Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Steve Tazza and the Veteran Opportunity Partners for their devotion to supporting the veterans of my district. By encouraging the growth of veteran-owned businesses, Veteran Opportunity Partners provides an example for us all about the importance of serving our Nation's heroes.

Veteran Opportunity Partners and Steve Tazza began providing services to the residents of my district and career opportunities to our veterans in the spring of 2017. They plan to expand the geographic reach of their service to our vets, while creating hundreds of careers for our veterans, in the years to come.

The work that Mr. Tazza and those at Veteran Opportunity Partners do for our veterans is not only worthy of our recognition, Mr. Speaker, but it is also worthy of our support. We are so proud of all they do to serve our Nation's heroes.

FIRST Robotics is Committed to Inspiring Young Leaders

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize FIRST Robotics and their student mentoring program for its commitment to inspiring young leaders in our Nation and in my district. FIRST Robotics, through their competitions and mentor-based programs, engages young people to help foster an understanding and appreciation for science and technology.

FIRST Robotics competitions take place across the world. From as young as 6 to as old as 18, students can get involved in technology and robotics challenges like the FIRST Robotics Competition.

The FIRST Robotics Competition asks high school students to design, build, and test robots over the course of 6 weeks. Students fundraise the entirety of the money they need for these robots, which can cost thousands of dollars to build, by partnering with local businesses or applying for grants. By taking part in these competitions and working with older mentors, students learn invaluable skills, like technological research, to help them develop into well-rounded individuals.

I am proud to have 26 FIRST teams in my district. The young people involved in these leagues and competitions, including those who mentor them, show the leadership and inquisitive spirit necessary for our future technological innovators.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Bucks County Opportunity Council, Community Action Agency, which serves low- income families throughout Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and its economic self-sufficiency program, which recently graduated its 300th family from poverty.

This individualized program works with families to end the cycle of poverty by building a plan of action and working with a coach to attain new training and education. To graduate, participants in the program must be free from welfare subsidies, have secured employment, live in safe and affordable housing, have access to safe and reliable transportation, maintain a balanced budget, and have a healthcare plan for their entire family.

Mr. Speaker, this program is working. Aside from the total number of graduates, last year's class of families have more than tripled their salaries. Moreover, in our community, every dollar invested nets nearly $5 saved in cash welfare subsidies.

I am proud to stand with the Bucks County Opportunity Council in their mission to reduce poverty and partner with our community to promote economic self-sufficiency. Our community is a better place because of their work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Major Leslie R. Hadley USAF Ret for his service to our nation. Major Hadley joined the United States Air Force and began pilot training at the age of 18. He piloted the B-24 Liberator, flying more than 30 missions in Europe and Korea, including historic D-Day missions over coastal France--June 4-7 1944.

Major Hadley was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism and earned four Air Medals and other commendations in the service of our nation.

A native of Ballardvalle, Massachusetts, Major Hadley was graduated from Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts and completed his study of statistics while in the service at the Harvard School of Business.

As a career officer, he lived in many places around the globe and retired while at McGuire AFB in New Jersey. He settled in Bucks County, Pennsylvania with his wife, Muriel Hart Hadley, and their children.

He was an active volunteer in his retirement years and composed many memoirs of the B-24 Liberator pilots and crews for their families.

He will be laid to rest with full military honors on November 16, 2017 in Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. In his life, Major Leslie R. Hadley demonstrated courageous, selfless service to the United States of America and devotion to family and friends. He has the gratitude of his beloved nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the first responders of Bucks and Montgomery Counties. Recently, I was privileged to speak to nearly 300 first responders at the 45th Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce's Emergency Services Award Dinner and offer them my heartfelt thanks. As an EMT myself, I understand the love that these individuals have for their neighbors and their community. Mr. Speaker, I was honored to recognize:

Robert Dondo, William Fluck IV, Eoghan Lowry, Karen Gibbons, Lisa Aron, Steven

Vance, Michael Nyari, Keller Taylor, Zuri Kalix, Darren Carroll.

Christopher A. Horner, John Thomas, Jim Snock, Mark Potent, Scott Martin, Jessica Leal, Kevin Murphy, Michael Ray, Nancy Mayers, Pat Mattes.

Mr. Speaker, again, I thank these men and women for their service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, today we recognize an individual who embodies the American Dream and the grit and determination that defines the people of Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Pasquale Palino was born in Naples, Italy, in 1963. A resilient worker and a passionate chef, he worked in the restaurant industry in Italy before marrying his wife, Anna Scotto.

Having two children, Carmela and Gennaro, Pasquale decided to leave Italy with his young family and come to the United States. He settled in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, and opened a restaurant, Pasta al Dente.

Soon after, he welcomed his third child, Nunzia. After spending a short while back in Italy, Pasquale returned to the United States. A family man, Pasquale had two more sons, Giovanni and Aniello. Pasquale opened Vecchia Osteria in 2009, where his incredible talent led to great success and allowed him to open Acqua e Farina, an authentic Napoletano pizzeria, in 2017.

Mr. Speaker, Pasquale crossed oceans to pursue his dreams. He works tirelessly to put a smile on people's faces through the food that he makes.

Mr. Speaker, our communities and our Nation are better because of people like Pasquale Palino.

Honoring Bucks County First Responders

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the first responders of Bucks County. Recently I was privileged to speak to nearly 300 first responders at the 45th Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce's Emergency Services Award Dinner and to offer them our heartfelt thanks.

As an EMT myself, I understand the love that these individuals have for their neighbors and for their community. Mr. Speaker, I was honored to recognize these 20 individuals pictured here.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Congressional Record each of their names.

Robert Dondo

William Fluck IV

Eoghan Lowry

Karen Gibbons

Lisa Aron

Steven Vance

Michael Nyari

Keller Taylor

Zuri Kalix

Darren Carroll

Christopher A Horner

John Thomas

Jim Snock

Mark Potent

Scott Martin

Jessica Leal

Kevin Murphy

Michael Ray

Nancy Mayers

Pat Mattes

Mr. Speaker, we honor and we thank each of these brave heroes in our community for putting themselves in harm's way to protect us in Bucks County. They are living their lives serving a cause bigger than themselves. What a noble way to spend their life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize First Lieutenant Patrick J. McNulty, Jr., one of my constituents who, on Friday, November 3, received the Silver Star Medal, which is our Nation's third highest award for heroism in combat during the Vietnam war.

On November 7, 1967, Lieutenant McNulty was serving as an artillery forward observer when his unit was attacked. Lieutenant McNulty called in accurate fire on multiple enemy positions, while also directing friendly units. Even after being seriously wounded, Lieutenant McNulty continued to fight. As the enemy began to retreat, Lieutenant McNulty organized the effort to provide aid to his wounded comrades. Lieutenant McNulty's actions saved lives.

Lieutenant McNulty returned home to his wife and raised his children. He purchased a home in Sellersville where he has now lived for 46 years. He earned an MBA from Temple University, worked for the Ford Motor Company, and has been an active member of our community. His story continues to inspire us all.

Madam Speaker, I offer to this body Patrick's personal motto, the same as Navy Seabees: ``The difficult we do now, the impossible takes a little longer.''

Honoring the Life and Memory of Bernie Lens

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Bernie Lens, who passed away in May. In his 96 years, Bernie lived a life that impacted a great number of people in our community. Today, months after his passing, his impact is still felt.

In 1939, Bernie enlisted in the Army to fight the war in Europe. During his time there, serving in Patton's Third Army, he helped to liberate Dachau concentration camp.

After the war, he returned home and went about his life, rarely talking about what he had seen, until one day he began to share his story. He was known in our community for his talks with students in schools and community centers working to ensure the horrors of what he saw at Dachau were not forgotten and would never happen again. People gravitated toward him due to his quick wit and his warm demeanor.

He worked closely with the Holocaust Remembrance Program of Post 697 of the Jewish War Veterans in Levittown, Bucks County, which continues his work today.

Bernie found incredible purpose from a dark experience in his life, a lesson that we can all benefit from.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize MAGLOCLEN,

the Middle Atlantic-Great Lakes Organized Crime Law Enforcement Network, and the Regional Information Sharing Systems Program.

Last month, I had the opportunity to tour the MAGLOCLEN site in my district in Newtown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. As one of six regional centers, they serve Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, the District of Columbia, and Pennsylvania, as well as England and parts of Canada. Their work is integral to keeping local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies informed and equipped with the tools they need to do their jobs and to keep us safe.

MAGLOCLEN and Regional Information Sharing Systems have supported law enforcement agencies for a combined 40 years. In 2016 alone, in Pennsylvania, MAGLOCLEN saw 299 requests for criminal investigative research assistance.

MAGLOCLEN's holistic approach embodies the best of what an integrated information sharing system can offer to other local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies.

Mr. Speaker, we are proud of the work MAGLOCLEN does operating on behalf of the Regional Information Sharing Systems Program in my district. We are here to support them and their mission to support our law enforcement community.

Mr. Speaker, on Veterans Day, we salute all those who have defended our great Nation and served in uniform. We say a profound thank you for so bravely offering yourself and your services for the betterment of our Nation.

Whether part of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard, you have served and sacrificed greatly to secure the freedom we enjoy here at home. Your commitment to duty and to serve a cause bigger than yourself commands our respect. You continue the greatest traditions of responsible citizens in this Republic, and you are a role model for younger generations of Americans.

To the families who have sacrificed alongside our veterans, we say thank you. You provide the love and care necessary for our servicewomen and -men to continue their honorable work.

I am honored to serve the veterans in my hometown community, in Bucks and Montgomery Counties, and across the Nation. Our gratitude is enduring, our support for you steadfast. We have your back.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the story of Joshua Ryan Redner, a young man from my district in Levittown whose tragic story illustrates exactly why we cannot waver in our commitment to fighting the opioid epidemic.

During his final year of high school, Josh was prescribed Percocet to treat the pain from a knee injury. His parents, George and Jacqui, never imagined that their son, a star athlete, and an excellent student who planned to attend the Coast Guard Academy could be dragged down by addiction.

But addiction can impact anyone, Mr. Speaker. Not long after the initial prescription, Josh's family noticed changes in his behavior. Then, long after Josh's prescription had run dry, George and Jacqui were still finding pills in Josh's room. Recognizing the beginning of a serious problem, Josh's parents sat him down and Josh committed to getting clean.

Working to get the help he needed, Josh entered rehab. Unfortunately, the treatment did not hold and thus began a cycle of relapse, followed by stints in rehab. George and Jacqui were shocked to learn that Josh eventually moved from OxyContin, which was expensive and hard to find, to heroin, which was cheap and easily found--a transition that is all too common.

Tragedy struck the Redner family with the passing of Josh's older brother, George. Devastated by the loss of his role model, Josh used the power of his grief to get clean and live a life that would have made his older brother proud. Josh found a good-paying job, acted as a role model for his three younger brothers, and was saving money to buy a home.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a broken heart that I say that this is not how Josh's story ended. Josh once again relapsed. Speaking with his parents over the phone, Josh assured them that he would be okay and asked that they pick him up the next morning. Having no other options, George and Jacqui agreed.

The next morning, George and Jacqui found Josh next to a picture of his older brother, George, having lost his battle with addiction.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to share with you the words that Jacqui shared with me. Her incredible strength is a testament to the love she has for her sons. Jacqui said:

This heroin epidemic affects everyone it touches. It is not

going away. It is only getting worse. I don't want any parent

to have to bury their child. I should not have had to bury

two of mine. If we can together save one more child from

going down the same path as our Josh did, then our efforts

will be worth it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, and to recognize the Hindu New Year.

The Hindu community comes together wearing their finest clothing to celebrate this occasion. Families prepare for Goddess Lakshmi's arrival weeks in advance by decorating their porches with colorful designs, or rangoli; preparing sweets and savories; and lighting divos. On the night before Diwali, they light divos, symbolically asking Bhagwan to expel their ignorance and enlighten their souls. Lights, candles, and fireworks are an integral part of the festivities.

I was honored to be able to attend multiple celebrations at the BAPS mandirs in my district in Levittown, Warrington, and Souderton. As I traveled from celebration to celebration, I got to share in the absolute joy of my constituents as they celebrated with friends and with family. I was moved to be asked to participate in the lighting ceremonies, and I was in awe of the beauty of the festivals.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent a district that is so diverse and so rich in its culture.

Madam Speaker, our veterans represent one of the most highly skilled workforces in American history--the product of rigorous training, an ironclad commitment to teamwork, and the remarkable ability to succeed where others might fail. It is no wonder that veterans are 45 percent more likely to be self-employed than nonveterans. In total, veteran-owned businesses make up nearly 10 percent of all businesses in the United States and account for more than $1 trillion in business receipts every year.

One of those businesses is Navmar Applied Sciences Corporation, based in Warrington. Owned by Air Force veteran Tom Fenerty, Navmar engineers technology to make sure that our military has the best tools possible to complete any mission. Tom has also committed to employing veterans in the community. I am privileged to represent Tom and others like him in Congress.

In honor of their service--both in uniform and as part of our economy--I am proud to recognize the importance of veteran-owned small businesses in our community by introducing and supporting H. Res. 588, which recognizes National Veterans Small Business Week this week, from October 30 to November 3.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues--and all Americans--to join me in supporting the veteran-owned small businesses in our community.

National Obesity Care Week

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Obesity Care Week and the over 90 million adult Americans living with obesity. National Obesity Care Week is recognized during the first week of November, when individuals and organizations from across the country raise awareness about the serious chronic disease of obesity.

Leading medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, the Obesity Society, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, and the World Obesity Federation, all recognize obesity as a disease and the belief that it should be treated as such.

National Obesity Care Week aims to advance an evidence-based understanding of obesity and widespread access to respectful, comprehensive, and appropriate care. Obesity is a complex disease, linked to over 50 disorders, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Over $1.4 trillion is spent in the U.S. on direct and indirect costs for health-related conditions related to obesity each year.

This must change, Madam Speaker. It is time for action, and I commit to being part of the solution to improve care for obesity. I urge my fellow Members to join me in recognizing obesity as a serious, chronic disease and working towards improving access to evidence-based tools for chronic weight management.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hard work and significant impact of numerous nonprofit organizations in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with a group of CEOs from nonprofits across Bucks County. These organizations span a range of areas, including health and human services, education, arts and humanities, and services for our community's seniors.

I want to thank Potential, Inc., NOVA Bucks County, the James A. Michener Art Museum, Pearl S. Buck International, the David Library of the

American Revolution, the Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle, Libertae, The Open Link, YWCA Bucks County, and the Central Bucks County Family YMCA--Doylestown Branch. The productive and frank conversations facilitated by these organizations is a tribute to both these nonprofit leaders and their members.

Bucks County is made a better place because of the amazing people we have committed to our nonprofit community. We thank them for giving their time, their energy, and their passion in serving a cause bigger than themselves.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Mr. Lipinski, for his leadership on this issue.

Mr. Speaker, serving as good stewards of our environment is something that each and every one of us are called to do no matter who we are or where we come from.

It is critical in order to preserve public health. The reality is climate change is real and humans are a contributing factor. Congress must take serious and reasonable steps to combat it.

As an Eagle Scout and a conservationist who grew up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, I have always been captivated by the natural beauty of our open spaces and wild places. We have it all in Bucks County: preserved farmland, amazing parks, expansive forests, and historic rivers. I believe that with these natural treasures comes a special responsibility to care for and protect our natural resources at the local, State, and Federal level.

Climate change and the irresponsible management of our resources put a strain on the health of our communities and our children. Clean air and clean water are essential to the health, safety, and well-being of the next generation of Americans.

Mr. Speaker, protecting our Nation's open spaces unites us as Americans. That is why I joined 16 other House Republicans on House Resolution 195 to encourage American innovation to improve environmental policy and to protect, conserve, and be good stewards of our environment.

I introduced the Udall-Eisenhower Arctic Wilderness Act, H.R. 1889, with Congressman Jared Huffman from California. This bill designates the 1.5 million-acre land of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System to protect it from damaging activities like oil and gas drilling.

I have voted to protect the methane rule for stream protections.

The Climate Solutions Caucus will continue to be the group that shows Washington how to forego the political gamesmanship and get to work on ways we can improve our environment, address the realities of climate change, and increase innovation with an eye towards sustainability.

Protecting our environment cannot be partisan, Mr. Speaker. We have to come together to get this done as Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my friend and colleague, Andy Biggs, for him joining all of us in this fight to stand up for terminally ill patients across this country.

Mr. Speaker, each year, more Americans receive the devastating news of a terminal diagnosis. Even with the amazing work done in American medical research and development, for too many families, access to these potentially lifesaving treatments will come too late or not at all.

Thousands of terminally ill patients, like my constituent, Matt Bellina, suffer needlessly while awaiting final approval for drug therapies and other medical technologies.

In April 2014, at age 30, Matt was diagnosed with ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing those with ALS to lose control of their muscles.

Although this disease stopped Matt's career as a U.S. Navy aviator in its tracks, he persisted and actively involved himself in the ALS community as a strong advocate for Right to Try legislation.

While the Food and Drug Administration carries out its three-phase approval process, which can take years and cost billions of dollars, many patients simply want the chance to try treatments that have already been demonstrated to be safe.

A bill that was unanimously passed by the Senate will offer them a chance to extend their lives. The Right to Try Act, S. 204, would ensure that terminally ill patients, together with their physicians and pharmaceutical manufacturers, can administer investigational treatments where no alternative exists. In fact, this bipartisan idea is already the law in 37 States.

A Federal Right to Try law would prevent the government from blocking access to potentially lifesaving medications. It would require patients to first try all other available treatments and be unable to participate in clinical trials.

I want to note that these provisions only apply to terminally ill patients. It does not undo the FDA approval process but provides a potential lifeline for those who cannot wait. Moreover, it requires a physician to certify that other options are either exhausted or unavailable.

This bill requires that a product meet a demonstrated level of safety by attaining FDA phase I approval. We have worked with the drug companies to ensure adverse outcomes are not used against the ongoing application for approval. Additionally, patients, doctors, and manufacturers do not assume any additional liability under this act.

For those patients caught in between the traditional drug approval delays, a clinical trial process for which they do not qualify, and limited time, the Right to Try simply establishes the freedom for patients and their doctors to try therapies where the benefits far outweigh the risks. It gives them the option of trying to save their life.

Mr. Speaker, whether it is a father like Matt courageously battling ALS, or a brave child living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, they deserve the right to try.

Mr. Speaker, several economic indicators show us that our economy is growing: the unemployment rate is down, the stock market is up, consumer confidence is at its highest level in over a decade, and businesses are starting to invest in their future again. However, we cannot rest on this short-term snapshot.

For too long, top-down policies from Washington have built a system that is based on protecting the status quo rather than helping small businesses and middle class families. We need to embrace a governing vision that advances the American Dream and puts jobs and economic growth above the partisanship that too often divides us, and this starts with tax reform.

If this Congress is serious about standing up for middle class families and unleashing the power of the American economy, tax reform is the natural starting point. The model is straightforward. We need to simplify the ridiculously complex Internal Revenue Code, eliminate the loopholes that allow corporations and individuals to avoid paying their fair share, lower the rates for middle class families and for small businesses, and to broaden the tax base. We have the chance to make real, lasting changes to our broken and bloated tax system, and we need to act now.

As a CPA and a member of the Small Business Committee and as a concerned taxpayer, I am committed to fighting for real tax reform based on three core principles: encouraging growth, simplifying the Tax Code itself, and increasing service for the taxpayers. The time is now to act.

Recognizing Bill Pezza

Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, Bristol Borough won the Small Business Revolution, earning the borough a $500,000 grant to revitalize the community through small business development and entrepreneurship.

Integral to this effort was Mr. Bill Pezza, an individual who defines everything that is great about Bucks County and everything that is great about Bristol Borough.

Bill is a lifelong resident of Bristol, and his love for his hometown shines through in everything he does. He has served the community as an educator on the Bristol Borough Council, as a member of the school board, and as a community activist.

He has championed local businesses, creating an organization called Raising the Bar, a program which brought community leaders and business owners together to support the local Bristol Borough economy. Focused on development and community preservation, he continues to find new ways to serve the Bristol Borough community today.

Bill would be the first one to tell you that the many recognitions he has earned throughout the years belong to the community and not just to him, which is a true sign of his character. However, Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Bill today for being named Person of the Year at this year's Bristol Fall Classic.

I am deeply grateful to Bill for the positive impact on our community, and I congratulate him, his wife, Karen, and his entire family for this much-deserved recognition.