Floor Statements

``If any bill shall not be returned by the President within ten days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall be a law, in like manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their adjournment prevent its return, in which case it shall not be a law.''

Thank you, Ranking Member.

Mr. Speaker, we know that building the Keystone pipeline will create some jobs, and it can even help lower consumers' prices, but many of these jobs are temporary, which is true in most capital cases anyway. The price of oil has already fallen below $50 a barrel for the first time since 2009.

We really got some good news about jobs today again. We added 252,000 jobs, and the unemployment rate is the lowest since 2008--I think May or June of that year.

While we are going in the right direction, we need some serious creation of jobs and at least a reach-out to the administration, ``Hey, you are doing a pretty good job on this, on oil prices, on gasoline prices,'' just a little bit of encouragement. We all roll on the same ship, come on.

You boost our energy security, and you save consumers money at the pump, but the debate over Keystone has become a symbolic issue. Come on, let's admit it. It is clear that this fight is vastly greater than the economic, environmental, or energy impact. It is the end of the world if you listen to the extremes of both sides.

I could support the construction of this pipeline but do not believe Congress should circumvent the administrative view.

Mr. Speaker, let me just recommend something perhaps through you to the Chair. I believe that the reason why we have this problem is the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has nothing to say about oil lines. They do on gas lines, but not oil lines.

I think we could have saved a lot of time if we used the same situation. I am going to vote ``no'' on this, but I think there is some good things that need to be done and could be worked out.

Mr. Speaker, I submit the following article.

[From the New York Times]

(By Robert Pear)

Washington.--Spending on health care in the United States

grew in 2013 at the lowest rate since the federal government

began tracking it in 1960, the Obama administration said

Wednesday.

It was the fifth straight year of exceptionally small

increases in the closely watched indicator. The data defied

critics who had said such slow growth would not continue for

long once the recession ended in mid-2009.

Health spending totaled $2.9 trillion last year, up 3.6

percent from 2012, the administration said. The share of the

economy devoted to health care, which appeared to be growing

inexorably for decades, has been the same since 2009.

``The 3.6 percent increase in 2013 is the lowest increase

on record in the national health expenditures going back to

1960,'' said Micah B. Hartman, a statistician at the Centers

for Medicare and Medicaid Services and lead author of the

report, published in the journal Health Affairs. ``The next

lowest increase was 3.8 percent in 2009. These rates are

within the range of the recent low rates of growth in health

care spending, between 3.6 and 4.1 percent from 2009 to

2013.''

Spending for health care in 2013 averaged $9,255 a person,

government economists and statisticians reported. Health

spending grew at about the same pace as the economy and

accounted for 17.4 percent of the gross domestic product,

which reflects the total output of goods and services.

Among factors restraining the growth of health spending,

the administration pointed to new limits on Medicare payments

to hospitals and health maintenance organizations; automatic

across-the-board cuts in federal spending required by a 2011

law; and the proliferation of high-deductible health

insurance plans, which tend to discourage the use of care by

requiring consumers to pay more of the cost.

Faster growth in Medicaid spending offset some of the slow-

down in spending by Medicare and private insurance in 2013,

officials said. The 2013 figures did not show the effects of

major expansions in coverage that took effect this year.

Moreover, the data did not answer a question hotly debated

by health policy experts and economists: whether the recent

slowdown in health spending was attributable to aftereffects

of the recession or to cost-control features of the

Affordable Care Act, signed by President Obama in 2010. The

civil servants who wrote the report said some provisions of

the law ``exerted downward pressure'' on health spending

while others ``exerted upward pressure.

``The key question is whether health spending growth will

accelerate once economic conditions improve significantly,''

the report said. ``Historical evidence suggests that it

will.''

Marilyn B. Tavenner, the administrator of the Centers for

Medicare and Medicaid Services, said the report was ``another

piece of evidence that our efforts to reform the health care

delivery system are working.''

Retail sales of prescription drugs totaled $271 billion

last year, accounting for 9.3 percent of all health spending.

This proportion has not increased substantially in recent

years, but it results from two divergent trends: an increase

in the use of high-cost specialty drugs and greater use of

low-cost generic medicines.

``Higher prices for specialty drugs were due in part to

expensive new medicines--in particular, those used to treat

multiple sclerosis and cancer--as well as more rapid price

increases for existing specialty drugs,'' Mr. Hartman said.

``Although specialty drugs accounted for less than 1 percent

of prescriptions dispensed, they represented almost 28

percent of total pharmacy-related prescription drug spending

in 2013.''

At the same time, the report said, the share of

prescriptions filled with generic drugs climbed to 80 percent

in 2013, up from 73 percent in 2011.

Under the Affordable Care Act, federal and state officials

review insurance rates to identify ``unreasonable increases

in premiums,'' and the government requires insurers to spend

at least 80 percent of premium revenue on medical care and

quality improvement activities. These provisions helped hold

down health spending, the report said.

The government reported lower use of inpatient and

outpatient hospital services in 2013, coinciding with

requirements for patients to share more of the cost under

some types of insurance.

For example, the report said, ``the average patient cost-

sharing charge per day increased 19.5 percent in 2013, while

the average cost-sharing for an outpatient surgery episode

increased by 10 percent.''

Over all, the report said, medical prices increased just

1.3 percent in 2013, slightly less than prices in the general

economy. Prices for doctors' services increased less than

one-tenth of 1 percent, the smallest change since 2002, and

prices for home health care services declined. While Medicare

spending for doctors' services increased 2.5 percent last

year, Medicaid payments to doctors increased 14.9 percent,

mainly because of a temporary increase in payment rates for

primary care doctors treating Medicaid beneficiaries.

Medicare, for older Americans and people with disabilities,

and Medicaid, for low-income people, accounted for more than

one-third of all health spending.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in opposition to the Save American Workers Act. Look, we will not recognize the fact that in 1960 to 2013, this is the lowest increase in health care costs in the last 50, 60 years.

They don't want to admit it. You can't admit one positive thing about the ACA. But I want you to tell the people who you throw off health care insurance, I want them, through the Speaker, to tell them that no longer are you going to be covered if you have preconditions. You do it.

Mr. Speaker, this bill is nothing more than a tool for large employers to avoid providing their employees with health insurance, despite the fact they can afford to do so.

Now, look, this is not a perfect piece of legislation. We have never passed a perfect piece of legislation. Only God is perfect.

The bill will reduce the number of people receiving insurance through their employers. Simple fact. Been codified. Increase the number of people getting insurance through the Affordable Care Act. Put more burden on the Treasury and increase the number of people who will end up with no insurance.

Studies have shown that raising the threshold to 40 hours would nearly triple the number of workers at risk of having their hours just slightly reduced by firms looking to avoid requirements to provide their employees with health insurance.

My Republican colleagues love to extol the virtues of fiscal responsibility, so it is good to know that those concerns can be so easily cast aside for bills like this that not only add to the deficit, but also achieve their noble goal of resulting in more Americans going without health insurance.

Through the Speaker, I would like to give the manager 30 days to change his thoughts that were extended this week in the newspaper when he said that this bill will give more people more full-time work. Show us. Show us, please.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to say to the gentleman from Georgia, before he leaves the floor, that I wish him the best of luck, Doc. And I wish the other Doc, the gentleman from Washington who has already left the floor, the best of luck. The gentleman from New Jersey, Rush Holt, who is going to speak after me, is leaving as well.

And I must say some things about all three of you, if I may, because you fit into these particular characteristics. The three of you are gentlemen. The three of you are real patriots. The three of you are civil in every respect. The three of you have a good sense of the Congress. The three of you have a great respect for the institution. And you will be missed.

God bless you. Godspeed. And good luck to you and your families.

The American Economy

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the state of our Nation's economy. I have been waiting for this opportunity, Mr. Speaker. This is the time to do it.

Six years ago, when President Obama raised his hand on the steps of the Capitol of the United States of America and was sworn in as President, we were losing over 800,000 jobs every month, and these were mostly middle-income and lower-income Americans who were out of work. In the final 6 months of President Bush's administration, we lost 3.5 million jobs. By the time the recession was over, 8.8 million Americans were out of work. The ending of that recession technically was in June of 2009, but we did not start to create new jobs until March of 2010, and many of those jobs came from the census that was going on that year.

Our country's gross domestic product, GDP, in the fourth quarter of 2008--the last months of President Bush's administration--decreased by 8.9 percent. That is an unbelievable number. And President Bush was not solely responsible; we all shared in our financial demise. We have been digging ourselves out of this deep, deep hole ever since, with almost no help from our friends on the other side.

And I am glad my friend from Georgia mentioned that legislation that we passed in 2003, plan D. Because right after we lost that debate and lost that vote, we became part and parcel of that legislation which had been democratically passed in this House, although we didn't like it. We cooperated. We didn't try to undercut. We did not try to minimize. But the record will show that Democrats stood up, shook off their loss, and became part of what American democracy is all about. We cooperated.

Now, what have we had from the other side of the aisle? We have had no cooperation. We have had very little goodwill. We have had, simply speaking, no poetry whatsoever. In fact, just the opposite. We have seen the seeds sown in division, in fear, in disharmony.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which passed in February of 2009, our first response to the crisis, received zero votes from our friends on the other side of the aisle. We know now that this bill saved or created 3.6 million jobs in this country, although it was far too small to dig us out of the hole. But we were on our way.

The Affordable Care Act will allow a new generation of entrepreneurs to create a business, provide incentives for small business to offer health insurance, and attract qualified employees, even cut health care costs growth to unheard of levels, freeing up cash so that businesses can invest more and hire more workers--again, zero votes from our friends on the other side.

And then when you lose, you undermine as much as is humanly possible.

Where was the other side of the aisle when the unemployment insurance for long-term unemployed expired, cutting off 3.6 million Americans, including 350,000 veterans, at the end of September of 2014? When we had lost over 550,000 government jobs, dragging down our economy, our entire economic recovery, instead of working to keep people on the job, my friends on the other side of the aisle were pushing more and more disastrous, job-killing budget cuts.

And, Mr. Speaker, let me say this: The record will bear me out. We now have the lowest number of Federal employees, the lowest amount of employees, since 1966. So when our friends on the other side talk about Big Government, they ought to know about it since they created it. We have had the lowest amount of Federal workers. And for the last 5 or 6 years, many of those workers--forget about us--have not even gotten a cost of living increase.

So you can understand very clearly why the American people are frustrated with the pace of our recovery. And in many ways, I share their frustration. It has taken far too long, and the fruits of the recovery have not been equally distributed.

During the recovery, incomes have been flat for the vast majority of Americans while the folks at the top of the income scale are doing better than ever. No one should try to undermine anybody making a living and a good living, but everybody should be part of making sure that there are shared fruits on the line and everybody gets a chance and an opportunity.

The stock market is up over 165 percent since the low it hit at the depths of the recession. While stocks have fully recovered and continue to set record highs, the job market has lagged behind, not recovering all the jobs lost in the recession until just 6 months ago, 5 years after the recession officially ended.

In my home State of New Jersey, total employment is still well below where we were at the start of the recession. There are over 130,000 fewer jobs in New Jersey than in December of 2007. Our unemployment rate is nearly a full point higher than the national average. Take heed what happens to your own State, never mind what happens in other States.

Wages have also been stagnant, stuck at around 2 percent for the last few years. If wage growth had been a more robust 4 percent--enough to factor in inflation and growth in productivity--the average worker would be making more than $3 more per hour today than they are. That is a fact. It is undeniable.

It is undeniable. This is because, for example, during the first 3 years since the end of the recession, the top 1 percent of Americans captured 95 percent of the entire country's income gains. This wage stagnation didn't just start with the recession.

Incomes for the middle class had been stagnant for the past 15 years, and if you adjust for inflation, middle class wages are lower than they were in 1989. That is a fact. There are many reasons for the middle class to feel like they are left out, like the recovery has left them behind. It is because the entire economy is leaving them behind.

This year, it seems like we may have finally begun to turn that corner, and our economic recovery is still and really accelerating. Last week, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the economy created 321,000 jobs.

That makes for 57 straight months of job growth, the longest streak of consecutive months of job creation on record for a total of over 10.9 million new jobs. For the last 10 of these months, we have created over 200,000 jobs per month. That is the first time we have had a streak of that with robust job creation since the 1990s.

The 321,000 jobs created in November brings the total number of jobs created just this year to 2.65 million jobs, so with 1 month to go, we have already created more jobs--get this--than any year since the 1990s. Now, those are some of the statistics about the job numbers you might read in USA Today.

Manufacturing is the linchpin of our economy, adding 28,000 good- paying jobs just last month for a total nearly of three-quarters of a million new jobs. Wages, as I mentioned, have been stagnant. You will see a nice monthly gain of 0.4 percent.

We have not had a month this year when wages have fallen, and for the first time since 2008, we have had 4 months where they have grown at least 0.3 percent. The average workweek increased to 34.6 hours, meaning more workers are finding full-time employment, instead of part- time jobs.

According to the Labor Department, we are seeing increasing churn in the job market with the highest number of employees being hired for jobs and voluntarily quitting their jobs since early 2008. This means more workers are confident enough in the job market strength to leave and look for a better opportunity.

The first week average of weekly jobless claims has been below 300,000 for the last several months, another welcome sign, and according to the Commerce Department, construction spending increased 1.1 percent in October, including a 1.8 percent increase in home building.

Total construction spending is up 3.3 percent from last year, part of the reason why unemployment amongst construction workers has fallen from 8.6 percent to 7.5 percent for the last year.

I say to the American people: we know it has been a long, tough road over the last couple of years and the last couple of decades; we know many of us have been frustrated that it has taken so long to get back on our feet, but today, the American worker is the strongest in the world.

We should feel good that not only are we on the right track, but we are moving faster. The only thing now that could hold us back is if we sabotage the economy by returning to some of the favorite old tactics, shut the place down, shutting down the government, or defaulting on our national debt. We are now only 1 day away from shutting down the government.

The last time, the tantrum over defending affordable care cost us $24 billion. I don't know who the austere party is. I don't know who the party is that is going to watch every dime that is being spent. Twenty- four billion dollars is not chump change, and that resulted in 120,000 fewer jobs being created. We are going to have to be a little bit more creative than just shutting down the government. Maybe they will only try to shut down parts of the government.

But this pales in comparison to the negative economic impact of brinkmanship over our country's debt ceiling. We all know just how devastating actually refusing to raise the debt ceiling could be.

Credit markets would freeze, interest rates would skyrocket, and the dollar would crash. Even the possibility of hitting the debt limit does serious damage for our economy. The first time we did this back in 2011, consumer confidence declined to levels not seen since the Lehman Brothers collapsed in 2008.

Business uncertainty is not what we need. That has led to a slowing of job growth, and our credit rating was downgraded for the first time in our history. All of these economic wounds were self-inflicted.

To his credit, the new majority leader, Senator McConnell, has stated he doesn't want another shutdown or default in our debt. However, as our Speaker, Mr. Boehner, has learned that sometimes the leader of the party will have a hard time keeping his troops in line. Every leader finds that out.

With our recovery finally picking up steam, the ideologues must cast aside their mentality of legislating by taking the economy hostage. This includes not only our debt ceiling and averting a government shutdown, but also the myriad of other deadlines Congress must deal with in the new year: the expiration of the highway funding, preventing a cut in Medicare payments to doctors, and expiring tax provisions.

Republicans and Democrats must come together really to tackle these issues in a way that accelerates our ongoing recovery. We simply cannot get caught up in the endless brinksmanship and bickering that has defined the past 4 years.

Failure to do so would be an insult to the middle class who are just starting to see the fruits of recovery in their pocketbooks. Unemployment is finally down to the lowest rate in years, and we saw a big jump in hourly earnings in this past week.

Combined with the continued drop in gas prices, not once did I ever see someone come to this floor and give the President credit for anything on the other side--not once--whether it was falling gas prices--and we know what happened when the prices went up a few years ago. Not once did we see anything about the 321 new created jobs. Not one person came to this floor.

He has done a few things right, my brothers and sisters, believe it or not, and if you do admit it, nothing is going to happen to you. Believe me, nothing will happen to you.

Combined with these gas prices going down, the positive impact of the President's immigration order, which will bring money into America's Treasury, we are on a track for a great year for the American worker. The best thing Congress could do to make sure that happens is simple: just get out of the way. I say that with all respect.

Now, Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt).

A Privilege to Serve in the House of Representatives

Thank you, Mr. Ranking Member, and thank you, Mr. Chairman. I listened to both sides, and you have given me the reasons that I am going to be opposed to this legislation.

For the past 4 years, the Ways and Means Committee has debated comprehensive tax reform. Sadly, the fruit of that discussion before us is a 1-year retroactive extension of a temporary tax provision. This is an illusion. This is a Fellini movie we are seeing on a late afternoon in Washington, D.C. It is completely unpaid for. It gives no certainty to businesses or individuals because it expires 1 month from today.

Unlike today's bill, Chairman Camp's tax reform draft dealt with many expiring tax provisions in a courageous way. We were dealing with wind credits, R&D tax credits, mortgage debt forgiveness, all the way down the line, as well as the mortgage principal extension, which is needed for people who have had catastrophic problems within their own States. This is an example of what a responsible approach to extenders looks like.

This bill before us today is wholly inadequate. Not only does it add billions of dollars to the deficit, we kick the can down the road by only dealing with extenders in a retroactive manner. In other words, this money has been spent over the last 11 months, hopefully, getting to the point where we would pay for it. That is not the way to run the show, and you know that only puts us deeper into uncertainty and certainly deeper into debt.

Does anyone believe the 2 weeks these provisions will be in effect will encourage any business to make decisions about whether to hire more workers or invest in alternative energy or research, new equipment for small businesses or development in disadvantaged communities?

Thank you.

I am not finished yet, but I want to say to Mr. Camp, you have been a civil voice that will be missed in this hallowed Hall. And I mean that sincerely from my heart, because civil discussion is necessary in the House of Representatives.

Many times, in other places, it has not been civil. It will do nothing to encourage this legislation, this new development in renewable energy.

I want to be clear. I strongly support, my record will show, many of these tax provisions. I want to work with colleagues on the other side and my own side to make many of them permanent.

While this approach may help taxpayers and businesses who made decisions assuming Congress would act responsibly, it is not in the country's long-term interest, Mr. Speaker. At a bare minimum, Congress should be extending these provisions until the end of 2015 in a fiscally responsible way.

Mr. Speaker, I unfortunately must oppose this legislation, the so called ``Tax Increase Prevention Act.'' For the past four years, the Ways and Means Committee has debated comprehensive tax reform. Sadly, the fruit of that discussion before us is a one-year, retroactive extension of temporary tax provisions, completely unpaid for, and that gives no certainty to businesses or individuals because it expires one month from today.

It didn't have to be this way. Earlier this year, Chairman Camp released an ambitious proposal for a comprehensive reform of our tax code. I did not agree with everything in that proposal, and neither did many of my friends on the other side of the aisle. But I was confident that both sides could use Chairman's Camp's draft as a starting point to come together around a reform plan that would finally address the many loopholes and inefficiencies in our tax code.

Mr. Camp's draft also dealt with the many expiring tax provisions before us today in a courageous way. He resisted the temptation to assume these breaks would be indefinitely extended and added to the deficit. Instead, he made permanent the ones he wanted to keep and paid for them, while separately identifying ones he would let expire. This is an example of what a responsible approach to extenders looks like. Unfortunately, what happened next could not have been less reflective of Mr. Camp's earlier work.

Before the ink had even dried on Chairman Camp's tax reform

draft, the majority of Ways and Means began passing permanent

extensions of nearly $1 trillion in tax

provisions and did not even make an attempt to pay for one

dime of them. This approach is the height of irresponsibility

and has squandered any good will that had been developed

during the years of debate over tax reform.

This bill before us today is wholly inadequate. Not only does it add to the deficit and kick the can down the road, but by only dealing with extenders in a retroactive manner, it will not even encourage any business investment in the future. Does anyone really believe that the two weeks these provisions will be in effect will really encourage any business make decisions about whether to hire more workers, or invest in alternative energy, research and development, new equipment for small businesses or development in disadvantaged communities?

A retroactive extension will do nothing for commuters in New Jersey, who have been denied parity in their transit benefits for the last 11 months and will now be denied them again next year. It will do nothing to encourage new development in renewable energy, including offshore wind in my home state, as developers will have no certainty at all that the critical tax credits in this bill will be there for them next year.

I want to be clear: I strongly support many of these tax provisions, and I want to work with my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to make many of them permanent. However, while this bare minimum approach might help taxpayers and businesses who made decisions assuming Congress would act responsibly, it is not in the country's long-term interest. At a bare minimum, Congress should be extending these provisions until the end of 2015, in a fiscally responsible way, and then get back to work on real, permanent tax reform that ends this destructive cycle of expiring and renewing temporary tax policy once and for all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 85th Anniversary of the founding of the Daughters of Penelope, the leading international women's organization dedicated to promoting the ideals of ancient Greece. Founded November 16th 1929 in San Francisco, California the Daughters of Penelope was established to improve the wellbeing of women through community service and volunteerism. Especially, I would like to honor the Daughters of Penelope District 5 who represent chapters in New Jersey for their tireless efforts to improve the lives of women across our great state.

Nationally, one example of the great work done by the Daughters of Penelope can be found in the Penelope House, a shelter for battered women in Mobile, Alabama. The Penelope House focuses on the prevention of domestic violence through education and public awareness. The Penelope House helps victims of intimate partner violence to gain social and economic independence through shelter, counseling, and advocacy.

Clearly, the Daughters of Penelope deserves our recognition and support as they continue to expand the opportunities, status and well- being of women and their families around the globe. Congratulations to the Daughters of Penelope on reaching such a milestone and I look forward to continuing to see the charitable efforts of such a dedicated group of people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 85th Anniversary of the founding of the Daughters of Penelope, the leading international women's organization dedicated to promoting the ideals of ancient Greece. Founded, November 16th 1929 in San Francisco, California the Daughters of Penelope was established to improve the wellbeing of women through community service and volunteerism. Especially, I would like to honor the Daughters of Penelope District 5 who represent chapters in New Jersey for their tireless efforts to improve the lives of women across our great state.

Nationally, one example of the great work done by the Daughters of Penelope can be found in the Penelope House, a shelter for battered women in Mobile, Alabama. The Penelope House focuses on the prevention of domestic violence through education and public awareness. The Penelope House helps victims of intimate partner violence to gain social and economic independence through shelter, counseling, and advocacy.

Clearly, the Daughters of Penelope deserves our recognition and support as they continue to expand the opportunities, status and well- being of women and their families around the globe. Congratulations to the Daughters of Penelope on reaching such a milestone and I look forward to continuing to see the charitable efforts of such a dedicated group of people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call to your attention to the deeds of an outstanding 19 year veteran of the Passaic Police Department, Detective Mauro Farallo, affectionately known as ``Moe.'' Moe has dedicated his career to serving and protecting the citizens and businesses of the City of Passaic. To honor his years of service, his family, friends, and colleagues joined together in October to celebrate his outstanding community service and acts of valor.

Moe began his career in the Passaic Police Department's Patrol Division in 1995. He was later assigned to the Detective Bureau where he assisted in numerous major investigations including Homicide, Robbery, Burglary, and Arson. Through his diligent computer work and tireless efforts, Moe solved many cases and helped identify several unidentified deceased persons through dental and medical records. These efforts have provided closure for victims' families.

Moe currently serves as the President and Alternate State Delegate of Passaic PBA Local 14, which is the collective bargaining agent for the Officers of the Passaic Police Department. He works tirelessly to ensure that the membership receives fair compensation by negotiating officers' contracts. During his tenure as PBA President, Moe has successfully brought financial stability to the struggling finances of the union which better serves its members and the community.

Moe's humble roots and strong family ties have played an integral part in his compassionate and giving nature as well as his warm disposition and tenacity. He grew up in Union City where he was exposed to many different cultures, religions, and nationalities. He moved to Rutherford in Bergen County and played for the Rutherford High School football team during which time he worked in the family pizza business where he learned to respect and love his fellow employees. After graduating from Rutherford High School, Moe bought Mama Mia Pizzeria from his father and ran a successful business for 14 years. In 1995, he sold the business and began his career in the Passaic Police Department.

I have had the good fortune to personally know Moe and his beautiful family. Moe is truly deserving of this recognition and I am sure that his family and friends are sincerely proud and grateful for all his selfless deeds. Moe is an invaluable asset to the entire community and I wish him continued success in all of his future endeavors.

The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing and commemorating the services of dedicated individuals like Detective Mauro Farallo. Moe is a truly admirable person and who I am honored to call my friend.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Detective Farallo's family, friends, and all those whose lives he has touched, and me, in recognizing Detective Mauro Farallo's outstanding character and service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Anthony Wieners' leadership and dedication to the law enforcement community and the citizens of New Jersey. To honor his years of commitment, his friends, family, and colleagues joined together in October to celebrate his amazing career.

Anthony F. Wieners is a life-long resident of Belleville, New Jersey. A veteran of the United States Navy, Anthony began his law enforcement career in January of 1980 as a patrolman with the East Orange Police Department, transferring to the Belleville Police Department in September of 1980, where he held the position of Detective until his retirement in July 2014. In 1991, Anthony was elected State Delegate of Belleville Police Benevolent Association (PBA), a position he held until his retirement. Anthony also held the offices of Belleville PBA Local President and Vice President. In addition to holding local offices, Anthony is a past chairman and co-chairman of the Essex County PBA Conference.

Anthony was appointed to the New Jersey State PBA Executive Board in 1993 and on May 1, 1997, he was appointed to the position of Executive Vice President. In 2007, Anthony was elected State President of the New Jersey PBA with a membership of over 33,000 officers. Anthony served as PBA President with distinction until earlier this year when he stepped down to allow for new leadership.

As PBA President, Anthony instituted many new programs within the organization including the NJ PBA COP SHOT program that provides automatic reward money whenever any NJ law enforcement officer is killed or wounded in the line of duty. On the national level, Anthony was a Vice President of the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), which represents over 254,000 law enforcement officers from more than 4,000 organizations throughout the United States. Anthony has also been involved in the Police Unity Bike Tour for many years. In 1998, 2006 and 2014, he participated in rides from NJ to Washington, DC and helped raise over $2 million in funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

As Co-Chair of the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, I was proud to have Anthony as a partner on many efforts including our fight to protect the COPS program from budget cuts that would have decimated the program.

Anthony holds memberships in many organizations, including the NJ Police Honor Legion, the Belleville Kiwanis Club, the Asian American Law Enforcement Advisory Committee, and the Knights of Columbus in Belleville.

Anthony is married to Julia, and they have two children, Michael and Kaitlin.

The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing and commemorating the services of individuals like Mr. Anthony F. Wieners.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Mr. Wieners' family, friends, and all those whose lives he has touched, and me, in

recognizing Anthony Wieners for his dedication to his family and his nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Margie Semler's leadership and dedication to the community of Passaic and the citizens of New Jersey. To honor her years of commitment, her friends, family, and colleagues joined together in October to celebrate her amazing career.

Margie Semler, daughter of Max and Riva Orlin, a life-long resident of Passaic, New Jersey, was born on June 22, 1923. In 1941, she moved to Passaic with her husband Mac and for the next eleven years began her career in government, where she took a part-time job at a junkyard run by the city's public works department.

While raising and tending to her two young children along with her fun loving, good natured husband Mac, she decided to run for a seat on the Passaic Board of Education. For the next 6 years while on the Board of Education she began her illustrious career as a public servant in which she earned the respect of the residents in the City of Passaic.

Margie decided to further her career and passion for serving the people of Passaic. For the next sixteen years, she was able to serve the residents while on the Passaic City Council. Her passion to being a public servant drove her ambitions when she was elected as the Mayor of the City of Passaic in 1993. She became the first and only female mayor to serve for eight years during her term from 1993-2001.

In 2005, Margie was indicted into the New Jersey Elected Officials Hall of Fame. She has been and remains to be a vital asset to the City of Passaic. Margie is an active participant in various public and civic organizations. She has a great love for animals and an even greater affection for the city in which she has called her home for nearly her entire life.

Margie continues to serve on the Board of Directors of the Passaic Head Start and remains an avid supporter of the families and children in the City of Passaic. As a result of her tireless dedication and commitment to the people of Passaic, the staff, policy council, and the Board of Directors of the Passaic Head Start have renamed their building to the Margie Semler Education Center in her honor.

Margie is married to the late Mac Semler and have two children, Lorrie and Marc.

The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing and commemorating the services of individuals like Ms. Semler.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Ms. Semler's family, friends, and all those whose lives she has touched, and me, in recognizing Margie Semler for her dedication to her family and her nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Greg Komeshok's leadership and dedication to the community of Passaic and the citizens of New Jersey. To honor his years of commitment, his friends, family, and colleagues joined together in October to celebrate his amazing career.

Greg Komeshok son of John and Emily Komeshok, a life-long resident of Passaic, New Jersey was born on March 23, 1947. A product of the Passaic School District, Greg graduated from Holy Rosary grammar school and Passaic High School where he played on both the basketball and baseball teams. After high school, Greg went on to further his education where he earned his Bachelor's in Industrial Arts and a Master's in Administration and Supervision from Montclair State University. Upon achieving both of his degrees, Greg became a teacher at Passaic High School, later becoming the Principal at the Learning Center Elementary School in Passaic. Greg also held various administrative positions throughout the Passaic Board of Education, before becoming the Supervisor of Physical Education and Health, and later appointed to become the Director of Athletics.

Greg's achievements and passion in serving his community has led him to hold various leadership roles within his community. After being a lifetime member of the Holy Rosary Young Men's Club, he became its President. Later, he went on to serve as the President of the Passaic Boys and Girls Club. Through his leadership and dedication, he was able to establish the annual outdoor Jimmy Sturr Concert in Passaic which is now in its eleventh year. Greg's devotion to the community and to the youth led him to the Clifton Little League and Babe Ruth League where he served as Coach. Later, he went on to become the General Manager/ Coach of the Wayne Post 174 American Legion Baseball League, then becoming the President of the Bergen Area American Legion Baseball League.

His service to his community even led him to pursue public office. In 1968, he became a Member of the Passaic Redevelopment Agency; later in his career in 1972 he was selected to become the Chairman of the Democratic Party in the City of Passaic. Then in 1976, he was a Delegate to the Democratic National Convention in New York City. In 1978, Greg was given the opportunity to serve his State when he was appointed to the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission, where he served as Commissioner. In 1983 he was elected to the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders and later in 1985 was selected to become the Freeholder Director. In 1984 Greg became a member of the Camp Hope Commission and the Passaic County Community College-Board of School Estimates.

Greg is married to his wife Susan, and they have two sons Kevin and Christopher.

The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing and commemorating the services of individuals like Mr. Greg Komeshok.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Mr. Komeshok's family, friends, and all those whose lives he has touched, and me, in recognizing Greg Komeshok for his dedication to his family and his nation.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention the outstanding achievement of the 350th anniversary of New Jersey's statehood. Furthermore, I am proud to celebrate the historic tradition of Bergen County and its many important contributions to the history of New Jersey as part of the Bergen 350 Gala. As one of the first four original counties of New Jersey, I have the honor of being its Representative in the U.S. Congress.

Founded by Dutch settlers in the 17th century, the area of Bergen County was settled as part of the New Netherlands, the 17th century North American colonial province of the Dutch Republic. In 1683, Bergen County received official recognition as an independent county by New Jersey's provincial assembly.

It is clear that Bergen County has played a crucial role in shaping the proud history of the Garden State.

In the Revolutionary War, Bergen County demonstrated its commitment to American independence. In fact, Fort Lee served as a key strategic asset to General Washington and his army.

In the Civil War, Company K of the 22nd Volunteer Infantry Regiment trained at the Civil War Drill Hall Theatre, which still stands in Leonia today. In World War I, Bergen County made use of innovative agricultural knowledge to support the war effort, canning fruits and vegetables and sending them to where they were needed.

After the nation fell into the Great Depression, Bergen County hosted numerous Work Projects Administration projects like the murals that decorate the County Courthouse in Hackensack. At the onset of World War II, Bergen County once again demonstrated its commitment to the nation, with more than 26,000 of its residents enlisting to serve.

In the Civil Rights Era, Teaneck became one of the earliest towns to voluntarily integrate its public schools by busing, doing so in 1964.

I am truly honored to represent Bergen County as part of New Jersey's 9th Congressional District in the United States Congress. As such, I was proud to cosponsor H. Res. 624, to honor the 350th anniversary of the founding of New Jersey and recognize the valuable contributions of people of the Garden State.

As we move forward, I would like to recognize the Bergen County Historical Society and the Bergen 350 Gala on October 15th, 2014 to commemorate the role of Bergen County in light of the state of New Jersey's 350th Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, and the state of New Jersey in recognizing the historic contributions of Bergen County in honor of the 350th anniversary of New Jersey's statehood.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Honorable Patrick J. Roma who was celebrated in October for his retirement from judicial service by his friends, family, and coworkers. He retires after a long career in which he faithfully upheld New Jersey's Constitution.

The Honorable Patrick J. Roma received his undergraduate degree from Seton Hall University in 1971. He later received his law degree from Samford University's Cumberland School of Law in 1975 and his L.L.M. Degree from New York University School of Law in 1981.

Early in Judge Roma's legal career, he worked as the late Judge John J. Cariddi's Law Secretary in the Superior Court of New Jersey. Judge Roma then went on to work at Friedman, Pearlman & Roma, P.C. where he worked as an attorney for over two decades. During this time, he also served as Prosecutor for the Boroughs of Palisades Park, Fairview, Little Ferry, Saddle Brook, Haworth, and Leonia.

During his time as Partner at Friedman, Pearlman & Roma, P.C., Judge Roma was elected as Council President and Police Commissioner for the Borough of Palisades Park. He served from January 1985 through December 1987. Thereafter, Judge Roma was elected as New Jersey's District 38 General Assemblyman from 1988 through 1997 during which time he served as Assistant Minority Whip and Assistant Minority Leader.

As an Assemblyman, Judge Roma received a number of awards. He was awarded Legislator of the Year by Local 518 the Motor Vehicle Employees Union in 1993, and Shelter Our Sisters and the Italian American Police Society both in 1994, as well as, Man of the Year by New Jersey AFL-CIO in 1995 and Parole Officers Association in 1991.

Judge Roma received a Distinguished Service Award presented by Consul General Franco Mistretta, on behalf of the Italian Government, in recognition of his outstanding contribution and dedicated service to the Italian-American community from Ambassador Boris Biancheri, Ambassador of Italy to the United States.

Judge Roma was appointed in 1997 to the Superior Court of New Jersey by Governor Christie Todd Whitman and reappointed with tenure in 2003 by Governor James McGreevy. He has served on the bench in the Criminal Division of the Bergen Vicinage.

Having served alongside Judge Roma in the State Assembly, I know personally of his dedicated and hardworking nature. Judge Roma has made an outstanding mark on Bergen County with his compassionate nature and passion for upholding justice.

The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing and commemorating

the achievements of individuals like the Honorable Patrick J. Roma.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Judge Roma's family, friends, coworkers, and all those whose lives he has touched, and me, in recognizing the Honorable Patrick J. Roma.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gaetano Armando Formica who selflessly served as a U.S. Army soldier during World War II and is celebrating his 100th birthday. His family and friends will join together this Sunday to celebrate and wish him continued health, happiness, and prosperity.

Gaetano Armando Formica, also known as Al, was born September 4, 1914. Al worked in the family bakery and then went on to work for Federal Leather. With his experience there, Al eventually went on to open his own shop where he recovered chairs and furniture.

Al married his wife Anna in 1943. Soon thereafter, he was drafted into the Army and served in several European countries during World War II. His services in World War II deserve special recognition.

Al was on Utah Beach, the westernmost part of the Allied landing beach on D-Day, the Invasion of Normandy. He also fought in the Battle of the Bulge toward the end of World War II.

Al helped to liberate the Buchenwald Concentration Camp. It was one of the first and largest concentration camps on German soil where over 55,000 innocent souls lost their lives. Today, the remains of Buchenwald serve as a memorial and permanent exhibition and museum.

Al returned to civilian life after being injured during the war. For many years, he served as commander in the Disabled American Veterans Post 38. He was also the Grand Marshall in the Memorial Parade in 2009.

Al and his wife Anna have been blessed with three children, Armand, Gary, and Roberta as well as six grandchildren and eight great- grandchildren. Sadly, his son Gary was killed in 1970 while serving his nation in the Vietnam War. Truly the Formica family has given of itself in service of our great nation.

Al and Anna currently reside in Bloomfield, NJ. Al keeps busy with gardening work, playing the guitar, and cooking. He also takes care of Anna who is wheelchair bound.

As his friend, I am very pleased to have the great fortune of being able to honor such a marvelous member of our community. I sincerely wish Mr. Gaetano Armando Formica and his entire family the best.

The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing and commemorating the services of individuals like Mr. Gaetano Armando Formica.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Mr. Formica's family, friends, and all those whose lives he has touched, and me, in recognizing Gaetano Armando Formica for one hundred years of life dedicated to family and nation.