FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES EXEMPLIFIED BY THE HOOSIER STATE

On 2026-06-10, Representative James R. Baird (R-IN-4) delivered a floor speech titled "FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES EXEMPLIFIED BY THE HOOSIER STATE" in the House.

FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES EXEMPLIFIED BY THE HOOSIER STATE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 98 (Wednesday, June 10, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 10, 2026)] [House] [Page H4060] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES EXEMPLIFIED BY THE HOOSIER STATE (Mr. Baird of Indiana was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the history, heritage, and enduring legacy of innovation that defines the great State of Indiana. During the 250th anniversary of our Nation's founding, it is vital to remember the foundational principles that have driven American progress. Many of those principles have been exemplified by the Hoosier State. Founded in 1816, Indiana was built on the foundation of hard work, strong families, and tight-knit communities. Our pioneers cleared the wilderness, building a society grounded in faith and freedom. It is this unique spirit that led Indiana to produce three Presidents, six Vice Presidents, and three Supreme Court Justices, earning our reputation as the birthplace of national leadership. That drive to excel is also illustrated by our long history of industrial manufacturing. Long before modern technology hubs emerged on the coasts, Indiana was a premier powerhouse for early American automotive manufacturing. Our soil is where brilliant engineers and automotive inventors tested their limits. They built legendary companies like Studebaker and Duesenberg. This relentless spirit of innovation led directly to the creation of the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1909. Today, we host the world-famous Indianapolis 500, rightfully known as The Greatest Spectacle in Racing. The event brings hundreds of thousands of fans from across the globe to our State every year. It is that exact standard of Hoosier engineering excellence that gave the world early rearview safety mirrors and cruise control. Indiana agriculture also helps feed and fuel the world. I am a lifelong farmer who studied animal science, so I know firsthand that agriculture is the heartbeat of our State and our national economy. These producers consistently make Indiana a top national producer of corn and soybeans, driving our bioeconomy and supplying global markets. We are also the number one producer of popcorn in the entire United States. In fact, the popcorn king himself, Orville Redenbacher, was a proud son of Indiana. The Hoosier State is also the Nation's top producer of commercial ducks, pumpkins, and peppermint. Indiana has a rich sports history with the Indiana Fever, Indiana Pacers, and the Indianapolis Colts, who have also achieved historic wins throughout their history. The first-ever Major League Baseball game was held in Indiana in 1871. Our colleges and our universities have contributed to this history, as well. Purdue University's basketball team has been dominant, with an NCAA championship appearance in 2024 and a Big Ten championship this past season. {time} 1030 While I will always be loyal to the Boilermakers, I must congratulate our neighbors in Bloomington, Indiana, the Indiana University football team, who also recently had a perfect 16-0 season, bringing a national championship to the Hoosier State. Notre Dame has a storied football program with 11 consecutive national championships, including one led by the great Lou Holtz, and seven Heisman Trophy winners. The true measure of Indiana has always been the people: leaders, trailblazers, and visionaries who shaped world history. There are so many famous names from Indiana: the Jackson family, Axl Rose, Larry Bird, David Letterman, Colonel Sanders, Irene Dunne, Madam C.J. Walker, Steve McQueen, Cole Porter, Wilbur Wright, Ernie Pyle, Amelia Earhart, James Dean, General Burnside, and Abraham Lincoln, to name just a few. We are truly the birthplace of greatness. Indiana is a proud State that honors its past while building its future. I am honored to represent Indiana's Fourth Congressional District. As we celebrate 250 years of our great Nation, I look forward to seeing our State lead the way for future generations. The best is yet to come. Honoring Indy Honor Flight Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th flight of the Indy Honor Flight. This organization hosts flights for veterans from Indianapolis to Washington, D.C., and boasts an unwavering commitment to serving veterans. Founded in 2012, the Indy Honor Flight has flown nearly 4,000 veterans to D.C. to view the memorials. The organization runs four flights a year. Each flight has around 86 veterans and 86 guardians aboard. Indy Honor Flight also hosts a large welcome-home celebration when the veterans return to Indiana for the public to show its appreciation for those who have served. The organization is based in Hendricks County, and most of the leaders and volunteers live in the Fourth District. This is truly a community effort, with approximately 200 volunteers offering their time to make each trip happen. I congratulate them on this historic milestone. ____________________