Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Pennknoll Village located in Everett, Pennsylvania. On July 26, 2003 the retirement community will celebrate 25 years of service, and acknowledge the employees who have worked at Pennknoll Village since the inception of the institution.

In the late 1970s, Diakon Lutheran Social Services, which serves nearly 60,000 people annually, revamped the program and, with the help of the county, built a new nursing facility. Pennknoll Village has grown to become a vital part of the community and now accommodates 133 residents, including those in need of short-term care.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor that I rise today to recognize Pennknoll Village and its 25 years of service. Central and western Pennsylvania are a better place because of workers like those employed by Pennknoll Village. I wish them continued success over the coming years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Jaffa Shrine located in Altoona, Pennsylvania. From its beginnings, the Shrine has been a popular center for community life in Altoona, gaining 200 members between its first meeting in October 1902 and its founding charter in July 1903.

Today, the Jaffa Shrine continues to grow and has expanded its mission to include members from nine counties, spanning from New York in the north, Maryland in the South, and stretching as far east as Lewistown and Blairsville in the west.

With such a rapidly growing membership, the Shrine quickly outgrew its original temple. In September 1930, the Shriners current temple was completed. Its ornate, mid-eastern architecture stands as a testament to both their heritage and their importance to our area.

The Shriners' mission of ``fostering self improvement through leadership, education, the perpetuation of moral values and community involvement'' serves as an example for what can be accomplished in every community across this country.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise today to recognize the Jaffa Shriners and their 100th anniversary. Central and western Pennsylvania are a better place because of them and I wish them continued success in their mission over the next 100 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome our guest chaplain, the Reverend Dr. William H. Harter from the Presbyterian Church of Falling Spring in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Reverend Harter is a graduate of Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts, and received his master's in education in the social sciences from Harvard University. In addition to his extensive graduate study, he received a Ph.D. in the New Testament from the Union Theological Seminary in New York City.

Dr. Harter ministered to the Catskill Mountains community in New York from 1967 to 1977, before becoming minister of the Presbyterian Church of Falling Spring in Chambersburg.

In 1977, Dr. Harter and his wife Linda, herself an ordained Presbyterian minister, settled in Chambersburg and have been active members of the community. Not only is Dr. Harter committed to the religious development of his church, he has been active in many organizations, including those devoted to helping the homeless and troubled teenagers, and has been an elementary basketball coach. He is also the current president of the Chambersburg Area United Churches.

In addition to his work in Chambersburg, Dr. Harter has participated in several organizations whose work is focused on Jewish-Christian relations and Middle Eastern affairs. He has traveled extensively in the Middle East, including 36 trips to Israel.

Dr. Harter and his wife are the proud parents of five children and the grandparents of five grandsons. The Harters have been a part of the Chambersburg community for many years, and it is an honor for me to welcome him here to the House of Representatives, and I thank him for his continued dedication to his church, his community, and his country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and loss of John L. Grove, whose accomplishments have made an everlasting impact to Pennsylvania and the Nation.

John Grove committed his life to the Franklin County community as a defining model for entrepreneurism and the American dream. Mr. Grove personally had a hand in the creation of numerous successful companies and contributed his expertise and advice to a whole host of other business ventures.

John Grove was noted for his brilliance and huge innovations in the world of hydraulics. He was most notably, the ``father'' of the hydraulic telescoping crane boom. In addition to his prowess for business and ingenuity, he was also extremely generous to his community. Today his philanthropic endeavors, including the John L. Grove College of Business at Shippensburg University and the John L. Grove Medical Center in Greencastle, stand as a reminder of his faith in those around him and his determination to provide a better life for others.

John Grove and his brother formed Grove Manufacturing Company by building farm wagons out of a two car suburban garage. But brilliance would not be constrained by just farm wagons. In just three short years, he and his brother developed and built the industry's first industrial yard crane. Quickly the wagons were superceded by the demand for the cranes and the small business in a garage became an industrial giant.

After a very successful run in this career, Mr. Grove and his brother sold the company in the 1960's and John Grove took a well-deserved vacation. But as most truly gifted people find out, the body may rest but the brain never pauses. It was in the course of his vacation travels across this great country of ours, that Mr. Grove realized the pitfalls of those who needed to work on platforms and scaffolding. To that end, he invented the self propelled work-basket vehicle and in an instant a second career was born.

In implementing his new vision, Mr. Grove and a partner bought a small factory in McConnellsburg and began with only 15 employees. Soon, JLG Industries would grow to a internationally recognized company that would employ thousands from around the community.

In 1993, Mr. Grove retired from a hugely successful career at JLG, but he continued to offer both his business experience and philanthropy to the area he so dearly loved.

Few people have had such a tremendous impact on south central Pennsylvania. With the passing of John L. Grove, Pennsylvania and America have lost one of their greatest citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Stephen G. ``Mack'' McCahan, Jr., an outstanding resident of Southcentral Pennsylvania who perfectly epitomizes the spirit of America. Mr. McCahan is a superb professional, an outstanding pharmacist, and a genuine expert in his field.

On August 22, 2003, Mr. McCahan will reach a true landmark, 50 years of service in the pharmacy profession. In the course of his career, Mr. McCahan has demonstrated high quality work and has exceeded all ethical standards. He has touched thousands of patients and positively impacted each community that he has served.

Mack McCahan started as a staff pharmacist in the United States Navy at Camp LeJuene, NC from 1953-1955. From there he moved to Bellfonte, PA to continue his pharmaceutical career and then to Waynesboro, PA where he worked at Minnick's Pharmacy. It was in 1963 that Mr. McCahan bought the Agnew Drug Store in Everett, PA and renamed it the Everett Pharmacy. In 1971, his brother Larry joined the business. In 1985, he further expanded his business by opening McCahan's pharmacy in Saxton, PA with his son Steve and his brother.

During his time in Everett, Mr. McCahan has become a leader in the community. His friendliness and goodwill have made him recognized by all. To that end, Mack and his wife Jean have been friends of the Shuster family for over 30 years. Having grown up with his sons, Steve and Matt, I know his goodwill personally, in fact growing up I was a member of the family.

It was only in 2001, that Mr. McCahan sold the business to his son and his brother. In that effort, he has helped to continue the legacy of a family pharmacy, to act in the best interest of the patient, and has passed that lesson to his son.

Today, Mack McCahan still continues to work in the pharmacy, by filling in for his brother and son on their days off. In his free time, he can be found with his lovely wife.

I salute Mack McCahan and congratulate him on 50 years of tremendous success in both his career and his leadership within the community.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition today to the substitute and in support of H.R. 660, the Small Business Health Fairness Act.

Of the more than 41 million Americans that are uninsured, almost 60 percent of those individuals are from families that are employed by small businesses that cannot afford to pay health benefits. We can no longer stand by as health insurance premiums for small businesses are increasing at double digit rates. Their choices of plans and benefits continue to decrease.

The passage of the Small Business Health Fairness Act would be an important step in providing access to affordable health insurance for millions of workers and their family, helping to stop the growing numbers of uninsured Americans. As a former small business owner for 13 years, I struggled with the skyrocketing costs of health care benefits. Employers, small business owners must decide whether to scale back or cut coverage altogether. By allowing businesses to join together in associated health plans, they will have the same opportunities that large businesses and unions have. Hard working Americans employed by small businesses deserve access to quality and affordable health care too.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Manzullo) and the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Fletcher) for their outstanding leadership, and as a small business owner, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 660.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.

I also want to congratulate the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica) and the ranking member, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), and the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio) for what I consider an excellent bill.

As my colleagues said, I think this amendment will improve the bill. The intent of our amendment is to strike the language that imposes cost sharing of EAS funds on a select few small communities, rural community airports.

These communities today are struggling to meet their current financial situations brought about by a sluggish economy and an increased cost on homeland security. These air links for these communities are vital, vital for economic development, especially in rural America from which I hail.

Some would say that there are significant costs savings; but if you look at this relative to the overall bill, we have a $59 billion bill over 4 years, and this language would only save $7.5 million. Here in Washington that is small

change; but in rural America that is significant, significant to these small and rural communities.

So I would like to thank the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young); the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica); the ranking member, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar); and the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio) for accepting this amendment and supporting it. Once again, I congratulate them on a tremendous bill, a strong bill that is going to help all of America.

Mr. Speaker, today is a great day for America as we are poised to pass H.R. 760, the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban. This legislation would stop the gruesome procedure that kills a child just inches from birth.

I will not go into the gory details of this particularly cruel procedure, but I will mention that numerous medical experts have testified that fetuses are able to fully feel pain after 20 weeks of development, at the time when most partial-birth abortion procedures occur.

It is also important to note that health experts agree that partial- birth abortions are never needed to save the life of the mother. Even the AMA has stated that partial-birth abortions pose serious health risks to women, and indeed, are not accepted medical practice. Yet this gruesome and evil practice continues to take place.

Today, we take a giant leap forward to end this practice. I look forward for the President to sign this bill into law. I urge passage of the rule and of the bill to protect the most innocent of our society.

Mr. Speaker, last week the House of Representatives passed the job package introduced by President Bush. This bill gives the economy an immediate shot in the arm by leaving working families with more of their hard-earned money through accelerated income tax relief. Right now too many workers feel a squeeze in their wallet because they are taxed too highly, but help is on the way.

H.R. 2 will aid any American family looking to pay bills or put food on the dinner table by letting those families keep more of those hard- earned dollars. Just as importantly, H.R. 2 will help create more jobs for American workers by including provisions encouraging business investment. This bill breathes new life into every company struggling to survive by increasing tax-deductible investments. If we help businesses remain competitive and growing, we in turn can help them create new jobs.

There is yet one more hurdle for H.R. 2 to make a difference in America. H.R. 2 must pass the other Chamber. I rise today to urge my friends on the other side of the Capitol to move forward and pass the legislation quickly. The American people are waiting.

Mr. Speaker, Taiwan will be celebrating their president's third anniversary in office this May 20. Their president, Mr. Chen Shui-bian, has shown leadership and wisdom in the last three years.

Taiwan enjoys one of the highest standards of living in Asia and a good strong relationship with the United States. Taiwan stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States after 9/11 and gave us total support in our war with Iraq.

May Taiwan continue to enjoy economic prosperity and an ever stronger relationship with the United States. May Taiwan be successful in stopping the spread of SARS and in returning to the World Health Organization soon.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark a significant historical event in the community of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. This month the Zion Lutheran Church in Hollidaysburg will mark its 200th anniversary. The rich history of Zion Lutheran is a testament to its founders and all of its congregants to this day.

By 1803, population centers in the United States were expanding westward. As small groups of people started to settle west of the Allegheny Mountains for the first time, a small group of German immigrants, led by Pastor Frederick Haas, started the first congregation of Zion Lutheran Church in a log building in Frankstown, Pennsylvania, 200 years ago.

While many of the original members were used to the grand cathedrals of Europe, and the new log building was certainly a different way to worship for many settlers, their desire to worship and develop community moved them to embrace their new surroundings.

With the opening of the Pennsylvania Canal and the Allegheny Portage Railroad in 1830, Hollidaysburg flourished and became the county seat. As the town continued to grow, congregants needed a larger building to worship, and a new church opened its doors to the spiritual needs of the community in 1853. Today congregants of Zion Lutheran still make this building their center of spiritual community, and it also serves as a central feature of the historic section of the Hollidaysburg borough.

While the building is, itself, an historic, stately church and provides a beautiful place to worship, it is the people themselves, the congregants, that make Zion Lutheran a real natural treasure.

With 965 members, Zion Lutheran is the largest Lutheran church in Blair County. Leading the congregation is no small task, and its pastors, the Reverends Scott and Carol Custead, are the latest in a long line of God's servants who have provided the community with religious guidance that has brought stability and hope through God's teachings.

The word ``Zion'' literally means ``the dwelling place of God, where God meets His people.'' It gives me great honor to recognize Zion Lutheran Church in Hollidaysburg on its bicentennial, a place where God truly meets His followers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 178, honoring the life and work of the former Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Matthew J. Ryan. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wonderful family.

Matt Ryan was a legendary figure in Pennsylvania politics and a true definition of an American statesman. As we remember Matt, we speak of dignity, wisdom and fairness. We also recall his strong-willed determination and focus in serving the State that he loved so dearly. In the world of politics it is rare to find someone who was so effective on so many levels and touched so many people.

Speaker Ryan offered an extended hand to both friend and foe, and it is fitting that his legacy includes friends and admirers who sat on both sides of the aisle.

Earlier this year, the Speaker told colleagues, ``I'll be back,'' when he was forced to take leave and battle his illness. It was perhaps unnecessary because Matt Ryan has never left. He will always be with us.

The State of Pennsylvania has lost a leader, and the United States has lost one of its great citizens. I am honored to support House Resolution 178, to recognize the life and work of our distinguished and deeply missed Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 866, the Wastewater Treatment Works Security Act of 2003, and I commend Chairman Young for sponsoring this important legislation. H.R. 866 authorizes the EPA Administrator to issue grants for vulnerability assessments and security enhancements at our publicly owned treatment works facilities. In addition, the legislation calls on the Administrator to provide much needed technical assistance regarding security measures that can be made to our smaller publicly owned treatment works facilities, that is facilities that serve less than 20,000 people. Lastly, the bill provides critical funding for the improvement of the methodologies and tools used to carry out wastewater vulnerability assessments.

Mr. Speaker, ensuring that our wastewater treatment facilities are properly protected and secure is a crucial aspect of enhancing our Homeland Security. A terrorist attack on a public treatment facility could be devastating. I commend Chairman Young for his hard work on this legislation, and his efforts to draw attention to the need to improve the security of wastewater treatment facilities.

Mr. Speaker, while many economic indicators show that the American economy is back on the road to recovery, working families in central and western Pennsylvania continue to struggle to pay their bills. Unemployment rates for some portions of my district have risen as high as 14 percent, and jobs are difficult to find, even for the most well-trained workers.

For my constituents, the time to act on these alarming trends is now. I applaud the leadership of the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) and the Committee on Ways and Means on crafting H.R. 2 to help spur our Nation's economy, and we in the House were right to pass this vital legislation. The provisions of H.R. 2 will put billions back into our country and create thousands of new jobs for Pennsylvania workers. This legislation will ensure our economy continues to grow and creates jobs in the years ahead. H.R. 2 is an important step in answering the economic questions facing millions of American taxpayers.

The benefits of H.R. 2 are staggering. Twenty-seven million taxpayers will benefit from the increased child tax credit in 2003 alone; nearly 10 million taxpayers will not pay the AMT; 10 million seniors will become more financially secure in retirement by keeping more of their dividend income.

In fact, half of the immediate tax relief provisions of H.R. 2 are directed towards the child tax credit, eliminating the marriage penalty tax, accelerating rate reductions for middle-class families and ensuring these families do not face the alternative minimum tax; real money for families.

As a former small business owner, I understand the importance of H.R. 2 to small businesses throughout America. H.R. 2 will benefit family businesses by increasing the immediate deduction for small business from $25,000 to $100,000 and modifying the definition of small business to allow more businesses to grow and prosper.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate my colleagues in the House for supporting H.R. 2, and I urge the other body to move swiftly on this important legislation for our Nation and for working families.

Mr. Speaker, on May 10, 2003, the Roaring Spring Lions Club will be celebrating their 50th anniversary. I rise today to congratulate the members of this exceptional club for such a momentous occasion. The current members have continued a long standing Lions Club tradition of excellence. They should be proud of their commitment to assisting their community and fellow citizens through numerous service activities.

The Roaring Spring Lions Club is one of many thousands of local clubs located in 190 countries across the globe, with a world wide membership of more than 1 million members. As an internationally known organization, the many local Lions Clubs make up a large web of community service projects that range from improving the environment, to helping local youth through outreach projects, to assisting the disabled in the community. Lions Club members are truly exceptional people and prove their commitment to the Clubs' motto ``We serve'' each and every day.

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to have had the opportunity today to pay tribute to and recognize the members of the Roaring Spring Lions Club for their 50th anniversary. I encourage the members to continue in their efforts to better their community through service oriented projects and I wish them each the best of luck in all their future endeavors.