Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rabbi Brian Michelson of Berks County for his service to the Jewish Community Center and surrounding community.

Rabbi Michelson grew up in the New York City area and went on to pursue a bachelor of arts degree from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. After earning his BA, Rabbi Michelson received his MAHL from Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles, California and then his Rabbinic Ordination from Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, Ohio. Recently, he completed a graduate certification in Healthcare Ethics from Rush University.

In 1998, along with his wife Holly and their daughters Naomi and Gabriella, the family moved to Reading, Pennsylvania where the Rabbi joined the Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom. Before moving to Pennsylvania, the Rabbi chose to help spread the faith in Melbourne, Australia.

Rabbi Michelson is extremely active in the community. He is the Chair of the Chaplin's Advisory Committee of the Reading Hospital and is also an Associate Chaplain for the health community. Additionally, he is a Board member of Home Healthcare Management, serves on its Medical and Professional Advisory Committee, and is Vice-Chair of its Ethics Committee. In his quest to pursue development of interfaith relations, the Rabbi is also a member of the core group for the Interfaith Hospitality Network.

When not working in the medical arena, the Rabbi is active in the Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom where he teaches adult education programs. He is also an instructor with the Reading Area Community College's Department of Continuing Education, where he teaches an Introduction to Judaism course.

Rabbi Michelson's philosophy of action is to simply do what needs to be done. When not spending time on inter-faith and healthcare issues, the Rabbi manages to spend time cooking, drinking coffee, sailing, and watching movies.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring Rabbi Brian Michelson for his outstanding dedication and service to the Jewish Community Center, the Reading Hospital, and the entire Berks County community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rabbi Joel Weintraub of Berks Country for his service to the Jewish Community Center and surrounding community.

Rabbi Weintraub hails from New York City, was educated at Brooklyn College and then went on to get his masters degree and Rabbinical Ordination from Yeshiva College. In 1972, the Rabbi moved to Atlantic City, New Jersey, to take charge of his first congregation. In 1982, the Rabbi moved his wife, Shirley, and their family, sons Yossi and Yissi, to Reading, Pennsylvania, and the Kesher Zion Synagogue.

Once in Reading, the Rabbi became an active member of the community. He has taught at Alvernia and Albright Colleges, being the Director of Hillel activities, and facilitated Passover Seders at both education institutions. Also, in order to promote interfaith dialogue, the Rabbi was involved in the annual Kristallnact program, spoke at local churches and schools, and gave tours of the synagogue. Additionally, Rabbi Weintraub used his dynamic personality to host radio and television shows and write articles for both secular and Jewish newspapers.

When not hosting Bible studies, Shabbat dinners, and teaching Hebrew School, the Rabbi enjoys being able to pursue his hobbies that include racquetball, swimming, and reading.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in me today in honoring Rabbi Joel Weintraub for his outstanding dedication and service to Berks county and the Jewish Community Center.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rabbi Yosef Lipsker of Berks County for his service to the Jewish Community Center and surrounding community.

Rabbi Lipsker was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. The Rabbi received his formal training at Yeshiva, New York and continued his education as a student Rabbi in Sydney, Australia. The Rabbi continued a long family tradition of dedication to faith and community.

In 1997, the Rabbi moved his wife Chana and their seven children; Chaya, Seldi, Menachem, Shterna, Sholom, Zalman, and Hudi; to Reading, Pennsylvania. The Rabbi believes that food, faith, and fellowship bring a community together and invites the local community to events such as the Lag B'omer barbecue picnic, the Shavuot Ice Cream Party, and the legendary Matzah Bakery program where couples from Jewish community join the Rabbi on a walking tour of Brooklyn's many eateries. The Rabbi also organizes and holds Chanukah concerts at the Berkshire Mall and the Chanukah on Ice Program for the entire community. The Rabbi does not just bring the community together for holidays, but he uses various speakers and programs to facilitate interfaith dialogue.

Teaming together with Boscov's Department Store, and the Reading Hospital, the Rabbi offers intercommunity relationship classes. Rabbi Yosef understands the importance of bringing the entire community together to learn more about the traditional Judaism and its role in everyday life. When not working in the community, the Rabbi volunteers at the Caron Foundation and welcomes Jewish patients at Caron, together with and members of the local community, to his home for weekly Shabbat dinners.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring Rabbi Yosef Lipsker for his outstanding dedication and service to Berks County, the Jewish Community Center, and the Caron Foundation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Katherine Osenbach for being inducted into the Da Vinci Discovery Center of Science and Technology's Hall of Fame.

The Da Vinci Discovery Center of Science and Technology honors outstanding teachers and high school students who excel in science and technology. This year, Katherine Osenbach of Allentown Central Catholic High School will receive this honor and recognition during the May 16, 2006 awards ceremony.

A senior in high school, Katherine, has already decided to pursue a career as a scientific researcher in the fields of biology and physics. She is well on her way to achieving her goal. She has participated in such events as the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science and in numerous independent research projects, including one titled ``Does Mozart Motivate the Mind?'' She has also acquired hands-on experience and completed such tasks as helping a veterinarian extract a horse's tooth and collecting samples for local water sources. Additionally, Katherine has participated in the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine in Boston and worked on an atomic fusion research project at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Katherine does not only excel in science, but she is also an accomplished musician, a recipient of the Girl Scout Gold Award, a National Merit Scholarship semi- finalist, and vice president of her school's National Honor Society chapter. She will be attending the University of Scranton in the fall and will pursue a degree in biology.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring Katherine Osenbach of Allentown Central Catholic High School as she is inducted into the Da Vinci Discovery Center of Science and Technology's Hall of Fame.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Edward and Merle Ford on their 50th wedding anniversary.

Edward and Merle celebrated this wonderful milestone on February 28, 2006 after having spent half a century in love and with the shared experiences of family life. Edward Lee Ford was born on July 31, 1929 in Hemingway, South Carolina. He relocated to Pennsylvania to attend Pine Forge Academy. Prior to graduating from Pine Forge, Edward and his twin brother, Jesse, were drafted into the Army where they served as medics. During his time at Pine Forge and while in Germany, Edward diligently wrote to Merle Elizabeth Cheatham. Merle was born on January 1, 1934 in Baltimore, Maryland, and like Edward, attended Pine Forge Academy. During the early days of their romance, letter-writing kept their love alive.

On October 23, 1955, Merle Elizabeth Cheatham and Edward Lee Ford were wed at the chapel on the grounds of Pine Forge Academy. The Fords have four children; Rhonda, Terry, Dwayne, and Lisa; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Merle and Edward have likewise kept their connection to Pine Forge Academy strong. Merle worked as the Registrar, Secretary to the Principal, and Typing Teacher at the Academy, while Edward designed and built Kimbrough Hall, several of the log cabins, and renovated North Hall into the Music Conservatory. Edward even served as the first president of the Pine Forge National Alumni Association. In 1995, Edward, along with his brother Jesse, received the honor of being alumni of the year. In addition to their dedication to each other and the Academy, the Fords are pillars in their church where they serve as Head Deacon/Deaconess at the Walnut Street Community Seventh-day Adventist Church in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring Edward and Merle Ford on their fifty golden years of love and dedication to each other. I hope they will continue to live in the house Edward built for Merle and that they are blessed with continued joy, health, and love.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Russell Kolb for his 50 years of outstanding service to the Ridge Fire Company of East Vincent Township, Chester County Pennsylvania and the communities it serves.

In addition to his active membership in the Company for 50 years, Mr. Kolb is also a

Trustee and President of the Company. During his time of service, Mr. Kolb has earned the love and respect of his fellow citizens for his dedication and commitment to the local community.

Throughout his tenure, he has been the lead fundraiser for the Company's chicken barbeques, fairs, and annual Thanksgiving turkey raffle. He also serves on the Building and Truck Committees, which oversee the purchase of new equipment, building repairs, and major renovations. The countless hours of service he has provided to the Company and community are testament to his passion for volunteerism and exemplary citizenship.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring Mr. Russell Kolb, one of Chester County's and Pennsylvania's great citizen volunteers, for his ceaseless and unselfish commitment to the safety and betterment of his local community and fellow citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sir Knight Pasquale Colletti for his outstanding service to the Chester County community as the Knights of Columbus' Past Faithful Navigator. The Chester County, Pennsylvania Fourth Degree Assembly #1873 has faithfully served the community and parishes for many generations. Mr. Colletti has received numerous accolades and awards from the Assembly and fellow Knights hold him in high esteem for the compassion he shows to families with loved ones in military service. Mr. Colletti extends help, support, and prayers for servicemen and women either before or during deployment or after their return. His leadership in patriotic causes and community service is inspirational. He is a true patriot, an exemplary citizen, and a pillar of the Chester County community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring Sir Knight Pasquale Colletti for his leadership, dedication, and love of country. I hope that Mr. Colletti will continue to undertake his great works on behalf of the community and County and help Pennsylvania Fourth Degree Assembly #1873 continue its long history of distinguished community service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church on the occasion of its 135 years of continuing service.

On April 23, 2006, Bethel African Methodist Church, the oldest African-American church in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, will celebrate its 135th anniversary. Bethel had a very humble beginning. While the Church was initiated in 1869, original members of the Church began holding worship services for many years in local homes. It was not until 1871 that the Church marked its formal founding as an African Methodist Episcopal Church. During 1871, the Church also moved into its present and only sanctuary. Many renovations, upgrades, and membership additions have helped the Church grow, but members still turn to their original roots for strength and stability.

Over twenty pastors have served the congregation of Bethel and their current pastor, the Reverend Dr. Vernon Ross, Jr., has helped provide both spiritual and community growth. Through his leadership, Bible studies and Sunday school have grown tremendously and over 100 new members have found a new church home. Bethel has taken the initiative to create an after-school program, a women's and men's ministry, and a program to facilitate Christian education. They have also added a youth/young adult choice program and expanded the voice mass choir. In addition to this growth, the congregation remains focused on its missionary and lay organizations and has added to its outreach ministry by using church vans to stay involved in the community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church on the wonderful occasion of its 135th anniversary. Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is committed to serving its community and is carrying out its mission to minister to the spiritual needs of the people of the greater Pottstown community in a most extemporary fashion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Hand-in-Hand, an organization that seeks to break down barriers by uniting the entire Saint Joseph's University community, area volunteers, and the disabled communities of the tri-state region. Saint Joseph's University was founded by the Society of Jesus in 1851 and is home to 3,450 full-time undergraduates and 2,900 graduate and nontraditional students. The University's strong liberal arts tradition is marked by rigorous and open-minded inquiry, high academic standards, and the development of the whole person.

Hand-in-Hand was founded by George Carasiti, a Saint Joseph's of 1978 graduate. Hand-in-Hand brings to campus approximately 450 area people with mental and physical handicaps and 750 local high school students who have volunteered to be their buddies for the day. The high school students also pair with Saint Joseph's students from various campus organizations, sports teams, and fraternities and sororities who in turn, run game booths, play music, and serve as mascots and buddies for their annual event.

Hand-in-Hand earned a 1988 Presidential Citation from the White House Office of Private Sector Initiatives for ``outstanding contributions to the American spirit of volunteerism and community action.'' Also honored by the Montgomery County Association for Retarded Citizens and the Elwyn Institute, Hand-in-Hand is the model for similar festivals at 10 other colleges and universities, including the University of Scranton, Johns Hopkins University, and Georgetown University. Additionally Saint Joseph's Office of Student Leadership and Activities named Hand-in-Hand the best student organization in 2000 and again in 2004.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring Hand-in-Hand for their efforts to change the mindsets, open hearts, enrich lives, and break down the barriers of fears and ignorance that have isolated people with disabilities from the rest of American society.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Edward and Merle Ford on their 50th wedding anniversary. Edward and Merle celebrated this wonderful milestone on February 28, 2006 after having spent half a century in love and with the shared experiences of family life.

Edward Lee Ford was born on July 31, 1929 in Hemingway, South Carolina. He relocated to Pennsylvania to attend Pine Forge Academy. Prior to graduating from Pine Forge, Edward and his twin brother, Jesse, were drafted into the Army where they served as medics. During his time at Pine Forge and while in Germany, Edward diligently wrote to Merle Elizabeth Cheatham. Merle was born on January 1, 1934 in Baltimore, Maryland, and like Edward, attended Pine Forge Academy. During the early days of their romance, letter-writing kept their love alive.

On October 23, 1955, Merle Elizabeth Cheatham and Edward Lee Ford were wed at the chapel on the grounds of Pine Forge Academy. The Fords have four children; Rhonda, Terry, Dwayne, and Lisa; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Merle and Edward have likewise kept their connection to Pine Forge Academy strong. Merle worked as the Registrar, Secretary to the Principal, and Typing Teacher at the Academy, while Edward designed and built Kimbrough Hall, several of the log cabins, and renovated North Hall into the Music Conservatory. Edward even served as the first president of the Pine Forge National Alumni Association. In 1995, Edward, along with his brother Jesse, received the honor of being alumni of the year. In addition to their dedication to each other and the Academy, the Fords are pillars in their church where they serve as Head Deacon/Deaconess at the Walnut Street Community Seventh-day Adventist Church in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring Edward and Merle Ford on their fifty golden years of love and dedication to each other. I hope they will continue to live in the house Edward built for Merle and that they are blessed with continued joy, health, and love.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Boy Scout Troop 95 of North Coventry Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary. It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to build character, foster citizenship, and develop fitness. These three aims are the bedrock of the American Scouting movement and the foundation of 50 years of scouting experience for Troop 95.

Troop 95 is a tremendous group of young men that have and continue to practice the policy of ``boy-led and boy-run'' in the development of teamwork, leadership skills and personal responsibility. They develop the rules and standards to meet and work together to accomplish their many goals and objectives.

The Troop is also a safe haven for young men. It seeks to create a place where everyone feels physically and emotionally secure. The scouts of Troop 95 live the Scout Oath and Law each moment of each day, to the best of their individual and combined abilities.

The Troop has also created an extremely high standard of tolerance and acceptance. Scouts communicate openly with each other and demonstrate camaraderie and friendship at all times. Troop 95 has also created an environment based on learning and fun. Scouts seek the best from each participant, and go the extra mile to help each person achieve personal success.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the Scouts, their outstanding leaders, and scout parents of Troop 95, past and present, for the terrific contributions they have made in their community and for the positive development of the moral, physical, and emotional well-being of the young men who have participated in the Troop over the past 50 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Officer Marc A. Reider for his thirty years of exemplary service to the citizens and businesses of Tredyffrin Township in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Officer Reider retired as a decorated officer on December 23, 2005 from the Tredyffrin Township Police Department.

As an outstanding public servant, Officer Reider retired as one of the most highly trained officers in the field of accident reconstruction. In addition to his many honors, he also served on the Tredyffrin Township Police Department's Traffic Accident Review Board. While on this Board, he oversaw the agency's forensic mapping team where his leadership and attention to detail helped to recreate and solve difficult auto related cases. Officer Reider is highly regarded throughout Pennsylvania as an expert witness in vehicular accidents and also serves as a member of the American Board of Forensic Examiners.

Officer Reider also takes the time to share his knowledge with younger members of the police force. He has held a Pennsylvania Municipal Police Certificate since 1983 and has had the distinct honor of serving as an expert instructor in traffic accident investigations for the Montgomery County Municipal Police Academy. Throughout his distinguished career, Officer Reider has worked tirelessly to make the Township, County, and Commonwealth a safer place. His dedication to service and professionalism will be greatly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring Officer Marc A. Reider for his many years of exceptional service and professional contributions to the Tredyffrin Township Police Department and community. I am honored to stand before you to congratulate and celebrate Officer Marc A. Reider on his many impressive accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from California, Chairman Thomas, and his staff for their cooperation in bringing H.R. 1053 to the floor today. Also I would like to thank my colleague from Pennsylvania, Mr. Weldon, and the other cochairs of the Ukrainian Caucus, Mr. Bartlett, Ms. Kaptur and Mr. Levin, for all of their hard work in helping to generate such a broad, bipartisan coalition of support for H.R. 1053.

Most importantly I would like to thank the Jackson-Vanik Graduation Coalition and all the leaders of the Ukrainian-American community in southeastern Pennsylvania and throughout the country for their tireless efforts in support of this legislation, and commend them on the tremendous job they have done promoting the progress the Ukraine has made over the past few years.

During the Orange Revolution of 2004, the whole world watched as the people of Ukraine protested allegations of massive corruption, voter intimidation and direct electoral fraud. They sent a clear message that regardless of these obstacles, they wanted and supported with their votes a pro-democracy, pro-reform candidate for President, Victor Yushchenko. This election highlighted the commitment of the Ukraine people to a free and prosperous democracy, and the country overnight became a role model for the entire region.

Since the election, the government has remained committed to broad- based reform and economic liberalization. This commitment was evident most recently on Monday, March 6, when the United States and Ukraine signed a bilateral WTO Agreement on Market Access, a major step towards Ukraine ultimately joining the WTO.

H.R. 1053 is another important step for Ukraine as it becomes a partner in the global economy. The bill lifts the Jackson-Vanik restrictions and authorizes President Bush to permanently extend normal trade relations treatment to Ukraine.

The United States Congress adopted the Jackson-Vanik legislation in 1974 to halt normal trade relations between the United States and those countries that restricted free immigration, especially for persons of the Jewish faith. Over 30 years later, virtually everyone agrees that Ukraine's record on freedom of immigration and religious freedom and tolerance is good.

These restrictions have long been outdated, a fact recognized by the administration in its granting of normal trade relations status to the Ukraine on a yearly waiver basis by the President. Because of this, my legislation will not affect current trade relationships with the Ukraine on a dollar-and-cents term. However, the message we are sending by making this relationship permanent is priceless to the people of the Ukraine. It strongly reaffirms our long-term partnership and support as Ukraine continues down the path of reform and democracy.

Again, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleagues, the cosponsors of the bill, and the chairman and members of the Committee on Ways and Means for their work in bringing this bill to the floor today.

Mr. Speaker, due to a long-scheduled meeting with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs this afternoon regarding the future of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Veterans Cemetery, I was unable to be present on the floor during rollcall votes 612, 613, and 614. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 612, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 613, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 614.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor five distinguished men and women on the occasion of their induction into the Norristown Area High School Hall of Champions Association.

The Norristown Area High School Hall of Champions Association was established in 1977 to honor and commemorate the athletic accomplishments of distinguished alumni of the Norristown Area High School.

The 2005 Annual Hall of Champions Inductees will be John Sewell III; Willie A. Suber, posthumously; Robert V. Mitchell; Angela Henry Lee; and Melissa Mary Kelly.

John Sewell III, Class of 1954, was a football and track and field standout for three years in high school and won the District One shot put title with a distance of 49 feet, 11\3/4\ inches. Mr. Sewell also played both offensive and defensive line positions in football. During his career, he earned all-star team honorable mention.

Willie A. Suber, Class of 1958, received All-Suburban honors as halfback during the 1957 Eagles football team's undefeated season, which was only the second in school history. Mr. Suber also participated on the track and field team and ran both the 100 and 200 yard dashes. Mr. Suber passed away in 1994.

Robert V. Mitchell, Class of 1961, was well-known in high school as a basketball, baseball, and track star. Mr. Mitchell helped lead the basketball team to the Suburban One title in the 1960-1961 season. Mr. Mitchell also batted .313 for the baseball team which placed second in the league, and he set a school high jump record of 6 feet 4\1/2\ inches while helping the track team to the District One title in 1961.

Angela Henry Lee, Class of 1987, was the captain of the indoor track team and co-captain of the 1984 outdoor team. In 1984, she won four medals in the PIAA State title meet in the 400 meter dash, the 100 meter dash, the 4x100 yard relay, and the 4x400 yard relay. Mrs. Lee also won four additional medals in the District One track meet as well as winning three gold medals in the Suburban One championships.

Melissa Mary Kelly, Class of 1998, was an outstanding basketball and softball player. Her athletic accomplishments resulted in her being named to the first team Suburban One League all three years, while also leading the basketball team in scoring and assists. Ms. Kelly also won all-league honors for her athletic talent in softball all three years.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise today to recognize these remarkable and talented men and women who have all excelled in their respective sports and have made a positive impact on their school and community.