Richard G. Lugar Post Office

Floor Speech

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Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of a bill to name a U.S. Post Office in Indianapolis in honor of Senator Richard Lugar, the former distinguished Senator from Indiana who passed away last year.

S. 3105, follows my bill, H.R. 3152, a bipartisan bill supported by every Member of Indiana's House Delegation, which was successfully marked up and reported out of Committee by a unanimous vote last year, and then passed by the House by another unanimous vote last October. At the time, it was a wonderful start as we worked to celebrate Senator Lugar's inspiring legacy. Now, it is an even more timely reminder of the importance of public service and comity--and the importance of recognizing the people committed to serving our country, each day.

I was fortunate to know the late Senator Lugar, and I respected him deeply for his commitment to community and country.

He understood what it meant to be a true public servant, and the values he expertly displayed have inspired my work in Congress since.

He was a brilliant scholar, a brave member of our armed forces, and a dedicated public servant who championed people and principle over party.

His distinguished life is a testament to the type of leader that Indiana cultivates. And his public service is an unquestionable example of his deep commitment to our country.

That commitment to community and those values are the same as the ones that inspire the public servants working at the United States Postal Service. As this bill is considered today, I think it is both fitting and timely for us to reflect on the importance of the public service done at USPS.

At a time when public servants--especially Postal Service workers-- are under attack from the current administration, this bill is a reminder of why we name our public buildings after the men and women who serve our nation with distinction and honor.

As the former Mayor of Indianapolis during the turbulent year of 1968, Richard Lugar helped lead our city away from violence after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by working with Robert F. Kennedy, who broke the terrible news to Hoosiers gathered that day for a campaign speech. Those two proponents of peace over violence helped make Indianapolis one of the few major cities that did not erupt in painful destruction after Dr. King's murder.

Naming public buildings after a man like Senator Lugar is not only an act of commemoration and celebration of a great man, but it is also a fine example for our youth and the next generation about the virtues of public service in a democracy like our own.

Now, more than ever, the Postal Service will play a critical role in safeguarding and ensuring an accurate vote tally--the absolute bedrock of a democratic system.

I was honored to introduce the legislation that passed the House last year, and I remain proud to help add the late Senator Lugar's name to a building that means so much for the public service and the democratic values we hold so dear.

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