Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 10 o'clock and 27 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Friday, December 12, 2014, at 3 p.m.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Financial Services, Oversight and Government Reform, and the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 5859) to impose sanctions with respect to the Russian Federation, to provide additional assistance to Ukraine, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his leadership in bringing this legislation to the floor.

I had some prepared remarks that I want to give relative to the conservation easement part of this legislation because it is a hugely important issue to the people in southeastern Pennsylvania and many, many other States as well because through conservation easement transactions, tens of thousands of acres are preserved throughout the course of a year in a metropolitan region like Philadelphia and other

places around the country that preserves the habitat, the watersheds, preserves the natural resources of that area, allows farmers to keep farming, allows people to hold on to the great open space that creates the vistas and the quality of life that people want to have in their communities.

I had my prepared remarks ready to go to talk about why that is important once again to try to pass legislation to allow for at least some period of time to allow for those transactions to go forward because of the tax deductibility that would be present in the Tax Code.

But in listening to our colleague from Michigan a few minutes ago, to somehow throw out the proposal that since we passed this already a few weeks ago in a 1-year extension--that 1 year being 2014, the year we are already in, also the year that is going to expire in 21 days--to say somehow at this point in time of this legislative session, that is okay, that is how we will take care of conservation easements in the future, we will pass the 1-year extension as we did in the House, send it to the Senate, it will go ultimately to the President, look at the great job we did for conservation easements here in the United States, we gave them 21 more days' worth of decisionmaking time to determine whether or not they want to move forward with a transaction that will conserve open space and farmland around our country, that is pitiful in all due respect to all of our colleagues here in the House.

Mr. Speaker, we have legislation that has hundreds of cosponsors, Republican and Democrat here in the House. We have that same kind of bipartisan support in the Senate.

We have charities all around the United States calling in to Congress asking that this legislation be passed. Regardless of whether they are a group involved in conservation easements or in other charitable pursuits like food banks or the IRA issue, they want us to do something that we finally can agree to do and get it done by the end of the year.

I don't think that is too much to ask for Congress to do. Here we have the bill right in front of us that, on a wide bipartisan basis, is supported in the House and the Senate. We can pass it to make it a permanent part of the Tax Code so these groups can plan in the future and these individuals can plan in the future for how they want to help their charities in their communities. It is right before us, and yet we still have opposition to basically coming together to do what we all want to do to begin with. We need to really look ourselves in the mirror here over the next 24 hours and really think about why we are here in Congress.

I would hope, regardless of your party affiliation, you have a wonderful opportunity to help the charities in your community by passing this legislation to make a permanent change in the Tax Code, and that is something we can all reflect on in the 113th Congress as one time, one place, one bill we could come together on and help our communities and help our charities. So I ask all of our colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in partnership with my colleagues, Representative Charlie Dent, Representative Pat Meehan, and Representative Joe Pitts, to recognize Boscov's, one of the nation's largest family-owned department store chains, on the occasion of its 100th Anniversary.

Boscov's, headquartered in Berks County, Pennsylvania, was founded by Solomon Boscov in 1914 at 9th and Pike Streets in Reading, Pennsylvania. Solomon emigrated to the United States in 1911, purchased $8 worth of merchandise, and traveled on foot through Lancaster and Berks Counties selling his wares. Within a year, he had saved enough to purchase a horse and wagon and increase his inventory.

From these humble beginnings, Boscov's has grown to a chain of 43 stores in 6 states with a yearly revenue of over $1 billion. Currently headed by Solomon's son, Albert, who serves as Chairman and CEO, Boscov's is one of the last family-owned department store chains in the United States. In addition to offering fine merchandise at outstanding value, Albert Boscov has been a tireless advocate for the Greater Reading area and his devotion to the community, through civic and charitable activities, is unrivaled. Throughout its long and storied history, Boscov's has exemplified the notion that quality never goes out of style. And Albert has exemplified the principle of corporate leaders being involved in their community's life and reaching beyond the company office to help those in need.

Mr. Speaker, in recognition of its 100 years of faithful service to its customers and community, I and my Pennsylvania colleagues ask that the House join us today in recognizing Boscov's on the exciting occasion of its 100th Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I now have the opportunity to offer remarks concerning my six terms of service in the House of Representatives. What a distinct honor and privilege it has been to serve 700,000 fellow citizens from southeastern Pennsylvania in these hallowed halls.

From the moment I stepped foot in this building during freshman orientation back in 2002, I knew I was joining an institution that has been at the epicenter of landmark legislative decisions during the course of our Republic's history, and I knew that I would put up scores of historically important votes on behalf of my constituents.

From sitting in Statuary Hall during our freshman orientation dinner, where the likes of Abraham Lincoln and John Quincy Adams served, to sitting in this Hall during my first State of the Union address, to meeting with the President in the White House or on Air Force One, I have had more than my fair share of ``pinch me'' moments in this job.

However, the essence of the service that we all provide to our constituents is not the number of special moments interacting with a President or sitting through a historic speech. It is the honor and the privilege to serve every single day and in working to meet the needs, aspirations, and expectations of one's constituents.

We introduce legislation, we vote on bills that come before us, and we undertake day-to-day constituent services that hopefully improve the quality of life of our fellow citizens and move our great Nation forward.

The majority of this work is done outside of the political limelight and is rarely reported on by the media, but the real, important work that all House Members do every day boils down to being the strong and passionate voice for the 700,000 citizens we serve, both in this legislative Hall, as well through the constituent services we provide.

I have had the great fortune of having some bills passed in both the House and Senate and then signed into law. Those experiences were very heartwarming and satisfying, but I also assisted in having constituents get veterans benefits or Social Security checks sent to them or their son or daughter receiving an appointment to one of our fine military academies.

Each and every one of those legislative and constituent experiences has added to the richness and fulfillment I have received from my experience here, and so I must express my gratitude and my appreciation to the numerous people who have assisted in supporting me along the way.

I have been blessed with wonderful supporters back home who have helped me through some very tough and competitive campaigns. They were always there to lend their energy and commitment, and I especially thank them for the faith they placed in me.

I have had a terrific staff, both in my D.C. and district offices, who have tirelessly worked on behalf of my constituents and supported me in my efforts. I would particularly like to recognize the various chiefs of staffs I had over the years: Linda Pedigo, Guy Ciarrocchi, Bill Tighe, Annie Fultz Dutton, and Lauryn Schothorst. They have been incredibly helpful and responsible for allowing us to accomplish all that we have.

On a more personal note, I would also like to thank my mother for the unbelievable inspiration and example she was for me over the years through her work ethic, her honesty and integrity, and her passion for civic responsibility.

I also want to thank my two sisters, Hedy and Eve, for always supporting me in my decisions to run for public office and in helping me any way they could.

A special thank you to my children--Katie, Jimmy, and Robby--and my stepchildren--Joel, Jay, and Katelyn--for their unwavering support for my public life.

Finally, I want to thank my great partner in life, my wife, Karen, who has unfailingly helped me and supported me in whatever public service decisions I have made.

As we close out the 113th Congress, amid cantankerous partisan relations both here in Congress as well as in our country generally, I would be remiss if I did not call on all of my colleagues here to renew their commitment to work together across ideological and partisan lines to find the best public policy that will move our country forward.

We share a common purpose as Members: to represent and advocate on behalf of our respective districts and reflect the will of the voters who have sent us here.

But the American people want something more. They have a burning hope that Members, regardless of party affiliation, will work through their political differences and find the common ground that is the bedrock of our country. So now, more than ever, public service must be infused with the commitment to achieve and not just to argue.

I wish all of those being sworn into office at the start of the 114th Congress in a few weeks the best of success as they work towards historic achievements in the next 2 years.

Leaving Congress gives one time to pause and think and ask a simple question: Why did I come here in the first place?

Well, the answer to that question is pretty clear to me and pretty simple: to provide my constituents with a strong and passionate voice in the legislative process, to provide a level of constituent service that is second to none, and to serve with honesty and integrity in all actions.

As I look back, I hope and believe I have accomplished these goals, and I am most appreciative of all the great friends that I have met in my time here. But above all, I thank all of those who voted me into public office over the past six terms for their confidence and for their trust. It has been an incredible honor and a privilege to serve.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 6 o'clock and 31 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, December 10, 2014, at 10 a.m. for morning-hour debate.

Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, on December 1, 2014, I missed two recorded votes on the House floor. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call 532 and YEA on Roll Call 533.

Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, on November 14, 2014, I missed two recorded votes on the House floor. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on roll call 518 and ``yea'' on roll call 519.

Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, on November 12, 2014, I missed one recorded vote on the House floor. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 516.

Mr. Speaker, almost one year ago, students peacefully protesting the previous Ukrainian regime's decision to not join the European Union were attacked by their own government in Kyiv's Independence Square (Maidan). Following these protests, pro-Russian aggression in eastern Ukraine has left over 3,000 people dead and thousands more injured. Ukraine's medical staff and facilities were inundated with wounded protesters soldiers and citizens. Without hesitation, a tremendous group of American physicians offered their talents and expertise to treat the wounded Ukrainians who fought for freedom, human dignity, democracy and peace in Ukraine.

These medical professionals and their institutions have provided the seriously wounded with advanced life-saving treatments. Though their injuries were grievous, as a result of the medical care provided by our amazing physicians, they have been given a second chance.

We extend our sincere thanks to: Ahmet Aksakal, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH; Dr. Brandon Ayres, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA; Dr. Jurij Bilyk, Wills Eye Hospital; Dr. Akram Boutros, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH; Dr. Christopher Brandt, Chair, Department of Surgery, MetroHealth Medical Center; Dr. William Cappaert, MetroHealth Medical Center; Dr. Myung Chang, Cleveland Clinic Foundation; Tammy Coffee, RN, CNP, MetroHealth Medical Center; Dr. Alfred Connors, Jr., MetroHealth Medical Center; Dr. Delos Cosgrove, Cleveland Clinic Foundation; Dr. Sasha Davisson, Cleveland Clinic Foundation; Dr. James Eakins, Hahnemann University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA; Dr. Joanna M. Fisher, Holy Redeemer Health Care System, Huntingdon Valley, PA; Dr. Michael Fritz, Cleveland Clinic Foundation; Dr. Thomas J. Gillon, Holy Redeemer Health Care System; Dr. Katie Hallahan, MetroHealth Medical Center; Dr. Julia Haller, Wills Eye Hospital; Dr. Michael P. Horan, Cleveland Clinic Foundation; Dr. Shu Que Huang, MetroHealth Medical Center; Dr. Roderick Jordan, MetroHealth Medical Center; Dr. Michael J. Joyce, Cleveland Clinic Foundation; Dr. Peter J. Kaiser, Cleveland Clinic Foundation; Dr. Anjay Khandewal, MetroHealth Medical Center; Dr. Peter Kozicky, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, PA; Dr. Alexandra Kushnir, Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, CT; Orysia Levyska, Cleveland Clinic Foundation; Dr. Lisa D. Lystad, Cleveland Clinic Foundation; Dr. Mark Eric Manstein, Holy Redeemer Health Care System; Dr. Melvin Mejia, MetroHealth Medical Center; Dr. Yoshi Modi, MetroHealth Medical Center; Dr. Nicole Moskal, Cleveland Clinic Foundation; Olha Onyshko, coordinator of efforts between Ukrainian physicians and Ukrainian Federation of America; Dr. Francis A. Papay, Cleveland Clinic Foundation; Dr. Holly Perzy, MetroHealth Medical Center; Dr. Pamela Ritchey, Cleveland Clinic Foundation; Dr. Alisa Savetamal, Bridgeport Hospital Burn Center; Dr. Eon K. Shin, The Philadelphia Hand Center, P.C. & St. Mary's Medical Center, Langhorne, PA; Jackie Spence, MSN, RN, Cleveland Clinic Foundation; Dr. Maria Strus, Cleveland Clinic Foundation & MetroHealth Medical Center; Dr. Carroll Weinberg, Lankenau Hospital, Wynnewood, PA; and Dr. Thomas Whalen, Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Mr. Speaker, in light of the heroic humanitarian efforts of these outstanding physicians, volunteers, medical professionals and their associated institutions, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing their extraordinary service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the House German- American Caucus and the work it has done to maintain and strengthen the economic and cultural relationship between the United States and Germany.

The German-American Caucus is an informal, bipartisan group of House Members that was established in 2011. The idea of the Caucus originated with one of my constituents in Pennsylvania's 6th District, Thomas Siedenbuehl, who is a native of Germany and now a proud U.S. citizen. Given the countless contributions that early and recent German emigres have made to our nation, the formation of a caucus to bridge the historical, cultural and economic ties of the U.S. and Germany was most appropriate.

In total, over 50 million American citizens claim German ancestry. Additionally, Germany is not only the largest economy in the European Union and third largest in the world, but the largest market for U.S. goods in Europe, importing more than $50 billion each year. German- owned companies are investing in America and have created approximately one million jobs in the U.S. Because of these strong economic and cultural ties, the Caucus has worked to build a closer relationship with our European ally to encourage further investment in America.

In addition to the numerous roundtable discussions and dinners between Members of Congress and the German Bundestag, as well as with the German Ambassador and U.S. Ambassador to Germany, the Caucus has helped facilitate various other events that highlight and strengthen German-American ties. These include the Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange, the Maifest Dinner, and the annual Oktoberfest celebration. The Caucus also works closely with the German-American Business Council and its executive committee chairman, Uli Gamerdinger, who provides outstanding advice and support for Caucus activity.

Mr. Speaker, in recognition of the work the Caucus has done to maintain and strengthen the relationship between the United States and Germany, and with the hope of continuing the work it has begun, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the efforts of the German-American Caucus of the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lionville Natural Pharmacy of Chester County, Pennsylvania on the occasion of its 35th Anniversary.

After graduating from Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in 1973, Ben Briggs, RPh, CNC, IACP, began his career as a retail pharmacist and founded Lionville Pharmacy in 1979. While the store was originally located in the Medical Arts Building on Route 100, it moved in 1987 to a larger location on Route 113 and Whitford Road, and then finally to its current location in 1992 at Route 113 and Gordon Drive. In 1996, the store was renamed Lionville Natural Pharmacy and Health Food Store. In 1999, upon his graduation from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, Ben's son, Michael, Pharm.D., CNC, also joined the practice.

Over the years, Lionville Natural Pharmacy added a compounding pharmacy lab and a holistic health center offering therapeutic massage, acupuncture, shiatsu, and more. Throughout its long and storied history, Lionville Natural Pharmacy has been featured in numerous newspaper and magazine articles, including Best of the Main Line in Main Line Today from 2006 to 2014.

Mr. Speaker, in recognition of its 35 years of faithful service to its patients and customers, along with its outstanding history of commitment to the life and health of the Chester County community and its citizens, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Lionville Natural Pharmacy of Chester County, Pennsylvania on the occasion of its 35th Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, on September 15, 2014, I missed one recorded vote on the House ``floor.'' Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 497.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Adult Care of Chester County on its 30th anniversary of exemplary service in providing exceptional adult day services to the community. This is a great milestone and a considerable accomplishment and I take great pleasure in being able to honor the men and women of Adult Care of Chester County for their dedication and outstanding service.

For 30 years, the men and women of Adult Care of Chester County have dedicated themselves to serving dependent adults, having provided services to over 2,000 individuals and their families during that time. In recognition of their outstanding efforts, Adult Care of Chester County was named 2012 Outstanding Adult Day Center by the National Adult Day Services Association. For three decades, they have admirably pursued their mission to support and empower families in their caregiving experience by providing state-of-the-art care from a highly trained and compassionate staff.

Mr. Speaker, in light of its 30 years of outstanding service, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Adult Care of Chester County for its invaluable contributions to the quality of life of the citizens of Chester County, Pennsylvania.

I thank the chairman.

Mr. Speaker, I give particular thanks to Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel for their great support and cooperation for this resolution and for Ukrainian people themselves; also, a special thanks to my colleagues in the House, Congresswoman Kaptur, Congressman Levin, and Congressman Pascrell, for your terrific support on these important issues involving our two countries.

This resolution sends an unmistakable message to the Russian Federation and to the entire world that this House stands united with the people of Ukraine. During the last 10 months, no other ally has experienced more internal upheaval or a more imminent threat to its sovereignty than our friends in Ukraine.

Last November, the people of Ukraine flooded the Maidan in Kiev to peacefully protest a corrupt and arrogant regime.

For nearly 3 months, Ukrainians risked their lives--and more than 100 civilians died--while ushering in a new era and a new system of governance, an era in which elected leaders will be accountable and transparent; honor the fundamental human rights all Ukrainians have, regardless of their political affiliation; and bolster alliances with the United States and European Union to foster greater economic opportunity and prosperity.

The smoldering fires of the Maidan had barely been extinguished, however, when a new threat emerged on Ukraine's eastern border with Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin illegally occupied and then annexed Crimea. He emboldened and equipped separatists who have been fomenting discord through eastern Ukraine.

Clearly, what Putin has in mind for Ukraine is not a new era of openness, liberty, and opportunity, but, rather, a return to a bygone era of political intimidation and coercion, and Putin's gambit to reassert Russian influence has exacted a lethal toll.

The United States estimates 3,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed

since April as a result of the clashes in eastern Ukraine, but, through all of these challenges, Ukrainian people have not wavered in their desire to remain independent and restore stability to their system of governance and an economy ravaged by the excesses of the previous regime.

I believe the people of Ukraine deserve our moral and material support as their country continues to confront challenges from within its borders and from its belligerent neighbor, and that support must include defense articles, services and training, and intelligence information that will allow Ukraine to effectively defend its territory and maintain its sovereignty.

I truly believe that an independent and democratic Ukraine enhances the security of the United States and offers greater economic opportunity for citizens in both countries; therefore, I ask my colleagues to pass this resolution and reaffirm the United States' commitment to supporting the right of the people of Ukraine to independently determine their future free from intimidation and free from outside influence.