Statements for the Record

Protecting the LGBT Community from Discrimination

Mr./Madam Speaker, I rise today to draw attention, once again, to an issue that some in this Congress seem to have forgotten—the millions of Americans who are unemployed or working for wages that cannot support their families.

Many of my colleagues have not experienced what it means to be poor in America.

It's no secret that most Members of Congress have been very privileged in their lives—and there is nothing wrong with that.

But we can all imagine what poverty means without having lived through it.

HONORING THE LIFE OF REV. BONIFACE HARDIN

On March 24, 2012, Reverend Boniface Hardin, one of the luminaries of the civil rights movement from the 7^th District of Indiana, passed away. His commitment to education, compassion, and brotherly love left an indelible mark on the City of Indianapolis. It is with a heavy heart and profound sense of sadness that I express my condolences to the family and friends of Father Hardin. I want my constituents to know and those that knew Father Hardin that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Congratulating the Indiana Blood Center on its 60^th Anniversary

On its sixtieth anniversary, I am proud to honor an organization that has helped save hundreds of thousands of lives through volunteer blood donations and blood component distribution to more than 60 hospitals across the state.

STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD

RECOGNIZING GILBERT HOLMES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ACLU OF INDIANA, FOR A LIFE OF PUBLIC SERVICE

STATEMENT HONORING THE LIFE OF CONGRESSMAN DONALD PAYNE

From my first days in Congress, I always considered Donald Payne to be a mentor and friend.

He took me and others under his wing and showed us what it means to truly be a Member of Congress—not just a politician.

He showed me, like he showed so many in this Chamber, how much more we accomplish through humility and cooperation than through bravado and partisanship.

Mr. Speaker,

In 2010, the Affordable Care Act delivered a $250 check to seniors in my District who were struggling to cover the gap between the cost of their prescription drugs and their Medicare coverage.

RECOGNIZING THE CITY OF INDIANAPOLIS FOR ITS OUTSTANDING WORK IN HOSTING SUPER BOWL 46

I rise to congratulate the great City of Indianapolis—my hometown—for doing an outstanding job as host of Super Bowl 46.

On Sunday, two teams played an incredible game.

But I believe that the events leading up to kickoff—organized by countless community organizations, good corporate citizens, committed public leaders, and thousands of volunteers—were as impressive as any play on the field.