs and provide conditions that encourage small-businesses to grow and hire more workers. The Jobs for America Act (H.R. 4), which passed the House last month, is a package of 14 different initiatives to rollback regulations that restrict access to capital and stifle small business growth. H.R. 4 also repeals the President’s 30-hour work week under the Affordable Care Act.  This onerous government mandate has caused employers across the nation to reduce workers’ hours - that means less money to make ends meet each month.    The House also recently passed the American Energy Solutions for Lower Costs and More American Jobs Act (H.R. 2).  This package of bills focuses on energy production, infrastructure, reliability and efficiency—all solutions that will increase American energy independence and lower costs for consumers.  America is poised for an energy revolution.  But, we must take the necessary steps to get there.  That’s why H.R. 2 approves the Keystone XL pipeline.  Six years after the first permit for construction was submitted, the work on the pipeline still hasn’t started.  The Act also requires the Obama Administration to responsibly move forward with new offshore energy production in areas that could contain the most oil and natural gas resources.  H.R. 2 puts a stop to the EPA’s war on coal as well which is costing Hoosiers their jobs and driving up home heating costs. While the President and Democrats in both the House and Senate continuously talk about the problems facing our nation, they fail to provide viable long-term solutions, let alone consider the ones passed by the House.  Of course, the House proposals won’t solve all of our nation’s economic problems.  But, they would help jump-start the economy and provide a catalyst to speed-up the slowest economic recovery in our nation’s history.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-on-indiana-native-isil-hostage-peter-kassig/,"Walorski on Indiana Native, ISIL Hostage Peter Kassig",2014-10-04,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,IN,Jackie Walorski,W000813,walorski.house.gov,,,legacy,"Saturday, October 4, 2014 Mishawaka, IN Rep. Jackie Walorski (IN-02), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement after the news that Indiana native Peter Kassig is being held hostage by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL): My sincerest thoughts and prayers are with Peter Kassig and I ask all Hoosiers to join Dean and I in keeping him and his family in our prayers during this difficult time.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/brooks-statement-on-isil-hostage-hoosier-native,"Brooks Statement on ISIL Hostage, Hoosier Native",2014-10-03,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,IN,Susan Brooks,B001284,susanwbrooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) released the following statement regarding the news of ISIL hostage, Abdul-Rahman (formerly known as Peter) Kassig:  ""I join all Hoosiers and all Americans in praying for the safe return of Abdul-Rahman (formerly known as Peter) Kassig. As a mother, my heart also goes out to the parents and friends of this Indiana native. This is an excruciatingly difficult time for them and it is vitally important that we respect their privacy in the days ahead and continue praying for the Kassig family.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141009235956/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/344,Stutzman Statement on September Jobs Report,2014-10-03,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,IN,Marlin Stutzman,S001188,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Stutzman Statement on September Jobs Report Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued this statement following the release of September’s job numbers.   “While I am pleased the economy added jobs in September, I remain deeply concerned for those who are still looking for work. Right now over 90 million Americans are not participating in the labor force. And many of those who are working are finding it increasingly harder to pay their bills, provide for their families, or save for the future. While the Obama economy has been limping along, it has become clear that out of control spending and an increase in federal regulations do not promote growth.   “Over the past year, we in the House have been busy passing much needed legislation that would cut taxes, roll back costly regulations, and develop sound energy policies that would promote growth and create jobs.  Unfortunately, many of these bills are stuck in the Senate.   “The American people deserve an economic environment that will provide them with opportunities to succeed. Going forward, I am hopeful the White House and Senate will put politics aside and work with the House to provide solutions to many of the issues we face.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bucshon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=451,Dr. Bucshon to Greet President Obama on Friday,2014-10-02,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,IN,Larry Bucshon,B001275,bucshon.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Friday, Representative Larry Bucshon, M.D. will greet President Obama at the Evansville Airport and personally deliver a letter to the President containing an invitation to tour a Hoosier coal mine. In anticipation of delivering the letter to President Obama, Dr. Bucshon stated: I'm happy to see that the President is set to visit Indiana. Like many Hoosiers, I look forward to hearing the President address the many concerns we have regarding the future of the manufacturing and energy sectors that are critical to our state. I'm hopeful he will address the proposed EPA regulations that will devastate our coal industry, hamper our manufacturers, and increase energy costs on all Hoosiers. Friday, I intend to personally invite the President and the EPA to join me down in a coal mine so that they can hear directly from the hardworking miners here in Indiana. A copy of Dr. Bucshon's letter to President Obama is included below: October 3, 2014 President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. President, Welcome to Southwest Indiana. I know that during your visit, you will see that Indiana is a great place to live and work. Indiana is a global leader in manufacturing and your visit today helps shine a light on this growing industry that provides good paying jobs to thousands of Hoosiers. Over the past year, Indiana has led the nation in manufacturing job growth, which is a tribute to our workers and entrepreneurs. The Hoosier state has the highest private sector manufacturing employment in the country. Manufacturing accounts for 28 percent of our state's economy and employs nearly 17 percent of our workforce. This critical industry is growing because Indiana is a beacon for energy production. In Gibson County, where you are visiting today, there are two coal mines that employ hundreds of Hoosiers. Our coal industry supports these good paying jobs that put food on the table for Indiana families and keep the lights on here in the Hoosier state. According to the National Mining Association, Indiana ranks 8th nationally in coal production by state. Over 85 percent of our electricity comes from coal mined right here in Southwest Indiana. Not only are we burning coal cleaner than ever, but it is also keeping energy costs low for families who are struggling in this economy and those on a fixed income. I'm disappointed that this area of the country has been largely ignored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) while creating new regulations that would put thousands of Hoosiers out of work. During a House Science Committee hearing on a new EPA proposal to regulate coal-fired power plants, I personally invited Ms. Janet McCabe, the EPA's top air official, to visit Indiana's Eighth Congressional District and discuss these regulations. I have yet to hear from her regarding this invitation, which is troublesome as she currently resides in the state's capital, Indianapolis. I would also like to personally invite you and EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy to tour one of Indiana's nine coal mines. You will be able to go directly into a coal mine to meet the employees who take pride in their work and see how safe coal production is. While we all support cleaner energy in this country, it cannot be done on the backs of hard working Americans who depend on these jobs to provide for their families. As President of the United States, it is imperative that you understand how regulations created in Washington, D.C. affect those in the heartland of America. Thank you again for visiting Southwest Indiana and I look forward to hosting you and Administrator McCarthy in one of our coal mines soon. Sincerely, Larry D. Bucshon, M.D. Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141003012507/http://bucshon.house.gov/press-release/dr-bucshon-greet-president-obama-friday,Dr. Bucshon to Greet President Obama on Friday,2014-10-02,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,IN,Larry Bucshon,B001275,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"On Friday, Representative Larry Bucshon, M.D. will greet President Obama at the Evansville Airport and personally deliver a letter to the President containing an invitation to tour a Hoosier coal mine.  In anticipation of delivering the letter to President Obama, Dr. Bucshon stated: “I’m happy to see that the President is set to visit Indiana. Like many Hoosiers, I look forward to hearing the President address the many concerns we have regarding the future of the manufacturing and energy sectors that are critical to our state. I’m hopeful he will address the proposed EPA regulations that will devastate our coal industry, hamper our manufacturers, and increase energy costs on all Hoosiers. Friday, I intend to personally invite the President and the EPA to join me down in a coal mine so that they can hear directly from the hardworking miners here in Indiana.” A copy of Dr. Bucshon’s letter to President Obama is included below: October 3, 2014   President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. President, Welcome to Southwest Indiana.  I know that during your visit, you will see that Indiana is a great place to live and work. Indiana is a global leader in manufacturing and your visit today helps shine a light on this growing industry that provides good paying jobs to thousands of Hoosiers.  Over the past year, Indiana has led the nation in manufacturing job growth, which is a tribute to our workers and entrepreneurs. The Hoosier state has the highest private sector manufacturing employment in the country.  Manufacturing accounts for 28 percent of our state’s economy and employs nearly 17 percent of our workforce. This critical industry is growing because Indiana is a beacon for energy production. In Gibson County, where you are visiting today, there are two coal mines that employ hundreds of Hoosiers.  Our coal industry supports these good paying jobs that put food on the table for Indiana families and keep the lights on here in the Hoosier state. According to the National Mining Association, Indiana ranks 8th nationally in coal production by state. Over 85 percent of our electricity comes from coal mined right here in Southwest Indiana.  Not only are we burning coal cleaner than ever, but it is also keeping energy costs low for families who are struggling in this economy and those on a fixed income.  I’m disappointed that this area of the country has been largely ignored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) while creating new regulations that would put thousands of Hoosiers out of work. During a House Science Committee hearing on a new EPA proposal to regulate coal-fired power plants, I personally invited Ms. Janet McCabe, the EPA’s top air official, to visit Indiana’s Eighth Congressional District and discuss these regulations.  I have yet to hear from her regarding this invitation, which is troublesome as she currently resides in the state’s capital, Indianapolis. I would also like to personally invite you and EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy to tour one of Indiana’s nine coal mines.  You will be able to go directly into a coal mine to meet the employees who take pride in their work and see how safe coal production is.  While we all support cleaner energy in this country, it cannot be done on the backs of hard working Americans who depend on these jobs to provide for their families.  As President of the United States, it is imperative that you understand how regulations created in Washington, D.C. affect those in the heartland of America. Thank you again for visiting Southwest Indiana and I look forward to hosting you and Administrator McCarthy in one of our coal mines soon. Sincerely, Larry D. Bucshon, M.D. Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/release-rokita-greets-modi-nyc-thanks-indian-pm-us-visit,RELEASE -- ROKITA GREETS MODI IN NYC; THANKS INDIAN PM FOR US VISIT,2014-10-01,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,IN,Todd Rokita,R000592,rokita.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 2014 Contact: Brendan Thomas Phone: (202) 225-0664 E-mail: brendan.thomas@mail.house.gov   ROKITA GREETS MODI IN NYC; THANKS INDIAN PM FOR US VISIT   Rep. Todd Rokita, a member of the House India and Indian Americans Caucus, joined fellow Congressmen and Senators in New York City on Sunday to greet India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Madison Square Garden. “He spoke about free markets and democracy, as well as reducing government red tape and corruption,” said Rokita, praising the new leader of the world’s largest democracy. Modi departed the U.S. yesterday, after a five-day tour that culminated in Washington, D.C. “India and the U.S., the world’s oldest and second-largest democracy, are natural allies,” said the Congressman. “That seems especially true, knowing all the proud Indian Americans in Indiana’s 4th District.” He expects greater international cooperation in the future, especially at Lafayette’s Purdue University, already a popular destination for Indian students. As president of the National Association of Secretaries of State, the Hoosier Congressman led a delegation to India. More recently, he advocated to House Speaker John Boehner for improved relations with Modi’s India, shortly after the Prime Minister took office in 2014. Modi’s reform platform is partly due to Indian Americans’ influence on their home country, said Rokita. “In the U.S., Indians have embraced democracy and entrepreneurialism,” he said, adding that Modi is a ground-breaker, ushering his country into the 21st Century.   In his Madison Square Garden speech, Modi promised to lower trade barriers with the rest of the world, enlisting its help to “Make in India.” Modi later told the Council on Foreign relations that young people there “don’t want to live on dole-outs anymore.” He has suggested that he would relax labor restrictions, as well as help fight terrorism. “I especially enjoyed the Prime Minister’s comments that his government would remove ‘obsolete laws’ -- and that he would not be taking any vacations soon,” said Rokita. “I’d like to hear more of that from our own president.”   Rep. Rokita discusses India-Indiana relations with Prime Minister Modi in New York   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141003000156/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/343,Stutzman Announces Information Sessions on Military Academies,2014-09-30,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Marlin Stutzman,S001188,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Stutzman Announces Information Sessions on Military Academies Washington, D.C. – The office of Congressman Stutzman announces the following information sessions for students who are interested in attending a military academy.     The following sessions will be available for students to drop in and ask questions, receive or turn in an application, or double check to make sure we have received all necessary materials.  Applications are due Saturday, November 1, 2014.  Interviews for nominations from Congressman Stutzman will be held Saturday, November 15, 2014.     All information sessions will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.   Monday, October 6th, Kendallville Public Library, Kendallville, IN. Tuesday, October 7th, Fort Wayne Public Library Room C, Fort Wayne, IN. Wednesday, October 8th, Congressman Stutzman’s Bluffton Office Thursday, October 9th, Warsaw Public Library, Warsaw, IN.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-attends-ribbon-cutting-for-press-ganey/,Walorski Attends Ribbon Cutting for Press Ganey,2014-09-26,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Jackie Walorski,W000813,walorski.house.gov,,,legacy,"Friday, September 26, 2014 Release: Walorski Attends Ribbon Cutting for Press Ganey South Bend, IN Today, Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (IN-02) took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Press Ganey facility in South Bend. Press Ganey, a medical company that works with more than 11,000 hospitals, medical practices and other health care provides, unveiled their newly renovated building in South Bend. The redesigned space will help the company support health care organizations around the world with medical surveys. Walorski highlighted the outstanding work the company does on behalf of the medical industry and the jobs and investments they have brought to northern Indiana. For more than 25 years, it has been Press Ganey's mission to support the pursuit of high-quality, efficient care. The reason they have become so successful is because they foster a caring and innovative work environment that rewards passion and ingenuity. They're known by many in the medical field for constantly delivering fresh thinking and sound insight to solve the challenges that many of us as patients face every day. With this newly, renovated space they will be unstoppable in helping further create innovative solutions and services designed to propel health care organizations forward. Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District in Indiana, where she serves as a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, House Armed Services Committee, and House Budget Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141003000749/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/342,Stutzman Op-Ed on the Savings Act,2014-09-26,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Marlin Stutzman,S001188,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Stutzman Op-Ed on the Savings Act America Facing Water Funding Shortfall Well Systems Part of Affordable Solution   We are blessed in this country with a standard of living that includes innovative telecommunication technology, cutting-edge medical science, and limitless recreational opportunities. Despite all of this, it is basic human needs that remain the most important – things like access to affordable, high-quality drinking water.    It may come as a surprise to learn that, due to aging pipes and systems, our country’s drinking water infrastructure was graded a D by the American Society of Civil Engineers on their 2013 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure. This deficiency in our water infrastructure is just one part of an estimated 20-year, $384 billion infrastructure funding shortfall, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In small communities in rural America, where this challenge is particularly acute due to the high per resident cost of the construction and upkeep of drinking water systems, the shortfall is approximately $64 billion.   To give this better perspective, almost 42,000 of America’s 52,000 community water systems belong to small communities. If not addressed properly, the already high cost for the construction and maintenance of water systems could grow, with these costs ultimately being passed along to taxpayers and consumers.   To help address these challenges I have introduced H.R. 5659, the “Water Supply Cost Savings Act,” also referred to as the “Savings Act.” This simple, common sense legislation, if passed, could save taxpayer dollars and work to provide households and rural communities access to affordable, high-quality drinking water.   Specifically, this legislation ensures that both the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the EPA provide up-to-date information to entities seeking federal funding on cost-effective, innovative, and alternative drinking water delivery systems, including and importantly, those that are supported by wells. Forty-two million Americans already count on water from wells and millions more rely on community well systems for their drinking water. Providing information on well technology to these small communities could help officials make decisions that save billions of taxpayer dollars over the next two decades and get households the water resources they need.   This bill would also request small communities and not-for-profit organizations that seek federal funding for water delivery systems to certify that they have considered well systems as a possible solution during the evaluation of their water system needs. And finally, after implementation of the “Savings Act,” the USDA and EPA would be tasked with reporting back to Congress the cost savings for communities that have utilized alternative and innovative well water systems. To put it simply, this legislation will make it easier for rural America to access and pay for high-quality drinking water.   The “Savings Act,” is already gaining attention from leading water industry groups. This week the Water Systems Council, the Water Quality Association, and the National Groundwater Association put out a strong statement endorsing this bill and are actively seeking support for its passage.    Educating rural communities about innovative alternatives, such as wells, to access clean, drinkable water should not be a partisan issue or one that pits our two parties against each another. Over the next few months I will work with other members of Congress, in both parties, to gather support for and pass this bill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-reaction-to-airstrikes-in-syria/,Walorski Reaction to Airstrikes in Syria,2014-09-23,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Jackie Walorski,W000813,walorski.house.gov,,,legacy,"Tuesday, September 23, 2014 Walorski Reaction to Airstrikes in Syria WASHINGTON D.C. Rep. Jackie Walorski (IN-02), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement after President Obama ordered airstrikes in Syria to destroy the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL): Given the fact that ISIL poses a clear and immediate danger to the U.S. and our interests, I appreciate the willingness of five Arab countries in joining the U.S. to launch airstrikes into Syria. I look forward to hearing from the president on how this plays into the larger attempt to destroy and defeat this radical, terrorist organization. My thoughts and prayers are with the brave men and women who are carrying out this fight.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140926000455/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/341,Stutzman Statement on Air Strikes in Syria,2014-09-23,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Marlin Stutzman,S001188,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Stutzman Statement on Air Strikes in Syria Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued this statement following the President’s remarks on air strikes in Syria.   “I commend the President for expanding air strikes into Syria, with the goal to destroy ISIS. It is important for terror groups all over the world to see that there are no safe havens, and the United States and our allies will not be intimidated in the face of grave threats.   “I am also pleased to see that several Arab states have partnered with America to carry out these strikes. It is important for the countries in the region to lead this fight to defeat terrorism in the Middle East in pursuit of a peaceful future.   “As this campaign moves forward, I will continue to pray for American military personnel and their families.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-votes-in-favor-of-amendment-to-combat-isil/,Walorski Votes in Favor of Amendment to Combat ISIL,2014-09-19,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Jackie Walorski,W000813,walorski.house.gov,,,legacy,"Friday, September 19, 2014 WASHINGTON D.C. Rep. Jackie Walorski released the following statement after voting in favor an amendment to H.J. Res. 124, the Continuing Appropriations Resolution for 2015 that gives Congressional authorization to assist and train carefully vetted members of the Syrian opposition. The amendment passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 273-156. While questions still remain about the president's strategy to train and equip' moderate Syrian rebels to fight against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), I can say with certainty after attending classified briefings this week, the imminent threat this radical group poses to the U.S. and our allies is real. I hope today is one step towards crafting a broader, comprehensive strategy that allows us to stop reacting to crises as they occur and ensure the House of Representatives maintains oversight and jurisdiction of U.S. actions in the Middle East. I believe the next logical step is to pass legislation to repeal U.S. citizens' passports that are affiliated with foreign terrorist organizations, who could potentially return home and inflict harm on U.S. soil. Amendment Summary: Authorize the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to train and equip appropriately vetted elements of the Syrian opposition and other appropriately vetted Syrian groups or individuals. Strengthen Congressional oversight by requiring detailed reports, including progress reports on the plan, vetting process, and procedures for monitoring unauthorized end-use of provided training and equipment. It would also require the President to report on how this authority fits within a larger regional strategy. This amendment does not authorize additional funds, but does allow the Department of Defense to submit reprogramming requests to Congress, should the President request DOD funds to execute this authority. This Amendment permits the Secretary of State to accept foreign contributions. Lastly, the amendment would state that nothing in this section should be construed to constitute a specific statutory authorization for the introduction of United States Armed Forces into hostilities or in to situations where hostilities are clearly indicated by the circumstances.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/nation%E2%80%99s-largest-taxpayer-group-honors-congressman-rokita-%E2%80%9Ctaxpayers%E2%80%99-friend-award%E2%80%9D,Nations Largest Taxpayer Group Honors Congressman Rokita with Taxpayers Friend Award,2014-09-18,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Todd Rokita,R000592,rokita.house.gov,,,legacy,"News For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                                             For Further Information,Contact: September 18, 2014                                                                                                                                                                      Doug Kellogg (703) 683-5700   Nation’s Largest Taxpayer Group Honors Congressman Rokita with “Taxpayers’ Friend Award” (WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Todd Rokita was recognized for his outstanding pro-taxpayer voting record as National Taxpayers Union (NTU), a nonpartisan citizen advocacy group, announced that Rokita is among the distinguished recipients of the “Taxpayers’ Friend Award” for 2013. “With so many remaining doubts that our economy has completely turned a corner, it's never been more important for Washington to change direction on fiscal policy,” NTU President Pete Sepp said. “Fortunately, the taxpayers of the 4th district of Indiana could count on Rokita to help put our nation on a saner path. Day in and day out, Rokita earned the title of 'Taxpayers ' Friend.' Since 1979, NTU has acknowledged Representatives and Senators who achieve top scores in their annual Rating of Congress with the “Taxpayers’ Friend Award.” The Rating, which is based on every roll call vote affecting fiscal policy, assigns a “Taxpayer Score” to each Member of Congress that indicates his or her support for reducing or controlling federal spending, taxes, debt, and regulation. For 2013, a total of 253 House and 90 Senate votes were selected. “Congressman Rokita’s pro-taxpayer score of 85 percent was one of the best in the entire Congress,” Sepp continued. “By casting principled votes for limited government time and again, Congressman Rokita has led by example in the fight to defend overburdened taxpayers across the country.” The Senate had an all-time low of 28 percent in 1988, and the House hit bottom that same year, at 27 percent. The highest marks were reached in 1995, when lower and upper chambers’ averages were 58 percent and 57 percent, respectively. NTU’s annual Rating sets the standard for fiscal scorecards by not simplistically focus on only a handful of equally weighted “key votes.” For this reason, it has received praise from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including the late Sen. (and “Golden Fleece Award” creator) William Proxmire (D-WI).  “By working to reduce federal spending, taxes, and debt, Congressman Rokita proved to be one of the most effective advocates for taxpayers in his district as well as throughout the nation,” Sepp said. National Taxpayers Union, “The Voice of America’s Taxpayers”, is a nonpartisan, nonprofit citizen group founded in 1969 to work for lower taxes, smaller government, and economic freedom at all levels. Note: The 2013 Rating and a searchable Rating database from 1992 to 2013 is available at ntu.org. For questions about the Rating, its history, or methodology, please contact NTU Communications Manager Doug Kellogg at (703) 299-8698.   -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/us-rep-todd-rokita-honored-guardian-small-business-nfib,U.S. Rep. Todd Rokita Honored as Guardian of Small Business by NFIB,2014-09-18,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Todd Rokita,R000592,rokita.house.gov,,,legacy,"www.NFIB.com For Immediate Release Contact:  Eric Reller 202-314-2073 or Eric.Reller@NFIB.org   U.S. Rep. Todd Rokita Honored as Guardian of Small Business by NFIB                                                                                                              WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 17, 2014 – The National Federation of Independent Business, the nation’s leading small business association, today named U.S. Rep. Todd Rokita (IN-4) a Guardian of Small Business for his outstanding voting record on behalf of America’s small-business owners in the 113th Congress.   NFIB President and CEO Dan Danner praised Rep. Rokita for “standing up for small business.” In presenting the group’s coveted Guardian of Small Business Award, Danner said, “Small-business owners are very politically active – paying close attention to how their lawmakers vote on key business issues and stand by those who stand for them.”   “The record shows that Rep. Rokita is a true champion of small business, supporting the votes that matter in the 113th Congress,” said Danner. “This award reflects our members’ appreciation for supporting the NFIB pro-growth agenda for small business.”   NFIB’s “How Congress Voted,” which serves as a report card for members of Congress, was also unveiled this week. The report presents key small-business votes and voting percentages for each lawmaker. Those voting favorably on key small-business issues at least 70 percent of the time during the 113th Congress are eligible for the Guardian award.   In all, NFIB will present Guardian awards to 232 Representatives who stood up for small business.     ###   NFIB is the nation’s leading small business advocacy association, with offices in Washington, D.C. and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 to give small-business owners a voice in public policy-making, NFIB’s policy positions are set by its 350,000 business-owner members, who send their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through NFIB’s unique member-only ballot. NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. More information is available online at www.NFIB.com/news.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bucshon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=371,Dr. Bucshon Named Guardian of Small Business,2014-09-18,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Larry Bucshon,B001275,bucshon.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dr. Bucshon receives the Guardian of Small Business award from NFIB President and CEO Dan Danner On Wednesday, Eighth District Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. was named a Guardian of Small Business by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) for his outstanding voting record on behalf of America's small-business owners in the 113th Congress. Our nation's small businesses fuel America's economic engine. They provide jobs, spur economic growth, and sustain our local economies, said Bucshon. I'm proud to stand up for small business by supporting policies that lower energy costs, roll back burdensome regulations, and reform our tax code to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit. NFIB President and CEO Dan Danner praised Rep. Bucshon for standing up for small business. In presenting the group's coveted Guardian of Small Business Award, Danner said, Small-business owners are very politically active paying close attention to how their lawmakers vote on key business issues and stand by those who stand for them. The record shows that Rep. Bucshon is a true champion of small business, supporting the votes that matter in the 113th Congress, said Danner. This award reflects our members' appreciation for supporting the NFIB pro-growth agenda for small business. NFIB's How Congress Voted, which serves as a report card for members of Congress, was also unveiled this week. The report presents key small-business votes and voting percentages for each lawmaker. Those voting favorably on key small-business issues at least 70 percent of the time during the 113th Congress are eligible for the Guardian award. BACKGROUND: NFIB is the nation's leading small business advocacy association, with offices in Washington, D.C. and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 to give small-business owners a voice in public policy-making, NFIB's policy positions are set by its 350,000 business-owner members, who send their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through NFIB's unique member-only ballot. NFIB's mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140919000830/http://bucshon.house.gov/press-release/dr-bucshon-named-%E2%80%9Cguardian-small-business%E2%80%9D,Dr. Bucshon Named Guardian of Small Business,2014-09-18,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Larry Bucshon,B001275,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Dr. Bucshon receives the “Guardian of Small Business” award from NFIB President and CEO Dan Danner  On Wednesday, Eighth District Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. was named a “Guardian of Small Business” by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) for his outstanding voting record on behalf of America’s small-business owners in the 113th Congress. “Our nation’s small businesses fuel America’s economic engine.  They provide jobs, spur economic growth, and sustain our local economies,” said Bucshon.  “I’m proud to stand up for small business by supporting policies that lower energy costs, roll back burdensome regulations, and reform our tax code to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit.” NFIB President and CEO Dan Danner praised Rep. Bucshon for “standing up for small business.” In presenting the group’s coveted Guardian of Small Business Award, Danner said, “Small-business owners are very politically active – paying close attention to how their lawmakers vote on key business issues and stand by those who stand for them.” “The record shows that Rep. Bucshon is a true champion of small business, supporting the votes that matter in the 113th Congress,” said Danner. “This award reflects our members’ appreciation for supporting the NFIB pro-growth agenda for small business.” NFIB’s “How Congress Voted,” which serves as a report card for members of Congress, was also unveiled this week. The report presents key small-business votes and voting percentages for each lawmaker. Those voting favorably on key small-business issues at least 70 percent of the time during the 113th Congress are eligible for the Guardian award. BACKGROUND: NFIB is the nation’s leading small business advocacy association, with offices in Washington, D.C. and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 to give small-business owners a voice in public policy-making, NFIB’s policy positions are set by its 350,000 business-owner members, who send their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through NFIB’s unique member-only ballot. NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140919025331/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/340,Statement on President Poroshenko's Address to Congress,2014-09-18,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Marlin Stutzman,S001188,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Statement on President Poroshenko's Address to Congress Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued the following statement after Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko’s address to Congress.   “Today, I was honored to listen to President Poroshenko’s call for a continued alliance between the United States and Ukraine in the face of Russian threats. The Russian invasion of Crimea and provocations in the eastern part of Ukraine are dangerous violations of sovereignty and we must not allow them to continue.   “The Ukrainian people deserve to live in freedom and the United States must not allow them to stand alone. It should be made very clear that America will support Ukraine with its struggle to turn back any Russian aggression. Vladimir Putin must not be allowed to threaten, intimidate, or invade America’s allies with military advancements. Russia should immediately withdraw from Crimea and stop supporting separatist rebels.   “If Putin continues to be an adversary to peace, the United States, along with the European Union and NATO, should provide intelligence, training, and equipment to the Ukrainian military so they can push back and prevent any further territorial encroachments.     “I look forward to working with the White House, other members of Congress, and our partners abroad to ensure a peaceful future for the people of Ukraine.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/kline-rokita-praise-senate-action-bill-strengthen-education-research,"Kline, Rokita Praise Senate Action on Bill to Strengthen Education Research",2014-09-17,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Todd Rokita,R000592,rokita.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. – House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairman John Kline (R-MN) and Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Chairman Todd Rokita (R-IN) today released the following joint statement commending the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee for approving H.R. 4366, the Strengthening Education through Research Act: Education research is a vital tool for parents, teachers, and school leaders trying to build the best education possible for their students. It also informs policymakers and taxpayers about whether or not federal efforts are helping to raise student achievement. The Education Sciences Reform Act is long overdue for reform and we are pleased the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee approved a House proposal to update the law. The bill includes fiscally responsible reforms to streamline the research system, promote accountability, protect student privacy, and ensure unbiased education research. We commend Senators Harkin and Alexander for their leadership on this important issue and we hope the Senate approves the bill without delay. To learn more about H.R. 4366, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/brooks-threats-to-security-require-action,Brooks: Threats to Security Require Action,2014-09-17,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Susan Brooks,B001284,susanwbrooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) released the following statement after voting in favor of a Continuing Resolution (CR) that funds the government and supports efforts to defeat ISIL: “America faces growing threats to our security and stability that require action. Doing nothing to confront these threats is not an option. That’s why passage of today’s Continuing Resolution was so important. It keeps the government open, preserves the spending cuts negotiated by Paul Ryan and supports critical efforts to begin defeating the barbaric terrorist regime ISIL.    ISIL controls territory larger than the state of Indiana, has vast financial resources and recruits fighters from Western nations. ISIL poses a security risk to the United States that must be overcome. That’s why I voted in favor of an amendment to the Continuing Resolution authorizing the United States government to supply vital equipment and training to appropriately vetted Syrian rebels. President Obama has not adequately outlined a cohesive and comprehensive plan for dealing with this threat. So I’m encouraged this amendment also includes measures requiring the President to be transparent with Congress and the American people about the success of our efforts and the development of a real strategic plan for dealing with the rise of ISIL. One of the most important steps he must take is securing a broad coalition of nations to contribute to this effort. This is a goal that must be accomplished sooner rather than later, and most certainly before the Continuing Resolution sunsets on December 11.” The amendment to the CR authorizes the U.S. government to provide training, equipment, supplies and sustainment to vetted elements of the Syrian opposition. It requires the President to submit a report to Congress describing how the assistance fits within a larger regional strategy and also requires the Department of Defense to submit a report to Congress at least 15 days before providing assistance as well as a progress report every 90 days. The amendment is not an authorization for the use of military force. The Continuing Resolution funds the government through December 11, 2014 at the levels agreed upon in the Ryan-Murray budget deal. It specifically sets aside funds to assist veterans currently backlogged in the VA hospital system and to enhance Customs and Border Protection efforts. The CR passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 319-108.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bucshon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=370,Dr. Bucshon Calls on EPA to Visit Indianas 8th,2014-09-17,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Larry Bucshon,B001275,bucshon.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dr. Bucshon Calls on EPA to Visit Indiana's 8th f t # e Washington, DC, September 17, 2014 Dr. Bucshon and Science Committee Chairman, Lamar Smith talk with EPA Official Janet McCabe at a hearing on new EPA regulations. During a House Science Committee hearing on a new EPA proposal to regulate coal-fired power plants, Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08), called on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) top air official, Janet McCabe, to visit Indiana's Eighth Congressional District. Ms. McCabe, I'd like to invite you to my district for a public hearing on the EPA's new rule in fact, any other coal-producing state and listen to what my district or other coal-producing states have to say, said Bucshon. I'm inviting you to my district to do that. According to the National Mining Association, Indiana ranks 8th nationally in coal production by state. Every coal mine in the state of Indiana is located within the Eighth Congressional District, while 85 percent of the state's energy is coal-generated. Ms. Janet McCabe, a resident of Indianapolis, is the Acting Assistant Administrator at the EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. For video of Dr. Bucshon's request, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140918194933/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/338,"Stutzman Receives Awards from the NFIB, National Taxpayers Union, and Competitive Enterprise Institute",2014-09-17,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Marlin Stutzman,S001188,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Stutzman Receives Awards from the NFIB, National Taxpayers Union, and Competitive Enterprise Institute Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued the following statement after receiving awards from the NFIB, National Taxpayers Union’s, and Competitive Enterprise Institute for his work fighting for regulatory relief and lower taxes.   “The NFIB, National Taxpayers Union, and Competitive Enterprise Institute are terrific organizations that provide an important voice for economic freedom across Indiana and the rest of the country, and I am honored to receive these awards. These groups make it their mission to bolster our economy by relieving American businesses from costly regulations and American wage earners from painfully high taxes.   “If we are going to stimulate the job market and expand opportunities for workers and job creators, we must lower taxes and cut red tape so that individuals and businesses can invest and grow.   “I am so thankful for all the hard work and dedication each group has shown to strengthen our economy. Going forward I will continue to work with the NFIB, National Taxpayers Union and Competitive Enterprise Institute in pursuit of this goal.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140918194938/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/339,Stutzman Statement on McKeon Amendment and Continuing Resolution,2014-09-17,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Marlin Stutzman,S001188,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Stutzman Statement on McKeon Amendment and Continuing Resolution Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued the following statement after his votes on the McKeon Amendment and the Continuing Resolution.   “I fully support an increase in air strikes with our coalition allies to dismantle and ultimately destroy ISIS. However, I have deep reservations about providing funds or arms to Syrian rebels we know little about.   “It is very important that American weaponry does not fall into the hands of extremist groups who could use them to do more harm than good and I’ve yet to see a plan to prevent that from happening. However, I do not believe my concerns with funding for Syrian rebels should keep our government from staying open and conducting its basic functions at levels consistent with the Ryan-Murray budget.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140919000906/http://bucshon.house.gov/press-release/dr-bucshon-calls-epa-visit-indiana%E2%80%99s-8th,Dr. Bucshon Calls on EPA to Visit Indianas 8th,2014-09-17,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Larry Bucshon,B001275,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Dr. Bucshon and Science Committee Chairman, Lamar Smith talk with EPA Official Janet McCabe at a hearing on new EPA regulations. During a House Science Committee hearing on a new EPA proposal to regulate coal-fired power plants, Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08), called on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) top air official, Janet McCabe, to visit Indiana’s Eighth Congressional District. “Ms. McCabe, I’d like to invite you to my district for a public hearing on the EPA’s new rule – in fact, any other coal-producing state – and listen to what my district or other coal-producing states have to say,” said Bucshon. “I’m inviting you to my district to do that.” According to the National Mining Association, Indiana ranks 8th nationally in coal production by state. Every coal mine in the state of Indiana is located within the Eighth Congressional District, while 85 percent of the state’s energy is coal-generated.  Ms. Janet McCabe, a resident of Indianapolis, is the Acting Assistant Administrator at the EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. For video of Dr. Bucshon’s request, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140919003609/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-luke-messer-votes-to-support-limited-military-action-in-the,Congressman Luke Messer votes to support limited military action in the fight against ISIL,2014-09-17,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Luke Messer,M001189,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Congressman Luke Messer released the following statement in support of H.J. Res. 124 which passed the House Wednesday afternoon 319 to 108.  The resolution extends Federal government funding through December 11, 2014, and includes an amendment to allow the President to take limited military action to train and equip some Syrian opposition groups to fight ISIL. “I rise today in support of the amendment offered by Chairman McKeon. We are way past any good solutions in Syria, but doing nothing would be the worst solution of all.  I understand and, in fact, share many of the reservations expressed by my colleagues today. This is not an easy choice. Yet, we cannot ignore the threat of ISIL. They are determined to bring war to America's shores.  We must respond. “The President's request to train and equip certain Syrian opposition forces is a necessary first step toward defeating ISIL, so I will support it.  I will also urge the President to do more to explain the true nature of this crisis to the American people.  This will not be an easy fight and airstrikes alone are unlikely to destroy ISIL and diminish its ability to threaten America.   “Americans are understandably war weary.  But, we did not pick this fight, and our nation always answers the bell to defend our way of life and protect our freedom. This time will be no different. May God bless our military personnel who will be involved in this effort, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.”   Congressman Luke Messer delivered the above statement on the House floor during debate on the Resolution Wednesday.  If you would like to view the video or clip sound bites from today’s remarks, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bucshon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=366,Dr. Bucshon Named Friend of the Farm Bureau,2014-09-16,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Larry Bucshon,B001275,bucshon.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dr. Bucshon Named Friend of the Farm Bureau f t # e Washington, DC, September 16, 2014 Dr. Bucshon receives the Friend of Farm Bureau Award members of the Indiana Farm Bureau at his Washington, D.C. office. Eighth District Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. was named a Friend of Farm Bureau by the Indiana members of the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). Indiana relies on our agriculture industry to put food on the table and support our local economies, said Bucshon. As I meet with farmers across the Eighth District and interact with my Agriculture Advisory Committee, I hear an overwhelming uncertainty regarding regulations and policies coming from Washington, D.C. I'm proud to stand up for these hardworking Hoosiers and fight for policies that strengthen Indiana's agriculture. According the American Farm Bureau Federation, the Friend of Farm Bureau award is given at the end of each Congress to those members of Congress who were nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus and approved by the American Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors. This award is based upon voting records on AFBF's priority issues established by the Board of Directors, number of bills that a member has sponsored and co-sponsored, specific leadership role for Farm Bureau on priority issues, and how accessible and responsive that member is to Farm Bureau members and leaders. In addition, the state Farm Bureau lists any other specific reasons why that member should receive this award. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140918234647/http://bucshon.house.gov/press-release/dr-bucshon-named-%E2%80%9Cfriend-farm-bureau%E2%80%9D,Dr. Bucshon Named Friend of the Farm Bureau,2014-09-16,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Larry Bucshon,B001275,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Dr. Bucshon receives the “Friend of Farm Bureau Award” members of the Indiana Farm Bureau at his Washington, D.C. office. Eighth District Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. was named a “Friend of Farm Bureau” by the Indiana members of the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). “Indiana relies on our agriculture industry to put food on the table and support our local economies,” said Bucshon.  “As I meet with farmers across the Eighth District and interact with my Agriculture Advisory Committee, I hear an overwhelming uncertainty regarding regulations and policies coming from Washington, D.C.  I’m proud to stand up for these hardworking Hoosiers and fight for policies that strengthen Indiana’s agriculture.” According the American Farm Bureau Federation, “the “Friend of Farm Bureau” award is given at the end of each Congress to those members of Congress who were nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus and approved by the American Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors. This award is based upon voting records on AFBF’s priority issues established by the Board of Directors, number of bills that a member has sponsored and co-sponsored, specific leadership role for Farm Bureau on priority issues, and how accessible and responsive that member is to Farm Bureau members and leaders. In addition, the state Farm Bureau lists any other specific reasons why that member should receive this award.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140919013424/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gao-report-president-s-health-care-law-is-funding-abortions,GAO REPORT: Presidents health care law is funding abortions,2014-09-16,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Luke Messer,M001189,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON���Today, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report confirming that federal tax dollars are being used to pay for abortions under the President���s health care law. GAO found���despite the President���s promise in 2009 that under his health care law ���no federal dollars will be used to fund abortions��?���more than 1,000 health insurance plans, supported by your tax dollars, are doing just that.�� ���This is just another example of the broken promises that were made by the President to justify enactment of his health care law,��? said Congressman Luke Messer.�� ���Most people in my district don���t think their tax dollars should be spent this way.�� I couldn���t agree more.��?�� The Affordable Care Act established health insurance exchanges where eligible individuals can purchase insurance that includes abortion coverage.�� If the plan covers abortion in cases other than rape, incest or to save the life of the mother, a separate payment for the abortion or ���abortion surcharge��? must be collected.�� However, according to the GAO, none of the insurers interviewed actually collected a separate payment.���� Longstanding Federal policy, often referred to as the Hyde Amendment, prohibits the use of taxpayer dollars to pay for abortion.�� The Affordable Care Act circumvents this policy by establishing the ���surcharge.��? Congressman Messer cosponsored and has voted for the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act (H.R. 7), which passed in the House.�� It stops taxpayer funding for abortion and for plans that include abortion in all Federal programs.�� The bill is awaiting action by the U.S. Senate like many other common-sense, House-passed measures.���� ���Our greatest concerns are now being realized when it comes to abortion coverage in Obamacare,��? said Mike Fichter, President of Indiana Right to Life.�� ���We warned this would be the case, but our concerns were consistently dismissed by Obamacare supporters in the House whose vote put Obamacare over the top.�� The Obama administration and Democratic leadership in Congress are proving once again they will promote and advance abortion at all costs, even when it means being dishonest with the American people.�� I applaud Congressman Messer for voting for H.R. 7 and for his leadership on this issue.��?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140919013447/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-messer-works-to-make-access-to-a-great-education-possible,Congressman Messer works to make access to a great education possible for more students,2014-09-16,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Luke Messer,M001189,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Luke Messer introduced sweeping legislation that will empower parents to choose the best school option for their child and invest more in their child’s education. “For our students to compete in the 21st Century global economy, they need to have access to a high-quality education,” said Congressman Luke Messer. “Right now, that’s not a reality for too many kids.  Our bill will not only help make access to a great education possible for more students, but also more affordable for families.” The Enhancing Educational Opportunities for all Students Act (H.R. 5477), endorsed by Heritage Action for America, does the following: Gives states the option to use nearly $14.5 billion in existing annual federal education funds to follow students to the public or private school of their choice. Allows 529 education savings account funds to be used for qualified Pre-K to 12th grade education expenses, as well as for college expenses. Eliminates the annual aggregate contribution cap of $2,000 on Coverdell education savings accounts so parents have the tools necessary to responsibly save for their child’s education. Allows Coverdell education savings account funds to be used for qualified home school education expenses, consistent with State law. “As students across the country return to the classroom, it is imperative that lawmakers utilize this moment to advance strong school choice legislation that empowers parents, provides greater opportunities for children of all backgrounds, and refocuses the Federal role in education to its proper and limited place,” said Heritage Action for America. “Heritage Action strongly supports the Enhancing Educational Opportunities for all Students Act and encourages all Members to cosponsor this bill.” For the text of the Enhancing Educational Opportunities for all Students Act, please click here. To view video of the speech Congressman Messer delivered on the House floor encouraging his colleagues to support H.R. 5477 click here.    ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rokita.house.gov/editorial/rokita-report-congress-comes-indiana,ROKITA REPORT: CONGRESS COMES TO INDIANA,2014-09-15,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Todd Rokita,R000592,rokita.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friend, ObamaCare is as big a subject as ever, as the president’s health care law continues to roil our workplaces and economy. Though, at my Congressional hearing in Greenfield last week, when Congress came to Indiana, it was hard to tell whether its strongest supporters in Congress cared to hear just how much. In this week’s ROKITA REPORT, I’ll tell you what Hoosiers in Greenfield told me about the law's disastrous effects and what the country should do to fix it. I’ll give you an update on the situation on the Twin Lakes in White and Carroll Counties, too, where residents are seeing results of our hard work finding more long-term solutions to this summer’s water-level problem. Finally, please take a look at the numbers behind my busy August visiting Hoosiers to hear their concerns.   For daily updates, please take a moment to ""Like"" my Facebook page by clicking here or follow me on Twitter if you prefer @ToddRokita.       In this week's Rokita Report: Congress Comes to Indiana Aviation Bill Gains Altitude August by the Numbers      CONGRESS COMES TO INDIANA Last week, I was happy to see my friend Mark DeFabis, whose Integrated Distribution Services (IDS) -- a warehouse, packager and shipper -- is in my 4thDistrict. Unfortunately, we met at a local field hearing of the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions in Greenfield. The subcommittee, absent our Democratic colleagues, convened in Indiana to hear Mark testify about ObamaCare’s consequences for his business, as well as employees. I was troubled to hear Mark confirm what I suspected: Since ObamaCare’s implementation, at IDS insurance premiums had increased 76.64%, nearly double, despite their higher deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. The part-time workers Mark hires in a crunch will soon become too expensive, as any working over 30 hours a week -- full-time, according to ObamaCare -- will become insurance liabilities to the staffing agencies providing them.  In addition to frustrating Mark’s hiring, ObamaCare will force him to refuse Hoosiers already at the margins of employment -- whom the president and his allies argued ObamaCare would most benefit. Witnesses from Ivy Tech Community College and Vigo County Schools also testified to Indiana Representatives Susan Brooks, Larry Buschon, Luke Messer and I, as well as Chairman Phil Roe from Tennessee, that their adjunct professors and even special needs teachers would lose their work hours, if not their jobs, due to ObamaCare’s strict regulations. Again and again, I heard the president's law would have the worst outcome for those least able to cope. However, ObamaCare is diminishing everyone’s economic prospects. Everyone, that is, except the federal bureaucrats enforcing it. The answer to their administrative power-grab is enacting true health care reform that liberates business owners like Mark and the job seekers he would hire, if only they did not carry the weight of Washington on their backs.  ###        AVIATION BILL GAINS ALTITUDE The General Aviation Pilot Protection Act (GAPPA) that I introduced in Congress to return more pilots to the skies, grow our economy, and maintain air safety, was the subject of my speech to one of our country’s oldest aviation organizations, the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO).  I appeared at NASAO’s Annual Conference and Trade Show in Providence, RI, to describe to my audience of pilots, airline executives, state and federal officials, and aircraft manufacturers, the many ways the bill would revitalize aviation, a cornerstone not only of American industry but also our spirit of innovation. Reforming the FAA bureaucracy, which prevents able pilots from flying, and the manufacture of planes they would pilot, is critical to growing our economy when a majority of Americans doubt its future. The bill, which  Missouri's Rep. Sam Graves co-authored, aims to reinforce the growth and innovation that has buoyed the country since its start. NASAO, after hearing my remarks underscoring GAPPA's safety provisions, endorsed the bill, I am pleased to report. This same week, more co-sponsors joined the effort, bringing our total to 140. These congressmen understand the positive impact cutting federal red tape would have on our economy. The FAA’s 3rdClass Medical Certification process for private, non-commercial pilots of small aircraft is a burden discouraging the most responsible people I know from taking flight. We need more of their personal responsibility and passion today, so I’m glad NASAO decided to endorse GAPPA. ###       AUGUST BY THE NUMBERS The NASAO event I attended was one of a multitude these last weeks, as I concentrated my efforts in my home district. In Monticello, Rennselaer, Frankfort, Greencastle, Kokomo,  and more towns across Indiana's 4th, I heard from my constituents clear messages about U.S. immigration policy, health care reform, our latest ""recovery summer,"" and especially Lake Freeman, a national issue.     Hearing from Hoosiers at public spaces and their workplaces grows my appreciation of the community in which I live. Their common sense is sorely lacking in the capital -- their ideas for free-market health care reform, wider trade, technical training and border security, exactly what this country needs.   Elsewhere, on rare days when I'm not in Indiana, I've discovered people across the country share Hoosiers' concerns and love of liberty. They even have their very own Lake Freemans, vital economic resources, where federal interference is costing Americans their livelihoods.  A California congressman tells me that farmers in his district have the same problem we do in White and Carroll Counties: a bureaucracy that thinks of taxpayers last, if it considers them at all.   Reforming government bureaucracies that fail to consider human beings -- which happened when the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service ordered Lake Freeman drained at the height of summer -- is a full-time job. But when Hoosiers work closely together, it becomes an easier and enjoyable one. For instance, my office and the local power company that oversees Lake Freeman are currently working to improve its alert system, in order to promptly notify Hoosiers of potential changes on the lake.  These positive developments hardly begin to account for all my activity in the last few weeks: The Top 10 Most Town Halls in August 10 ""Employee Town Halls"" 11 Lake Freeman Events 13 Civic Club Appearances 5 Meetings with my Advisory Teams 81 Total Events, including committee hearings, constituent services, and a veterans roundtable I drove over 2,000 miles to reach Hoosiers in Indiana's 4th District and gathered inspiration for my work on their behalf in the capital, which I'll tell you more about in the next ROKITA REPORT. ###   I'd like to extend a special note of gratitude to 9/11's First Responders, whom Congress honored with our Gold Medal on Wednesday. The award is our highest expression of national appreciation for their service. To the victims of 9/11 for whom they cared, who still bear the scars of that day, or paid the ultimate price, we honor your sacrifice in the name of freedom.  Sincerely,Todd Rokita",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140918235241/http://bucshon.house.gov/event/2014-vincennes-job-fair,2014 Vincennes Job Fair,2014-09-15,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Larry Bucshon,B001275,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Congressman Bucshon is hosting a Job Fair in Vincennes on Thursday, October 9, 2014 in cooperation with WorkOne Southwest, Vincennes University, and the City of Vincennes. Admission is FREE! To attend simply complete and submit the form below or register in person on the day of the fair.  Employers can participate by filling out this form - http://bucshon.house.gov/vincennes_job-fair-employer.  Job seekers can register by filling out this form - http://bucshon.house.gov/vincennes_jobseeker_registration.  Congressman Larry Bucshon's Vincennes Job Fair Thursday, October 9, 2014 | 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm EDT Employer Setup: 11:00 am  – 1:00 pm EDT Veterans-Only Hour: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EDT Kick-off Speeches: 2:00 pm EDT Open to Public: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm EDT Location: Green Activities center - 1002 North First Street, Vincennes, Indiana. Special Guests: Vincennes Mayor Joe Yochum and Vincennes University Vice President David Tucker.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/brooks-holds-health-initiative-panel,Brooks Holds Health Initiative Panel,2014-09-11,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Susan Brooks,B001284,susanwbrooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Susan Brooks (R-IN5) co-hosted a listening session Aug. 7 on the 21st Century Cures initiative with the Indiana Health Industry Forum, BioCrossroads, Hoosiers for Health, and the Indiana Medical Device Manufactures Council at Roche Diagnostics. The 21st Century Cures initiative is led by the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee. This new initiative looks to find ways to accelerate medical breakthroughs by taking a comprehensive look at three key points – discovery, development and delivery. The goal is to close the gap between the science of creating new cures and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory policies that slow the process. The committee is holding hearings and meetings to find solutions – with the idea that no idea is too small to discuss. After Roche Diagnostics Corporation Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Wayne Burris opened the meeting, Brooks began with an overview of the importance of the initiative to those constituents she represents in her eight-county district. “The life science sector is critical to our state and to our country, quite frankly. The average wage in the life science sector is $89,000 while the average (yearly) wage is in the private sector is $41,000,” said Brooks. “But life science is not just about giving people jobs, but also about making people healthier, or helping with health needs not in just this country but abroad.” The 17-member roundtable panel included representatives from Indiana-based medical device manufacturing companies, research and development corporations, and patient advocacy groups. “As a new member of congress, I’m concerned about what we are seeing with respect to policies that are possibly diminishing our place as a leader in life sciences in the world,” said Brooks. Brooks asked two questions to open the discussion: How can government help and how can government change what is hindering the development of cures? Brooks will take input she received at the listening session back to the committee in Washington, D.C. Acknowledging that regulatory policies are hindering discovery and delivery, she reassured the panel that Congress is listening.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/rep-brooks-holds-mental-health-roundtable,Rep. Brooks Holds Mental Health Roundtable,2014-09-11,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Susan Brooks,B001284,susanwbrooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"CARMEL – Rep. Susan Brooks met with dozens of mental-health professionals Thursday to get input on a proposed House bill that would bring sweeping changes to the nation’s mental-health system. The Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act proposes changes to the nation’s mental health system by focusing programs and resources on psychiatric care for patients and families most in need of services. The 135-page document was written and sponsored by Pennsylvania Rep. Tim Murphy, who worked for three decades as a psychologist. Brooks, a co-sponsor of the bill, said the proposed legislation would bring major changes to how the mentally ill and their families receive treatment. The bill proposes increasing access to inpatient psychiatric care, clarifying privacy rules for families of the mentally ill and promoting alternatives to long-term inpatient care, such as court-ordered assisted outpatient treatment. “It’s an important document, and it’s the first time the mental-health system has been given this much attention in a very, very long time,” she said Thursday. Psychiatrists, social workers, professors and officials with mental-health agencies from across the state met with Brooks to discuss the bill and pinpoint how the federal government can streamline its mental health programs and services. Brooks said Congress likely won’t vote on the bill this year because of the November elections. Brooks is the U.S. representative for Indiana’s 5th district, which includes Greentown and Tipton. Carson Gerber can be reached at 765-854-6739, carson.gerber@kokomotribune.com or on Twitter @carsongerber1.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/susan-brooks-remember-911-stay-alert-for-new-threats,"Susan Brooks: Remember 9/11, stay alert for new threats",2014-09-11,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Susan Brooks,B001284,susanwbrooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Like all Hoosiers, I have clear memories of Sept. 11, 2001. I picked up my kids from school — they were 8 and 11 at the time — and did my best to answer their questions and explain what had taken place. My thoughts also drifted back to the beginning of the summer, when Indianapolis hosted the World Police and Fire Games. Thousands of first responders from across the globe brought the Circle City to life with spirited and good-natured athletic competition. Many of them were from New York City who would sadly lose their lives on 9/11. Today, as our nation grieves the 9/11 victims and commemorates our heroic first responders, one thing must remain steadfast: our commitment to protecting our homeland from further terrorist attacks. Doing so requires us not only to tackle threats posed by other nations and networks of radicals, but also to face an internal threat: complacency. As the distance between that tragic day and the present continues to widen, we can’t lose sight of the lessons we’ve learned. Members of the 9/11 Commission, including vice chair and former Indiana congressman Lee Hamilton, made this point clearly in a recent report on ongoing and emerging security threats. They called our evolving security challenges “very real and very dangerous” and expressed concern that our “waning sense of urgency will divert attention and needed resources from counterterrorism efforts.” Meeting growing domestic and foreign threats requires us to push away complacency and instead pursue a cohesive and comprehensive strategy for keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe. It also requires us to be responsible as individual citizens by notifying the appropriate authorities if we become concerned about suspicious behavior or out-of-place objects. As a nation, we must continue to improve our most vital counterterrorism efforts. I was sworn in as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Indiana just one month after 9/11, and I worked closely with law enforcement officials to set up the programs and task forces that work to keep communities safe from terrorism. These efforts have been successful on many levels, but they are not perfect and must be constantly refined. Congress must hold our various law enforcement agencies accountable for communicating clearly with one another and ensuring threats do not slip through the cracks as was the case with the Boston Marathon bombings. We must also provide more efficient oversight of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which was established after 9/11 with the purpose of preventing future terrorist attacks. Right now, DHS reports to more than 100 congressional committees and subcommittees. One of the primary 9/11 Commission recommendations was a more effective oversight process for DHS. Congress rarely reforms itself, but as a House Homeland Security Committee member, I am committed to making this recommendation a reality. The United States also needs a sufficient strategy for confronting the rise of ISIS, a barbaric and expansionist terrorist regime responsible for the slaughter of thousands of men, women and children and the gruesome murders of two American journalists. ISIS controls a territory within the Middle East roughly the size of Great Britain, has vast financial resources at its disposal and uses social media to recruit fighters from Western countries. It’s extremely concerning that recruits from our nation may be able to use their U.S. passports to return to our communities. Defeating ISIS is critical to our security interests and we must act upon a smart and decisive plan to do so. Everyone has memories of where they were and whom they were with on Sept. 11, 2001. As we reflect on those memories and mourn the lives lost, I encourage us as a country to recommit ourselves to preventing another attack on our nation. Being forever mindful of the pain and heartbreak we experienced that day will honor the men and women who played one summer at the Indianapolis World Police and Fire Games, only to lose their precious lives at the hands of terror three months later. Brooks is a U.S. congresswoman representing Indiana’s 5th District.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bucshon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=438,Dr. Bucshon Comments on 9/11 Anniversary,2014-09-11,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Larry Bucshon,B001275,bucshon.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dr. Bucshon Comments on 9/11 Anniversary f t # e Washington, DC, September 11, 2014 Eighth District Congressman Larry Bucshon issued the following statement commemorating the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks: ""Today we remember the American lives lost on that unforgettable day thirteen years ago. We all join together in saying a prayer for the memory of those we lost and their families. We honor the first responders who ran into the flames to save their fellow citizens, the brave men and women who charged that cockpit over Pennsylvania, and the heroes who have since answered the call of duty, sacrificing everything so that others may be free. Together, we demonstrated the incredible resilience of the American spirit and the resolve of our people. ""While the smoke and debris may have long since cleared, the threat of terrorism around the world still exists. We must be vigilant and we must stand tall. America remains the leader of the free world and we will stop at nothing to defeat those who threaten the promise of freedom.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140911235311/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/336,Stutzman Votes to Protect Small Businesses and Workers from Pains of Obamacare,2014-09-11,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Marlin Stutzman,S001188,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Stutzman Votes to Protect Small Businesses and Workers from Pains of Obamacare Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued the following statement on H.R. 3522, the Employee Health Care Protection Act.   “Today, I was proud to stand with both small businesses and wage earners by supporting the Employee Health Care Protection Act, sponsored by Dr. Cassidy. Over the past year, millions of hard working Americans were forced off of plans they were told they could keep. As a result, I am deeply concerned that many more working families in Indiana and around the country will fall victim to Obamacare.   “In this Obama economy too many middle class Americans are worried about keeping their jobs, providing for their families, and making ends meet. The last thing they should worry about is coming home from work and opening up their mailbox to find a cancellation letter from their health provider. I will continue to work my hardest to prevent that from happening to my constituents.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140911235315/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/335,Stutzman Statement on September 11th Anniversary,2014-09-11,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,IN,Marlin Stutzman,S001188,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Stutzman Statement on September 11th Anniversary Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued the following statement on the 13th anniversary of the September 11th terror attacks.   “On this anniversary of the terror attacks of September 11th, 2001, we remember the loved ones we lost and continue to pray for their families. May we never forget the events of that day and the lessons we learned. We must also remember the valor and sacrifice of all the brave men and women who proudly serve this country and fight to keep us free.   “With the recent rise of ISIS, we have again seen the complete barbarity and brutal nature of an enemy who only seeks to oppress, dictate, and destroy. We must remain vigilant in the face of new threats and use all resources necessary to protect the homeland and defend our allies.   “Going forward, it is important to recognize that our greatest strength has always been the unity of the American people. As one nation we can avert any threat, defeat any foe, and keep the United States the land of the free and the home of the brave.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z