[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 144 (Tuesday, September 10, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H7563-H7564]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  SUPPORTING INDIANA'S NATIONAL GUARD

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Pence) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support for the Army 
National Guard's proposal to station a cyber battalion at Atterbury-
Muscatatuck in Indiana's Sixth District.
  The Indiana National Guard's existing capabilities, programs, and 
infrastructures make the Hoosier State an

[[Page H7564]]

ideal location for a cyber battalion. Home to the Department of 
Defense's only live, full-scale cyber range, Muscatatuck Urban Training 
Center boasts cutting-edge technology that is only a stone's throw away 
from national experts at the Naval Surface Warfare Center--Crane.
  I am thankful for the opportunity to have visited Camp Atterbury and 
Muscatatuck a few weeks ago, and I hope that soon we are able to 
welcome the next cyber battalion to the Hoosier State.


       Supporting the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

  Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Federal 
Motor Carrier Safety Administration Hours of Service proposal to 
improve safety and increase flexibility for truck drivers.
  Over 80 percent of Hoosiers depend on the trucking industry to keep 
their businesses moving. Reducing these burdensome regulations will 
help Hoosiers and all Americans.
  As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, 
providing flexibility for our truckers is my top priority. Thank you, 
Secretary Chao, for supporting commonsense proposals to increase the 
safety of our Nation's roads.


                    Supporting Passage of the USMCA

  Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to reiterate my commitment to 
passing the USMCA, a deal that will lead to strong economic growth for 
Hoosiers and the American people.
  The USMCA will generate tens of billions of dollars and create over 
175,000 new American jobs. Why won't Speaker Pelosi act? This agreement 
would rebalance trade for American manufacturing, increase market 
access for agriculture, and level the playing field for our small 
businesses.
  While back in my district, I met with Hoosier farmers and 
manufacturers who told me the same thing: Congress needs to act now. 
Pass the USMCA. I urge my colleagues to put partisan politics aside and 
ratify the USMCA on behalf of our farmers, ranchers, businesses, and 
all American workers.


              Thanking the U.S. Department of Agriculture

  Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank the U.S. Department 
of Agriculture for standing with Hoosier farmers. They have faced 
hardship due to adverse weather conditions. Indiana farmers experienced 
prolonged rains, negatively impacting their ability to plant corn and 
soybeans before crop insurance deadlines passed.
  Just 2 weeks ago, Secretary Perdue declared 74 counties across the 
Hoosier State eligible for Federal assistance. On behalf of Indiana's 
Sixth District, I want to thank the Secretary for assisting farmers 
faced with a shortened growing season and a small harvest with access 
to this critical help.


                      Supporting Broadband Access

  Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today regarding an issue impacting 
constituents in every corner of Indiana's Sixth District. My district 
ranks among the lowest in the Nation in regard to broadband access.
  According to the FCC, 42 percent of Hoosiers in rural areas of my 
district are without high speed broadband internet. That puts almost 
half of my constituents in rural communities at a disadvantage. This is 
not unique to my district. Over 16.8 million rural Americans across 
this Nation are lacking adequate access to a broadband connection.
  We must ensure rural America is not left behind. We must close the 
digital divide.

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