Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate MAJ Andre C. McCoy of Bala Cynwyd, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, on his 25 years of military service and to honor him on his outstanding career of accomplishment.

Major McCoy joined the Marines in August of 1985. After completing basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, he became an Artillery Fire Direction Control man through Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He served with Golf Battery, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marines (Reserve) based in Trenton, New Jersey. During Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Major McCoy was on active duty with 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force. He left the Marine Corps as a Corporal in 1991 to join the Bloomsburg University ROTC.

Major McCoy's training as an ROTC cadet included Fort Bragg, North Carolina and Fort Benning, Georgia, where he also completed Airborne School and received his silver jump wings. He was commissioned as an Army Armor officer in 1993 and stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Major McCoy transferred to 3rd Battalion, 103rd Armor, 55th Brigade, 28th Infantry Division of the Pennsylvania National Guard. As part of the United States' global war on terror, he was sent to Hohenfels, Germany as the Executive Officer for Force Protection. Major McCoy transferred to 56th Stryker Brigade headquarters in Philadelphia. There, he participated in a number of state emergency responses as well as the response to Hurricane Katrina.

Major McCoy served in Operation Iraqi Freedom with 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the 25th Infantry Division in Diyala Province, and later in Operation Enduring Freedom with 4th Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division in Afghanistan. Throughout his exemplary career, Major McCoy has served 5 tours of duty. He was selected and approved for the rank of Major on June 3rd, 2010 and has received over 20 awards and medals for his service.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing MAJ Andre C. McCoy for his invaluable contributions to his country in his quarter century of military service.

Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 103, I inadvertently voted ``yea.'' I intended to vote ``nay.''

Recognizing Congresswoman Harman

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleague Rep. Patrick Meehan (PA-7), to congratulate the Immaculata University women's basketball team on its record of outstanding accomplishment.

Immaculata University, located in Chester County, Pennsylvania, is considered to be the birthplace of modern college women's basketball. Known as the Mighty Macs, the Immaculata women's basketball team won three consecutive national college women's basketball championships in 1972, 1973 and 1974. These championships were the first college women's basketball championships played in the United States. The Mighty Macs also have the distinction of playing in the first nationally televised college women's basketball game as well as being the first college women's basketball team to compete outside the United States.

The Immaculata women's basketball team produced four All-Americans, Marianne Crawford Stanley, Rene Muth Portland, Mary Scharff and Theresa Shank Grentz. All members of the team are trailblazers and true American heroes who set the highest standards both academically and athletically, for not only women's basketball, but for women's and men's sports alike.

Mr. Speaker, I ask, along with Rep. Patrick Meehan (PA-7), that my colleagues join me today in recognizing the Immaculata women's basketball team and, for bringing both tremendous pride to the citizens of Pennsylvania and inspirational change to American intercollegiate sport, ask that March 29, 2011 be known as Immaculata University Mighty Macs Day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Miller- Keystone Blood Center on its Grand Opening Celebration of its donor center in Lionville, Pennsylvania and to honor this healthcare institution for its commitment to serving the community.

In the forty years since its establishment in 1971, Miller-Keystone Blood Center has delivered the safe, reliable, and vital blood supply that our community needs. Miller-Keystone is the exclusive supplier of blood products to twenty-one hospitals in ten Pennsylvania and New Jersey counties, including having been the sole supplier to Pottstown Memorial Medical Center since 1997. In July 2010, the Center was announced as the exclusive blood provider to Brandywine Hospital and Phoenixville Hospital. No other blood organization supplies these facilities and only blood donated through Miller-Keystone is being transfused at these facilities.

Miller-Keystone Blood Center's new Lionville Donor Center will offer appointments both days and evenings, weekdays and weekends, providing residents throughout the Chester County region with many convenient opportunities to make a like-saving blood, platelet or plasma donation.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Miller-Keystone Blood Center on the occasion of the Grand Opening Celebration of its donor center in Lionville, Pennsylvania and to honor this healthcare institution for its commitment to serving the essential blood product supply needs of its community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate National Penn Bank's Royersford branch on its 25th anniversary and to honor this financial institution for its commitment to serving the community.

Since opening its doors in 1986, National Penn Bank's Royersford branch has provided outstanding financial services to the community through a tremendously dedicated group of banking professionals. The Royersford branch is a place where citizens have their financial goals and dreams realized and their hard-earned dollars protected.

Headquartered in Boyertown, Pennsylvania, National Penn operates 124 community banking offices in Pennsylvania and is an exemplary employer to its thousands of employees.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing National Penn Bank's Royersford branch for its valuable contributions to enhancing its community's quality of life in its quarter century of service.

I thank the gentleman.

Madam Speaker, it's been almost 1 year since many of us here in the House offered a sobering prognosis about the devastating side effects the massive $2.4 trillion health care plan would have on our small businesses, our seniors, and our families.

Last year many warned that concocting a scheme centered on expensive government mandates, $500 billion in new taxes, and bigger bureaucracy would weaken our economy and is simply the wrong prescription for bringing about meaningful change to a health care system that truly needs a strong dose of reform.

Well, that prognosis has turned out to be painfully accurate. Small business owners are furious over the ever-increasing insurance premiums that continue to this day, and the 1099 mandate, which requires them to send a slip of paper to the IRS for every business transaction of $600 or more. A new 2.3 percent tax on innovators in our thriving medical device industry is also choking off investment and hurting job growth. And that's jeopardizing approximately 20,000 jobs in Pennsylvania alone.

And all the enactments, tax hikes, and mandates could put an estimated 700,000 Americans out of work at a time when unemployment hovers at 10 percent. Let there be no mistake: Reform is needed. But not big government,

high tax solutions. No, we need commonsense ideas, ideas that would lower costs by creating more competition among insurance companies, allowing greater freedom of choice for consumers to buy insurance across State lines, and eliminating lawsuit abuses that drive up costs by as much as $150 billion every year.

We have the opportunity, starting with a ``yes'' vote today, to begin working on true reforms that will lower costs and increase affordability and accessibility of health insurance. So let's start that process with the right reforms today, together.

Madam Speaker, I stand united today with my colleagues and our nation as we remember those killed and wounded during the shootings on Saturday in Tucson, Arizona.

To the families, loved ones and friends of those who suddenly and senselessly lost their lives, I join my colleagues in extending our most sincere condolences and hope that they find comfort during these extremely difficult days.

To those still recovering in the hospital, including our respected colleague and dedicated public servant Gabrielle Giffords, we offer our prayers for healing of the physical and emotional wounds inflicted during this unprovoked and despicable attack.

We also stand united today in expressing our deepest gratitude to all who demonstrated true courage and extraordinary heroism in that grocery store parking lot to prevent more lives from being lost and provide care for their neighbors in need.

Lives were lost and forever changed in an instant on Saturday. The anguish and sorrow will linger much longer.

That is why it is important to solemnly honor the memories of the victims of this dark day and, as the resolution we are voting on today states, reaffirm our belief in a democracy in which all can participate and in which intimidation and threats of violence cannot silence the voices of any American.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 8 due to a bell malfunction in my office, I was unable to get to the floor to vote. Had I been in attendance, I would have voted ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Stephen ``Steve'' J. Ross for his more than 40 years of faithful service to communities in southeastern Pennsylvania.

During the last two years, the residents, businesses and all taxpayers of West Pikeland Township, Chester County have benefitted immeasurably from Steve's breadth of experience and tremendous leadership as Township Manager.

Prior to taking the helm in West Pikeland, Steve had a distinguished career spanning nearly 30 years as Township Manager in West Whiteland Township, Chester County. He has been an outstanding steward of public finances and played a critical role in helping a region experiencing phenomenal growth protect its open space and natural resources, enhance its recreational opportunities, and improve its infrastructure.

The West Pikeland Township Board of Supervisors will recognize Steve for his exemplary efforts on December 28, 2010.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring Stephen J. Ross for his extraordinary commitment to public service and dedication to making southeastern Pennsylvania a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, on Thursday, December 16, 2010, I missed one recorded vote on the House floor. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall 646.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary young man from Devon, Pennsylvania, Navy Corpsman James A. Raffetto. James went off to war for his country and came back home missing three limbs and part of his fingers. He not only rushed in to save lives on the battlefield, but shines even brighter with his inspirational life and his remarkable recovery. With the help of his lovely wife Emily, his recovery is beyond words.

I ask that this poem, penned in honor of him by Albert Caswell, be placed in the Record.

Rescue me!

On battlefields of honor bright!

Are but all of those fine souls, who but bring their light!

Who rush in, where Angels so fear to

tread . . .

As all around them so lies, the face of hell . . . the face

of death so said!

For all in these most precious moments, which now so lie!

As all in, as when who will live . . . and who will die?

But, comes all of those most courageous souls who bring such

tears to eyes!

As but from where does courage come, so rise?

For only this, our Lord God knows up on high!

As when on battlefields of honor bright, all in that this the

darkest fight . . .

As a Corpsman so brings his most, his most Angelic light!

As have you Raffey! As have You James, all on battlefields of

honor bright!

All because of you, families remain whole on this night!

Little boys and little girls,

Who will not have to grow up without their best friends, in

the world!

Rescue Me, before I die!

As upon these scene's of death and gore, James you gave the

gift of life so high!

All in those most precious moments, which lie!

Rescue me, before I die!

As somewhere across a world a Mother

cries . . .

As some how, she knows . . . her son or daughters life, upon

you relies!

Rescue Me, for James you are but a hero in our Lords eyes!

As it was on that fateful day, as when you too almost died .

. .

As you lie there, waiting for an Angel just like you . . . to

save your life . . .

As on that morning after and you awoke, and saw what this war

had invoked . . .

And you so began to cry . . .

As you asked, the Lord, I have a wife . . . Rescue me? . . .

Don't let me die!

And what's when Corpsman, it all kicked in!

And you began your most courageous climb!

As all in just, a few short months James . . . you have come

so far . . . so fast . . . So high!

Rescue me before I die!

With but your most magnificent heart, on the rise!

Almost all in a blink of an eye, as your recovery has so

climbed!

As we stand here, all in disbelief . . . All in what before

us now so lies!

Oh yes James, you and your beautiful wife . . . You both

bring such tears to our eyes!

With your faith, as now you Rescue Us . . . All in your

lives!

As James you so Teach Us . . . So Beseech . . . And to us,

such hopes give rise!

For you are the kind of Son, The Signers knew, upon all of

our hopes were won!

With that smile, with your light . . . Making me wish, for a

son so bright!

As you Rescuer Me, James . . . with all of your magnificent

light!

As ever in my heart, I will carry you throughout my life . .

.

James, Rescue Us . . . Before We Die!

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Honorable Paul W. Tressler who is retiring after faithfully serving the people of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania as a judge, prosecutor and public defender for much of the last four decades.

Judge Tressler's distinguished public service career started as a prosecutor in the District Attorney's Office in 1968, eventually organizing and supervising the County's first Narcotics Task Force and serving as head of the appellate division. Appointed by Gov. Richard Thornburgh to fill a vacancy on the bench in April 1983, Judge Tressler later that year was elected to a full term and has held the job since then.

Improving the adjudication process for juveniles, and ensuring the effectiveness of the various programs for young offenders, have been hallmarks of Judge Tressler's tenure. As Juvenile Judge, he established the first truancy program in Montgomery County and played a central role in securing a grant to establish a model program to prevent children from being held in secured detention for more than six hours. Thanks to Judge Tressler's hard work and dedication as Administrative Juvenile Judge, County juvenile agencies have been recognized with numerous prestigious state and national awards, including Shelter Education Program of the Year, the Residential Program of the Year, the Outstanding Detention Program and the Community Service and Victim Services Award. He is sharing his tremendous knowledge as an instructor with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, currently teaching prosecutorial practices in its child abuse and exploitation course.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing the outstanding service and extraordinary career of the Honorable Paul W. Tressler and all who dedicate their careers to the pursuit of justice.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, on Monday, November 29, 2010, I missed two recorded votes on the House floor. I ask that the record reflect that had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 581 and ``yea'' on rollcall 582.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the organizers and participants in the Pennsylvania Grand Review, which commemorates the United States Colored Troops Grand Review of 1865 and honors the legacy of the brave African-American patriots of the Civil War.

When African-American soldiers returning home following the Civil War were not invited to take part in the national Civil War Grand Review, the women of the Garnett League organized the United States Colored Troops Grand Review on November 14, 1865.

This year's Grand Review embodies the spirit of that original event and highlights the tremendous service and sacrifices of the 180,000 African-American soldiers who courageously fought during the Civil War. In addition, the Grand Review will keep alive the story of extraordinary leadership exhibited by the women of the Garnett League 145 years ago.

The Grand Review Weekend takes place November 5-7 and features heritage and living history exhibits throughout Central Pennsylvania, together with a commemorative procession in downtown Harrisburg with regiments from several states, community groups and descendants of those who participated in the original event.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing the immeasurable contributions of all those involved with organizing and participating in the Pennsylvania Grand Review and their outstanding commitment to honoring the legacy of African-Americans who valiantly served in the Civil War.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedicated employees of Schramm Inc. of West Chester, Pennsylvania for playing a crucial role in the miraculous rescue of 33 Chilean miners trapped underground for 69 days.

A Schramm drill rig bore through more than 2,200 feet of rock and created 26-inch holes that rescue teams used to communicate and provide food to the miners, who had spent more than two weeks in darkness and were feared dead. Rescuers also used a Schramm T-130XD drill rig to create the narrow escape shaft through which miners would eventually be hoisted and joyously reunited with their families. Everyone in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is extremely proud of the exceptional teamwork and ingenuity Schramm employees demonstrated under immense pressure and the extraordinary performance of the Company's equipment during the rescue operation.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me and Congressman Joe Sestak (PA-7th District) today in recognizing the employees of Schramm Inc. for their commitment to manufacturing world-class products and in honoring them for transforming tragedy into triumph by helping free 33 Chilean miners with most of the world watching in awe.