Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a legendary human being in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who is celebrating his 100th birthday.

Morrisville resident Sam Snipes has lived a life defined by service and community. Following in his father's footsteps in the legal community, Sam founded the Yardley firm Snipes & Collins after graduating from Temple Law School and Haverford College.

Sam served as a dedicated public servant for nearly three decades as the Falls Township solicitor. For his community service, Sam was honored with the United Way of Bucks County Founders Award and the Mark E. Goldberg Award from the Bucks County Bar Association, among many other distinctions.

Sam truly embodies dedication to our home of Bucks County. He still lives on the Snipes Farm, where he grew up, makes frequent appearances in parades and other community events, and serves on several boards.

Mr. Speaker, Sam is truly a legend, and we wish him a very happy 100th birthday and thank him for being a bright beacon of hope in our community in so many ways.

Happy birthday, Sam.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two exceptional members of our community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who are working to make life better for homeless youth throughout our community.

Thois Kiel and Margaret Yaeger, residents of Neshaminy Manor Nursing Home, both decided to create a community outreach project in order to give back to those in need. Working together, they knit a large red and black afghan one square at a time before connecting them and presenting it to Robert ``Woody'' Wood of the Synergy Project of Bucks County, an organization that seeks to assist and counsel homeless youth and young adults.

Mr. Speaker, we commend Thois and Margaret for their compassion for our community's most vulnerable members and for their work to improve lives with such a personal touch.

I would also like to thank Neshaminy Manor's assistant director of activities, Heather O'Donnell, for all of her work in facilitating outreach projects, and Woody Wood for his work in bettering the lives of homeless youth in our community.

Recognizing Backyard Beans Coffee Company

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a small business in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, that was recently recognized as Business of the Month by the Lansdale Borough Council.

Backyard Beans Coffee Company started in the backyard of co-owners Matt and Laura Adams with only a Weber grill and one goal in mind: to create high-quality, dynamic coffee and coffee products.

Located on West Main Street in Lansdale, Backyard Beans Coffee takes community responsibility personally and works diligently to ensure it is using products that are not only sourced responsibly and ethically but that also promote sustainability.

To date, Backyard Beans' popular roasts, which source beans from Central America, Africa, South America, and Asia, are sold in nearly 100 restaurants and retail locations, along with regional farmers' markets.

I applaud Matt and Laura for contributing to an already thriving community of businesses in Montgomery County, and we congratulate Backyard Beans Coffee Company on their recognition as Business of the Month.

Recognizing Bent Metal Customs

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a small business in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, that was recently recognized as Business of the Month by the Lansdale Borough Council.

Bent Metal Customs, located on West Third Street in Lansdale, was founded in 2002 in Hatfield before moving to its current, larger location. A classic car restoration shop, Bent Metal Customs specializes in vehicle customization and restoration.

Bent Metal Customs has influenced the motor vehicle industry in Montgomery County and beyond. Publications, such as Street Trucks, Chevy High Performance, and Diesel World, have all featured the work of Bent Metal Customs. The quality work of its employees has drawn customers from as far as Michigan and Florida, and is even showcased yearly at an auto show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

I would like to recognize Bent Metal Customs' owner, Justin Brenner, for this distinction, and thank him and the entire Bent Metal Customs family for their contributions to our local economy and community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a conscientious young citizen in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who recently was named the Upper Bucks YMCA Role Model of the Year.

Jonathan Walsh of Quakertown received this award for his participation in the YMCA's Teen Fusion after-school program, where he stood out amongst his peers for his respect, his sense of responsibility, and his honesty. I commend Jonathan for this impressive achievement, and I look forward to seeing what this future leader will accomplish in the years ahead.

I also want to commend the Upper Bucks YMCA for recognizing Jonathan and wish this organization well as it celebrates its 50th year of service to the community. I would especially like to thank Upper Bucks YMCA Executive Director Pat Edwards and President of the Board of Directors Dale Westwood for all the work they do in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two education professionals in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, whose dedication to our community's students has led to their appointment as assistant superintendents for the North Penn School District.

Jenna Rufo and Todd Bauer were sworn in on July 9 at the Montgomery County courthouse and have recently accepted their new responsibilities.

Before becoming assistant superintendent, Jenna was the North Penn School District's director of special education, while Todd served as principal of the North Penn High School. In their new roles, Jenna will focus primarily on school safety, mental health, professional development, and cultural issues; and Todd will focus on accountability, athletics, summer school, redistricting, and school board policies.

We commend these fine public servants for their work and wish them the best of luck as they begin this new chapter in their careers.

I also thank former Assistant Superintendent Diana Holben for her service as well and wish her all the best in her retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a dedicated public servant in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. On July 3, Matt Phelan was officially sworn in as police chief of Tinicum Township by Magisterial District Judge Gary Gambardella. He had been serving as acting police chief since January, upon the appointment of James Sabath to chief of the Newtown Borough Police Department.

The Tinicum Township Police Department hired Chief Phelan in 1998 at the age of 22, after he studied at Bloomsburg University and graduated at the top of his class from Temple Police Academy.

His record of selflessness, courage, and professionalism speaks for itself. In 2015, then-Sergeant Phelan prevented an armed home invasion suspect from fleeing the crime scene, risking his life in the pursuit of justice.

We congratulate you, Chief Phelan, on this well-deserved appointment, and we are grateful for your service to our community, along with the entire Tinicum Police Department.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a program in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, that brings together members of our community to celebrate artistic expression and economic opportunity.

The Lansdale Mural Arts Program seeks to beautify areas in Lansdale by painting murals on buildings in need of rehabilitation. By improving the aesthetics of many of these beloved community landmarks, the Lansdale Mural Arts Program hopes to enhance the economic and social value of the services and goods that the building's tenants provide.

Started in 2013, the Lansdale Mural Arts Program has painted the walls of local businesses: Chantilly Floral, Wes Carver Electric, The Underground at Round Guys Brewing Company, and perhaps the most profound, an American flag mural at the Lansdale VFW Post.

Currently, the program is looking to continue its work on the American Legion Post 206 building, and I applaud the Lansdale Mural Arts Program for their work, especially organizers Margie Booz and Ellen Foulke for their thoughtfulness and dedication to our community.

Recognizing the Ann Silverman Community Health Clinic

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a nonprofit organization in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that serves to protect the health and dignity of residents across our community. The Ann Silverman Community Health Clinic in Doylestown provides medical and dental care, along with social services to low-income and impoverished individuals at no cost.

Offering these critical services will not be possible without the tireless efforts of a highly skilled staff and volunteer doctors and nurses. These dedicated professionals deserve our recognition, and, recently, Dr. Kieran Cody of Bucks County Orthopedic Specialists was named Volunteer Physician of the Year for his services to the clinic and his patients over the past 10 years.

Throughout his tenure, Dr. Cody has performed countless surgeries and MRI services, following in the footsteps of his father, Dr. Kevin Cody, who has spent 19 years volunteering at the clinic.

I thank Drs. Kieran and Kevin Cody for their service, and I extend my gratitude to the Ann Silverman Community Health Clinic executive director, Sally Fabian-Oresic for her leadership.

Recognizing Charles Briskin and Rachel Kohlbrenner of the Shir Ami

Congregation

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize two members of our community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who will be continuing their service to the Jewish faith at Shir Ami Congregation in Newtown.

Charles Briskin and Rachel Kohlbrenner both joined Shir Ami as rabbi and cantor, respectively.

Rabbi Briskin, who for the past 10 years has led Temple Beth El in San Pedro, California, was ordained in 2001 and studied at the Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion.

Cantor Kohlbrenner previously served as cantor for the Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth in Rockville Centre, New York, and studied at the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music of Hebrew Union College.

I welcome Rabbi Charles Briskin and Cantor Rachel Kohlbrenner to our community and wish them all the best as they embark on the newest chapters of their career.

And I thank their predecessors, Rabbi Joel Simon and Cantor Emeritus Mark Elson for their service and spiritual wisdom that they have blessed our community with for so long.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and the memory of an extraordinary individual from Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Carl Wallnau of Newtown passed away on June 29 at the age of 99.

A man of many talents, Carl paid for his education by playing trumpet in a jazz ensemble. He later served in World War II under General Patton, retiring from the Air Force with the rank of major in 1979.

After his service, Carl began a successful career as a lawyer and as an engineer, eventually becoming acting CEO of Swan Oil Company.

Despite his success, Carl always made time to give back to our community, serving on many charitable boards, including those of the Bucks County Industrial Development Corporation, the Bucks County Chamber of Commerce, the Delaware Valley Philharmonic, the Red Cross, and the United Way of Bucks County.

Mr. Speaker, we send our condolences to Carl's children, Carl, Lance, Kurt, and Joyce, along with the rest of his family. We thank them for sharing him with our community.

Recognizing the Northampton Patriots Flag Program

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Northampton Patriots Flag Program, a longstanding tradition of Northampton Township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

The Northampton Patriots Flag Program, established in 2003, honors Northampton residents who have served in the Armed Forces, recognizing their deployment and their return home to Bucks County. While these heroes are serving, a flag signifying their military branch is hung within the administration building of Northampton Township. Upon their return, it is replaced with an American flag.

This program recently recognized Austin Fizel, a Southampton resident who currently serves in the Air Force and who is stationed in the United Arab Emirates. We would like to extend our gratitude to Austin for his service and would like to recognize his

parents, George and Marie, along with his siblings, Derek, Kyle, and Meredith, who all attended the ceremony.

I would also like to thank a local hero who helps run the Northampton Patriots Flag Program, Pete Palestina, along with Northampton Township Chairman Barry Moore, for their work in recognizing our community's bravest citizens.

Recognizing Patrol Officers of Lansdale Borough

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize three of the newest additions to the Lansdale Police Department in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, who will serve as full-time patrol officers.

James McVeigh, who studied at Upper Perkiomen High School and Lock Haven University, graduated from the Montgomery County Police Academy in 2008. Before joining the Lansdale force, Officer McVeigh served with the Upper Perkiomen Police Department for 10 years and is now joining Lansdale.

Christian Gregory is a graduate of my alma mater, LaSalle University, and the Philadelphia Police Academy. Before joining the Lansdale force, Officer Gregory served with the SEPTA Transit Police Department.

Corey Pfister is a graduate of the Souderton Area High School, Gwynedd Mercy University, and the Montgomery County Police Academy. Before joining the Lansdale force, Officer Pfister served with the Pottstown Borough Police Department.

Mr. Speaker, I commend these officers for their bravery and their service to our community, and we wish them well in this new chapter of their careers. I would also like to recognize Police Chief Mike Trail for leading such a fine group of law enforcement professionals in our community.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today in memory of Ensign Sarah Mitchell, a naval officer serving on Active Duty who passed away on July 8 due to injuries sustained in a training accident in Aqaba, Jordan.

Sarah was raised in Feasterville, Pennsylvania, and attended Lower Southampton Elementary School and Poquessing Middle School before attending Neshaminy High School in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

While at Neshaminy, Sarah excelled in the classroom, as well as being a member of the school's field hockey team, basketball team, and track and field team.

Lisa Pennington, Sarah's field hockey coach, described her as the person you would always remember as smiling and working hard to be successful.

Upon graduation from Neshaminy High School, Sarah attended and graduated from Virginia Tech University, where she was a member of the Corps of Cadets.

Regarded as an exceptional student athlete and member of our community, Sarah's decision to serve our Nation came as no surprise to those who knew her best.

Her longtime friend Emily Curtin had these amazing words about Sarah in our local paper, the Bucks County Courier Times: ``She was fearless in the pursuit of everything she wanted, never settling for less. Sarah never left anyone behind. Sarah's loyalty to her family, fiance, friends, and country was undeniable. She carried the burdens of others and helped every person'' she encountered who was in need.

Mr. Speaker, may all of us use the legacy Sarah left us as a guide to live in a way that exemplifies patriotism and courage.

We send our deepest condolences to Sarah's fiance, Dave Collins; her parents, Jack and Betsy; her siblings, Kevin, Kristy, John, and Jillian.

Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join us in a moment of silence for Ensign Sarah Mitchell, an American hero.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a nonprofit organization in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that recently celebrated its 15th anniversary.

The Twilight Wish Foundation, based in Doylestown, seeks to grant the wishes of low-income senior citizens. These wishes can be big or small, ranging from meeting Philadelphia Eagles players to the purchasing of a new pair of eyeglasses.

As a society, Mr. Speaker, it is incumbent upon all of us as both public servants and citizens to support programs and support policies that protect our senior citizens. I commend the work done by the Twilight Wish Foundation, and I applaud the leadership of founder and Chairman of the Board Cass Forkin. I would also like to thank Vice President Robin Kardane; Director of Community Relations Mary Farrell; and Director of Wish Management Michelle Bowren, for all their incredible work for our community.

Recognizing Bob Consulmagno

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize a resident of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who recently broke his fourth world record.

Bob Consulmagno of Morrisville successfully broke the record for the most outstanding ab wheel rollouts while wearing a 40-pound weight vest. Making this feat more impressive is that Bob, a retired marine, completed this major accomplishment to raise awareness of mental illness.

Diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder, Bob turned to sports and physical training to battle mental illness. Using his athleticism to garner attention to those who struggle from mental illness, Bob hopes to end the stigma with which it is often associated and to promote treatment for military veterans.

I am proud to call Bob my constituent, and I am thankful for his service to our community and for turning challenging experiences into positive and educational engagements.

Recognizing the Kaitlin Murphy Foundation

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a nonprofit organization in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that is working tirelessly to assist those struggling with drug addiction.

The Kaitlin Murphy Foundation, established to honor the life and memory of Kaitlin Murphy of Doylestown, partners with law enforcement agencies and organizations with similar missions to provide resources to those suffering from substance abuse, along with their families.

Some of these organizations include the HEART Program, which serves to rehabilitate females suffering from addiction at the Bucks County Correctional Facility; the Moyer Foundation's Camp Mariposa; and Bucks County Police Assisting in Recovery. For their work, the Kaitlin Murphy Foundation recently received a grant from Warrington Cares, the employee charity of Warrington Township.

I am proud to represent such thoughtful and generous people in our community, and I applaud the work of the Kaitlin Murphy Foundation and Warrington Cares, and I will continue to do my part here in Washington to end this public health crisis.

Lastly, I would like to extend my appreciation to Kaitlin's parents, Tim and Pat Murphy of Doylestown; Kaitlin's brother, Sean; and the organization's president, Annemarie Murphy of Warrington for all their work for our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Youth Police Academy of the Falls Township Police Department, a 10-day program beginning its 2018 session in mid-July. This program teaches its students Pennsylvania State laws and gives them lessons on patrol scenarios, crime scene investigations, and the use of force.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to share with you that this educational experience for Bucks County youth has received over $6,000 in community support. Much of this money was raised through a 5K run and walk event in Fallsington, organized by Marty McLoughlin and Linda Stout, the co- owners of a local small business, Extreme Fitness Personal Training.

I commend the work of Police Chief Bill Wilcox and the entire Falls Township Police Department for supporting our community's youth in their personal and professional growth and respect for law enforcement.

I would like to recognize Marty and Linda for their hard work and generosity, and I encourage all in our community to follow their lead.

Recognizing Dr. Robert Fraser

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a public servant in our community for his dedication to improving the lives and educational experiences of Bucks County students.

Dr. Robert Fraser, the superintendent of the Council Rock School District, recently became one of only 30 school superintendents in the United States who have successfully completed the National Superintendent Certification Program.

This elite program helps bring education professionals up to speed on the various issues that have recently presented themselves in the American school system. It covers such facets as instructional leadership, budget management, and using cutting-edge technology to ensure that Council Rock students and faculty are fully equipped to use the most effective resources to assist in the learning process.

I commend Dr. Fraser for his commitment to our community's students, and I would like to thank Jerold Grupp and the entire Council Rock School Board for all of their work.

Recognizing Kristian Falkenstein

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the heroic actions of an individual from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, for which he was awarded the Carnegie Medal from the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, which

seeks to recognize acts of civilian bravery. Kristian Falkenstein of Newtown played a critical role in saving the life of a 32-year-old man who was swept out to sea on the Jersey shore last year.

After seeing a man being swept out to sea, Kristian immediately sprang into action, swimming out to save this man. When Kristian reached him, he was barely above water. Despite the tall waves and strong rip current, Kristian was able to keep him afloat for several minutes until two lifeguards and a responding police officer were able to swim out to them with flotation devices to assist until the Coast Guard was able to respond.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to report that all individuals have recovered from this ordeal. I commend Kristian for his tremendous act of bravery, which undoubtedly saved a life that day.

Kristian, your community and your country are extremely proud of you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Dr. Joshua Feldstein, president emeritus of Delaware Valley University, who passed away on June 19 at the age of 97.

Born in Lithuania and raised in Belarus, Dr. Feldstein was the very embodiment of the American Dream. After fleeing Nazi persecution, Dr. Feldstein arrived in Bucks County, where he eventually received degrees in horticulture and agricultural mechanics before earning a doctorate at Rutgers University.

Dr. Feldstein's legacy is one of diversity and expanding civil rights. In the 1960s, he played a significant role in the university's admission of women, and upon taking the helm as president in 1975, he oversaw the expansion of women faculty members.

More than anything, Dr. Feldstein was a man of kindness and good faith who relentlessly sought to open doors and brighten futures for the students who attended the school he cared so deeply about.

I send my condolences to Dr. Feldstein's sons, Ted and Dan, along with the rest of his family and the entire DelVal community. May they take comfort in knowing his life was one extraordinarily well lived.

Congratulations to 2018 Graduates of Bucks County Technical High School

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 2018 graduates of Bucks County Technical High School, who graduated last week.

Watched by over 1,000 family members and friends, the nearly 300 graduates walked across the aisle at the CURE Insurance Arena to receive their diplomas.

I am proud to report that this impressive class earned approximately $1.2 million in scholarships, and 72 percent of the class is moving on to continue their education.

I would especially like to recognize the students who have decided to join the Armed Services, and I speak on behalf of all of us in Bucks County when I say we appreciate your dedication to service and passion for keeping America safe.

I also applaud Principal Robert Azar and Administrative Director Dr. Leon Poeske for their work in molding the minds of the next generation.

I wish the 2018 graduates of Bucks County Technical High School and all of those who are graduating this year the best of luck in their next chapters. I encourage them to use their skills to strive to make our communities a better place.

Recognizing Irene Molloy

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my constituent,

Irene Molloy, for her artistic accomplishments both in Hollywood and in our home of Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

This week, Irene will begin a new path in her illustrious career, as she will make her debut as director of the Bucks County Center for Performing Arts' rendition of ``The Fantasticks.'' This production of the 1960s musical will take place at Delaware Valley University in Doylestown Township.

A native of Chalfont and a graduate of Archbishop Wood Catholic High School, Irene had worked both on Broadway and in Los Angeles before founding the firm Radiant Bloom Productions.

I applaud Irene for using her artistic talents to make Bucks County a more vibrant place.

I would also like to recognize Howard Perloff of Carversville, the founder and artistic director of the Bucks County Center for the Performing Arts for his contributions to our community and those where he has produced a multitude of plays over a decades-long career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Linda Wolfson, a woman who has dedicated her life to helping others through her work for Vita Education Services. During her twenty-four years with Vita, Linda has served as Director of Literacy, Director of Programs and has served as Executive Director since 2009. Under her skilled leadership, Vita has grown into the leading literacy agency in Bucks County and the largest provider of education services in the Bucks County Correctional Facility. In addition to her vision, passion and leadership at Vita, Linda has also served our community in numerous ways. She is Trustee Emeritus of the Bucks County Free Library System and served as its President of the Board from 1994-2003. She also served as a member of the Bucks County Workforce Investment Board from 2010 to 2015. Linda has truly had a positive impact in my district. I commend her for her dedication and service to our community and wish her well as she retires.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a high school in our community that has demonstrated its commitment to safe- driving practices.

Conwell-Egan Catholic High School, my alma mater, recently won the 11th Annual Bucks County High School Seatbelt Safety Challenge. Of 19 participating schools, Conwell-Egan had the highest percentage of students who

wore seatbelts, at 97 percent. Conwell-Egan also had the largest jump from students not wearing seatbelts to those wearing them, rising 9 percent from the fall.

This impressive accomplishment would not be possible without the hard work of several key students in promoting safe driving initiatives. They are Robert Phinn, Todd Hartman, and Emma Kirby, who worked under the guidance of a dedicated faculty member, in particular, faculty member Josh Beauchamp.

I commend these individuals for their work in encouraging safety and accountability throughout Bucks County, and for making alumni like myself very proud.

Opioid Crisis

Madam Speaker, as our Nation continues to grapple with the opioid crisis, I am proud to be working in a bipartisan fashion with my colleagues to advance necessary legislation to fight drug abuse and addiction in our communities.

Just as impactful as treatment and sound policy in fighting this public health crisis is a personal touch to provide comfort and motivation to those struggling. And that is what Marti Hottenstein and her Bucks County charity gives to homeless individuals in our area.

How to Save a Life Foundation, based in Warminster, was started by Marti to honor the life of her son, Karl, who tragically passed away from a drug overdose in 2006 after he was denied treatment.

Today, Marti and volunteers from How to Save a Life Foundation pass out food, toiletries, and treatment resources to those struggling from addiction in our community, who, in many instances, have nowhere else to turn.

I applaud Marti and all of the volunteers of How to Save a Life Foundation for their good deeds and dedication to ending addiction and the stigma that often comes with it. Together, we can and must put an end to the opioid crisis.

Congratulating Montgomery County Senior Softball League

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Montgomery County Senior Softball League, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in Hatfield Township, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.

The league, founded by Vic Zoldy of Souderton, serves to provide recreational opportunities to individuals over 60 years of age. To date, it has grown to an organization with 16 teams and close to 200 players. It has become so popular over time that there is now a waiting list to join the league.

In addition to Vic, there are several other players who have played each year since its inaugural season including: Ray Forlano, 80 years old, of Warwick; and Angelo Malizia, 90 years old, from Harleysville.

I am proud of the commitment that these people in this league have, the Montgomery County Senior Softball League. I am proud of the camaraderie that they add to our community, recognizing the importance of staying active.

To Vic, Ray, and Angelo, I look forward to taking the field with you in 2034.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of several young people in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who are advocating for environmental protection using their artistic talents.

Recently, the Countryside Gallery in Newtown featured an exhibit, titled, ``One Planet: Wildlife Vulnerable to Climate Change.'' This exhibit gave students, under the guidance of artist Bonnie Porter, the ability to share their wildlife paintings in an effort to spread awareness of the threat of climate change. I am proud to recognize them now:

Amelia Binkley, Bella Cacciatore, Allison Cirillo, Victoria Cirillo, Taylor Dahms, Amanda Gardner, Olivia Kelly, Brady Klein, Addison Kohler, Emily LaPlante, Kate Logan, Jessica Martin, Nicole Mercora, Grace Porter, Olivia Ralston, Nolan Riesenberger, Chris Riether, Violet Schroeher, Gabi Smith, Abby Steadman, Erin Stone, Katie Sukunda, Ella Walsh, and Anna Williamson.

Madam Speaker, I applaud the activism, thoughtfulness, and impressive artistic abilities of these young citizens. I am proud to stand with them and will continue to fight with my colleagues to combat climate change and protect our environment.

Recognizing Bucks County Outstanding Law Enforcement Officials

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of two outstanding law enforcement officials in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who are working tirelessly to make our community a safer place. Assistant District Attorney Megan Brooks and Deputy District Attorney Kristen McElroy were selected by fellow prosecutors in honor of their public service in pursuit of justice.

Megan received the Danny E. Khalouf Memorial Award for Outstanding Performance. Described as a rising star, Megan works for the Youthful Offender program and the Special Victims Unit.

Kristen received the Robert Rosner Memorial Award for Exceptional Service, Professionalism and Integrity. Known for her unparalleled work ethic, Kristen is the chief of the Special Victims Unit for adult sex crimes and directs the internship program.

I commend these fine public servants for their dedication to law, to safety, and to protecting our community.

I applaud District Attorney Matt Weintraub for leading such a fine team of attorneys that work tirelessly on behalf of all of us in Bucks County.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month

Madam Speaker, June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month, and I would like to take this time to recognize an organization in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that works to rehabilitate heroes who struggle with this illness.

Since 2014, Shamrock Reins in Pipersville has offered equine therapy to help veterans and first responders recover from PTSD.

Founded by Janet Brennan, a registered nurse whose father served in the Vietnam war, Shamrock Reins uses a range of equine services, including riding therapy, to help assimilate our servicemen and -women back into society following their tours of duty.

As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I am continually in awe of the sacrifices that our soldiers and our first responders make every day. I applaud Janet for her service to our Nation's heroes, and I encourage all of our constituents to follow her lead. Together, we can defeat PTSD.

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

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

Mr. Chairman, I intend to withdraw the amendment, but I want to take a moment to highlight an issue of critical importance to my home State of Pennsylvania where communities across the Commonwealth have been suffering from the scourge of the opioid crisis.

First, I want to thank the committee for tackling the IMD exclusion problem. We must ensure access to treatment to get people suffering with addiction on the road to recovery. Going forward, we must ensure that States have the flexibility that they need to provide access to treatment and not unintentionally create obstacles or bureaucratic barriers to care.

This is exactly what I had in mind when I introduced my Road to Recovery Act last year. I worked with various stakeholders across the Nation and in Pennsylvania, including Pennsylvania State Representative Gene DiGirolamo and Deb Beck, the head of the Drug and Alcohol Service Providers Organization of Pennsylvania.

I determined that States deliberately tailoring criteria to meet their unique situation, whether it be specific local realities or socioeconomic factors, need flexibility and should not be bound solely to the proprietary criteria of one organization--which, in fact, endorsed my Road to Recovery Act that included this same State flexibility criteria provision.

I am concerned for Pennsylvania and other similarly situated States that could be left behind, especially in the public patient and residential treatment context.

For instance, in Pennsylvania, we currently use the Pennsylvania client placement criteria tool for determining the appropriate level of care for an individual seeking treatment or already within Pennsylvania's treatment system. And there are simply differences between the ASAM standard specified in this bill and the criteria used by my home State of Pennsylvania.

Additionally, in States that may be transitioning to the ASAM guidelines, much work is needed to implement these changes. So, States need the flexibility and assurances to be able to address facility needs during this transition period. This would ensure access to care if the State sees a necessity for it.

Furthermore, the CMS guidance for the States applying for 1115 waivers already gives the ability to use either the ASAM criteria or other patient placement assessment tools.

A manual published by SAMHSA discusses the ASAM criteria and notes the following: ``. . . The ASAM criteria were not as applicable to publicly funded programs as to hospitals, practices of private practitioners, group practices, or other medical settings. Therefore, some States supplemented or adapted ASAM criteria.''

The same manual goes on to say that several States have adopted variations of the ASAM criteria to fit their systems and that many States have made significant improvements in the ASAM criteria to make them more appropriate to their systems and easier to use.

So as you can see, Mr. Chairman, one size, or, in this case, one criteria, might not fit all for States that need

to tailor their criteria for their specific public health needs.

I look forward to working with the committee and with the Senate in conference to ensure that States have the flexibility that they need to provide access to care.

Mr. Chair, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Walden).

Mr. Chair, I appreciate the remarks from the chairman.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw the amendment.

Mr. Speaker, the opioid epidemic is devastating my community in Bucks and Montgomery Counties. I talk to these families every day.

As our Nation continues to grapple with the deadly effects of the opioid epidemic, it is crucial we take every step possible to stop prescription medication from falling into the wrong hands. We need to ensure that our medical professionals possess the latest best practices for preventing prescription medication abuse, including nonopioid pain management. This is why I am proud the House is considering my REACH OUT Act, H.R. 5796.

By facilitating outreach to outlier opioid prescribers, the REACH OUT Act seeks to educate physicians on their prescribing behaviors without limiting their ability to deliver patient care. It will be an effective step toward reducing the amount of unnecessary prescription opioids in communities across the Nation.

The Responsible Education Achieves Care and Healthy Outcomes for Users' Treatment Act, the REACH OUT Act, H.R. 5796, will direct the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to work with eligible entities, including quality improvement organizations, to engage in outreach with prescribers identified as clinical outliers to share best practices to evaluate their prescribing behavior.

H.R. 5796 would build on the lessons learned from CMS special innovation projects, by spreading best practices for preventing prescription drug abuse, providing outreach and education about nonopioid pain management, and reducing the number of opioids prescribed by outlier prescribers.

An outlier prescriber is identified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with professional stakeholders, as one who prescribes an excessive number of opioids as compared to other prescribers in their medical specialty or geographic area.

Our Nation's drug epidemic is a complicated issue, and our response must be multifaceted. This means giving providers the tools they need to prevent opioid abuse.

I want to thank my colleagues Carlos Curbelo and Mike Thompson for their support in authoring this bill. And I want to thank our chairman, Greg Walden, and his Energy and Commerce Committee for their relentless effort to combat the opioid epidemic across the country.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues, Democrat and Republican alike, to support the passage of our REACH OUT Act.

Mr. Speaker, last night, we had our annual Congressional Baseball Game and some healthy competition with our colleagues. But today is the big showdown, when the Bensalem High School baseball team will play for the State championship versus Canon- McMillan at Penn State's Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

Led by Coach Harry Daut, Bensalem beat La Salle in a come-from-behind victory in the semifinals, initially down three runs with only two at bats remaining. This come-from-behind victory was propelled by Nick Fossile's sacrifice fly to left field, sending home Dave Barnett from third base. That left it up to pitcher Nick Dean, who closed out the game and finished what starter Stephen Aldrich began.

I wish these players, the entire team, the entire coaching staff, and the entire Bensalem community the best of luck today, and I know they will make all of us proud. Go Bensalem.