Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County, which is an organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing, locally and worldwide, through constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving homes.

This global, nonprofit housing organization, with a local chapter in my district, operates on the principles that seek to put God's love into action. Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County advocates for fair and just housing policies that provide training and access to resources to help families improve their living conditions.

The Bucks County chapter of Habitat for Humanity is a motivated team, driven towards service, where they build communities and empower families. I am grateful for the work of Executive Director Florence Kawoczka, Laura Blair, B.J. Breish, Colleen Brink, Stefanie Clark, Candace Clarke, Mike Fallon, Susan Harrity, Josh Hilliker, Theresa Leonard, Sam Martin, Tracy Mulvaney, Karen Reever, and all of the associates and volunteers who make this organization possible.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to work with the Bucks County Habitat for Humanity, driven by the conviction that every man, every woman, and every child should have a simple, durable place to live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter and decent community should be a matter of conscience for all of us.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize KidsPeace, which is a private charity dedicated to assisting children and adolescents experiencing emotional, behavioral, and social challenges in Pennsylvania. Founded in 1882, KidsPeace provides a comprehensive range of residential treatment programs, accredited educational services, and a variety of foster care and community-based treatment programs to help people in need overcome challenges and transform their lives.

Last week, I had the privilege of meeting Dominick DiSalvo and Patrick Slattery, advocates of KidsPeace Foster Care in Doylestown in my district, where they work with families affected by the opioid epidemic.

Through the power of family living, kids who have emotional and behavioral challenges learn to participate in healthier relationships with adults, experience healthy family functioning, witness positive parenting styles, participate in community life, and learn social skills through positive role modeling.

I am proud of the efforts of KidsPeace to help Bucks County's youth receive the information and treatment they need to become healthy adults. KidsPeace reminds us that we can all make a difference in the life of a child.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Middletown Township's two newest police officers: Officer Kassidy Grove and Officer Ryan Morrison.

Officers Grove and Morrison, both 23 years old, were sworn in by the Middletown Township Board of Supervisors this week.

Kassidy Grove is a graduate of Pennsbury High School and attended Lock Haven University where she played rugby. She went on to work at the Lehigh County Sheriff's Office and for the Yardley Borough Police Department.

Ryan Morrison graduated from Neshaminy High School, after which he enlisted as a military police officer. He recently graduated from the Temple University Police Academy.

Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Kassidy Grove and Ryan Morrison joining the police department of my hometown, Middletown Township, we recognize the larger commitment of all law enforcement to step up and serve their communities.

Mr. Speaker, I stand in solidarity with my brothers and sisters of the thin blue line, and I urge all Americans to honor their sacrifice. Together, let us recommit ourselves to the daily ideals and laws that Officers Grove and Morrison and so many others are sworn to uphold.

Mr. Chairman, perfluorinated compounds, namely PFOA and PFOS, have been found in public and private drinking water wells in communities surrounding over 600 military installations nationwide, including several in my own district, impacting 70,000 Pennsylvanians.

While the military does not dispute its responsibility for the water contamination, the response thus far has been unacceptable. For all of our constituents, they all have the right to safe, clean drinking water, and they deserve to know if PFOS or PFOA have compromised their long-term health.

The bipartisan amendment I have introduced instructs the Secretary of Defense to consult with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to carry out a study on any health effects experienced by those exposed to PFOS and PFOA at military installations or former military installations.

While this study alone will not fix the serious concerns about water contamination, it will provide us with critical information about the health impact these unregulated chemicals may have, and aid the Federal Government in conjunction with State and local agencies to reverse the contamination and protect the health and welfare of our residents.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, this weekend, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, welcomes the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall to Penndel Memorial Field.

Fifty years ago, many brave women and men from Bucks and Montgomery Counties were among the tens of thousands who would give their lives in the Vietnam war. The traveling wall is a large-scale replica of the memorial here in Washington, D.C. It moves around the Nation, providing remembrance and healing to local communities like Bucks County, where 136 soldiers were killed or MIA during the Vietnam war.

I am proud of the Penndel-Hulmeville Memorial Day Parade Committee, Ed Preston; Mike Fitzpatrick; Rich Rush; Vince and Lori Muscato; Mike Sodano; Tom Preston; Ray Mongillo; Walt Davidson; Vicki McLaughlin; Paul Shanahan; Paul and Alexandria Schnider; Dale Walton, Jr.; Carol Beauchamp; Greg Woodrow; and all the volunteers and veterans for their relentless effort to bring the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall to Bucks County.

As we honor those who died in service of our Nation, we, too, thank all of those who have served, and we pause to thank and think of those who are defending our country today.

Mr. Speaker, for more than 70 years, the Fulbright program, established by Congress, has forged connections between Americans and emerging leaders around the world. The Fulbright program has provided more than 370,000 participants, chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential, with the opportunity to exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns.

Each year the Fulbright program grants students with the opportunity to study, research, or teach English abroad in an effort to internationalize communities and campuses around the world.

I rise today to recognize the prestigious accomplishment of students from my district who received Fulbright scholarships for the 2016-2017 grant year.

Our proud congratulations to:

Kimberly Algeo of Newtown, a scholar in anthropology from Rider University, for her work in Japan;

Elizabeth Beavers of Yardley, a student from the University of Maryland, College Park, on an English teaching assistantship in South Korea;

Hunter Gabbard of Doylestown, a student in physics from the University of Mississippi, for his work in Germany;

Michael Galperin of Warminster, a student from Lafayette College, on an English teaching assistantship in South Korea;

William Lescas of Churchville, a student in political science from the University of Delaware, for his work in Denmark;

Ivan Simpson-Kent of Levittown, a student in biology from the University of Scranton, for his work in Germany;

And Dr. Paul Swann of Doylestown, a scholar in communications from Temple University, for his work in South Korea.

On behalf of the Eighth Congressional District of Pennsylvania, to all

of our scholars, we congratulate them for their prestigious accomplishment. And just to let all of you know, you continue to make all of us proud.

Empowering Women and Ending Domestic Violence

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the mothers, daughters, and wives of my district. I stand here in solemn support for women not only in our community, but across our Nation and throughout the world who experience domestic violence each day.

This unacceptable treatment cannot go unnoticed. We must continue to push for better opportunities for those abused in our community.

By providing these women with more options, they can begin to find safety, support, and empowerment for a better way of life. Whether this be supporting a child or finding a better job and employment, it is important that their voices be heard.

I am proud to work with community-based organizations committed to empowering women and ending domestic violence for all. I commend A Woman's Place in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, for their steadfast commitment to a society where all individuals are safe and can flourish.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the leadership staff at A Woman's Place, Mae O'Brien, Lauren Bucksner, Danielle Ferri, and Heather Giampapa, as well as other staff and volunteers committed to promoting peace, quality, and respect in our districts and beyond.

Perkasie Park's 135th Anniversary

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Perkasie Park on its 135th anniversary and celebrate its new status as a National Historic District.

Founded in 1882, Perkasie Park is one of just a handful of intact camp meeting facilities that continue to operate in Pennsylvania. Home to dozens of Victorian-era cottages and buildings, at its height, Perkasie Park was Bucks County's biggest attraction, drawing worshippers and vacationers from Philadelphia and the surrounding region to the quaint, quiet countryside of the Borough of Perkasie.

Last year, thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers, residents, and community leaders, Perkasie Park was named to the National Register of Historic Places for its role in the American camp meeting movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Through their dedication, the park joined over 150 Bucks County properties on the National Register, including the 1832 South Perkasie Covered Bridge on the other side of town.

I am proud to represent a district that understands and honors its deep-rooted history, and I join with the people in Perkasie in celebrating this momentous anniversary and accomplishment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Gasperi family, who will be moving to Kenya in August on a mission to bring clean, fresh water to the schools in the surrounding area.

The Gasperi family seeks to provide clean water to schools in the city of Nakuru. Clean water will help the Kenyans avoid waterborne parasites and illnesses that interfere with childhood education.

Ashley Gasperi grew up in Kenya, and, with her husband, Chris, started a nonprofit called Ekenywa, which means a new beginning. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for school-aged children in Kenya and to eradicate poverty.

Both Chris and Ashley hold their master's degrees in nursing. Chris serves as a nurse manager at St. Mary Medical Center's orthopedic center, and Ashley serves as a clinical instructor at Temple University.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the entire Eighth Congressional District of Pennsylvania, we are so proud of the Gasperi family. We wish them the best as they work to provide a brighter future and cleaner water for all the children of Kenya.

Mr. Chair, the most important duty of this body is to ensure the safety of every American family from foreign enemies who intend us harm. We must advocate for a foreign policy that projects strength and purpose.

The threat profile our Nation faces has never been more severe, including from rogue regimes and those who directly and indirectly support the spread of terror. Acting in isolation, each of these threats requires U.S. attention. However, we must also investigate and understand the scope of

evil's reach, especially the nexus between Iran and North Korea.

Mr. Chair, my amendment would compel the Pentagon to report the extent of cooperation on nuclear programs, ballistic missile development, chemical and biological weapons development, and conventional weapons programs between Pyongyang and Tehran. Only when we understand the complex dealings between these enemies of peace can we outline a plan to combat them.

My amendment will provide better, more comprehensive tools for American defense, and I urge my friends on both sides of the aisle to support it for the sake of our Nation's security.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible work of the Anti-Defamation League, or ADL.

The founder of this uplifting organization, Sigmund Livingston, envisioned an America where we all are created and treated equally. This is an objective that remains ever-relevant in today's America. Through programming in schools, the ADL creates dialogue to educate and prepare students to fight back against hate and confront discrimination wherever it may exist. In addition, the ADL works to bring individuals together to build understanding.

I have had the pleasure of meeting a special person, Rabbi Gruenberg, a leader in Congregation Beth El, in my community, as well as the Philadelphia ADL, earlier this year. I am proud to stand with my neighbors, advocates, and elected officials of every stripe to reaffirm that there is no room for hate or discrimination in any of our communities.

The work of the Anti-Defamation League must continue and expand, because the only way we can end senseless hate is by building bridges and engaging with people we may perceive as being different from ourselves.

Again, Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the ADL for the incredibly important work they are doing. I stand with them, as should everyone in this Chamber.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman and members of the House Judiciary Committee for their work on this issue. And as a member of the Homeland Security Committee, the issues being debated and voted on this week are an area of critical importance when it comes to keeping our Nation and our people safe.

Mr. Speaker, we are a nation of immigrants. I am the grandson of Irish immigrants. We are also a nation of laws. Both must be respected and honored by all of us. Left, right, or center, we can all agree that our immigration system is broken, and given that broken status, it is the responsibility of this body to fix it. This goal cannot be achieved by selectively choosing which laws we enforce and which laws we ignore.

As a former FBI agent, I worked each day to keep Americans and keep our Nation safe. And as a Federal prosecutor, I prosecuted cases that resulted in the removal of violent felons who were in our country illegally in order to keep our communities safe.

I have seen firsthand the threats our Nation faces from a fragmented and broken immigration system and a porous border. We cannot and must not allow partisanship to prevent sensible fixes from being implemented. Our Nation's security depends on us.

Mr. Speaker, the legislation before us today is one borne of a preventable tragedy. Kate Steinle was a bright, aspiring, 32-year-old woman with a life of possibilities ahead of her. Let this bill be her legacy. Let this bill result in Kate Steinle saving the lives of others. Let us do her that honor.

Kate's Law will increase penalties for those who reenter our country following their removal from the U.S., including Federal prison sentences up to 25 years for those previously deported who have criminal records.

Moreover, this bill supports our brave women and men in law enforcement as they work to keep violent gangs and criminal cartels, including the likes of MS-13, out of our communities. I am a cosponsor of this legislation, and I am proud to advance it.

Mr. Speaker, the time is now for us to step up and protect those who elected us to serve on their behalf, and I urge all of my colleagues to make a bold bipartisan statement to our communities back home today. Join me in support of H.R. 3004. Let's get this done for Kate Steinle and her family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 65th anniversary of my hometown, Levittown, Pennsylvania.

On June 23, 1952, the first 20 families moved into Levittown, which is one of the first planned communities built in the U.S. With its partially framed housing, immature landscaping, and muddy streets, Levittown, in 1952, is a frontier outside of the city of Philadelphia.

Levittown's first official family, the Doughertys, moved into their home on Stonybrook Drive and embraced the American Dream of homeownership. And as Mrs. Dougherty told reporters in Levittown, she described Levittown as country living with city conveniences.

Between 1952 and 1958, Levitt & Sons built 17,311 single-family houses with lawns.

There were six models a family could choose from: the Levittowner, the Rancher, the Jubilee, the Pennsylvanian, the Colonial, and the Country Clubber. Levitt & Sons pushed the boundaries of housing construction by perfecting the homebuilding assembly line.

Levittown remains a special place in Bucks County. Originally designed as a completed community, Levittown grew into the model middle class community. In fact, it became a popular place for hundreds of returning World War II veterans who wanted to start families of their own. Now Levittown is home to over 50,000 residents with schools, churches, parks, and businesses that foster a sense of community for families to live and work.

Residents of Levittown have worked in our steel mills, built our infrastructure, and served in our military--all while raising their children.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to call Levittown my hometown, and I am grateful to represent this close-knit and hardworking community. Congratulations to all who have called Levittown home for the last 65 years.

Happy birthday, Levittown.

Recognizing Network of Victim Assistance

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Network of Victim Assistance, NOVA, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

NOVA seeks to support, counsel, and empower victims of sexual assault and abuse in our region through advocacy and community education. By utilizing individual and group counseling, victims of sexual assault and abuse can regain control of their lives, and through education programs, children and communities learn to be advocates for victims of abuse, as well as prevention and personal safety.

Additionally, NOVA Bucks County maintains a 24-hour hotline to be able to support all sexual assault victims to get the assistance that they need, as well as assistance in court and safety programs for those with disabilities. I was pleased to tour their facility earlier this year. I am thankful for the work of Penny Ettinger, Kathy Bennett, Steve Doerner, Keith Kirkner,

Mandy Mundy, Bill Hoblin, and so many of the NOVA staff and volunteers serving Bucks County, including generous volunteers such as Tina Greenwood.

Through its programs and projects, NOVA empowers victims of sexual assault and abuse, providing them with the resources and security they need to live in spaces free from violence. I am proud to stand with them in their mission to stand with victims in the fight to end sexual assault.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Penndel Police Department upon the dedication of their new headquarters building, named in honor of the Department's first Chief, Fred C. Dunkley, who served in the position for more than thirty years. The members of this Department are uniformly loved and respected within the community in which they live and serve. Their mission, to affirmatively promote, preserve, and provide a feeling of security and safety among all persons within their jurisdiction, has brought the community together in a time when many communities grow further apart. They set an example from which all of us can learn, and we thank them for their incredible service. To the members of the Penndel Police Department, past, present, and future, we say thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of a tireless public servant in Bucks County. Ms. Lynn Bush, the Executive Director of the Bucks County Planning Commission and Chief Clerk of the County, retired last week after more than eighteen years serving her friends and neighbors. The work Ms. Bush has done throughout her career has helped the businesses of Bucks County to flourish, and oversaw the preservation of Bucks County's 200th farm, as part of her passionate work protecting open space in the county. Her service stands as a reminder that we make a life by what we give others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Pennsbury High School baseball team on winning their first State title on June 16, 2017.

After withstanding a rain delay of nearly 3\1/2\ hours, the Pennsbury Falcons triumphed over District 3 Dallastown in the PIAA Class 6A final at Penn State University. Thanks to Nick Price's single in the bottom of the seventh, the Falcons avoided extra innings and emerged on top, winning the game 1-0.

Pennsbury ended the season on 13 straight wins. Their pitching staff gave up one run in the playoffs, and zero runs in the last 30 innings. Billy Bethel was 4-0 with 0 earned runs in 27 innings in the district and State playoffs.

Mr. Speaker, it was Michael Jordan who said: ``Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.'' The Pennsbury Falcons are something special, led by 13 seniors and Head Coach Joe Pesci. They should be extremely proud--not only for their accomplishments on the field, but also the pride that they brought to their families, to their school, and to the entire Eighth Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Congressional Record the individual names of the PIAA 6A Championship Pennsbury High School Falcon baseball team.

R.J. Huth, Jake Martell, Christian Buchler, Gary Minnes,

Vaughn Ward, Alan Wolf, Josh Tesarck, Max Crawn, Bryan Nagy,

Justin Ward, Ryan McCarty, Josh Arruda, Alec Wilson, Nick

Price, Tommy Erickson, Shane Ostrowsky, Nate Derry, Ben

Spadea, Justin Massielo, Kyle Dear, Dave Murphy, Billy

Bethel, Tyrone Hodges Jr, Alex Ritter.

Mr. Speaker, these young men have shown us what success can look like on the baseball field, and I am confident that they will succeed in all of their future endeavors, continuing to make all of us in Bucks County proud.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hard work and success of a group of students from my district attending Bucks County Community College. This group, Nik Bertnio, Roshan Thomas, Alex White, and their faculty advisor, Christine Delahanty, were recently named as one of only ten finalists teams in the National Science Foundation's Community College Innovation Challenge. Their project, named Simply Secure, would produce a low-cost, portable device that small businesses and everyday consumers could use to confidently and securely connect to any wireless network, regardless of whether that network has been compromised. The group's hard work, and dedication to bettering their community and the world around them, should make all of us proud.