Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to the life and legacy of Mrs. Barbara Flaumenbaum, the late mother-in-law of a member of our team, Mr. Peter Chong.

Born in West Oak Lane, Philadelphia, Barbara worked tirelessly as a lab technician for many years and had a spirit that warmed and welcomed all lucky enough to cross her path. You didn't have to know her well to see and understand how deeply she valued generosity and compassion. Not a day went by when Barbara did not exemplify these traits. She instilled these qualities and so much more in her family and the many lives she touched, including her son-in-law, Peter.

Barbara and her husband of over 45 years, Steven, raised two incredible daughters, Alisha and Lindsay. Family was everything to Barbara, and what Barbara loved most about life was being a mother and, most recently, a grandmother to her two grandsons, Ethan and Benjamin.

They say the best measure of a life well-lived has less to do with the number of our accomplishments, but more to do the with the number of lives we have touched.

Madam Speaker, it is clear that Barbara's was a life well-lived and one that will be greatly missed by all.

Recognizing Council Rock South High School Students

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tremendous work and ingenuity of a group of students at Council Rock South High School in Pennsylvania's First Congressional District.

At the height of the pandemic, Daniel Krauss, Noah Necowitz, Dean DiDomenico, and Dylan Weselovs, along with the guidance of their teacher, Fred Bauer, saw a need in our community and heeded the call to help. This innovative, impressive group of young men worked tirelessly to design, manufacture, and deliver 3,000 lifesaving PPE face shields that were certified by the Bucks County Emergency Operations Center to medical facilities, nursing homes, and our frontline heroes in Bucks County.

I want to applaud this very special group of students for taking what they learned in the classroom and using that to serve our community. I know the future of both our community and country is bright with young men like Daniel, Noah, Dean, and Dylan at the helm. I stand here today on the floor to express our community's utmost pride and gratitude for them. We are excited to see all that they will accomplish and know that, wherever their paths may lead, their futures will be very bright.

Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 106.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Matt Gruda, my senior adviser and someone who has become both a friend and a confidant.

Matt will be departing our team and beginning a new and exciting chapter in his home State of Florida, and I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Matt and the remarkable work he has done for our team over the past 2 years.

Matt joined our team in 2019, and quickly became an asset to both our team and our district. His expertise, sincerity, thoughtfulness, quick wit, and always pleasant demeanor made him fast friends with so many in our community with a wide range of personalities for sure. He has touched so many lives, and he has made more of an impact than he realizes.

Mr. Speaker, I could rattle off a list of wins and crucial behind- the-scenes tasks attributed to Matt, but we would be standing here for quite a while. So to be brief, I want to thank him from the bottom of my heart for his many incredible efforts not just for Team Fitzpatrick, but for so many organizations, schools, businesses, local government officials, municipalities, and the people across Pennsylvania's First Congressional District.

Matt does all things with passion, and he has given so much of his heart to our community. So much of what has been accomplished over the past 2 years would not have been possible without Matt's contributions.

Matt's drive, determination, positivity, and compassion are a winning combination and truly a rarity in this world. I believe this is why he has been and will continue to be so successful in all walks of life. He recognizes the importance and value in differing opinions and how we can learn from those who think differently from us; and to produce success, we often need to think outside the box; and to best serve our community and our country, we must give everything we have and never give up. He has led our team for over 2 years in this manner, inspiring creativity, collaboration, and passion throughout the ranks.

Matt's most admirable quality is his resiliency. I have spoken to Matt's mom, Zena, who talked about the fact that his road to get here was full of challenges, bumps, twists, and turns; yet he faces each one of them with an open mind and looks at them as an opportunity to learn and to improve and grow better.

From an early age, Matt's love of baseball was apparent. He would spend hours and hours practicing and throwing a ball against a wall; and once on the field, his eyes and smile reflected his unbridled enthusiasm and deep-rooted passion for the game. On the field, he was in complete control and nothing else mattered. Simply to be there in uniform along with his teammates was a great feeling for him.

Then, in seventh grade, he developed a tumor on his spine. After three extensive surgeries, Mr. Speaker, he was told he could not play the game anymore. For most kids, that heart-wrenching gut punch would be a pivotal moment in their life, one in which they would give up in defeat. But not Matt Gruda. Faced with a challenge and the unknown, he decided to seize on the opportunity, becoming the youngest assistant coach and umpire in the history of the league. He confronted his adversity, not viewing it as a stumbling block, but as a stepping stone to success. He has continued to build stepping stones to success with every challenge he has faced.

In speaking with the people who know Matt best, they described him as someone who does not hold a grudge; someone who is always looking on the bright side of things; someone who is kind, considerate, and is always eager to make you smile; someone who is a good friend, a caring brother, and a wonderful son; and someone whom you would always want on your team.

I know that I am grateful to have had Matt on our team for the past 2 years. He will always have an honorary spot on our bench. As a mentor, Mr. Speaker, I stand here today very proud of what Matt has accomplished and so excited for him to take this next chapter by storm. He is a bright, talented, and determined young man, and I look forward to seeing all that he will accomplish in life.

On behalf of our entire team and our entire community, we thank Matt.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, my legislation, which will be on this House floor tomorrow.

Madam Speaker, for years, VAWA has been instrumental in safeguarding women and children from abuse, anguish, and violence, and has resulted in the saving of millions of lives.

Madam Speaker, in my own district in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, A Woman's Place has served as a lifesaving resource for over 40 years; and NOVA, the Network of Victim Assistance, has helped over 3,600 victims--neither of which would be able to do their work without the help of VAWA and the reauthorization.

Madam Speaker, in August of 2018, 7-year-old Kayden Mancuso of Bucks County was murdered by her father after being awarded partial, unsupervised custody, despite a documented history of violence. She was a beautiful young girl whose life was taken from us.

Kayden's Law is included in this bill and takes steps to improve our response to the failures of State courts to protect children in custody proceedings.

Madam Speaker, VAWA is lifesaving legislation, and I implore my colleagues and all of my friends who we have built relationships with on both sides of the aisle to join me tomorrow in supporting this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, prior to my coming to Congress, I dedicated my entire life as an FBI agent to fighting corruption and fighting for electoral reform, having overseen that program for the entire Nation. H.R. 1 sets us back.

H.R. 1 should not be called For the People. It should be called for the politicians. We know what we need to do to fix this system, Mr. Speaker.

Several of my colleagues and I have introduced legislation that would actually restore faith in this institution and in the electoral process: term limits, no budget-no pay, a balanced budget amendment, single-issue legislation, abolishing congressional pensions, ending ballot harvesting, providing free photo IDs to every registered voter, ensuring signature matching, and, with the exception of military ballots, requiring that all ballots be received by 8 p.m. on election night.

Mr. Speaker, this is common sense. What this body is doing today is the opposite. My colleagues are further eroding trust in this system, and that is a real shame because we have the opportunity to fix this.

Mr. Speaker, I want to know why House leadership refuses to put these issues on the floor that would unequivocally pass with overwhelming margins in the House and the Senate. If it is going to pass overwhelmingly here, that means the American people want it. Let's put those on the floor.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a staple of my district, Altomonte's Italian Market and Deli. Altomonte's was originally founded as Mike's Meat Shop in 1971 by 2 Italian immigrants, Mike and Frances Grispino. In honor of their Italian hometown, Altomonte, they elected to change the name of the establishment to Altomonte's. Through much commitment and hard work, this family owned business has grown from a small butcher shop to a full-scale market and deli with 2 locations in Bucks County.

Altomonte's prides themselves in having a friendly, hard-working, and knowledgeable staff. In addition to serving fine Italian cuisine, Altomonte's plays an active role enriching the community they live in. As our Nation continues to deal with the realities of COVID-19, they have been a shining example for both customer and employee safety. This year, 2021, Altomonte's will celebrate its 50th anniversary. We are extremely grateful for the impact Altomonte's has had on our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rose Marie Strippoli, an accomplished artist from Bristol, Pennsylvania.

In addition to receiving numerous awards throughout her career, her most recent acrylic painting titled ``The Passage'' was recognized as best in show at the 70th Tinicum Arts Festival last week. Her abstract painting, combining vibrant colors with masterful strokes, stood out amongst submissions from more than 180 artists at the festival.

In addition to her artistic excellence and success, she has tirelessly advocated for local artists in the Bucks County area. One of her most notable accomplishments was her work to establish an exhibit at the Lower Bucks Campus of the Bucks County Community College featuring a rotation of pieces from local artists. The exhibit opened in 2015 and has highlighted many up-and-coming local artists since that time.

Her constant drive to better herself as a person and as an artist earned her a spot in the Centre for the Arts Hall of Fame in Bristol in 2016.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Rose Marie on her accomplished career and extend to her the best of luck in her future endeavors. Her work has improved opportunities for young artists in our community, for which we owe her many thanks.

Commending the Lifesaving Actions of Police Officer Ryan Bunda

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the brave and lifesaving actions of Police Officer Ryan Bunda of the Warminster Township Police Department.

On July 11, 2019, Officer Bunda observed a white pickup truck rolling slowly down a busy roadway in his patrol area. Officer Bunda, in an act of incredible bravery and initiative, ran alongside the truck, opened the door, and used his hand to press the brake, bringing the vehicle to a halt.

The driver of the truck was suffering from a seizure, and Officer Bunda, with the help of a local firefighter who was passing on the other side of the road, removed the victim from the vehicle and administered lifesaving first aid on the side of the road

With the help of this firefighter and the additional medical assistance of EMTs, who arrived shortly after, Officer Bunda saved the driver from life-altering harm or death, as well as protecting the safety of other drivers on the roadway.

This act of bravery on behalf of Officer Bunda serves as a reminder of the debt of gratitude we owe to the incredibly brave and selfless public servants in law enforcement.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Officer Bunda for his brave actions and his career of service, and I extend thanks to all first responders and law enforcement officials across Bucks County and across our country.

Honoring the Life and Memory of Troy M. Pereira

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise with a heavy heart to honor the life and memory of Troy Pereira of Falls Township, Pennsylvania, a graduate of Pennsbury High School and a gifted student- athlete.

Troy held a career as a warehouse logistics specialist for H&M in Burlington, New Jersey.

Troy participated in community sports programs, such as the Morrisville Babe Ruth baseball team and the Morrisville Bulldog team. He was also a member of the championship Pennsbury men's volleyball team, which qualified for the State volleyball championship in 2013.

Athletics aside, Troy is remembered as a generous and kind soul who was deeply loved by all who met him. My heart goes out to his parents, Matthew A. Pereira and Kathleen Holder Hirko, and her husband, Jeffrey Hirko; his brother, Kyle Pereira; and his sister, Chelsea Pereira.

Troy's life was taken from us too soon. In the short time he was with us, Troy was a leading example of the importance of community engagement. May he now enjoy his eternal reward for a life he spent serving others.

Madam Speaker, I stand here today as a former FBI agent who worked in New York City side by side with these very people we are seeking to protect today. We are here united with our colleagues from both sides of the aisle to renew the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund.

Madam Speaker, as was said repeatedly on this floor, this matter is urgent and cannot wait any longer.

On that fateful day nearly 18 years ago, American heroes rushed to save their fellow citizens without regard for their own safety. They paid a heavy price, with many today suffering from respiratory illnesses from breathing in toxic dust at Ground Zero, dust that contained lead, asbestos, mercury, and many other contaminants.

Just last month, our Nation mourned the loss of Detective Luis Alvarez, who inspired us all with his visit to Capitol Hill this year. His bravery and the bravery of all the people who sacrificed must be honored appropriately. In his memory and to honor all the brave men and women who saved lives that day, we must get this done.

Madam Speaker, as the vice chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus--24 Democrats and 24 Republicans--we have endorsed this bill. We worked very hard to get over the 290-cosponsor threshold to get this on the Consensus Calendar. It currently stands at 332 cosponsors.

I thank Jon Stewart for elevating the profile of this bill. It was incredibly important for its success.

I urge all of my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans alike, to come together and support our Nation's heroes. ``Never forget'' must mean never forget.

These are people who did the opposite of what we are all born with, as far as our instincts go. For every single one of us, based on our genetic DNA, are instincts are to run away from danger. These are men and women who do the opposite. They run toward the danger at great physical sacrifice and at great psychological and emotional sacrifice, all in the name of serving a cause bigger than themselves.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this and make this unanimous.

Mr. Chair, I stand today in strong support of this bipartisan amendment which includes language from the 911 SAVES Act,

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated public servant from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Yardley Borough Chief of Police Joseph Kelly.

Chief Kelly was presented with the Excellent Police Service Award, a well-deserved distinction for a man who has dedicated his life to public service.

Before he served in Yardley, Chief Kelly was a 23-year veteran of the New Jersey Transit Police Department, serving as deputy chief and chief of operations. Before his service there, he was an EMT dispatcher for the Maplewood, New Jersey, Police Department.

Upon becoming Yardley Borough police chief, the area saw a 20 percent drop in traffic accidents compared to the year before, as well as a more successful enforcement of transit laws.

In addition, Chief Kelly has moved to make the department more approachable, especially for victims of domestic violence, pushing for a closer relationship with A Woman's Place and other organizations.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chief Joseph Kelly for his continued service, and I would also like to thank all the members of the Yardley Borough Police Department for their tireless work in protecting our community.

Honoring Theodore Hauptman, Feasterville Business Association 2019

Person of the Year

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the distinguished achievements of the Feasterville Business Association 2019 Person of the Year, Theodore Hauptman.

Mr. Hauptman serves both in his immediate community in Holland, Pennsylvania, as well as the greater community of Bucks County.

He has logged 25 active years with the Feasterville Business Association, serving as its president, corresponding secretary, and as a member of its executive board. He currently serves as legal counsel for the organization.

Mr. Speaker, the mission statement of the Feasterville Business Association is to foster and encourage growth, progress, and the betterment of the community.

Mr. Hauptman has shown his belief in and dedication to this mission as he serves his community with distinction in his practice of law; his position on the Northampton Township Zoning Hearing Board; and his positions as director, counsel, and president of the Northampton Community and Economic Development group.

Mr. Hauptman is a black belt in taekwondo and serves as a certified coach and referee for the World Taekwondo Federation.

He and his wife are also the proud parents of three children: Jonathan, Adam, and Allyson, the latter of whom is currently serving our country on Active Duty as a captain in the United States Army.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to once again thank Mr. Hauptman for his service to Bucks County and our constituents, and we congratulate him on his achievement.

Remembering Kristen Marie Ridge

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to recognize the remarkable life of 26-year-old Kristen Marie Ridge, who, on July 5, was taken from us too soon.

Kristen was a veterinary technician at the Animals' Hospital of Levittown. She deeply cared about the safety and well-being of all animals.

Her thoughtfulness continues after her death with her urging friends and family to donate towards animal welfare in lieu of flowers.

Mr. Speaker, Kristen's selflessness is precisely why we recognize her today on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

She is an example of someone with a compassionate heart having a desire to help people and animals in our community.

We send our love to her parents, Susan and Robert Ridge; her sister, Katherine Ridge Mayer; and her grandparents, Rob and Lil Boyson.

May they find peace knowing that Kristen left an indelible mark on our community and she is now enjoying her eternal reward for a life she spent caring for all of God's creatures.

Madam Speaker, as an FBI agent who worked border security on the border, understanding it all too well, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table H.R. 3401, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment. This bipartisan bill passed the Senate with 84 votes and could be sent to the President's desk for his signature today.

Mr. Speaker, there is nothing more important than character, and I rise today to recognize an educator from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who was recently honored as Character Builder of the Year by the Pennsbury LYFT. Blair Greiner, an art teacher at William Penn Middle School, received the award from Pennsbury LYFT leaders Vicky Allen and Gary Sanderson.

The Character Builder of the Year Award is a unique distinction bestowed upon gifted teachers and faculty members who encourage their students to make upright decisions and conduct themselves in a positive manner.

Blair was nominated by several of her colleagues, who described her as a kind and passionate person who is always passionate about her work. They cite a project she spearheaded designing a mural for a retiring colleague and creating a give one, take one initiative that gives students and teachers the ability to write uplifting messages for peers having a tough day.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Blair on this well-deserved award and would like to thank LYFT for honoring heroes in our community and for advocating for the youth in Bucks County.

Recognizing the First Baptist Church of Perkasie

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a faith community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, for its innovation in providing pastoral care to members of our community.

The First Baptist Church of Perkasie recently unveiled a community center known as Revivals that serves as a soup kitchen, a counseling center, and a food pantry, among many other purposes.

Throughout the summer, members of First Baptist Church of Perkasie will hit the road with the Revivals block party trailer mobile unit to offer services to our community throughout Bucks County. These family- friendly events, in addition to other faith services, have an array of food and games to serve to bring people together.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud the faith community of First Baptist Church of Perkasie. I would like to especially thank Teaching Pastor Chris Heller, Family Care Pastor Doug Henning, and Ministries Pastor Jon Adams for all of their work that they do for our Bucks County community.

Honoring Jessica Wilcox and Alex Goldsby

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two student athletes in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that were recently honored at the 21st annual Kiwanis-Herald Scholar-Athlete Awards Banquet in Langhorne.

Jessica Wilcox and Alex Goldsby, seniors at Conwell-Egan Catholic High School, my alma mater, were recently selected as recipients of the Levittown-Bristol Kiwanis Club Dick Dougherty Scholarship.

A 4-year starter on the Conwell-Egan girls volleyball team, a 4-year member of the softball team, and a two-time first-team all-Catholic selection in bowling, Jessica also served as a member of the student council for 2 years.

As a 2-year starting quarterback for the Conwell-Egan football team, Alex was named the 2018 Philadelphia Catholic League Paul Bartolomeo Top Scholar-Athlete and was a member of the 2018 Archdiocese of Philadelphia Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll. As a starter, Alex threw for 1,972 yards and 21 touchdowns, and he also rushed for over 1,100 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Mr. Speaker, I wish Jessica and Alex all the best as they continue their studies at Bucks County Community College and Ursinus College, respectively, and I congratulate both of them and my alma mater on this amazing distinction.

Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise

today to recognize the life and memory of a law enforcement professional who served the people of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, for over two decades. Steven F. Hillias, chief of police to the Perkasie Borough Police Department, passed away on Sunday at the age of 49.

Born in Allentown, Chief Hillias was a graduate of Allentown Central Catholic High School and went on to receive a degree in management from Penn State. Chief Hillias later attended the FBI National Academy and received a master's degree in criminal justice from DeSales University.

Chief Hillias joined the Perkasie Borough Police Department in 1997 and was elevated to chief of police in 2014. Well-respected in the law enforcement community, Chief Hillias was a member of the Police Chiefs Association of Bucks County and the Fraternal Order of Police.

Chief Hillias was known as an approachable, community-oriented chief who cared deeply about the Perkasie community. He worked tirelessly and with empathy to combat the opioid epidemic and advocated for young offenders in diversionary programs. He was a man admired for his fairness and his compassion.

Madam Speaker, I send my deepest condolences to Chief Hillias' wife, Tracy, and his children, Michael and Lauren. We thank them for sharing him with our community.

May Chief Hillias enjoy his eternal reward for a life he spent serving others.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding citizen from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, who is working tirelessly to make our community a better place.

Master Harry Pfister, a 7th Degree Black Belt who serves as Vice President of Villari's Pennsylvania and Owner and Chief Instructor at Villari's of Chalfont, has been using his karate expertise as a way to assist a nonprofit organization in Lansdale. Since the 1990s, Master Pfister has hosted a ``Kick-A-Thon,'' which to date has raised over $100,000 for Manna on Main Street. This year, $10,500 was raised.

I applaud Master Pfister for his work, and appreciate the commitment of Manna on Main Street to ending food insecurity in the North Penn region.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding citizen from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who will be recognized for excellence in his field next month.

Jayson Stark of Newtown was announced as the winner of the Baseball Writers' Association of America's J.G. Taylor Spink Award for his work as a baseball sports writer.

In July, Jayson will travel to Cooperstown, New York, for ``meritorious contributions to baseball writing'' during the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum's induction weekend.

A native of Philadelphia and a graduate of Syracuse University, Jayson began his career with the Providence Journal before joining the Philadelphia Inquirer in 1979. He later joined ESPN and now covers baseball for The Athletic. Jayson credits his love of writing to his mother, June Stark, who was also a writer.

We congratulate him on this major achievement and his contributions to sports writing.

I send my best wishes to Jayson, his wife, Lisa, and their three children as well.

Recognizing Fatima Community Garden Project

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a project in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that is promoting sustainability for members of our community.

Over the past year, 44 immigrant communities worked tirelessly to create the Fatima Community Garden Project located behind Our Lady of Fatima in Bensalem, Pennsylvania.

The garden serves as a collaborative effort between the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and Catholic Social Services.

For many immigrants who arrive in our community, the Fatima Community Garden Project gives newcomers the ability to use horticultural skills cultivated in their homelands while offering them the opportunity to converse with local residents. One neighbor referred to the Fatima Community Garden Project as a sanctuary.

Mr. Speaker, the Fatima Community Garden Project officially opens on Saturday, and I would like to thank several people who have worked over the past year to make this unique collaboration successful: J. Mizael Chavez, a community leader who helped families establish their presence in Bensalem; Matt Rader, president of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society; and Estela Bugg of Catholic Social Services for all of their work.

Honoring PDC Machines

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a second- generation, family-owned business in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that was recognized last month for the outstanding work that they do to support our local economy.

PDC Machines, Inc., an equipment manufacturer based in Warminster, Pennsylvania, was honored at the 2019 President's E Award ceremony. They were presented with an award by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross for their work supporting the expansion of U.S. exports.

Founded in 1977, PDC has been exporting products since the early 1980s. Today, approximately 50 percent of PDC's revenues come from international business.

PDC Machines takes great pride in the quality of their products and the services they provide to their customers. I am proud to have such a dynamic and innovative company in our community in Bucks County.

We congratulate the Afzal family for this well-deserved recognition.