Congressman André Carson Named to Armed Services Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has announced that Congressman André Carson will serve on the powerful House Armed Services Committee, effective immediately. 

The Armed Services Committee oversees defense policy, ongoing military operations, the organization and reform of the Department of Defense and Department of Energy, counter-drug programs, acquisition and industrial base policy, technology transfer and export controls, joint interoperability, the Cooperative Threat Reduction program, Department of Energy nonproliferation programs, and detainee affairs and policy.

“The men and women of our armed services are the truest examples of patriotism and character,” said Congressman Carson.  “The policies and programs that impact their work are of critical importance to our national security and the overall success of this nation.  I am honored to join the Armed Services Committee and to work with my colleagues as we seek to empower their service and honor their sacrifice.”

Since taking office in 2008, Congressman Carson has had notable legislative success in issues dealing with our armed services.  In 2011, two pieces of his legislation were signed into law by President Obama: The Service Members Mental Health Screening Act, which ensures comprehensive evaluation of mental health assessments before and after deployment, and the Military Families Financial Preparedness Act, which provides service members and their spouses with financial counseling before leaving the military.

In addition, Indiana’s 7^th District is home to several defense industry companies who employ thousands of workers.  With this appointment, Congressman Carson will be able to advocate on behalf of those industries, their employees, and their efforts to keep our military effective.         

Rep. André Carson Submits U.S. Service Academy Nominations for Indiana’s 7th Congressional District

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson announced today his list of nominees for attendance at one of the United States Service Academies.  Nominated students will be considered for acceptance to the Class of 2017, and if accepted, will receive an all-expenses paid education. 

“Our military academies provide a once in a lifetime opportunity for the students who are accepted, and I am proud to offer these young men and women a pathway to that rare level of leadership and service,” said Congressman Carson. “Each year, these nominations embody the best Indianapolis has to offer. These committed and brilliant young people will be outstanding leaders in our nation and community, and I look forward to all they will accomplish.”

Students receiving nominations from Congressman Carson are listed below and organized by academy:

United States Air Force Academy

Caroline Bechtel, Cathedral High School

Kurtis Loy, Roncalli High School

James McCormick, North Central High School

Kynan Valencia, Warren Central High School

John White, Cathedral High School

United States Military Academy (West Point)

Caroline Bechtel, Cathedral High School

Amanda Blanco, Warren Central High School

Seamus Brennan, Cathedral High School

Mason Hunt, Home Schooled

Jacquelyn Stevens, Warren Central High School

Karol Wegrzyn, Irvington Preparatory Academy

John White, Cathedral High School

United States Naval Academy (Annapolis)

Caroline Bechtel, Cathedral High School

Brian Greggs, International School of Indiana

Kurtis Loy, Roncalli High School

James McCormick, North Central High School

John White, Cathedral High School

Receiving a congressional nomination is required for admission but does not guarantee admission to an academy. Academy admissions offices evaluate each candidate’s high school record, class rank, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, fitness exam and moral character before making their selections.

Members of Congress submit nominations every year, and additional information can be obtained on Congressman Carson’s website at www.carson.house.gov or by contacting his Indianapolis office at 317-283-6516.

Congressman André Carson Tapped for Key Leadership Role in 113^th Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson (D-IN) has been named a Senior Whip of the House Democratic Caucus.  In this key leadership position, Carson will work closely with House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) to coordinate and guide the votes of House Democrats on major legislative issues.  The appointment gives the Indianapolis-area Congressman a seat at the table as strategic decisions are made, allowing him to advocate for the needs of Indiana’s 7^th Congressional District at the highest levels of Democratic leadership.

Democratic Whip Hoyer said of the appointment, “I am pleased to announce that Rep. André Carson will serve as a Senior Whip in the 113th Congress.  Rep. Carson has worked tirelessly to advance Democratic priorities and will be a strong addition to the Senior Whip team. I look forward to working with him as we continue to promote Democrats’ agenda of job creation and strengthening the middle class.”

“I’m honored that Democratic Whip Hoyer has entrusted me with this powerful responsibility,” said Congressman Carson.  “As we move into the 113^th Congress, we need to be certain that Democrats are united around the most pressing issues facing our nation - how we address the national debt, create jobs and economic opportunities around the country, and ensure that our communities are safe from all threats.”

Carson, who also serves as Regional Whip for the Democratic Caucus, begins serving in this new capacity as the 113^th Congress convenes today.

Congressman Carson's Statement on the Fiscal Cliff Vote

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson released tonight the following statement regarding the House's successful passage of legislation to avert the fiscal cliff:

Tonight, the House passed a bipartisan agreement that protects the Middle Class and our economic recovery. This legislation keeps taxes low for American families, it prevents 2 million people from losing their unemployment insurance benefits, it protects seniors' access to their doctors, and it staves off a descent back into recession.  But our agreement tonight does not absolve Congress from it's dysfunction or the partisan bickering that brought us to this crisis.  

As we enter the new year, and the 113th Congress, we have a responsibility to find collaborative solutions to the challenges facing our nation.  We must join together to replace sequestration, to responsibly address the debt ceiling,  and to ensure a balanced solution to our rising debt.  While we have overcome this obstacle, this must serve as a reminder that Americans deserve better government than they've received in the past few weeks.

Carson Statement on the Nomination of Senator John Kerry for Secretary of State

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson released today the following statement regarding President Obama’s nomination of Senator John Kerry to serve as the next Secretary of State:

Secretary Hillary Clinton has done an amazing job over the last four years restoring our image abroad, strengthening cooperation with our allies, and opening new avenues of communication in difficult regions of the world.  We are safer and better respected around the world because of her efforts.  With her retirement, we are losing one of America’s most effective advocates.

With such big shoes to fill, there is no doubt that Senator John Kerry is a tremendous choice for Secretary of State.  Through his decades of public service, he has embodied the thoughtful, cool-headed approach to foreign affairs that we need in our top diplomat.  I am confident he will pick up where Secretary Clinton left off, successfully promoting American interests and values and pursuing a more peaceful global community.

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. 

Rev. Hardin became a Benedictine monk in 1953 at the young age of twenty, was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1959, and received a master of divinity degree in 1960. While serving as an associate pastor at the Holy Angels Catholic Church in Indianapolis, he soon became a vocal advocate for racial and socio-economic equality during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. 

His spiritual commitment and dedication to self-improvement led to the foundation of the Martin Center in 1969 and later the Indianapolis Sickle Cell Center in 1977.  Under his leadership, the Martin Center College became Martin University, a fully accredited institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees to low-income and minority adult learners.

Rev. Hardin was designated a “Living Legend” in 2002 by the Indiana Historical Society.  The City of Indianapolis is lucky to have had such a caring, giving person in our midst. 

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.

Indiana Blood Center was founded in 1952 and is headquartered in my district in Indianapolis.  This esteemed non-profit community service organization delivers more than 700 components of blood each day and provides other vital assistance to modern medicine through specialized blood typing for organ transplants, viral marker testing, transfusion recipients, and the National Marrow Donor Program.  The Center also serves as a vital link in the state’s life science and healthcare infrastructure in the areas of prostate cancer treatment, pharmaceutical research, stem cell and bone marrow donation.  It is the largest independent blood center in the state and ranks among the top 20 nationally.  Indiana Blood Center is a member of America’s Blood Centers, North America’s largest network of community-based, independent and non-profit blood centers – which, coincidentally, is celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year.

Every two seconds, someone, somewhere will need a transfusion and one out of every seven patients entering a hospital will need blood.  Indiana Blood Center depends on the good people of Indiana and the nearly 4,000 organizations that host blood drives annually to meet the constant demand to serve the citizens of Indiana.  I would like to recognize this valuable contribution to our community and congratulate Indiana Blood Center for its 60 years of faithful and dedicated stewardship of Indiana’s blood supply. 

STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD

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

On the occasion of his retirement, I would like to congratulate Gilbert Holmes for a lifetime of trailblazing leadership and devoted public service. 

From humble roots growing up in Sparta, Illinois, Gil ascended to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, where he served valiantly for twenty years, including in Vietnam and as aide-de-camp to Major General Frederic Davison.

Upon leaving the service, Gil applied his organizational acumen with venerable Hoosier organizations, including the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Methodist Hospital, and Lincoln National Corporation.

From 1989 to 1996, Gil rendered distinguished public service as Commissioner of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and later, as President and CEO of IndyGo.

Gil’s career culminated in his selection as executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, where he served ably for three years as both steward and advocate.

Gil has spent his life combating prejudice, proving skeptics wrong, and empowering those with whom he works to achieve great things. On March 31, 2012, Gil will retire, leaving behind a legacy of lives bettered by his mentorship and leadership. On behalf of the 7^th Congressional District of Indiana, I wish him well in his retirement and extend to him our gratitude for his commitment to the advancement of civil rights for all and to his fellow Hoosiers.

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. 

He was brilliant and put thought into every word that he said—and because of that, Madam Speaker, his words carried weight on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers.

Most recently, I was privileged to serve under his leadership on the board of the Congressional Black Caucus. 

I was able to see up close how he brought together the diverse personalities and opinions of our caucus to achieve a greater purpose.

Donald Payne made our caucus strong and united and while we will attempt to fill the gap he leaves behind, I know we will never have another leader like him.

Madame Speaker, learning to serve in the House is truly an honor—but it is also a challenge.  As a young member, I am continuing to grow and find my place amongst my distinguished colleagues.

But I feel just a little more confident because I had a mentor and a role model in Donald Payne.

And as long as I am given the privilege to serve in this House, I look forward to carrying the legacy that he started—to fight for the underprivileged, to bring attention to critical issues that don’t make the front page.

I want to extend my deepest sympathies to his family and to his staff, who know, like I do, how great a Member and how great a man he truly was. 

I’m reminded of a passage of a conversation that Jesus had with his disciples in the Book of Matthew, and they were dealing with this notion of leadership.  

And Jesus said very succinctly and very clearly and very wisely, and prophetically to them, when he said: ‘‘He who wishes to be chief among you shall first be your servant.’’

Let us remember and honor Donald Payne, a true public servant.

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.

In 2011, these same seniors benefitted from an average savings of $648 on their medications.  For my Republican colleagues who say health reform is hurting Medicare beneficiaries, I ask them to imagine spending 2 and 3 times that amount on prescription drugs per month.  For most seniors, $648 is significant savings—and it is just the beginning.

The Affordable Care Act will provide more efficient care by bundling Medicare services, investing in our health care workforce, and focusing on quality.  Replacing Medicare with vouchers would erase the progress we’ve already made toward prescription drug coverage and lead to fewer choices for beneficiaries.

I encourage my colleagues to work with me on solutions that guarantee continued access to health care for our seniors.

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