Curt Weldon

Mr. Speaker, recognizing the organizations that have worked to promote fire safety and save young lives.

Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 295, which establishes September as Campus Fire Safety Month, is a vital part of our efforts to raise awareness about the importance of fire safety across the Nation. Along with the U.S. House of Representatives, 31 states, representing 61 percent of the population, have introduced proclamations and, as a result, many colleges and universities are holding campus fire safety training events during September.

There are several key organizations that are working tirelessly to promote the cause of fire safety and were instrumental in the introduction and passage of H. Res. 295. These include: The Center for Campus Fire Safety, Congressional Fire Services Institute, International Association of Fire Fighters, International Fire Chiefs Association, International Code Council, International Fire Marshals Association, National Association of State Fire Marshals, National Electrical Manufacturers Association, National Fire Protection Association, National Fire Sprinkler Association, Society of Fire Protection Engineers, and Underwriters Laboratories.

The Center for Campus Fire Safety is a central focal point for campus fire safety issues and is led by a staff and Board of Directors of dedicated individuals: Edward Comeau, Michael Halligan, Shawn Kauffman, Timothy Knisely, Paul Martin, and Michael Swain.

The aforementioned individuals are to be commended for their commitment to protecting students and improving fire safety on our campuses.

Teaching our youth the importance of fire safety during their college years will help to protect them not only while they are in school, but for the rest of their lives. The fire safety lessons and skills they learn will be vital in helping to reduce the horrific death toll from fire which claims the life of almost 4,000 people every year in all occupancies across the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation and congratulate our distinguished chairman and ranking member for their outstanding work.

We take great pride on this committee in doing our defense work in a bipartisan manner. In our subcommittee we had no disagreements. Our markup lasted for 5 minutes, which is typical for us. Neil Abercrombie and I came to terms on every issue. Whether it was the F-22, tactical aviation, Army modernization, you name it, we were able to find a common ground. I think the reason we can do that is because of the tone set by our leadership on both sides of the aisle.

It is especially sad, though, for me, Mr. Speaker, because my good friend is leaving. Joel is the president of our class. We came together with the

Speaker, and Joel will no longer be sitting alongside of us.

Mr. Hefley has been an outstanding Member, along with the other Members who are not returning. I just want to pay my respects to my good friend and let him know that America is better because of his service to the country.

Mr. Speaker, this fall 2006, Child Guidance Resource Centers will celebrate its 50th anniversary of service to the community. CGRC has been instrumental in providing community-based therapeutic, supportive, and preventive behavioral health-care services for children, adolescents and families with mental health, developmental disability, and residential needs.

In 1956, CGRC opened its doors in Media, Pennsylvania, and today is an independent, private, non-profit community organization dedicated to meeting the behavioral health care and special educational needs of those living in southeast Pennsylvania, in the counties of Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Bucks, in addition to the State of Delaware.

Child Guidance Resource Centers, now headquartered in Havertown, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, is entering its 50th year of service addressing the needs of over 3,000 children and families each year, through 25 different programs in 23 different locations. CGRC has over 350 employees, including highly qualified professional therapists and clinicians.

Child Guidance is committed to creating and sustaining healthy and secure communities through an array of highly-qualified clinical services that address and maintain the health and well-being of the clients they serve. Vital to this commitment is an outstanding clinical and support staff that provides services of unparalleled value.

Programs include a broad spectrum of alternative efforts to address the needs of children with autism: Elementary Education Services, After School, Extended School Year and Summer Therapeutic Activities Programs. CGRC also offers a wide variety of educational services for children that enable them to ultimately flourish within the least restrictive educational settings possible--through Elementary Education Services, Extended School Year, and School-Based Contracted Services Programs. The staff involved with CGRC's Truancy and Delinquency Prevention Program and its Multisystemic Therapy Program collaborate actively with local county Juvenile Justice Departments, District Justices and School Districts, to reduce truancy and delinquency throughout the county. The cornerstone of CGRC's work involves cutting edge mental health intervention through those programs noted above, as well as many other centerbased and community-based services.

CGRC is registered with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations; licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare; accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations; a United Way participating agency; and a member of the Pennsylvania Community Providers Association, as well as the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare.

The citizens of the 7th District and I are very proud of the Child Guidance Resource Centers for their continued efforts to provide quality service to those in need of them. I know that the CGRC will continue its fine tradition of service, community support, and its many admirable efforts in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the Child Guidance Resource Centers on its 50th anniversary of service to our community.