September 14, 2012

Congressman Carson’s Statement on Rosh Hashanah

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman André Carson today released the following statement on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

This weekend, my Jewish friends in the great Hoosier state and throughout the world begin their celebration of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.  For well over 5,000 years, Jewish communities have used this time of year to celebrate their proud history and rich, time-honored traditions.  I encourage Hoosiers, and all peoples of faith, to join me this week in celebrating our nation’s unique and proud history of religious freedom.

And to all those celebrating Rosh Hashanah this Sunday: L’Shanah Tova.  

September 12, 2012

Congressman Carson’s Statement Regarding the Attack on Americans in Benghazi

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman André Carson today released the following statement regarding the killing of U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens and other members of the U.S. diplomatic corps:

During his tour in Libya, U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens served as a devoted public servant and fitting embodiment of American ideals.  He and his team, including Information Officer Sean Smith, were not combatants; they were allies to the Libyan people, empowering their pursuit of democracy and offering insight into the transition for a better future.  I join all Americans in mourning the loss of Ambassador Stevens, Foreign Service Officer Sean Smith, and the other Americans who were killed in this act of senseless violence.

The actions of this extremist mob are deplorable and should be condemned by anyone who hopes for peace and democracy throughout the world.  While the attackers may have invoked what they believe to be their faith, violence is not Islam; it is a perversion of it. 

September 11, 2012

Congressman Carson’s Statement on the Anniversary of 9/11

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman André Carson today released the following statement in recognition of the 11^th anniversary of 9/11:

Eleven years ago today, the American people endured an unforgettable tragedy.  Over the course of just a few hours in New York City, Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon in Virginia, America lost nearly 3,000 of her sons and daughters.  It was an unspeakable act, an attack designed to weaken the American spirit and darken the hope that defines this great nation.

But we were not broken.  Heroes rushed into the burning buildings, and Americans of every background came together to hold one another up in the face of this unimaginable act of evil.

More than a decade later, we remain a nation devoted to the simple truth that freedom will always prevail over fear, and regardless of the challenges we face, America stands strong. 

Today, we remember all those who were lost on September 11^th, 2001, those who courageously sacrificed their lives in the rescue attempts, and the brave men and women who continue to fight for our freedom abroad. 

August 31, 2012

Congressman André Carson Congratulates Indy’s Michele Jackson as a 2012 Angel in Adoption ™

Jackson to be Recognized at National Event in Washington, D.C.

The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) is a 501(c)3 nonpartisan organization dedicated to raising awareness about the tens of thousands of orphans and foster children in the United States and the millions of orphans around the world in need of permanent, safe, and loving homes through adoption.  CCAI’s goal is the elimination of the barriers that hinder these children from realizing their basic right of a family. 

CCAI was created in 2001 by the active co-chairs of the bicameral, bipartisan Congressional Coalition on Adoption (CCA) to more effectively raise Congressional and public awareness about the issue of adoption. 

The Angels in Adoption™ program was established in 1999 as a Congressional press conference to honor outstanding individuals. Since then, the program has developed into a yearlong public awareness campaign culminating in an awards Gala and celebration in Washington, D.C. 

CCAI does not receive any government funding and they rely on the generous support of foundations, corporations, and individuals to accomplish their mission.  For more information visit www.ccainstitute.org/ and www.angelsinadoption.org. 

August 15, 2012

Congressman Carson Now Accepting Applications for U.S. Service Academy Nominations

INDIANAPOLIS – Congressman André Carson today announced that his office has begun accepting applications for nomination to the U.S. service academies. The deadline for application is November 1^st.

Each year, Congressman Carson is able to nominate exceptional young men and women to our nation’s prestigious service academies – the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and U.S. Coast Guard Academy.  These highly selective institutions offer Hoosier students an opportunity to obtain a fully funded, world-class education, while also preparing them to serve as commissioned officers in the United States Armed Forces.

“For those young men and women who feel called to serve, the United States service academies provide an unparalleled opportunity to develop as leaders and give back to our country,” Carson said.  “I encourage all interested students to pursue a nomination and apply.”

Receiving a congressional nomination is required for admission (except for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy), but receiving a nomination 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.

Interested applicants should contact the admissions office at the academy of their choice and must submit all required materials to Congressman Carson's office before the November 1st deadline.

Additional information and application materials for the Congressional Nomination can be obtained on Congressman Carson's website at www.carson.house.gov or by contacting his Indianapolis office at 317-283-6516.

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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