INDIANAPOLIS, DEC 19 : Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks said that she is committed to building a nation with more opportunity and greater access to the American Dream.
In a message she said ” Dear Friends, as 2014 comes to a close, I’m more thankful than ever to be serving you in Congress. I’m also excited for the important work that lies ahead in 2015.”
This January, Susan W. Brooks will begin serving on Energy and Commerce Committee whose work directly relates to this mission. The Committee’s broad jurisdiction includes oversight of policies related to healthcare, energy, manufacturing, telecommunications, consumer protection, food and drug safety, and environmental quality. Under the leadership of Chairman Fred Upton (R-Michigan), in the 113th Congress, the Energy and Commerce Committee passed 90 bills in a bipartisan fashion and 40 of those bills were signed into law.
In the next Congress, the committee will build upon these efforts by maintaining a firm focus on job creation, domestic energy abundance, medical innovation and many other worthy priorities.
“Part of creating more opportunity is providing more stability. Everyone knows Washington D.C. must stop governing from crisis to crisis. That’s why I’m encouraged Congress recently passed legislation that keeps the government running and further secures the taxpayer savings Representative Paul Ryan worked so hard to win in previous budget negotiations. The funding plan we passed approves 11 of 12 regular appropriations bills and provides for vital priorities like national defense, veteran services, public health and education. By only funding the Department of Homeland Security through February 27 of 2015, it provides the Republican House and the new Republican Senate the best opportunity to bring the President to the negotiating table regarding his harmful executive actions on immigration,” wrote Susan W. Brooks.
She encourages as always to feel free to be in touch with her with any comments or questions you may have. “I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season and a happy and healthy New Year. ”
ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF 2014
RecycleForce: On Tuesday, November 26, Congresswoman Brooks visited the RecycleForce headquarters in Indianapolis to learn more about their comprehensive program for ex-offenders. RecycleForce provides employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals looking to get their lives back on track. The RecycleForce model offers program participants an integrated focus on job skills, character development and personal counseling.
Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana: The same day, the Congresswoman stopped by Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana to speak with staff and volunteers working extra hard to feed Hoosiers during the Holiday Season. The Congresswoman thanks everyone who helps Gleaners provide thousands of snack packs and meals to those in need of a helping hand!
Operation Job Ready Veterans: On Friday, December 5, Congresswoman Brooks was the commencement speaker at the Operation Job Ready Veterans Graduation Ceremony. She thanked graduates for their service and encouraged them to put the skills they learned in the armed forces to good use in their home communities. She also thanked the programs corporate sponsors for their commitment to hiring our veterans.
Hour of Code: On Friday, December 12, Congresswoman Brooks participated in the Hour of Code with Mr. Steve Auslander’s 5th grade students at Allisonville Elementary School as part of Computer Science Education Week. She wrote code and worked alongside the students as they completed their Hour of Code projects. The Congresswoman is the author of H.R. 2536, the Computer Science Education Act. This legislation will add computer science to the list of core academic subjects in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act thereby giving schools more flexibility to support computer equipment purchases, teacher professional development and Advanced Placement classes in computer science.
Naval Surface Warfare Center: On Monday, December 15, Congresswoman Brooks toured the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division. She learned about the center’s efforts to ensure members of the armed forces have access to advanced warfare technology in the field.
IPS Merle Sidener Academy National Blue Ribbon Celebration: On Tuesday, December 16, Congresswoman Brooks spoke to students, parents, teachers and administrators at IPS Merle Sidener Academy. She presented a Congressional Record and congratulated them for being recognized as a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School.