Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding academic accomplishments of a constituent from my district, Deborah Gym.

Deborah is a sophomore at Central Bucks South High School who regularly demonstrates a commitment to academic excellence, with this dedication culminating in her achieving a perfect score of 1520 on the Preliminary SAT (PSAT). Deborah demonstrated a proficiency in various focuses of reading, including information and ideas, craft and structure, and expression of ideas, and mathematics, including a remarkable understanding of algebra, advanced mathematics, problem- solving and data analysis, and geometry and trigonometry.

Deborah's performance on the PSAT should serve as a testament to her character as an intelligent and motivated young woman. I am encouraged by her motivation to perform incredibly in her academic career, and I am proud to represent such remarkable young people in my district.

It is my hope that, by Deborah's example, students throughout my district and throughout the country are encouraged to challenge themselves academically, and endeavor to strive for excellence in every facet of their lives. Moreover, the example provided by young men and young women, like Deborah, should serve as inspiration to challenge ourselves and strive for excellence in every facet of our lives.

I would like to wish Deborah the best in her future endeavors, both academically and professionally, and once again congratulate her on her incredible performance on the PSAT.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the memory of a notable constituent from my district and friend, the Honorable John J. Rufe, who passed away on November 18.

Judge Rufe had served the Court of Common Pleas of Bucks County as a judge since 1989, serving in a full-time capacity until 2009,

whereupon he entered into a Senior Judgeship within the County of Bucks. Judge Rufe was dedicated to serving the residents of Bucks County, and during his years of service he always looked forward to a day's work at the bench. During his tenure as a Senior Judge presiding over drug court, Judge Rufe fully supported and advocated for efforts to meaningfully help the rehabilitation of those suffering from addiction throughout Bucks County.

Judge Rufe left the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas in December 2018, leaving behind a profound legacy that touched so many lives. Judge Rufe will be remembered for his commitment to serving the residents of Bucks County and for his dedication to learning from the past and to confronting the challenges that our community will face in the future.

Judge Rufe will always be remembered as a loving Husband, Father, and Grandfather and we are all incredibly grateful for the positive impact he has had on our community. Let us continue his legacy of public service each and every day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding community service of a constituent from my district, Kathy Babb. Kathy will be retiring after more than 50 dedicated years of public service to the residents of Haycock Township as a Township Supervisor.

Kathy Babb's service to Haycock Township dates back to the 1970s in which she tirelessly worked to maintain the natural beauty of the township. As a result of her efforts, today Haycock Township boasts over 6,000 preserved acres and is home to Bucks County Park, Lake Towhee, and State Park, and Lake Nockamixon. Consistently throughout her years in public service, Kathy was nominated by her fellow board members to lead the Board as Chair given her natural leadership skills.

She also served as President of the Bucks County Association of Township Officials and eagerly contributed to the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Officials. Her dedication to local government will always be appreciated by the community and her legacy of public service will live on for future generations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of a constituent and dedicated public servant from my district, James ``Jim'' Purcell. Mr Purcell passed away on November 28, 2023, at the age of 70.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, Jim graduated in 1971 from Archbishop Wood High School in Warminster, PA. After, he completed his electrician apprenticeship in 1975 and obtained a degree in energy efficiency. He would later go on to become an electrician for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local No. 98 for over 40 years.

Jim, a revered member of the Perkasie community, will forever be recognized for his exemplary commitment and public service to his community. Jim joined the water authority when he was 25 years old, and he had 41 years of service, including 23 years on the authority and 15 years on council where he served as Vice President of the Perkasie Borough Council for many years. During this period, Jim was instrumental in the development of Perkasie's public power policies and was recognized as providing outstanding public service throughout his life.

Jim will always be remembered as a loving Husband, Father and Grandfather and we are all incredibly grateful for the positive impact he has had on our community. Let us continue his legacy of public service each and every day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding constituent from my district, Lanae Angel Lynn Carrington. Ms. Carrington is guided by a sense to better her community and has always demonstrated her ability to overcome complex challenges and situations.

Lanae was born in Baltimore, Maryland and moved to Pennsylvania with her mother and siblings in 2013. An AAU Student Athlete of the Year, Lanae was also named Suburban One Female Athlete of the Week and SOL Student Athlete of the Week. Lanae has consistently made All Team for Track and Field each year of her high school career while simultaneously maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

Lanae will be continuing with Track and Field at the collegiate level and has been fortunate enough to be awarded with the opportunity to attend Lehigh University where she will be competing at the Division One level.

We are all incredibly proud for the positive impact Lanae has on our community and wish her the best of luck in her bright future ahead.

Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in favor of my amendment to H.R. 5961, the No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act.

Mr. Chair, this Congress has a responsibility to unequivocally denounce the cruelty and inhumanity perpetrated by the terrorist organizations funded by Iran, especially Hamas.

As we work to prohibit further funds from being used by the ruthless Iranian regime to prop up terrorists and subsidize terror attacks, we must also ensure that we swiftly and clearly condemn the criminal acts already carried out by Iran's agents of terror.

The deliberate use of innocent civilians as humanitarian infrastructure by Hamas and other Iran-backed terrorist groups to shield themselves, their weapons, and their operations is entirely unconscionable.

Their unabashed and irredeemable disregard for human life is equally outrageous. Hamas and other terrorist organizations are placing innocent, noncombatant women, children, elderly, and other vulnerable individuals in harm's way. This must stop.

This is a blatant contravention of international humanitarian law.

Beyond all of that, Mr. Chair, it is a fundamental violation of human dignity.

My amendment ensures that the United States emphatically condemns these actions of Iran-backed terrorist organizations. It further demands the immediate and unconditional surrender of Hamas and other terrorist organizations so that innocent civilian lives may be saved in both Israel and Palestine.

This has not and should not be a partisan issue. This Congress and this government must continue to be united in our condemnation of terror and terrorists.

Anything less is a betrayal of our obligation as a global leader for human rights, human dignity, and human freedom.

Mr. Chairman, I urge the adoption of my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Chairman, this amendment would prohibit the FTC from bringing cases under Section 5 that deviate from traditional antitrust statutes commonly known as the Sherman Act and the Clayton Act.

Since the start of the administration, the FTC has taken several steps that stray from traditional procedures and norms while pushing the limit on statutory bounds Congress had already placed in this area.

The FTC act does not define ``unfair methods of competition.'' In 2015, the FTC issued the statement of enforcement principles that clarified the priority of consumer welfare in the application of the antitrust laws through the FTC Act.

In particular, it has confined its Section 5 cases to conduct that diminishes consumer welfare by harming competition or the competitive process as opposed to conduct that merely harms individual competitors or poses public policy concerns unrelated to competition.

The 2015 statement was replaced by an ambiguous new statement in November of 2022 that causes confusion and strays from the rule of law.

Rather than promoting competition, the FTC is imposing more costs on businesses, driving up prices for consumers that simply pile onto inflation.

If the FTC and the unaccountable bureaucrats at other agencies such as the FDIC continue to stray from the rule of law, Americans will face higher prices, less innovation, and reductions in quality as these agencies seek unchecked authority to regulate and micromanage the American economy.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my.

Mr. Chairman, I would just say that is the issue, that there is more confusion now that the FTC has kind of wandered away from what ultimately was legal precedent.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I simply would urge an ``aye'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dorothy Tazik, a remarkable constituent from my district, and to pay tribute to her on the celebration of her 100th Birthday in September of this year.

Dorothy was born on September 6, 1923, in Wallington, New Jersey, as the third child and only daughter of Mary and John Pollak. From New Jersey, she and her family relocated to Tullytown and later Bristol in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. On October 19, 1946, she married her husband Wendel J. Tazik, an Army Air Corps veteran from World War II who served faithfully in the Pacific Theater. Dorothy and Wendel settled in Levittown, Pennsylvania, where they raised their five daughters, and she embarked on a lifetime of devotion as a wife, mother, homemaker, and grandmother. Dorothy is further blessed with 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

I am personally honored to have arranged for the flag of the United States of America to be flown over the United States Capitol on her 100th Birthday to commemorate this historic occasion in her life. Moreover, I am deeply honored to have had the opportunity to present this flag to her during her Birthday celebration.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my esteemed colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to please join me in extending our heartfelt congratulations, sincere well-wishes, and all of God's Blessings to Dorothy Tazik on the celebration of her 100th Birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding constituent from my district, Patricia Ours. Patricia began serving as Bookkeeper for the Borough of Newtown in 1997. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to support the Borough and its citizens as bookkeeper and as treasurer. Now, after more than 26 years of dedicated public service and professional commitment, Patricia is transitioning from her public position. I am proud to recognize and celebrate Patricia as an exceptional administrator who has provided outstanding financial guidance and general stewardship to the benefit of the residents of Newtown. Patricia finishes her government career as the Borough Treasurer, where she is widely respected for her accurate, strategic, and careful financial advice. She is recognized and respected as deeply knowledgeable in all areas of governmental financial management, whether it be budget planning or perceptive awareness of potential impacts to the Borough. She has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to overcome complex challenges, including those innumerable challenges that have arisen because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Patricia's expert guidance and thoughtfully caring leadership have helped the Borough community face challenges and overcome adversity. Her dedicated and diligent work has contributed to keeping our citizens well cared for.

We are incredibly grateful for the positive impact Patricia has had through her long career of public service, and we wish Patricia countless blessings during her new chapter.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding constituent from my district, Darletta Berry-Johnson--the founding and only Executive Director of the Ivins Outreach Center, headquartered in Morrisville, Pennsylvania. In 2023, Ivins is celebrating its twentieth anniversary in operation. The mission of Ivins ``strives to improve the quality of life for those within our neighboring communities, providing opportunities for them to be healthy, confident, connected, and secure, regardless of age, income, or background.'' Their goal is ``to create a community that is stronger, healthier, more involved, more generous, and more accepting of others.''

Darletta has been the driving force and inspiration of Ivins' far- reaching success in making a significant difference in the lives of tens of thousands of individuals, young and old alike, in, around, and beyond Bucks County--an area I proudly serve and represent. In supervising and leading a small group of dedicated part-time staff members and scores of community volunteers, a sampling of Darletta's efforts has resulted in:

Services to senior citizens such as Ivins' Staying Put and Home Share programs that enable folks to remain in their homes despite illness, disabilities, food insecurities, safety concerns, lack of transportation, and a host of other physical and social issues.

Services to an annual enrollment of upwards of 3,000 youth through oversight and administration of 21st Community Learning Center Grants that provide after-school social and academic support, and summer employment and enrichment camps for students in the school districts of Morrisville Borough, Bristol Borough, Bensalem Township, Bucks County Technical High School, and the non-public Holy Trinity, St. Marks, and St. Ephrem elementary schools, and Conwell-Egan High School.

Covid Relief through Darletta's collaboration with the United Way, Lower Bucks Chamber of Commerce, area grocery stores, houses of worship, and local law enforcement agencies in providing meals for families and individuals in addressing grocery shopping, transportation needs, providing holiday experiences for the less fortunate of all ages, and shelter for the young, the homeless, the abused, and senior citizens.

Coordinating efforts to support law enforcement agencies by securing a COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) grant through the United States Department of Justice for the Borough of Morrisville; successful submission of COPS grant applications for Falls Township and Bensalem Township police departments; and a submitted application along with the Bristol Borough Police Department to fund a School Safety Officer.

Leadership roles have included, but not limited to: Pennsylvania Department of Education Advisory Board, Bucks County Children & Youth Advisory Board, Established Morrisville Education Foundation, Morrisville Collaborative, Lower Bucks Family YMCA Board of Directors, G.A.G.E. Gang Awareness, Communities That Care Consortium, Academic Oversight Committee for Bristol Borough, Bensalem School District Diversity Committee, Conwell-Egan Catholic High School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

Finally, given Darletta Berry-Johnson's record of achievements, she is the recipient of the Women Business Leaders in Bucks County award presented by the Lower Bucks Chamber of Commerce; and the Women for Women and Women Who Make a Difference awards presented by the Bucks County YWCA.

We are incredibly grateful for the impact Darletta Berry-Johnson has had through her long, distinguished career at the Ivins Outreach Center and wish for her continued success as she continues to serve our community.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to acknowledge the annual Safe Schools Week. Safe Schools Week is celebrated every year to raise awareness about the importance of school safety and promote strategies for keeping students, teachers, and staff safe. This year for Safe Schools Week, I am proud to see so many schools in my district in Pennsylvania prioritize advocating for school safety policies.

As a member of the Bipartisan School Safety Caucus, I work with my colleagues to advocate for common-sense policies which center on improving the environment where our students learn and grow. We owe it to our students, educators, and school communities to prioritize their safety. Recent tragedies across our nation highlight the need to invest in substantive solutions to make our schools more secure, and I am proud of what is being done on the local, state, and federal level to ensure our schools are places of growth.

This week, it is also important to acknowledge the dedicated school officials, such as School Resource Officers, who protect our children. SROs are essential to crime prevention in schools and ensure that schools have a first responder already on campus in the event of an emergency. Beyond law enforcement, many SROs also serve as mentors in fostering relationships and reinforcing positive behaviors with students. Alongside my School Safety Caucus peers, I introduced the Strengthening Our Schools Act of 2023. This legislation would increase funding for SROs and ensure they have the resources required to support and protect students and school staff. I am grateful to the many School Resource Officers across Bucks and Montgomery counties for all they do to support our schools and communities.

In Bucks County, we are fortunate to have several school districts that have invested heavily in having SROs in their schools and we have many others that are in the process or laying the groundwork for an SRO program. The Bucks County school districts that have an existing SRO program include the following: Quakertown, Central Bucks, Council Rock, Neshaminy, Bensalem, and Bristol Borough.

As we acknowledge School Safety Week across the country, and raise awareness about the importance of strategies for keeping students and educators safe, I urge my colleagues to continue to focus on key policies to ensure schools have the necessary resources.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding global interfaith leader, Acharya Dr.

Lokesh Muni Ji. For the last 30 years, Acharya Lokeshji has been an advocate for communal harmony, non-violence, peace, and mutual cooperation.

Born in 1961 in northwest India, Acharya Lokeshji studied Jain, Buddhist, and Vedic philosophy from an early age, and left home at the age of 22 to take initiation into Jainism. After receiving the title of Acharya, one of the highest honors in Jainism, Acharya Lokeshji travelled the world and authored dozens of books to reflect on the principles of religious harmony and unity in diversity. He is also outspoken on critical issues such as environmental protection and substance use disorder.

Acharya Lokeshji's brave actions back up his doctrine of non- violence. In 2013, while on a tour of London, he rushed back to India to assist victims of a deadly riot between Hindus and Muslims. Prior to that, he resolved a Sikh religious dispute in the Punjab region of India. As a capstone to his initiatives, Acharya Lokeshji also recently dedicated India's first 'World Peace Center' in Gurugram, one of the country's largest cities. These examples all serve as a testament of Acharya Lokeshji's ability to put his principles into practice.

We are all grateful for Acharya Lokeshji's dedication to interfaith dialogue and peace. His selfless service is an incredible example of global citizenship, and we wish him success in his continued work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding constituent, from my district, Rev. B. Gomez. We are celebrating 100 years of his life. As a dedicated citizen and voter, of this wonderful country, as he publicly states, Rev. Gomez brings to us an extraordinary plethora of history that he has encountered. Rev. Gomez was born in Puerto Rico on September 3, 1923.

He attended the University of Puerto Rico and after his graduation made a decision to dedicate his life to ministry and furthered his education at the Seminary of Puerto Rico. Once graduated he moved to New York City and married his wife, Efigenia Gomez in New York City on August 1, 1954. While his wife continued raising two daughters and furthering her education to achieve her Degree in Education, Rev. Gomez became pastor of The First Reformed Parish in New York City, later was transferred to Chicago and finally settled into a parish in Philadelphia. At this parish, Rev. Gomez along with his wife began a Senior Center, Lady Steppers Marching for Parades, an after school program, and with the

assistance of volunteer dentists, a dental facility for the community was added onto the parish.

He takes pride in his three grandchildren: Thomas, Ronald & Daniela.

After retirement and the passing of his wife, he moved to Bucks County in Fairless Hills, PA. Rev. Gomez has truly achieved much in his 100 years of life, and we are appreciative for the dedication he has given throughout his years to the many lives he has touched with his ministry.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding constituent from my district, Grace L. Morris. As we celebrate her life, we think of all the memories that she continues to share, as a citizen of our country. Grace was born in Pittston, Pennsylvania on September 11, 1923, grew up in upstate Pennsylvania and made her family home in Northeast Philadelphia on Lexington Avenue.

Grace attended Saint John's High School and graduated in 1941. She enrolled in Germantown Nursing School, graduated, and went to work as the head nurse for the psychiatric ward. Grace then joined the United States Army. She served on a POW ship that crossed the Atlantic Ocean 5 times--over and back. Grace earned the rank of 2nd Lieutenant before World War II ended.

Grace attended classes at the University of Scranton for further nursing studies.

Her marriage to Bill Morris took place September 6, 1946. While raising 5 children, Grace worked as a Private Duty Nurse at Nazareth Hospital and later as a nursing instructor at the Philadelphia Training Institute.

Grace was a devoted wife, remains an amazing mother and grandmother. Her great-grandchildren now number 10. She served as the neighborhood nurse and devoted much time to volunteer efforts through Saint Jerome's Parish, and Winchester Swim Club in Philadelphia.

As we celebrate her 100 years of life, we are incredibly grateful for the positive impact she has made on all who know her.

Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in favor of my amendment to H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act.

Mr. Chair, 22 years ago this fall, our Nation watched in horror as senseless acts of terror were committed on American soil. That tragic day, our vulnerabilities were exposed when terrorists forcefully took control of passenger airplanes and fatally turned them into guided missiles.

We lost 2,977 mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, on that day. Mr. Chair, we also lost one of my constituents, Captain Victor J. Saracini, who was the pilot of United Flight 175, which was hijacked. The entire world watched in horror as that plane flew into the South Tower.

We also lost our misguided sense of protection in an increasingly dangerous world, as well.

Our Nation and this Congress resolved that after September 11 that we would take every action necessary to remember those we lost and to fulfill our promise and our solemn pledge of ``never again.''

Since coming to Congress, I have fought nonstop for the installation of secondary cockpit barriers on all commercial passenger aircraft. Alongside my constituent and friend, Ellen Saracini, and countless Members of Congress from both Chambers and both sides of the aisle, we have raised awareness and advocated for this measure to make our skies and our passengers and flight crews much more safe.

In 2018, Congress took one step in the right direction and included a rulemaking requirement for secondary barriers on newly manufactured aircraft.

Mr. Chair, my amendment today builds on that effort by directing the FAA to issue a final rule extending the requirement for secondary cockpit barriers to all commercial passenger aircraft. This commonsense, low-cost safety measure will protect the integrity of the flight deck and prevent dangerous and hostile individuals from accessing the cockpit.

Mr. Chair, Congress has a solemn obligation not just to the victims and survivors of 9/11 but to our pilots, to our flight crews, and to our passengers and their families to implement this safety measure on all commercial passenger aircraft as soon as possible.

I am grateful to my bipartisan colleagues, as well as Chairman Graves, the committee, and the amazing staff that serve on it for their support of this critical national security issue.

Mr. Chair, I urge all my House colleagues to adopt my amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.