[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 184 (Wednesday, October 20, 2021)]
[House]
[Pages H5677-H5678]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         REMEMBERING THE TRAGEDY OF THE BEIRUT BARRACKS ATTACK

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Pence) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues, and all 
Americans, to never forget the tragedy of the Beirut barracks attack.
  On Sunday, October 23, 1983, 241 brave American heroes lost their 
lives in defense of our freedom. That fateful date, cowardly Iranian-
backed terrorists, Hezbollah, drove truck bombs into the U.S. Marine 
Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. It was the deadliest single-day attack 
against U.S. Marines since the battle of Iwo Jima in 1945.
  As a marine and veteran of that conflict, I made a promise to always 
remember and honor those fallen. I will always remain faithful to that 
promise.
  God bless America and semper fi.


                     Crisis at the Southern Border

  Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize just how awful the 
crisis at our southern border is.
  In the Biden administration's latest show of contempt for this mess, 
vaccine mandates for CBP agents and ICE agents will further throw the 
situation in flux.
  Who is the Federal Government to force vaccines upon our Border 
Patrol agents, and all of us, when they are not holding illegal 
immigrants entering our country to the same standard?
  Sadly, this is another way for Democrats to defund the police, when 
too many CBP agents will be fired or forced to quit because getting 
vaccinated is not the right choice for them.
  I will continue to denounce these lawless and disastrous policies 
that are perpetuating this border crisis.


          Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Hoosier Gym

  Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th 
anniversary of the Hoosier Gym.
  Before the Knightstown Gym became the Hoosier Gym, home of the 
Hickory Huskers, it served the community for 64 years, opening its 
doors back in 1921.
  Many know this iconic locale when it became famous with the release 
of the classic movie ``Hoosiers'' in 1986.
  Congratulations to the Hoosier Gym, its staff, and patrons. We are 
looking forward to the next 100 years.


                Turning the IRS Into a Political Weapon

  Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to denounce the disturbing trend 
we have seen of turning the IRS into a political weapon.
  Democrats have included provisions in their reckless tax-and-spending 
bill that will give the IRS rogue authority to monitor individuals' 
financial bank accounts and transactions.
  Whether you are a Democrat or Republican, no one should ever support 
this communistic invasion of privacy by our Federal Government.


                         Biden's Energy Crisis

  Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the energy crisis we 
are facing. The Biden administration's poorly crafted, radical climate 
agenda has led us here.
  This crisis is already hitting home for Hoosiers. An Indiana-based 
energy company just announced that my constituents are going to pay 
more for their energy this winter. What was an $88 a month energy bill 
will now be $133 a month, a 40 percent increase.
  To those over at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue who have deemed this a 
high-class problem, wake up. You are taxing the middle class through 
inflation.


 Recognizing the Law Enforcement Community of Indiana's Sixth District

  Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
work our men and women of the law enforcement community do for 
Indiana's Sixth District.
  From Muncie to Madison, and everywhere in between, these hardworking 
Hoosiers are on the front lines of keeping our cities safe.
  Sadly, many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle want to 
demonize these heroes.
  To put it simply, thank you to those who risk their lives every day 
so we can live ours.


                Recognizing Hardworking Hoosier Farmers

  Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our hardworking 
Hoosier farmers as they wrap up their efforts for this year's harvest.
  These fine men and women are the backbone of the State and Nation. 
Because of their dedication, dinner will be on the table today and 
tomorrow.

[[Page H5678]]

  To those who have been working sunup to sundown to make that a 
reality, I say thank you.

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