February 9, 2012 

ADVISORY: Congressman André Carson and Local Students to Deliver Valentines for Recovering Veterans 

INDIANAPOLIS - Congressman André Carson will join local students tomorrow to deliver hundreds of valentines prepared by area school children to veterans at the Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis.

The event, which began 14 years ago under Congresswoman Julia Carson, allows students the opportunity to express their gratitude to those who have served bravely in our armed forces, especially those who have been wounded during their service. 

WHO?             Congressman André Carson, Students from Building Blocks Academy and Valley Mills Elementary

WHAT?           Delivering Valentines to Recovering Veterans 

WHEN?           10:00am – 12:00pm, TOMORROW, Friday, February 10^th, 2012

WHERE?        Roudebush VA Medical Center, 1481 West 10^th Street, Indianapolis, IN

**Congressman Carson will be touring the facility and talking with veterans from 10:30am-11:30am.  

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: February 9, 2012

Congressman André Carson Announces Grant for Local Neighborhood Center 

INDIANAPOLIS – Congressman André Carson today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded a $6.3 million grant to the Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center at Crooked Creek on Indianapolis’ northwest side.  The grant request was also cosponsored by Light of the World Christian Church, Inc.

The funding will be used to construct a three-story, independent living facility consisting of 50 one-bedroom units for low-income senior citizens.  The housing development will include accessible units for both the physically disabled and the hearing and vision impaired. Additionally, special design and planning features will be used to facilitate economical delivery of services that accommodate the changing needs of elderly residents.

“All across our city, too many seniors - many of them on fixed incomes - hit hard times with nowhere to turn,” said Congressman Carson.  “These federal funds directly impact their standard of living by providing an affordable roof over their heads.”

The grant was provided through HUD’s Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program and was a portion of $31.5 million in housing assistance announced this week.  The Glick Neighborhood Center is one of only five recipients nationwide.

“I am extremely excited for this project to move forward,” said Helen Woods-Lands, Chief Executive Officer of Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center at Crooked Creek. “We have actively sought to strengthen our community, providing resources and programming that empower those we serve.  This project is a strong continuation of that mission.”

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February 1, 2012

Carson Statement on Legislation Currently Before the U.S. House of Representatives

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, the U.S. House of Representatives will consider H.R. 3835, a bill that will extend the limitation on pay for Members of Congress and Federal employees.  Beginning Wednesday, Congressman André Carson (IN-7) will be joining his constituents in Indianapolis for numerous community events surrounding the Super Bowl and will be unable to vote on this measure.  His statement is below:

It is a great honor to have the Super Bowl in my hometown this week.  The community events leading up to the game provide unparalleled opportunities to engage constituents and highlight why industries should locate to Indianapolis.  It is also an important time for Indianapolis to promote tourism, which is a critical for our state’s economy.  In the coming days, I will be attending events that promote healthy living and physical fitness, as well as events dedicated to positively impacting at-risk neighborhoods. I intend to unapologetically cheerlead for my city by taking every opportunity to speak about its unique strengths. 

While I would prefer us to consider a bill that only limits Congressional pay, not that of hardworking federal employees, I believe that the ineffectiveness of this Congress warrants my support of H.R. 3835.  We’ve seen some notable economic improvements, but many Americans remain unemployed and families continue struggling to make ends meet.  Despite these challenges, partisan bickering and obstructionism has brought Congress to a standstill.  This is no time for Congress to give itself a raise.  We need to focus on putting Americans back to work and our economy on a stable, long-term course.  Supporting a pay limitation is the right thing to do.

Congress will also consider H.R. 3567, the Welfare Integrity Now for Children and Families Act, a bill that amends portions of the Social Security Act to require States to prevent assistance under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program from being used in strip clubs, casinos, and liquor stores. 

Congressman Carson added:

I support H.R. 3567, the WIN for Children and Families Act.  We must ensure that the tax dollars designated to help parents buy food for their children are used only for that purpose.

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January 26, 2012

Congressman André Carson and The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation Now Accepting Nominations

Nominate an Unsung Hero to Be a 2012 Recipient for the Citizen Service Before Self Honors

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman André Carson announced today that he has joined The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation in accepting nominations for the Citizen Service Before Self Honors, which recognizes and honors those ordinary Americans who become extraordinary through their indomitable courage and selflessness.

Citizen Service Before Self Honors are unique, because they are presented to unsung heroes by our nation’s most honored heroes – the fewer than 90 living recipients of our nation’s highest award for valor – the Medal of Honor.  Recipients comprise the Congressionally chartered Medal of Honor Society, which is one of our nation’s most exclusive societies.

Citizen Service Before Self Honorees represent the values of courage, sacrifice and selfless service.  Congressman Carson and Medal of Honor recipients encourage individuals to nominate any United States civilian who has clearly demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice for others whether through a single act of extraordinary heroism at risk to one’s life or through a prolonged series of selfless acts.  The nominee’s actions must epitomize the concept of “service before self” and must be performed “above and beyond” one’s professional area of responsibility or conduct.

Citizens may submit an eligible nominee by completing the nomination form online via the Citizen Service Before Self Honors website, www.citizenservicebeforeselfhonors.org. The nomination period ends on Friday, February 10, 2012.

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January 20, 2012

Hoosier Veteran’s Long Journey Home Takes Detour to State of the Union Address

Cpl. Cory Smith to Attend State of the Union as Guest of Rep. André Carson (D-IN)

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman André Carson announced today that Army Ranger Cory Smith has accepted his invitation to attend President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address in Washington, D.C. this Tuesday, January 24.  Corporal Smith recently served as a member of the 3^rd Battalion 75^th Ranger Regiment in the United States Army and has completed two deployments in Afghanistan. 

A graduate of Indiana State University, Corporal Smith has received recognition in the last few weeks because of his efforts to bring attention to the struggle faced by many service men and women during transition from military to civilian life. In order to raise awareness of the issue, Corporal Smith joined forces with GallantFew, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting veterans during their transition, and is now in the midst of a 565-mile run home from his base in Columbus, Georgia to Indianapolis, Indiana. 

Smith has been joined by other members of the military throughout his run and has shared his story at stops along the way, advocating for the numerous service men and women who are making the difficult transition from soldier to veteran. 

“This run is about embodying the struggle veterans face,” Corporal Smith said. “This is no easy feat.  I’m facing inclement weather and physical exhaustion, but these obstacles pale in comparison to the ongoing struggle my fellow soldiers face as they return home.”

Smith went on to say, “We need to shine a light on the fact that, on any given night, 107,000 veterans are sleeping on the streets and that 18 veterans take their own lives each day.  We can do more, and if more Americans are aware of the struggle that our brave military men and women undergo, they will demand more.”

Smith, who has now run 280 miles, will take a short break from his efforts on Tuesday to attend the President’s State of the Union Address as a guest of Rep. André Carson of Indianapolis, Indiana.      

“I’m honored that Congressman Carson has given me the opportunity to attend the State of the Union Address and to further this important message, but I am more greatly honored that we have leaders like him in Congress, individuals who are truly fighting for military families,” Smith said.

Congressman André Carson has been an outspoken and committed voice for military families, with President Obama recently signing into law two Carson bills dedicated to strengthening mental health and financial literacy among veterans.  Rep. Carson also issued a letter to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction - the Super Committee –requesting that efforts to reduce the deficit do not include damaging cuts to veteran health benefits.

“We send young men and women off to battle, and they serve this country with honor and bravery,” Congressman Carson said. “But the true test of our patriotism is whether or not we bring them home with integrity, support, and the resources necessary to be successful in civilian life.”

Congressman Carson added, “Corporal Smith, alongside the great work of GallantFew, is bringing much needed awareness to this transition and the challenges faced by so many of our brave soldiers.  His run home highlights that this journey is both long and strenuous.  I commend him for his service, his commitment to his fellow soldiers, and his desire to see our country do more for those who have sacrificed so much.”

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About GallantFew  www.GallantFew.org
GallantFew, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non profit nationwide Veteran mentor network that helps our returning heroes transition successfully from military service to civilian life. GallantFew provides a social network, professional development, emotional support and physical assistance.

GallantFew, Inc, meets these veterans during the process of departing from the military. GallantFew, Inc. coaches them through the transition process, assess their skills, desires and abilities, offer training as necessary, network them professionally and socially back into the community, and will be a source of physical, social, professional and emotional support. Initially the organization will accomplish this all through volunteers. Ultimately, this program will be funded, staffed, and scaled up to include every veteran of every branch of the military.

Remembering Dan Wheldon

Rep. André Carson

October 25, 2011

Mister Speaker,

On Sunday, October 16, race fans everywhere mourned the tragic loss of Dan Wheldon from injuries suffered at the Las Vegas Indy 300.

Though he was only 33 years old, Wheldon was highly-accomplished within the Indy Racing League.

In 2003, Wheldon received the Indy Racing League’s prestigious Rookie of the Year Award, which he followed up by winning the Indianapolis 500 in 2005 and 2011.

Dan Wheldon was an incredible ambassador for the sport and the Indianapolis 500, the largest sporting event in the world, which is located in my District at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  His loss will be felt on and off the track.

My deepest sympathies go to his wife, Susie, his two sons, Sebastian and Oliver, his family, his friends, and to the legion of fans around the world who are mourning his passing. Dan Wheldon’s memory will remain in the hearts of race fans everywhere, and his achievements will never be forgotten at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Congressional Record Statement: Remembering Dan Wheldon

January 25, 2011

The following statement by Congressman André Carson was read into the Congressional record today:

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Mr. Speaker - This weekend in Indianapolis, we were tragically reminded of the sacrifices our law enforcement officers make in order to protect our families.

Officer David Moore of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department was shot four times on Sunday morning during a traffic stop, and he's now fighting for his life in a local hospital.

There's no doubt Officer Moore knew the dangers of police work-his father is retired law enforcement, and his mother still serves on the Indianapolis police department.

But like so many who wear the badge in communities across our nation, David Moore took an oath to serve and protect others. To run to danger-not away from it.

I ask all my colleagues to join me in praying for Officer Moore and his family. And I ask everyone in this esteemed body to go back to their districts and take the time to thank their local law enforcement officers for the work they do-and the sacrifices they make.

Madame Speaker,

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