Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 343.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Captain Bill Shick of the Palisades Regional Fire Rescue for his exceptional dedication to public safety and his unwavering service to the Palisades School District and the greater community.

For more than 11 years, Captain Shick has been an exemplary partner to the Palisades School District. Through his leadership at Palisades Regional Fire Rescue, he has played a vital role in ensuring that our schools and facilities remain safe, secure, and prepared for emergencies. His steady presence, professionalism, and deep expertise have provided reassurance to students, staff, parents, and community members alike.

Captain Shick's commitment to collaboration has been instrumental in strengthening emergency preparedness across the district. His guidance during safety drills, his responsiveness during emergencies, and his proactive approach to fire prevention and risk reduction have been invaluable. Year after year, his leadership has helped foster a culture of preparedness and confidence within our schools.

Beyond his immediate service, Captain Shick has demonstrated a commitment to improving the future of public safety. His advocacy for the creation of a Fire Program at the Upper Bucks County Technical School reflects his dedication to developing the next generation of firefighters. Now, in its second year, this program provides students with meaningful career pathways while helping to secure the future of our regional volunteer fire services.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Captain Bill Shick, whose career exemplifies selfless service, leadership, and community partnership. It is with deep gratitude that we honor Mr. Bill Shick and his 11 years of unwavering dedication. As he enters retirement, we thank him for keeping our schools and community safe, for inspiring future first responders, and for leaving a lasting legacy of service to our district.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2550, bipartisan legislation to restore collective bargaining rights for hundreds of thousands of unionized Federal employees.

This legislation reaffirms a core principle: A government that serves the people must also respect the rights of those who serve within it.

Federal employees work tirelessly every day, often behind the scenes. They process Social Security benefits, safeguard our food and water, care for our veterans, and respond whenever a disaster strikes. Their work is essential, and its impact reaches every community across this Nation.

Mr. Speaker, by restoring their collective bargaining rights, we strengthen a system that keeps government effective, stable, and responsive, all without compromising security or mission readiness.

Reinstating these rights is not a concession. It is a commitment, a commitment to treat federal workers with dignity, to reinforce a resilient public service, and to honor the commitment of the men and women who show up for the American people every single day.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I thank my friend and colleague from Maine, Jared Golden, for his partnership, and, more importantly, for his courage in advancing this initiative.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Mayor Joe Taylor of Langhorne Borough, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a devoted public servant whose life's work reflects unwavering commitment, integrity, and the highest ideals of civic leadership.

Since making Langhorne Borough his home in 2010, Mayor Taylor has never simply lived in the community--he has poured his heart into it. Over twelve years as Mayor, he has provided thoughtful, measured, and dependable leadership. He has been a steady hand through times of growth and challenge, always guided by what is best for the families and officials who rely on Borough government each day. His strong support for the Langhorne Borough Police Department, his responsiveness to residents, and his collaborative approach to governing have made a lasting and positive impact on the borough he loves.

Mayor Taylor's distinguished tenure in elected office is only one chapter of a lifetime spent protecting and serving others. In 1972, he answered the call to join the Langhorne Fire Department, beginning a fifty-year journey of volunteer fire service that continues to this day. Over those five decades, he has served in numerous vital capacities including Firefighter, Chief, and currently Deputy Chief. Today, he continues his active service, contributing as a member of the Apparatus Committee, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Vice President of the Langhorne Firemen's Relief Association, all while still responding to emergency calls and supporting daily operations.

Mr. Speaker, the measure of a true leader is not found in titles alone, but in the lives improved because they cared. Mayor Taylor has responded to emergencies in the middle of the night, helped families in their moments of greatest need, and ensured that Langhorne's government remained responsive, compassionate, and responsible. His legacy is built on countless acts of service which are many unseen, but all deeply felt.

Today, we express gratitude not only for his public accomplishments, but also for the humility, kindness, and character that have defined his service. He has lived a life that reflects a simple but powerful principle: when you love your community, you show up. And Joe Taylor has always shown up.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's 1st District and the United States House of Representatives, I express my deepest appreciation to Mayor Joe Taylor for his service, his patriotism, and his enduring love of community.

I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Mayor Joe Taylor for his exemplary leadership and for more than fifty years of dedicated

service to the people of Langhorne Borough and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We extend our best wishes to him and his family as they embark on this next chapter, knowing that his impact will continue to shape Langhorne for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a remarkable milestone in the life of a truly beloved member of our community, Mrs. Laura Spadaccino of Bristol Borough, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who this month joyfully celebrates her 100th birthday.

Born on December 15, 1925, to Italian immigrant parents, Salvatore and Josephine Tardino, Laura entered this world during the hardships of the Great Depression. From the very beginning, her life has been a testament to resilience, family, and the enduring American spirit. Bristol Borough has always been her home with the borough's heart, its history, and its people woven into the story of her extraordinary life.

In 1958, Laura married the love of her life, Almerindo ``Al'' Spadaccino. Together, they shared 43 beautiful years of marriage until his passing in 2001. They raised three wonderful children, Joann, Joyce, and Bob. Laura's family has continued to grow, now blessed with eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, with another soon to arrive. Each generation carries forward her strength, her traditions, and above all, her boundless love.

Laura's joy has always been found in relationships. Especially with her two lifelong friends, Gloria Fink and Mary Pierro. Their sisterhood spanned more than nine decades, filled with weekly card games, spontaneous trips to the casino, and endless shared laughter. Their friendship is a shining example of loyalty, joy, and enduring connection.

A devout Catholic, Laura has been a pillar of St. Ann's Church, faithfully participating in the annual summer festival and supporting parish life in countless ways. She also served her country during World War II while working at Kaiser-Fleetwings Corporation. She was doing her part to support our service members overseas fighting the Axis Power to free Europe. Yet many in Bristol Borough remember her best from her years working at her brother's restaurant, Tardino's. After his passing, she and her friends Betty Napoli and Lois Bartol carried on his legacy, running the beloved local eatery they named ``The Golden Girls''.

What truly sets Laura apart is her youthful spirit. Age has never defined her. Even in later years, she could be found joyfully playing goalie, remarkably, still in her high heels during a game of street hockey with her grandchildren or hopping on the back of a quad for a ride filled with laughter and adventure. Her great-grandchildren treasure every moment with her, and her home remains a place where stories, food, and love are always flowing.

Today, Laura is blessed. Not only with a large and loving family but with neighbors and friends who care deeply for her. The richness of her life is found in the relationships she has nurtured, and in the joy she so generously shares with everyone around her.

Mr. Speaker, the secret to Laura's longevity may very well be simple: love, laughter, and a life grounded in gratitude.

It is my profound honor to recognize and celebrate this extraordinary woman, whose journey began in poverty but has grown into a legacy rich in warmth, joy, and community.

Happy 100th Birthday to Laura. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives and the 1st Congressional District of Pennsylvania, I want her to know that she is cherished, appreciated, and deeply loved.

May God continue to bless her in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize an extraordinary public servant, United States Navy Veteran and longtime Mayor of Tullytown Borough, David ``Dave'' Cutchineal, on the occasion of his retirement, following more than 33 years as Mayor and over 40 years of dedicated service to his beloved community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Mayor Cutchineal's relationship with Tullytown is rooted in generations of commitment to civic leadership. His family name is woven deeply into the fabric of the borough's history. His father, Joseph Cutchineal, Jr., served 18 years on borough council, and his grandfather, Joseph Sr., served 12 years before him. Continuing this proud legacy of public service, Mayor Cutchineal first joined the Tullytown Borough Council in 1983, serving until 1988. This included as Council President and later returning from 1994 to 1998. In 1988, he was elected Mayor of Tullytown, serving continuously, with the exception of his second tenure on council, until today. Across more than three decades, Mayor Cutchineal has provided steady leadership, strong advocacy for local families, and an unwavering devotion to the community he calls home.

Before entering government, Mayor Cutchineal answered a greater call to service. From 1969 to 1973, he served honorably in the United States Navy as a SATCOM Radioman 3rd Class Petty Officer, maintaining Compass Link communications between Vietnam and the Pentagon during a critical period of war. For his service, he was awarded the Naval Unit Commendation Medal. A proud veteran, Mayor Cutchineal has never stopped honoring those who serve. He has organized Tullytown's annual Memorial Day Service for many years, ensuring that the sacrifices of America's fallen heroes are remembered with dignity.

Outside of elected office, Mayor Cutchineal built a distinguished civilian career with Bucks County Consumer Protection, serving as Senior Deputy Sealer for 35 years. His work regularly required collaboration with federal agencies including the FBI, FDA, and Consumer Product Safety Commission to ensure the safety and fairness of products sold in our communities. He was recognized statewide with the ``Great Guy Award'' by the Pennsylvania Association of Weights and Measures and presented annually to honor the top official in the Commonwealth.

Mayor Cutchineal has lived a life defined by service, faith in community, and love for family. A lifelong resident of Tullytown and a 1968 graduate of Pennsbury High School, he also served as a junior member of the Tullytown Fire Department. He later continued his education at Bucks County Community College studying Criminal Justice, followed by coursework at Temple University.

Mayor Cutchineal shares his life's journey with his beloved wife, Cindy, to whom he has been married for 48 years. Together, they raised three children: Nick, Matt, and the late Kelly Elizabeth (Cutchineal) Hendryx, whose memory remains forever cherished. His devotion to his family has always remained at the center of his life, even as he dedicated thousands of hours to bettering the lives of others.

As he closes this remarkable chapter of public service, we do not simply celebrate his retirement. We celebrate the example he has set. His dedication has strengthened not only a borough, but the very idea that local government can be a true force for good.

Mr. Speaker, Mayor David Cutchineal's career stands as a testament to what hometown leadership should be. He is a leader who never asked for applause, a neighbor who always offered a hand, and a friend who believed that small towns deserve big-hearted champions. His legacy will continue to be felt in Tullytown for generations to come, especially from good governance and stronger public safety to patriotism embedded deep in the borough's civic spirit.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's 1st District and the United States House of Representatives, I express my deepest appreciation to Mayor David Cutchineal for his service, his patriotism, and his enduring love of community. We wish him, Cindy, and the entire Cutchineal family happiness, peace, and every blessing in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt) John R. Heidrick, Jr., for his extraordinary service, dedication, and distinguished career throughout his nearly four decades in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. CMSgt Heidrick embodies the highest traditions of military professionalism, leadership, and devotion to duty.

CMSgt Heidrick career began with his enlistment in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard in June of 1988 and his graduation from Cable and Antenna Installation Specialist School in February of 1989. Upon graduating, he joined the 270th Engineering and Installation Squadron (EIS) at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove as a Traditional Guardsman.

Always seeking ways to better serve the mission, he transitioned into the Vehicle Maintenance career field in April 1991 and secured a full- time technician role as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic with the 270th Engineering Installation Squadron (EIS). Through exceptional expertise and steadfast dedication, he was promoted to becoming a Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of the Vehicle Maintenance Section on January 19, 2004. His superior performance earned him recognition as the 270th Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year in 2009.

In June 2014, CMSgt Heidrick was selected as Vehicle Fleet Manager for the 111th Attack Wing, where he continued to guide the Vehicle Maintenance Section of the 270th EIS until April 2015. His outstanding leadership and technical acumen led to his 2016 selection as Vehicle Fleet Manager for the 201st RED HORSE Squadron, Detachment 1, where he additionally assumed management responsibilities for the unit's Logistics Section. Following his promotion to Chief Master Sergeant in January 2017, CMSgt Heidrick was appointed as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the RED HORSE Commander. His selection for this position reflects the exceptional respect and confidence he earned across the organization.

Beyond his unit level influence, CMSgt Heidrick has served the broader Air National Guard community with distinction. From 2012 to 2018, he served as a valued advisor to the National Guard Bureau Vehicle Management Advisory Group, shaping national level policy and readiness standards, providing strategic guidance on maintenance and logistics programs nationwide. Furthermore, his extensive involvement in the Chiefs Council from 2017 to 2025 demonstrates his steadfast commitment to the professional development, mentorship, and professional growth across the Wing.

CMSgt Heidrick's commitment to service extends beyond maintenance bays and command offices. For close to four decades, he has been a proud and devoted member of the Base Honor Guard, first with the 270th EIS Honor Guard from 1989 to 1996, and later with the 111th Attack Wing Honor Guard from 2004 to 2025. He ensured that proper tribute to our fallen heroes and their families were provided with the upmost dignity. His solemn service was recognized twice as he was named Honor Guard Manager of the Year in 2011 and again in 2015. His professionalism, reverence, and dedication in honoring fallen service members earned him the title of Honor Guard Manager of the Year in both 2011 and 2015.

Mr. Speaker, Chief Master Sergeant John R. Heidrick, Jr.'s distinguished career represents the very best of our United States Air Force Airman that is defined by duty, mission focus, mentorship, and honor. His leadership, unwavering commitment, and contributions have strengthened his unit, the 111th Attack Wing, and the Pennsylvania Air National Guard while elevating unit readiness across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This exemplifies the highest ideals of the United States Air Force.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing CMSgt Heidrick's extraordinary service and in expressing our Nation's deep gratitude for his distinguished career in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard.

On behalf of a grateful Nation, I thank Chief Master Sergeant John R. Heidrick, Jr. for his exemplary service and wish him continued success in all future endeavors. His legacy offeadership and dedication will endure for generations of Airmen to follow.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend the dedicated public service of Ms. Judy Hoover, a distinguished member of the Warminster Township Board of Supervisors who celebrated her final meeting as Secretary and Supervisor on December 4, 2025. Her six- year commitment to Warminster Township has been marked by leadership, promise to strengthening local government, and an unwavering focus on the residents of Warminster Township.

Throughout her service, Judy witnessed and helped guide Warminster through a period of transformation when the Township faced financial challenges in 2019 when she was first elected. Under her leadership and a committed Board of Supervisors, Warminster established a more stable, professional, and forward-looking municipal environment by 2025.

Judy played an influential role in decisions vital to Warminster's fiscal health and infrastructure. Highlights of her service include transforming greater expertise into local water authority and making improvements at Five Ponds Golf Course. Judy maintained the standard of being thoughtful and resident-focused in her approach to governance. Ms. Hoover has been especially proud of the work of Library Director Peter Lehu, whom she praised as ``the best Library Director the township has ever had.'' She hopes to continue supporting the library and other community institutions in the years ahead.

Her advice to the incoming 2026 Board is to support newly elected Supervisor Mary Owens, ``hold tight'' to the Township's financial stability, and examine every issue with the care required to secure a better future for Warminster residents.

Beyond her elected service, Ms. Hoover has been an invaluable resource to constituents in her part-time role with the Office of State Representative Brian Munroe. In that capacity, she has assisted residents of Warminster Township and the 144th Legislative District with questions, concerns, and access to government services.

Her long professional career reflects a deep commitment to public service and organized labor. Ms. Hoover served the City of Philadelphia as a Real Property Evaluator and later as Legislative Coordinator for AFSCME District Council 47. She has held numerous AFSCME leadership roles over decades--including Business Agent, Delegate, Trustee, Steward, Legislative Coordinator, and Health & Welfare Fund Trustee and has received substantial training in fiduciary responsibilities and public employee benefit trusts.

Her community involvement has been no less impressive. Ms. Hoover has served as a Township Auditor, a Township Supervisor, and Secretary. She remains active with the Warminster Parks and Recreation Board, Friends of the Library, Friends of the Parks, and numerous nonprofit groups. She lives in the Meadow Woods section of Warminster with her two grandchildren, who attend Willowdale.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Judy Hoover. Today, we honor her in return for all she has done for the community. Warminster Township, Bucks County, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are better because of the service, dedication, and integrity that Judy Hoover has brought to every role she has held. May we wish her continued success as she remains engaged in the civic life of her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Calvin W. Schmidt for his years of service to Johnson & Johnson. Calvin is currently the Sr. Vice President and Worldwide Leader, Government Affairs & Policy, and is retiring after twenty years with the company.

During his tenure, Calvin exemplified the highest standards of advocacy before Congress and engaged the American people on many critical public health and public policy matters. I have had the opportunity to work with Calvin and collaborate with J&J on those pressing issues as well as the work of patient advocates and associations dedicated to the better health of the Nation. Calvin has also been a fierce advocate for Johnson & Johnson's business in Pennsylvania and the thousands of innovators and healthcare professionals that call J&J home.

After earning his bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University, Calvin spent fifteen years at Mars, Inc. His experience at J&J spans many roles including: U.S. President, Internal Medicine; President, Wellness & Prevention Inc., where he was the founding leader of Johnson & Johnson's health and wellness business; and Worldwide Vice President, Human Resources, where he supported the J&J Consumer Family of Companies, Enterprise Supply Chain, Information Technology, and the Law Department. His commitment to purpose-driven leadership, rooted in his commitment to J&J's Credo, has greatly enriched Johnson & Johnson.

His commitment to improving healthcare goes beyond his day-to-day work. Calvin serves on the Foundation Board of Overseers for the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, represents Johnson & Johnson on the Healthcare Leadership Council as the associations 2024 to 2025 Chairman of the Board and sits on the Foreign Policy Association Board of Directors, and is a member of the Board of Directors for Mars, Inc.

I hope that he and his wife Christa, and their children Gavin, Caidyn and Alsten, will have many wonderful years ahead of them traveling the world and enjoying a well-earned and much-deserved retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a profoundly extraordinary American, Colonel Marlena Parker, a daughter of Bucks County, a trailblazing Air Force officer, and one of the finest examples of courage and character our Nation could ever hope to produce.

Just days ago, over Veterans Day weekend, I stood beside Colonel Parker in Plumstead Township, Pennsylvania, as our community gathered to honor her service. She was surrounded by the people she loved most and by the veterans she served alongside.

She was, as always, glowing, gracious, resolute, still lifting others up, and still inspiring everyone around her. Madam Speaker, sadly, it was our final tribute together. On November 17, Colonel Parker passed away after a brave and courageous fight against ALS.

She did not face a single day of that battle without the same strength, discipline, and warrior spirit she brought to every mission she ever flew. She never stopped living the values she instilled in others: faith, service, perseverance, and a quiet, unwavering resolve.

Colonel Marlena Parker was born in Doylestown on December 31, 1968. She was a proud first-generation Italian American and the daughter of Tony and Lena Ventresca. Faith and family were her foundation. Discipline and drive were her compass. At Gwynedd Mercy Academy, she was valedictorian. At the United States Air Force Academy, she was an NCAA All-American gymnast. From the very beginning, she was destined to soar.

After commissioning, she completed pilot training at Reese Air Force Base and went on to fly the KC-10 Extender, one of the Nation's most critical refueling and transport aircrafts that we have.

She deployed in support of Operations Southern Watch, Allied Force, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, carrying American power, American hope, and American strength across continents.

Madam Speaker, her resume reads like a history of American resolve, but her service was not only defined by what she achieved. It was also defined by the way she carried herself: with humility, with precision, and with an unshakeable sense of duty.

When the world changed on September 11, 2001, Marlena was airborne, and in the chaos of that morning when

fear, confusion, and uncertainty swept our Nation, she chose service, once again, joining the Air Force Reserve and recommitting herself to the defense of our Nation. She flew for another decade while raising two daughters, earning a master's degree, and mentoring countless young women.

In 2013, she made Air Force history as the first female commander of the 73rd Airlift Squadron, directing VIP airlift operations and leading her airmen with precision, professionalism, and resolve that marked every single stage of her service.

By the time she retired in 2020, Colonel Parker had logged over 4,800 flight hours, including nearly 700 hours in combat and combat support missions and earned the Legion of Merit, among numerous other commendations.

She continued flying as a Boeing 777 first officer for United Airlines until 2024, an aviator until the end.

Marlena's service extended far beyond the cockpit. For more than 15 years, she shaped the next generation of Air Force leaders as an academy liaison officer. She strengthened our community through the Plumstead Township Veterans' Affairs Committee and VFW Post 175, and she guided veterans in Bucks County's veterans' court program with the same steadiness and compassion she brought to every single mission she flew.

She served because service was woven into who she was as a human being: a leader who lifted others up every step of the way.

Colonel Marlena Parker was not only a trailblazer. She was a wife, a mother, a daughter, and a friend. She and her husband, Boyd, shared 34 years together and raised two remarkable daughters, Isabel and Olivia, who now carry forward their mother's legacy of courage, service, and enduring strength.

Madam Speaker, in Colonel Marlena Parker, America saw the very best of who we are: devotion to family, duty to country, and a faith in something greater than ourselves. She was a true hometown hero and a true patriot. May her courage inspire us, may her service guide us, and may we honor her life by the way we choose to live our own.

May God bless Marlena. We will dearly miss her. All Bucks County will miss her. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary individual from my district, Mr. Konrad Kroszner, the Director of Operations and Director of Systems and Engineering at the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center and Baruch S. Blumberg Institute. Today, I proudly commend him on his well-earned retirement, following 16 years of dedicated work to furthering education and research in our community.

As the Director of Operations and Director of Systems and Engineering, Mr. Kroszner has been a driving force behind maintenance and improvement for the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center and Baruch S. Blumberg Institute. In his pursuit of ensuring the safe operations of the campus, he led two expansions during his tenure that improved infrastructure for the biotech research teams, bringing old lab spaces up to code to ensure that the latest safety and technical requirements were being met.

Through Mr. Kroszner's tireless efforts, the researchers of my district are better able to apply their technical knowledge through their research in a safe and secure manner. He took personal pride in his work, spearheading the smallest aspects of both the construction and system-engineering aspects down to the minute details.

Konrad's work has not gone unnoticed. His expansion efforts and day- to-day care for the facilities have led the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center to become a world-class biotechnology center, aiding institutions such as the Hepatitis B Foundation and Baruch S. Blumberg Institute in their mission of curing disease such as Hepatitis B and Liver Cancer.

Mr. Kroszner began his career at the United States Naval Academy, where he graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. He spent the next 10 years of his career as an engineer with the Naval Air Warfare Center in Trenton where he supported naval aviation fuel related issues, managed military specifications for fuel contamination detection devices and components, and provided emergency support for U.S. Navy fleet operations.

Beyond these contributions, he has left behind him a legacy of technical knowledge, care, and dedication to his work. Mr. Kroszner's work will continue to be a force for good in not only the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, but our Nation through the world class facilities he helped to improve that will continue to empower researchers long after his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Konrad Kroszner on his retirement and thank him for 16 years of dedicated work to the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center and Baruch S. Blumberg Institute. His leadership and dedication are sure to leave a lasting mark on the community.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to rise in recognition of the distinct achievements and dedicated service of the Falls Township Police Department on the occasion of their 75th anniversary.

For three quarters of a century, the men and women of the Falls Township Police Department have served their community with distinction, dedication, professionalism, and valor. Established on January 2, 1950, under the leadership of Chief Franklin Kirby as a one- man operation in a rapidly growing township, the department's contributions to public safety in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, are immeasurable, and their legacy is one of commitment, adaptability, and steadfast protection of those who live, work, and travel through Falls Township.

The Falls Township Police Department traces its origins to that humble beginning in 1950, when Chief Franklin Kirby patrolled alone in a vehicle without modern amenities like radios, computers, or air conditioning, safeguarding a small farming community surrounding historic Fallsington. From those early days, the department has grown alongside the township's transformation into a thriving suburb encompassing Levittown, Fairless Hills, and parts of Morrisville, meeting the evolving needs of a population that has swelled and diversified.

Over the decades, the department has expanded to a professional force of sworn personnel, operating continually with increasing capabilities. It has adapted to the demands of modern law enforcement, incorporating advanced training, technology, and community-oriented policing while maintaining operational readiness in an ever-changing environment. The officers of the Falls Township Police Department have skillfully navigated shifts in population, infrastructure, and societal challenges, providing decades of vigilant patrol, investigative excellence, and emergency response for the residents and visitors of this vital Pennsylvania community. Their continual adaptation to new tools, techniques, and threats is a true testament to the resiliency, professionalism, and reliability of the men and women of this department.

Their unwavering dedication to duty and willingness to innovate to meet the needs of a dynamic community is exemplified in their growth into a full-service agency, embracing advancements in equipment, tactics, and community partnerships. Today, under the leadership of Chief Nelson E. Whitney, II, the professionals of the Falls Township Police Department continue to uphold the highest standards, providing patrol, criminal investigation, crisis response, and outreach that directly support the safety and well-being of our neighborhoods.

Throughout its history, the Falls Township Police Department has embodied the core principles of law enforcement: integrity, service, and community trust. They have protected the community, responded in times of crisis, and stood ready to answer the call whenever needed. Their officers and support personnel have been, and continue to be, among the most skilled and committed in Bucks County.

As we mark this significant milestone, it is my distinct honor to celebrate those who have faithfully served in the Falls Township Police Department over the past seventy-five years. Their sacrifices, and those of their families, have ensured the peace and security of our community. It is with deep gratitude that we acknowledge their service and pay tribute to their courage and commitment.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Falls Township Police Department and in extending a heartfelt thank you to the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, in this distinguished agency. May the next seventy-five years of officers serve with the same valor, honor, integrity, and dedication to duty as the exemplary men and women of the Falls Township Police Department have so expertly demonstrated over the last three-quarter century of service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Officer Eric Baranowski for his thirty-eight years of dedicated and distinguished service in law enforcement, including thirty-five years with the Warminster Police Department. His lifelong commitment to public safety and community service exemplifies the very best of American policing.

At a young age, Officer Baranowski knew he wanted to serve his community as a police officer. As a participant in the Warminster Police Explorer Program in the 1980's, he developed a deep respect for the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting others. After graduating from high school in June 1988, he attended the Montgomery County Community College Police Academy, where he began his journey into law enforcement. In April 1989, at nineteen years old, he was hired by the Bryn Athyn Borough Police Department, beginning a remarkable thirty-eight-year career. Two years later, in February 1991, he joined the Warminster Police Department, where he would faithfully serve his community for the next three and a half decades.

During his time, Officer Baranowski developed a strong interest in accident investigation. At a time when the department did not yet offer specialized training in this field, he

took the initiative to attend courses on his own time, using his personal vacation days to become a certified Accident Reconstructionist. His expertise grew to encompass vehicle, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents, making him a respected authority figure in traffic safety. As a member of the department's Traffic Safety Unit, he also specialized in speed enforcement, truck enforcement, and weighmaster duties.

Officer Baranowski chose to remain on patrol, believing that he could make the greatest impact by being out in the community--seeing, hearing, and engaging directly with the people he served. This philosophy not only guided his career but earned him the respect, trust, and admiration of Warminster residents.

Among his many accomplishments, one of the most memorable occurred roughly ten years ago, when a series of overnight burglaries struck local pizza and convenience shops. Through patient teamwork and surveillance, he and his fellow officers apprehended the suspects after a brief foot pursuit, uncovering stolen property and solving multiple open burglary cases across several jurisdictions. This case remains a testament to his dedication, vigilance, and the power of teamwork.

Having grown up in Warminster, Officer Baranowski possessed a unique understanding of and connection to his community. His familiarity with residents and business owners made him a trusted figure, someone to whom people could turn in moments of both crisis and celebration. Over the years, he built countless relationships grounded in mutual respect, compassion, and service. His chief often remarked that if something was needed, day or night, Officer Baranowski could make it happen.

Throughout his career, Officer Baranowski supported the people of Warminster through their best and worst moments. He attended weddings, funerals, and community events, celebrating and sharing sorrows with the people he served. His empathy and consistent presence left a lasting mark on countless lives. As Officer Baranowski's career comes to a close, this moment is bittersweet. Though retirement marks the end of an extraordinary career, it does not end his commitment to the community that shaped him. Warminster gave him his roots, his purpose, and a life of service that he will always cherish. He leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, compassion, and integrity that will inspire future generations of officers.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our deepest gratitude to Officer Eric Baranowski for his exemplary service to the Warminster community and to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. His dedication to justice and his unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of others represent the highest ideals of law enforcement. We wish him a fulfilling and well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an extraordinary woman whose courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice have transformed countless lives across our Nation and around the world. It is my distinct honor to recognize T Ortiz, who is the Guest Speaker at the 2025 Worthwhile Gala.

Ms. Ortiz's story is one of profound resilience and relentless hope. As a survivor who turned her most difficult experiences into a lifelong calling to protect others, she stands as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit. For more than 15 years, she has been a leading force in the fields of anti-trafficking, juvenile justice, and child welfare systems reform. Her expertise is not merely professional. It is deeply personal, driven by empathy and the belief that every child deserves safety, every survivor deserves dignity, and every community deserves the tools to stand against exploitation.

Her impact is felt in boardrooms, classrooms, courtrooms, and every space where decisions about vulnerable children and survivors are made. Ms. Ortiz has shaped policies at the highest levels of government, ensuring that survivor voices are not just included but are central in the fight against trafficking and exploitation. Her insights have informed national and international strategies, and her leadership has guided lawmakers, agencies, nonprofit organizations, and service providers toward more humane and effective practices.

The world has taken notice of her extraordinary contributions. Ms. Ortiz has earned global recognition from prestigious institutions such as TIME Magazine, GLAMOUR Magazine, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and many others who have celebrated her as a trailblazer and a beacon of hope. These honors speak not only to her achievements but also to her heart. Her heart has compassion, humility, and an unwavering devotion that guides her work every day.

Mr. Speaker, what sets Ms. Ortiz apart is not just her expertise, but her spirit. She leads with grace. She advocates with love. She carries the stories of survivors with her, and she ensures those stories fuel lasting change. At the 2025 Worthwhile Gala, her presence reminds us that progress is possible when we listen, when we care, and when we choose to fight for those who cannot always fight for themselves.

As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Human Trafficking, I am especially grateful for leaders like Ms. Ortiz. Leaders who illuminate the path forward and inspire all of us to do more, try harder, and serve better. Her voice has strengthened our Nation's efforts to confront injustice, and her example challenges each of us to act with greater compassion and courage.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating T Ortiz for her remarkable achievements, her transformative leadership, and her profound dedication to creating a world where every person, especially every child, is protected, valued, and free. Her work embodies the very best of who we aspire to be.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Staff Sergeant David Jacoby. a distinguished servicemember, educator, and community leader from Churchville, Pennsylvania. His career represents an exceptional commitment to service to our Nation, to our students, and to our veterans.

A native of Churchville, Staff Sergeant Jacoby is a graduate of East Stroudsburg University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He continued his pursuit of academic excellence, earning a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University and attaining National Board Certification in 2001, which is one of the highest achievements in the teaching profession.

Staff Sergeant Jacoby began his military career in 2002, enlisting in the United States Navy Reserve as an Intelligence Specialist. From 2002 to 2005, he served as an enlisted sailor, supporting Naval Air Station Willow Grove and deploying repeatedly to the Sixth Fleet area of responsibility, including Naples, Italy, and Sigonella, Sicily, in support of the Global War on Terrorism. In recognition of his early contributions, he earned the Navy Achievement Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

In 2006, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy Reserve, where he served until 2017. During this period, he was assigned to the EUCOM Joint Analysis Center (JAC 1066), drilling at the Pentagon and later serving in Naples, Italy, with the Standing Joint Force Headquarters. For his support to NATO and Sixth Fleet operations, his unit earned the first of three Joint Meritorious Unit Awards. His outstanding analytical work resulted in the Joint Service Achievement Medal.

In 2009, Staff Sergeant Jacoby was mobilized to Iraq, serving with Army Special Forces Command (CJSOTF-AP) at Balad Air Force Base. His contributions to joint special operations earned him the Joint Commendation Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Overseas Service Medal, and qualification as a Rifle Expert. He later served with the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI 1201) and the Chief of Naval Operations N2/N6 Directorate, where he also served as the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) and Command Managed Equal Opportunity (CMEO) advocate.

After completing more than fifteen years of combined enlisted and commissioned service in the Navy Reserve, Staff Sergeant Jacoby continued his military commitment by enlisting in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard in 2018, where he served seven additional years with the 111th Attack Wing, Logistics Readiness Squadron, Ground Transportation Flight.

Over the course of his military career, Staff Sergeant Jacoby has earned the Joint Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and multiple unit and campaign awards.

Beyond his uniformed service, Staff Sergeant Jacoby has dedicated over 30 years to education and currently serves as the Social Studies Department Coordinator at Council Rock High School South. He is active in his community through the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Free Masons, Shriners and Scottish Rite. He resides in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Speaker, Staff Sergeant David Jacoby will be honored at his retirement ceremony on Sunday, November 9, 2025. His career reflects the highest ideals of service, leadership, and civic responsibility. On behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District, I thank him for his steadfast dedication to our Nation and our community. It is my privilege to recognize him in the United States House of Representatives.