Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the story of C.J. Rudolph of Sellersville, Pennsylvania. C.J. was born in December 2015, at Grand View hospital. Before he was born, he tested positive for the Trisomy-21 gene, meaning that he was going to be born with Down syndrome. But his parents, Chris and Donna, had faith he would be a fighter.

From day one, C.J. battled just to stay alive. He had two heart defects and was immediately put in the neonatal ICU. As the condition became more critical, he was transferred to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and ultimately ended up at the University of Pennsylvania hospital.

After 5 weeks at the University of Pennsylvania hospital, at the age of 58 days, C.J. underwent heart surgery performed by a miracle worker named Dr. Spray. Four days later, C.J. was finally able to come home with his parents.

Mr. Speaker, at almost 2 years old, C.J. has overcome more obstacles than many of us will face in a lifetime. Today, C.J. serves as the inspiration of the Sellersville Fire Department and continues to inspire all those he encounters with his grit and perseverance.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the story of 22- year-old Luke Johnson, a graduate of Pennsbury High School in my home of Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Luke was known for his quirky sense of humor and his laid-back demeanor. He was a football standout at Pennsbury and was named best defensive player of the year his senior year. He also wrestled. He played soccer, baseball, and could throw a Frisbee a mile.

Above all, Luke loved to be with his family and with his friends, and it was his tight-knit group who supported Luke as he battled the increasingly common enemy of opioid addiction.

On May 17, 2017, Luke lost his battle with this disease after many difficult years of trying to return to normal.

Throughout his fight, like so many, he was haunted by shame, loss of self-worth, and the stigma of being addicted to opioids. This pain was shared by his friends and family, affecting the entire community, who just wanted to help, to see Luke be Luke.

As he tried to work his way towards recovery, Luke's parents, Maureen and John, discovered the genesis of his addiction: a prescription opioid pill given to him on his first day in high school. It progressed further when he was offered opioids after football game wins during his junior and senior year in high school. Ultimately, he was offered and accepted the invitation to try heroin.

Imagine the difficulty for this family and millions like them. At first, Luke's family was dumbfounded, angry, and hurt. They had no idea the difficulty he was facing.

They mobilized to support Luke by placing him into a local rehabilitation facility, but later found out that their insurance would not cover inpatient treatment, so they sold their car for his initial recovery. However, when Luke came home, the people, places, and things from his old life triggered a relapse.

His parents hoped that a facility in Florida would remove these triggers from Luke's life and put him on the road to recovery. After several months of recovery in Florida, Luke was forced to find another place to live. This was the move, Mr. Speaker, that he was not ready to make. He died a few days later, before he had fully unpacked the few belongings that he had.

Following Luke's death, his parents established the Luke's HERO in ME Foundation in Yardley, Pennsylvania. Their goal is to help with the awareness, education, and to destigmatize opioid addiction. Ultimately, they want to ensure that other family, friends, and community networks can save their Luke.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Congressional Record a letter I received from Luke's parents.

October 17, 2017.

Congressman Fitzpatrick: Thank you for speaking with me at

the David's New Day event last weekend. Your support for the

opioid crisis has been more than welcome. The recent news,

spurred by the 60 Minutes investigation, suggests that there

are very deep rooted issues that need to be addresses to

fully confront this issue. In short, you and your colleagues

have much work to do. If there is anything we can do to help,

please let me know.

I have included my son's story below to go along with the

funeral card I gave you. I hope putting names, faces and

stories to the cause will help drive the needed change.

John Luke Johnson, always known as Luke or Lukey or Duke,

was a handsome athlete with piercing blue eyes. He was known

for his quirky sense of humor and ``chill'' demeanor. He

loved his dog Ethel (aka Ed Rendell)--she was just as quirky

as Luke--and It never ceased to amaze me how gentle and kind

Luke was to Ethel and all animals. He was a good athlete,

playing football (named Pennsbury's best defensive player his

senior year), wrestled, played soccer and baseball. He could

throw a Frisbee a mile. He loved to be with his friends. He

had more friends than I could count. But, his best friends--

Tyler (an Army Ranger), Fardin (a college student) and

Christian D (recent college grad), Christian H (a college

student) he loved most. Like his family, these friends

supported and loved Luke; despite the pain and battle that

comes with addiction, they stuck around until the very end.

In Luke, we lost that good guy next door--that guy that

everyone loved and enjoyed being with.

One May 17th, 2017, our son Luke lost his battle with this

terrible disease only after suffering for a few, very

difficult years trying to return to ``normal''. Throughout

his battle he was haunted by shame, a loss of self-worth and

the stigma of being an addict. This pain was shared by his

family and friends. Our aspirations for him and the

aspirations he had for himself were replaced by the day to

day struggle against the emotional and physiological damage

caused by this disease.

During the process of recovery, we learned about Luke's

path to becoming an addict. It started with a female friend

giving him a pill (an opioid) to try his first day of high

school. She passed away of an overdose last year. It

progressed further with a mom rewarding football players with

opioids after game wins during his junior and senior year.

Ultimately, he was offered and accepted the invitation to try

heroin.

Until Luke found himself fully addicted and came to us for

help, the indications were almost silent. He had the normal

ups and downs of a teen and at times indulged in alcohol and

smoked pot. While we had many discussions about making good

choices and the implications of drug and alcohol abuse, we

were not aware of the opioid use and the changes to his

brain. We are confident Luke was not aware of the permanency

of his actions and what he would ultimately have to battle.

Initially, we were dumbfounded, angry and hurt. Our

understanding was limited to the stereo-type junkie from the

70's and the ``just say no'' Dare program information we

received during the elementary school assemblies. We had no

clue about how the drug had changed his brain and the very

real difficulty he was in. We were quickly enlightened by our

daughter Alex, who had recently studied this in college.

We mobilized to support Luke by placing him into a local

facility. Our insurance would not cover inpatient treatment

(we were told only after a relapse) and we sold our car and

scraped up the 20k it cost for his initial recovery. After a

24 day stay, Luke came home but soon returned to using--

despite meetings and drug tests the triggers ``people places

and things'', we learned, were very real.

We found a place in Florida for Luke and assumed that being

away from the triggers was best for Luke. He lasted 3 or 4

months and returned home only to use again. After several

months, Luke found another place and was in recovery and

clean for 9 months. After the facility in Florida changed

ownership (and the new staff now cared more for insurance

money than keeping their charges clean), Luke was forced to

find another place to live. This was a move he was not ready

to make. He died a few days later, before he had fully

unpacked the few belongings he had.

After Luke's death, we established the Luke's HEROin ME

foundation. The goal of the foundation is to help with the

awareness, education and to destigmatize opioid addiction;

ultimately, so others can save their Luke. While we have much

more to do, we have made progress in our local high school,

have shared Luke's story on radio, in the press and have

begun to organize events to meet our goals. We will push to

have a national standard that can be applied uniformly across

the country. We need to have more standards for rehab

facilities, many of which have become corrupt machines that

fuel relapse and overdose deaths.

With opioid overdose (and the more recent introduction of

fentanyl and carfentanil into commonly used drugs) as the

leading cause of death among our young people, we have little

choice.

We would love to support you in any way in your endeavor to

end the opioid crisis. We are in this for the long haul, and

want to help save as many lives as we can.

John and Maureen Johnson.

Mr. Speaker, with opioid overdose as the leading cause of death among our young people, we have little choice but to act.

When I met Luke's father, he gave me this picture of Luke, and he asked that we remember Luke as we work to end this epidemic.

I urge my colleagues to join me in this call to action.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of two amazing Bucks Countians, Elly McNelis and Bobby Heenan.

The Bucks County Central Labor Council has awarded the Trish Coyle Award to Elly McNelis, a member of AFSCME Local 1598, and president of the Neshaminy Bucks Coalition of Labor Union Women. Elly serves as a Bucks County crossing guard and is committed to strengthening the role of women in unions and increasing the involvement of women in the legislative process.

The Bucks County Central Labor Council has also awarded Bobby Heenan with their Man of the Year Award. Bobby serves as the business manager for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 542. Bobby and his team are committed to producing the most skilled and efficient heavy equipment operators in the industry.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize these distinguished individuals for their service to their fellow working families and to our entire Bucks County community.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Mr. Speaker, as the son and brother of breast cancer survivors, I understand the impact of this disease on families throughout our community. Each year, about 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and more than 40,000 American women will die of this disease.

It does not have to be this way, Mr. Speaker. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am proud to be working with my colleague Congresswoman DeLauro in advocating for increased access to information about breast cancer that allows women and their doctors to make the best decisions possible.

The fight against cancer is one that transcends politics. By working together, we can pass commonsense legislation that increases the quality of life and care for patients and, ultimately, put an end to this awful disease.

Prescription Pain Medication Abuse

Mr. Speaker, nearly 70 percent of individuals who abuse prescription pain medication get them from their friends or family.

As our community continues to grapple with the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic, it is crucial we take every step possible to stop prescription medications from falling into the wrong hands, including the collecting and safely disposing of unused or expired prescription drugs.

My community in Bucks County has collected over 40 tons of unused medications, the most in Pennsylvania, as part of our successful Prescription Drug Take Back program. This collaborative effort between local government, law enforcement, and community leaders is crucial in the battle against this crisis.

I commend those involved and urge all residents to participate in our next Take Back Day and to utilize the permanent drop boxes that are located throughout our region.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the

bill (H.R. 2142) to improve the ability of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to interdict fentanyl, other synthetic opioids, and other narcotics and psychoactive substances that are illegally imported into the United States, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, as communities across my district and across our Nation continue to deal with the crisis of opioid abuse and addiction, it is incomprehensible to imagine a synthetic drug up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.

Fentanyl is a manufactured opioid which, in its illicit versions, has contributed to tens of thousands of deaths. This fact is especially concerning, given that this drug can be ordered online and delivered via mail or express consignment couriers from places like China.

Fentanyl is highly potent in trace amounts, and this problem is exacerbated due to fentanyl being extremely difficult for our authorities to detect. That is why Congresswoman Tsongas and I introduced the INTERDICT Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that provides U.S. Customs and Border Protection access to the most effective chemical screening devices and scientific support to detect and intercept synthetic opioids before they can cause more harm.

Mr. Speaker, the INTERDICT Act will ensure that CBP will have additional portable chemical screening devices available at ports of entry and mail and express consignment facilities, along with additional fixed chemical screening devices available in CBP laboratories.

It also provides CBP with sufficient resources, personnel, and facilities, including scientists available at all hours, to interpret screening test results from the field and authorizes, based upon professional expertise, the appropriation of $9 million for hundreds of new screening devices, laboratory equipment, facilities, and personnel for support during all operational hours.

Combined, the additional chemical screening devices, scientists, and other resources will help safeguard CBP field personnel from exposure to fentanyl and other deadly synthetic opioids and narcotics and prevent their unlawful importation.

As an EMT and former Federal drug prosecutor, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact of addiction in our communities and understand the increased danger added by synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Illicit fentanyl being trafficked into the United States poses a continued threat to the American people.

By passing this legislation, this body can follow through on its promise to the American people and align our policy with the President's Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis, which has prioritized regulating the flow of fentanyl in its interim report.

I urge all of my bipartisan Members of this House to join me in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers. If the gentlewoman from California has no other speakers, I am prepared to close.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I once again urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2142, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the story of my constituent, Matt Bellina, of Holland, Pennsylvania.

On April 9, 2014, at the age of 30, Matt was diagnosed with ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS attacks the nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, causing those with ALS to lose control of their muscles.

Matt graduated from Virginia Tech in May 2005 and received his commission into the U.S. Navy as a naval aviator. Following the onset of his symptoms, which include cramping hands, twitching arms, stiffness in his legs, Matt was grounded from flying. He continued to serve in the Navy in an administrative capacity until he medically retired in 2014, with the rank of lieutenant commander.

He eventually moved back home to Bucks County with his wife, Caitlin, and his young children to be surrounded by family and friends.

Although this disease stopped Matt's career in its tracks, he persisted and actively involved himself in the ALS community and became a strong advocate for right-to-try legislation.

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

Thousands of terminally ill patients suffer needlessly while awaiting final approval for drugs, therapies, and other medical technologies. 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 are already 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 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.

For those patients caught between the traditional drug approval delays, the 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 an option of trying to save their life.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the formation of a partnership between the Beau Biden Foundation and Doylestown Health, which will clear the way for efforts to prevent, recognize, and react appropriately to child sexual abuse in our community.

This critical program will be funded through the generous support of the Cowhey Family ShopRite in Warminster and will train local medical staff in the Darkness to Light's Stewards of Children course utilizing online education tools.

There is no doubt that because of the compassionate efforts of these organizations, the Beau Biden Foundation, Doylestown Health, and the Cowhey Family ShopRite in Warminster, Bucks County, children will be safer and our community stronger.

Mr. Speaker, I stand in strong support of this vital new partnership and all efforts to protect our society's most vulnerable.

Honoring the Life of Christopher Ward, Sr.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a lifelong Levittown resident, Christopher Ward, Sr., who passed away suddenly last month.

Born in Bristol, Pennsylvania, Chris became an accomplished businessman and a true pillar of our community. With all his success, he strongly supported local small businesses and always rooted for the underdog.

People in Levittown will remember Chris as the co-owner of Bailey's Bar &

Grille and Bailey's Plaza. But to his friends, employees, family, and all those who had the pleasure of truly knowing him, Chris was a humble, kind, selfless man with a loving, caring heart. He loved to make everyone laugh with his unique sense of humor, but what made him the happiest was being ``Chocolate Pop-Pop'' and spending time with his family.

Mr. Speaker, Chris strove to be the very best father, son, grandfather, uncle, and brother. He will be sorely missed by our entire community.

dysautonomia awareness month

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize October as Dysautonomia Awareness Month. ``Dysautonomia'' is a general term used to address any disease that aggravates the autonomic nervous system, adversely affecting the body's involuntary functions. There are many types of dysautonomia, which can lead to other devastating illnesses, including Parkinson's disease and lupus.

Dysautonomia afflicts nearly 70 million people of all ages worldwide, including constituents in my district like Liz Kennerley. While there is no cure, there are many treatments to improve quality of life, including medications and lifestyle changes.

This month, we work to spread awareness of dysautonomia through education, community events, and lobbying, and we inspire family, friends, and neighbors to get involved and to take action.

It is necessary that communities hold events for spreading the word about dysautonomia and for funding research to find a cure. It is on us to educate the public about this illness and to race towards a cure.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a brave young man in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Brett Rubin.

A resident of Northampton, Brett's positive attitude and boundless energy make him a promising young leader in our community. This is even more notable due to the challenges Brett faces from type 1 diabetes. Despite these obstacles, Brett has never allowed this illness to define him or hold him back.

More amazing, Mr. Speaker, is that Brett has channeled his desire to cure this illness and to help others. Partnering with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Brett and his mother, Sandy, have raised thousands of dollars to combat type 1 diabetes. Participating in foundation walks, the Rubins join a close-knit group of family and friends, and they call themselves Brett's Band, which is a fitting name honoring a teenager who marches to his own beat and steals the show wherever he goes.

It is my honor to recognize this exemplary young man. I know Brett's future will be bright and that type 1 diabetes will never interfere with his ambitions or his aspirations.

Mr. Speaker, over the course of several weeks this summer, our Nation focused on my district as the tragic news of missing teenagers led the news.

My heart goes out to the families of those boys and our entire community touched by this tragedy. In that darkness, we saw the best of our community shine through: neighbors in prayer; local businesses engaged in investigation efforts; and through it all, the commitment and the dedication of our local law enforcement officers.

One such officer, Middletown Township Police Officer Megan Freer, was recently recognized at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia for

her investigatory work. Middletown Police Chief Joe Bartorilla noted well: Megan exemplifies our law enforcement who are committed to doing the very best job they can, day in and day out to protect and safeguard our citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud of Officer Freer and the entire law enforcement community in Bucks County, to include District Attorney Matt Weintraub, who committed to this investigation. Through their efforts, our community can begin to heal from this terrible tragedy that we suffered.

Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, I participated in the unveiling of the Bucks County Hometown Heroes Banners at Freedom Square in Doylestown. These banners hold the names and faces of the brave women and men of Bucks County who gave their life in service of our Nation after the terror attacks of September 11 and as part of the global war on terror.

It was a humbling experience to be surrounded by friends and families of those warriors, as well as a community committed to honoring their legacy. Even Freedom Square--a community-built memorial supported by the Travis Manion Foundation, the local chapter of the American Gold Star Mothers, and the Goldman Family--signifies our commitment to remember those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. As always, I am proud of the patriotism and support shown by our community in Bucks County.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the 25 names of these fallen heroes in honor of their sacrifice, the sacrifice of their families, and in support of the Bucks County community.

Specialist Kristofor T. Stonesifer, U.S. Army.

Corporal Patrick R. Nixon, U.S. Marine Corp.

Specialist William J. Maher, III, U.S. Army.

Captain Brian R. Faunce, U.S. Army.

Specialist Tamarra J. Ramos, U.S. Army.

Specialist Maurice J. Johnson, U.S. Army.

Specialist Edward W. Brabazon, U.S. Army.

Corporal Barton R. Humlhanz, U.S. Marines Corps.

Lance Corporal Robert T. Mininger, U.S. Marine Corps.

Specialist Kurt E. Krout, U.S. Army.

Private First Class Nathaniel E. DeTample, U.S. Army.

Captain Scott E. Craven, U.S. Air Force.

Staff Sergeant Jae S. Moon, U.S. Army.

First Lieutenant Travis L. Manion, U.S. Marine Corps.

First Lieutenant Colby J. Umbrell, U.S. Army.

Sergeant Allen James Dunckley, U.S. Army.

Private First Class Robert H. Dembowski, Jr., U.S. Army.

Sergeant First Class Shawn M. Suzch, U.S. Army.

Staff Sergeant Mark C. Baum, U.S. Army.

Special Operations Chief Eric F. Shellenberger, U.S. Navy.

Corporal Elliot D. Teisler, U.S. Marine Corps.

Master Sergeant Kenneth B. Elwell, U.S. Army.

Sergeant First Class Liam J. Nevins, U.S. Army.

Sergeant Daniel J. Warriner, U.S. Army.

Specialist Nicholas D. Roberts, U.S. Army.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my admiration for a dedicated group of individuals in my community who tirelessly work to ensure every veteran receives the recognition they deserve.

This organization is the Guardians of the Washington Crossing National Cemetery. Through rain, sleet, extreme heat, and excessive cold, conditions that would make others seek shelter, these dedicated members have not missed a single veteran's funeral since the opening of the Washington Crossing National Cemetery. Over 10,000 of our Nation's veterans have received their final honors provided by this devoted patriotic group of citizens.

It is with deep gratitude that I share their efforts on this floor.

Mr. Speaker, in recognition of their humble service, I include their names in the Record.

Bob Craven, Gabe Masico, John Heenan, Dan Worden, Mel

Benson, Joe Hogan, Joe Longmore, Marge Weiner, Jerry Byrnes,

Gene Hamilton, Hugh Bell, Les Walters, Randy Seitter, Ken

Myerson, George Sweet, Tom Hauserman, Ron Lyons, Gene Teece,

Bob Miles, Terry Schweikert.

Bill McKenna, Walter Elsperger, Bob Sundling, Sal Castro,

Tom Molnar, Bob Davis, Jan Becknell, Bob Greenwood, Bill

Tuttle, Bill Kratz, Harry Magrisi, Harold Shultz, Rich

Bender, Tim Ward, Ken Fox, Skip Munday, John D'ascenzo, Fred

Ameel, Joe Darwalk, Frank Adams.

John Morgan, Walt Jerdan, Dennis Cudnik, Joe Fonde, Steve

Whiteman, Terry Sherk, Jim McDevitt, Bob Castor, Jim Kuhn,

Tom Lyons, Bob Boccuti, Jim Hartman, Kathleen Mcall, Marc

Wilard, Victor Teat, Ned Cooney, Dick Lima, John Lee, John

Wharton, Jim Frawley.

Chet Gursky, Donn Nolan, Tim Ghebeles, John Sandle, Jim

Harris, Ed Steglik, Bill Fenimore, Bob Crossett, Fred

Cadwell, Bill Lee, Steve Govern, Brian Watson, Joe Keller,

Bill Stevens, Barry Helfer, Dan Madden, Mer Claar, Don Weiss,

Charles Godin, John McGarrigle, Jerry McGovern, Fred Stewart,

Jack Jameson.

Mr. Speaker, we can never truly thank our Nation's veterans enough for their service and their sacrifice. But the work of the members, past and present, of the Washington Crossing National Cemetery Honor Guard is an example we should all follow.

Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance of raising awareness of mitochondrial disease this month of September.

Mitochondrial disease is a chronic genetic disorder that occurs when the mitochondria of the cells fail to produce enough energy to keep them functioning. This disease affects 1 in 4,000 Americans of all ages, including my constituent, Bettemarie Bond.

It can have severe consequences. Symptoms of mitochondrial disease are poor growth, loss of motor function, and an increased risk of infection. For more than 25 years, Bettemarie has relied on continuous infusions of parenteral nutrition, saline, and pain medication to help manage the effects of her conditions.

As a patient advocate, she raises awareness of the importance of access to home care. Home infusion care has allowed Bettemarie to go to college, work as an occupational therapist, and buy her home in my hometown of Levittown.

This month we highlight the importance of coming together to support those with this disease, as well as educate the public about its effects. We can and must spread awareness for this disease through social media awareness, spreading the word in our communities, sharing stories of those afflicted, wearing green in support, and holding events to help gain recognition of this disease and its repercussions.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to speak with all those impacted by this condition, including my constituents, as we work to find a cure.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Betty Tsai, a retired Bucks County Community College professor who started the Salute to Mothers Scholarship. The scholarship allocates funds for women who are attending Bucks County Community College while raising at least one child. This year is the tenth anniversary of the creation of the Salute to Mothers Scholarship, and it has raised over 120,000 dollars to date.

This scholarship is vital to providing mothers with greater career opportunities, and encouraging women to participate in our workforce. It is only available to mothers who possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, and are enrolled in at least six credits for the upcoming semester. I appreciate the philanthropy that recognizes the struggles of balancing family and school, and thank Betty Tsai for her work to that end

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bucks County's Farmer of the Year, Brian Bahnck, of the Pennywell Dairy Farm in Ottsville, the winner of this year's Fred Groshens Memorial Conservation Farmer Award for his use of conservation-focused management on his 77-acre property. By using no-till crop rotation, Brian grew crops without disturbing the soil through tillage or plowing, a practice that can reduce soil erosion by 85 to 95 percent.

Brian, along with his two daughters, Anna and Ella, have dedicated long hours and hard work to make his conservation farm a success. I am proud of the efforts of Brian and his family for their commitment to protect the natural resources in Bucks County.

I also want to thank Gretchen Schatschneider and Rachel Onuska at the Bucks County Conservation District and our county commissioners for their longstanding support of our natural resources.

We have a proud tradition in Bucks County, and our farmers have contributed so much to our community, and they will always remain an indispensable part of Bucks County's future.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize two outstanding organizations in my district that were recently honored by the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance for their dedication and leadership to prevent and eliminate substance abuse in Bucks County.

The Council Rock Coalition for Healthy Youth, represented by Director Debbie Moskovitz, received the Commonwealth's Coalition of the Year Award; and Melanie Swanson, a prevention specialist representing the Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, received the Maggie Marcopul Award, given in honor of Maggie Marcopul, a prevention professional who served Bucks County, and Pennsylvania on the whole, for more than three decades.

Council Rock Coalition for Healthy Youth and the Council of Southeast Pennsylvania demonstrate every day that the targeted efforts of substance abuse prevention are effective. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, every dollar spent on effective school-based prevention programs saves approximately $18 in healthcare and judicial costs resulting from substance abuse.

Fighting back against the opioid addiction crisis requires a multifaceted approach led by lawmakers, community leaders, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement. I am thankful that Bucks County has organizations like these that effectively prevent local substance abuse.

Commending Work Done at Aark Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education

Center

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the work done by Aark Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center in Chalfont, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Founded by Mary Jane Stretch, the Aark focuses on rehabilitation, education, and training to help take care of orphaned and injured birds and mammals. Their goal is to rehabilitate these animals until they can be set free, take care of themselves, and learn the tools of survival. The Aark is the biggest wildlife center of Pennsylvania, serving over 5,000 animals.

In addition to rehabilitation, the Aark provides education programs for students to give them an appreciation for wildlife and the need to keep animals in their natural habitat.

I am pleased to stand by my constituents Mary Jane Stretch and her daughter, Leah Stallings, at the Aark as they strive to rehabilitate animals and educate students and the public about how to care for wounded animals.

Mr. Speaker, September is Hunger Action Month, a month where people all over America stand together with the nationwide network of food banks to fight hunger. Hunger can affect people from all walks of life.

Too many Americans are one job loss or one medical crisis away from food insecurity, and some people, like children and seniors, stand at a greater risk of facing hunger. That is why I am proud of the Bucks County Fresh Connect program, a free farmers market bringing fresh and healthy food to our hungry neighbors. The Fresh Connect program provides reliable and needed food to the 57,000 residents of Bucks County facing hunger, about a third of whom are children.

This month I participated in the Fresh Connect program at Solly Farm in Ivyland, where fresh produce was collected and delivered to the Bucks County Community College in Bristol for distribution.

I want to thank Philabundance, the Bucks County Opportunity Council, the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger, St. Mary Medical Center, United Way of Bucks County, Rolling Harvest Food Rescue, and Solly Farm for all of their hard work in making this program possible. Mr. Speaker, these organizations and all of their generous volunteers are a tribute to our community and to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3284) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish a Joint Counterterrorism Awareness Workshop Series, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, as we gather this week and mark the 16th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, we remember the nearly 3,000 innocent people lost in that heinous act--including 18 from my home of Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Additionally, we honor the more than 400 first responders who perished and the countless more whose long-term health was impacted because of their courageous action. Each of us in this Chamber has heard stories of those brave firefighters, police officers, and EMTs who ran toward the danger and chaos on that Tuesday morning and made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their community and their country. Today we remember them, and we recommit to recognize their efforts and those efforts of all first responders around our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, since 9/11, we have seen the devastating impact of coordinated terrorist attacks on civilian targets. In these cases, first responders--including local police, fire, and emergency medical personnel--are the main response force. It is critical that these men and women have the training and tools to operate in these planned attacks.

That is why I have introduced H.R. 3284, the Joint Counterterrorism Awareness Workshop Series Act of 2017, to authorize a vital workshop series allowing State and local jurisdictions to prepare for coordinated terrorist attacks.

H.R. 3284, as amended, authorizes the Joint Counterterrorism Awareness Workshop Series for 5 years and delineates the activities that are required to be part of each workshop, including a review of current plans, policies and procedures, and an examination of the roles and responsibilities of each participating agency.

H.R. 3284 ensures that the whole community--from government officials, law enforcement, fire, EMS, and public health officials to the private sector--participates in the workshop.

Additionally, Mr. Speaker, this bill allows the FEMA Administrator to select jurisdictions to participate in such workshops from jurisdictions that currently receive, or previously received, Urban Area Security Initiative funding and have requested to host a workshop.

Finally, H.R. 3284 requires the participants to develop a summary report after each workshop that includes the key findings and strategies to mitigate the identified gaps.

I introduced this bill with bipartisan support, and I am proud to have the backing of two first responder organizations that I trust when working on this type of legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter of support from the International Association of Fire Chiefs and a letter of support from the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.

International Association

of Fire Chiefs,

Fairfax, VA, July 21, 2017.

Hon. Brian K. Fitzpatrick,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC.

Dear Representative Fitzpatrick: On behalf of the nearly

12,000 fire and emergency service leaders of the

International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), I express

our support for H.R. 3284, your legislation to authorize the

Joint Counterterrorism Awareness Workshop Series (JCTAWS).

These multidisciplinary exercises help local jurisdictions

prepare for the threat of complex, coordinated terrorist

attacks.

The terrorist threat continues to evolve. As terrorist

incidents in Mumbai in 2008, Paris in 2015, and Brussels in

2016 demonstrate, complex, coordinated terror attacks using

multiple teams and a variety of tactics are a growing threat

that local jurisdictions will have to address. Local

jurisdictions must be prepared to respond to multiple

incidents at the same time involving active shooter

incidents, explosives and the use of fire as a weapon.

The JCTAWS exercises provide an environment where local

fire service, law enforcement, emergency medical service,

private sector and other disciplines can plan for joint

response to these incidents. The JCTAWS allows federal, state

and local partners to collaboratively evaluate their options

and learn how to best protect their communities. The

exercises also bring together resources from the U.S.

Department of Homeland Security, the National

Counterterrorism Center, and the Federal Bureau of

Investigation to leverage the strengths of these major

agencies. After a jurisdiction hosts a JCTAWS exercise, key

findings are communicated to the participants as well as

mitigation strategies and resources to address gaps in

preparedness.

The IAFC endorses this legislation and thanks you for

authorizing funding for this critical exercise program. We

look forward

to working with you to pass this legislation this year.

Sincerely,

Fire Chief John D. Sinclair,

President and Chairman of the Board.

Throughout our Nation's history, our first responders have always stood for peace, security, and ordered liberty that make our communities great and our country strong. For this we are eternally grateful. As we remember those who gave their lives on September 11, we, unfortunately, recall that the threats of coordinated terrorist attacks are not going away. Today it remains critical that our first responders have the resources and the tools needed to protect our communities. The Joint Counterterrorism Awareness Workshop Series is one of these vital tools.

Mr. Speaker, as a first responder myself, I am proud to work with the House Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications on moving this meaningful legislation, and I urge all Members to join me in supporting our first responders by voting ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I, once again, urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3284, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.