Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Donna McCloskey, a constituent of mine from Bristol Borough, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, after a 42-year career of community service as an employee of the Grundy Foundation. Starting in 1975, Donna worked at the Grundy Library, eventually assisting the Grundy Foundation's executive director until Donna was appointed the Grundy Museum administrator, a position which she held for the past 12 years.

As the museum administrator, Donna is credited with updating the museum's strategic plan, creating best practices for all of the museum's programs and services, and building up partnerships between the museum and the community. Under Donna's leadership, the number of visitors to the museum increased exponentially, and the 40th and 50th anniversary events were great successes.

I want to express my deep gratitude and the gratitude of our entire community for Donna's commitment to preserving the history of our community. While her retirement is well deserved, her exit is already felt.

Thank you, Donna.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman so much for all the work he does on the committee and for bringing the bill to the floor. I thank my colleague from Pennsylvania (Mr. Brendan F. Boyle) for all of his work on this piece of legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my full support for H.R. 1997, the U.S.-Ukraine Cybersecurity Cooperation Act.

During my career as an FBI agent, I was assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Kiev, Ukraine, where I worked closely with our Ukrainian counterparts on a whole host of issues to include cybersecurity.

Mr. Speaker, one thing is clear: we must strengthen our relationship with Ukraine wherever possible and by whatever means possible. They have acted as a steadfast ally to the United States against a hostile Russia.

Further, there should be no doubt that cybersecurity and cyber warfare are the rising threats of our time. We have seen plenty of occasions where bad actors--state-sponsored or otherwise--have executed cyber attacks against private companies, government entities, and the very institutions upon which our Nation was founded. These attacks will only continue to increase both in sophistication and frequency as we continue into the 21st century.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues, Democratic and Republican alike, to support this crucial and necessary piece of legislation both for the United States and Ukraine, and for all our allies.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to once again urge this House to put right-to-try legislation on the floor and to provide Americans with terminal illnesses potentially lifesaving treatment.

Matt Bellina, my constituent, a 31-year old Navy veteran, husband, father of three, and an ALS warrior who has been a partner in this fight, recently sent me the following message: ``In ALS there is only one active phase III trial. The drug is NurOwn, and it looks incredibly promising, but I didn't meet the exclusion criteria, so I am unable to participate in this trial. It looks like the drug has a good shot of making it to market in quarter one of 2020. Unfortunately, there is a good chance that I will be dead by then.

``The right-to-try bill is the only viable option for me at this point. I am begging you and the rest of Congress to get this done. I want to be there to watch my three boys grow up.''

Mr. Speaker, we must not delay this lifesaving legislation any longer. I urge House leadership to put this bill on the floor for a vote. Terminally ill patients across this country are depending on us.

Recognizing Olympians From Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exceptional athletes from Bucks County who will be representing our Nation in the 2018 Winter Olympics next month.

Jamie Greubel Poser, from Newtown, Pennsylvania, will represent the United States as a member of the bobsled team.

Ryan Gunderson, from Bensalem, Pennsylvania, will be joining the U.S. Olympic hockey team as a defender.

Brian O'Neill, from Yardley, Pennsylvania, will join the U.S. hockey team as a forward.

Jamie is a veteran of competition at this level, having won a bronze medal at both the 2017 World Championships--also held in South Korea-- as well as the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

For Brian O'Neill, this will be his first experience as an Olympic competitor. A standout player at Germantown Academy and Yale University, Brian went on to play for the New Jersey Devils before eventually playing for the Kontinental Hockey League.

Ryan Gunderson, also a first-time Olympic competitor, led Holy Ghost Prep to its first Flyers Cup. He currently plays in the Swedish Hockey League.

Mr. Speaker, I wish Ryan, Jamie, and Brian great success. They will, no doubt, make Bucks County and our entire Nation proud.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a company in my district that is making a huge impact by giving back to our community. Kanga Roof, a company that has been providing roofing in the Bucks County area for over 30 years, celebrated its 10th Holiday Roof Giveaway this past December.

Every year for the past 10 years, Kanga Roof has held a contest to provide a new roof to a deserving family in our community. This year, they selected my constituent, Bettemarie Bond, who is a tireless advocate for individuals with mitochondrial disease and those receiving IV infusions and tube feeding, whom I have had the honor of working with on this cause.

Kanga Roof views their annual Holiday Roof Giveaway as a way of giving back to our community and making our community stronger. I would like to commend them on their commitment to our community and to encourage all of our constituents to follow Kanga Roof's lead by being good neighbors and giving back to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the civic minded young men from The Hun School of Princeton who visited the Capitol. I would like to honor Headmaster Jonathan G. Brougham and Head of Middle School Kenneth J. Weinstein for their service and sacrifice to benefit the lives of youth. In a world where there is so much uncertainty, it is important to educate students to be mindful individuals who are aware of the trials of the less fortunate, and who seek to benefit the lives of all fellow citizens. I am confident that under the direction of these distinguished educators, these students will be molded into strong leaders who are ready to take on the world and whatever opportunities lie ahead. As a member of Congress, I view there is no better way to guarantee a strong future for America than to instill in our young people the values of service, sacrifice, and compassion.

With their visit today, walking through the same hallways as our nation's forefathers and learning from their inspiration, I am confident the future of our country will be in good hands.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Northampton Township in my district in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, for being named the safest community in Pennsylvania.

Northampton rose to the top of the list of 25 safest cities with over 39,000 residents with a score of 90.97, the top fifth percentile in the entire Nation. The rankings are run by SafeHome, a professional security organization dedicated to making communities safer.

This recognition would not have been possible without the dedicated work of the entire Northampton Township Police Department and the leadership of Police Chief Mike Clark. Every day, these men and women put their lives on the line to protect their family, their friends, and their neighbors.

Quoting Chief Clark, who said it best:

It is not just us; it is working hand in hand with our

residents, our administration and our board of supervisors,

our fire department, our rescue squads, our school district.

It is everyone working together that makes this a great place

to live.

Well said, Chief Clark. We are so proud of the emergency services, governmental officials, and residents of Northampton Township. A job well done.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my constituent Dr. Timothy M. Block, president of the Hepatitis B Foundation, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute of Living Science, and the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center in my district in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Block was recently named as a fellow of the U.S. National Academy of Inventors. Being elected as a NAI fellow is the highest professional recognition for academic inventors who have

shown a lifelong commitment to innovation, specifically by facilitating or creating inventions that make a measurable impact on quality of life, economic development, or the welfare of society.

Dr. Block is being recognized for his contributions to therapeutic drug and biomarker of disease screening and discovery. He also holds numerous patents and has been involved in more than 30 years in viral hepatitis research.

Mr. Speaker, we thank Dr. Block for the work that he has done in this field, which has undoubtedly impacted the people in my district, throughout our country, and around the world.

Recognizing Archbishop Wood Football Team

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the players, staff, and coaches of the Archbishop Wood football team and congratulate them on winning the PIAA Class 5A State championship. With their discipline and hard work, the young men of this football team have continued a tradition of excellence for the Vikings. The dominance they displayed in their championship win in December is an excellent example of what teamwork and tenacity can achieve. They have made our community very proud.

To the coaching staff, we say congratulations and thank you for leading and teaching these young men. It is my hope that the lessons of determination and perseverance that these student athletes have learned will help guide them off the field as well.

To the fans, friends, and family that have supported Archbishop Wood, we say congratulations. To all those who work with and support organized youth sports in our district, we say thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my constituent Dr. Timothy M. Block, president of the Hepatitis B Foundation, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, and the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center in my district in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Block was recently named as a fellow of the U.S. National Academy of Inventors. Being elected as an NAI fellow is the highest professional recognition for academic inventors who have shown a lifelong commitment to innovation, specifically by facilitating or creating inventions that make a measurable impact on quality of life, economic development, and the welfare of society.

Dr. Block is being recognized for his contributions to therapeutic drug and biomarker of disease screening and discovery. Dr. Block also holds more than nine patents and has been involved, for more than 30 years, in viral hepatitis research.

Mr. Speaker, the House of Representatives thanks Dr. Block for the work that he has done in this field, which has undoubtedly impacted the lives of constituents in my district and people around the world.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank and recognize the leaders of the Doylestown Township community in my district for their hard work, generosity, and support for the community as Doylestown Township celebrates its bicentennial, 200 years of history and community that I am proud to be a part of.

I would like to recognize the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors: Barbara Lyons, Rick Colello, Ryan Manion, Jennifer Herring, and Ken Snyder; and the Volunteer Bicentennial Committee: Arthur Zapolski, Joe Paternostro, Ted Feldstein, Stu Abramson, David Hansen. Dr. Vail Garvin, Tina Mazaheri, Mary Lou Parry, Renu Dalal, Beth Long, Chris Nardo, and John Arnold.

I would also like to recognize the community sponsors whose generosity made the celebration possible: my friend Senator Chuck McIlhinney and State Representative Marguerite Quinn, Pine Run Retirement Community Center, Covenant Bank, Delaware Valley University, Boucher & James, Bucks County Water & Sewer Authority, Gilmore & Associates, Pennoni, Pennsylvania Soup & Seafood House, Pickering, Corts & Summerson, FRANC Environmental, Doylestown Hospital, Worth & Company, Shelley Law Offices, Greenstreet, CB Cares Educational Foundation, Mazaheri Law, Monument Bank, and Doylestown Health for sponsoring the opening gala I was privileged to attend.

I ask the House of Representatives to join me in saying thank you for their commitment to our community.

Recognizing Souderton Area High School

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a school in my district. On November 30, 2017, Souderton Area High School was recognized as a National Banner Unified Champion School by the Special Olympics International headquarters.

Through the diligence and compassion of Athletic Director Dennis Stanton and Supervisor of Special Education Megan Zweiback, the introduction of unified sports into the school has greatly enhanced the curriculum of special-needs students and allowed them to compete with other students in interscholastic competition.

One of only four schools in the Nation and the first in Pennsylvania to have been honored in this respect, I am proud of the work done at Souderton Area High School to support and enhance the education and recreational development of all students.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to a growing humanitarian crisis, one that is often forgotten in news around the world. Venezuela is suffering through a collapse of its economy and Venezuela's children are starving to death.

According to a recent media report, the number of cases of severe malnutrition has nearly tripled in the years since the economic collapse, and doctors believe that 2018 will be even worse.

The Venezuelan Government has taken pains to hide the impact that the collapse has had on its population and the role their own repressive policies have played, but the recent statistics tell the true story. From 2012 to 2015, the mortality rate of infants under 4 weeks old has increased tenfold.

In 2016, 11,446 children under the age of 1 year old have died, an increase of 30 percent. Families and children now dig through trash in the hopes of finding food. This is a crisis we cannot turn a blind eye to. We must work together to address it. I urge my colleagues to keep this at the forefront of our consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of reauthorizing section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which is due to expire.

As a 14-year FBI special agent, including significant time as a counterterrorism agent, I am an eyewitness to the importance of this program and the deliberate and lawful manner in which it is used.

The fact is, section 702 is a critical tool that the intelligence community uses properly to target non-U.S. persons located outside of the United States to acquire information that is vital to our Nation's security.

Equally as important, this crucial program has operated under strict rules and has been carefully overseen by all three branches of our government to protect the privacy and civil liberties of all Americans.

As we have seen, both in our country and abroad, proper surveillance and law enforcement is vital to protect us against terror attacks, especially lone attacker scenarios. As terror groups like ISIS continue to lose territory in Iraq and Syria, our intelligence community has warned that we will see more of these one-off attacks as opposed to more traditional conspiracies.

At a hearing of the Homeland Security Committee, I asked FBI Director Chris Wray about this program as part of our national security posture. He said, despite the high volume of threats, there are few dots that can actually be connected in regard to these ``more loosely organized situations.'' Information already lawfully obtained by the FBI is crucial in, as he said, understanding ``which threats are real and which ones are more aspirational.''

Section 702 allows the national security professionals to query information to determine whether a tip from State or local law enforcement or others is credible, and it begins the process of marshalling resources to head off potential threats.

Allowing section 702 to expire would leave America vulnerable at a time when we need this protection the most. As Director Wray clearly stated: ``If 702 is walked back, we will be . . . starting to rebuild the wall that existed before 9/11.''

Mr. Speaker, with today's terror landscape, we cannot go backwards when proven, legal means exist to keep Americans safe.

I urge my colleagues, Democrat and Republican alike, to support this vital national security measure. The safety and security of the families we represent depend on the passage of this measure. Let us get this done for them.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Sensei Shuji Maruyama, the Founder of Kokikai Aikido, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his teaching Aikido in Pennsylvania. In so doing, I honor his achievements and the beneficial role that Kokikai Aikido has played in enriching the lives of the men, women and children of Bucks County, PA and the USA.

Kokikai Aikido is a self-defense training system that stresses timing, centering, and coordination, rather than meeting force with force. Aikido students strive to use minimum effort for maximum effect, making Aikido an effective self-defense method for people of all levels of physical ability and of all ages. Kokikai Aikido teaches that strength comes from one's mental state as well as from one's physical prowess. It provides a path for personal realization and ethical self- defense. Students learn that as they become stronger, a peaceful resolution of conflict becomes more, not less, possible. In this way Aikido students also become better citizens, as they work toward attaining their personal goals.

After 50 years of teaching in the USA, Sensei Maruyama continues to share his unbounded energy with his students. He constantly strives to improve and simplify his technique, and to find even more effective ways of teaching. Through his leadership, Kokikai Aikido has grown to include dojos all over the United States and the world. Keystone Kokikai Aikido has made his teachings accessible to hundreds of Southeastern Pennsylvania residents.

I offer congratulations to Sensei Maruyama on his achievement and congratulations to his students who are fortunate to celebrate this milestone with him. It is my hope that Kokikai Aikido will continue to flourish and that Sensei Shuji Maruyama will continue to bring his skills to the martial arts community for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the story of Philip Gutis.

Mr. Gutis is from New Hope, Pennsylvania. At the age of 56, he has been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Early-onset Alzheimer's currently affects hundreds of thousands of Americans who are under the age of 65. Diagnoses for this debilitating neurological disease in its early stages can be arduous and frustrating, as many of the symptoms resemble less serious issues like stress.

Mr. Gutis recently visited my district office to discuss living with this disease. He detailed the pain, stress, and confusion that he felt when first diagnosed. He described how simple tasks can become challenging when dealing with memory loss. But his message was not to complain about his ailment, it was to be a voice for other individuals who live with Alzheimer's, those who are unable to have their voices be heard.

Alzheimer's is a serious neurological disease. Though there is no cure, treatment for symptoms can help slow the progressive effects of dementia.

I stand in support of Mr. Gutis and all those living with Alzheimer's.

Doylestown Health Foundation

Mr. Speaker, the Doylestown Health Foundation is a healthcare network that has provided critical care to the Bucks County community for over 90 years. In recognition of its continued work, Doylestown Health recently received $10 million in gifts, the largest amount in their history.

The pair of $5 million donations were given by two families with close ties to the Doylestown Health Foundation. Richard and Angela Clark have had four generations of family cared for at Doylestown Hospital, while Alex Gorsky, the CEO of Johnson & Johnson, and his wife, Patricia, have served on the hospital board and board of directors, respectively.

Supporting institutions in our community through charitable donations are crucial to community prosperity. The generous gifts of the Clark and Gorsky families are earmarked for vital projects like a new heart and vascular center.

With contributions like these, the Doylestown Health Foundation will be able to continue providing optimal care to those in our Bucks County community.