Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley) for taking up this bill so quickly, and the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman) for his work on behalf of this important legislation. I would also like to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Baca), the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Gutierrez), the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Kanjorski), the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette), and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Paul) for their efforts as well.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 749, the Expanded Access to Financial Services Act. This bipartisan legislation will amend the Federal Credit Union Act to allow credit unions to offer money order, check cashing, and wire transfer services to anyone who is eligible to be a credit union member, whether or not they have credit union membership. The bill is identical to section 307 of H.R. 1375, the Financial Services Regulatory Relief Act, which passed the House by a vote of 392 to 25 on March 18, 2004.

H.R. 748 reaches out to individuals who, for whatever reason, do not have established bank accounts. These unbanked Americans, estimated to be up to 10 million households, are frequently charged high fees for a variety of financial services. By bringing competition to the marketplace, we can provide our constituents access to lower-fee alternatives.

Many of those who would utilize these services are hardworking immigrants trying to wire money home to help provide for their families. According to the Pew Hispanic Center and Multilateral Investment Fund, $10 million is sent back to Latin America each year, a figure that can more than double in the next 5 years.

It is my hope that the underserved persons who are reached by this bill will be able to use these services to establish a credit history that can then allow them to take advantage of other financial services. An initial positive experience with a depository institution may encourage the ``unbanked'' to explore other financial products.

Further, bringing immigrant workers into financial institutions is important for national security. Credit unions are required to follow the recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the Bank Secrecy Act. They must also determine that customers are in the field of membership, a process that would involve personal documentation review. Having international money transfers go through regulated financial institutions makes it easier for law enforcement officials to learn of and follow suspicious activity.

This legislation has the support of the National Credit Union Administration, the Credit Union National Association, and National Association of Federal Credit Unions.

H.R. 749 is a good, bipartisan bill. It reaches out to communities that have historically been left out of the financial services arena and encourages hardworking Americans to develop relationships with financial institutions. I hope the Members will choose today to give their constituents access to affordable financial services.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Downingtown, Pennsylvania Area Chamber of Commerce on the occasion of its 60th anniversary.

The Downingtown Area Chamber of Commerce was established in 1945 and then later incorporated in 1947. Throughout the past sixty years, the Chamber of Commerce has worked diligently to represent, assist, and grow the Downingtown business community and, in turn, has become one of the most respected business organizations in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

For the past 60 years, the Downingtown Area Chamber of Commerce has worked to unify and sustain the business community in the area. The Chamber has continually worked hard to maintain a strong economic base in Downingtown and continues to maintain and provide an environment that is appealing not only to businesses and merchants, but also to residents. Because of these strong initiatives demonstrated by the Downingtown Chamber of Commerce and its solid reputation for facilitating economic growth in the area, the Chamber has been instrumental in cultivating Downingtown as ``The Good Neighbor Community.''

Today, there are approximately 350 members of the Downingtown Area Chamber of Commerce. The members are comprised of small business owners, industrial companies, professionals, residents, and organizations interested in supporting the activities and principles of the Downingtown community. Moreover, the members are interested in economic prosperity for their community. The Chamber works conscientiously to make sure that Downingtown thrives and prospers.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring the Downingtown Area Chamber of Commerce for its drive and dedication over the past 60 years to provide the citizens of Downingtown with a community that is economically prosperous and building on its past successes for a brighter future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Uwchlan Ambulance Corps for their 30 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Chester County, Pennsylvania.

The Uwchlan Ambulance Corps was started in 1975, by a group of Chester County residents who recognized the need for a non-profit volunteer service in their community that could provide emergency medical services for those in need. This motivated group of citizens had a vision to provide critical emergency care to their neighbors and this vision has lived on and thrived throughout the past 30 years.

Today, the Uwchlan Ambulance Corps still operates a non-profit organization that provides 24 hour protection from their two community- based stations. They have four Advanced Life Support/Basic Life Support ambulances and two Advanced Life Support paramedic units at their disposal. The Corps prides itself on its keen ability to grow and expand their unit to match the needs of their quickly expanding community.

The Corps covers nearly 45 square miles of territory ranging from rural Chester County to the more heavily developed areas in the community. Of the 70,000 residents and nearly 60,000 visitors and merchants in Chester County, there has been an average of 2,700 calls each year to the Uwchlan Ambulance Corps. With 60 active volunteers and 12 full-time staffers, the Uwchlan Ambulance Corps raises the bar in the region for exceptional emergency medical service.

Furthermore, the Uwchlan Ambulance Corps has contributed to their community on many different levels. The volunteers work diligently to provide numerous educational opportunities for the community, along with several outreach programs. The Corps also participates in capital campaigns, and building renovations, all of which are successful attempts to ensure the survival of this thriving ambulance corps. They work efficiently and swiftly with the changing needs of their community and in turn provide an outstanding service to the citizens.

Today, the Uwchlan Ambulance Corps prides itself on providing high- quality emergency and medical transportation services to the ill and injured citizens of Chester County, Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring the Uwchlan Ambulance Corps for their commitment to providing quality care, and community service to the region. It is an honor to recognize an organization that selflessly provides for its community each day and in turn creates a better quality of life for the citizens of Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Alisha Mathias, the Boyertown Area Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

Officer Mathias has been a member of the Colebrookdale Township Police Department since February of 1999 and has made countless contributions to her community over the past six years. Prior to becoming a police officer, Mathias was a Montgomery County emergency dispatcher and a Montgomery County deputy sheriff. During that time, she also assisted in Camp Cadet program and was a D.A.R.E. instructor, working to give kids the life skills they need to avoid involvement with drugs, gangs, and violence.

When Officer Mathias went to the Police Academy in Montgomery County, she was the only female in her class of 30. After graduation, Officer Mathias further proved her competence when she was awarded the Meritorious Service Award for her valiant efforts in the arrest of several car thieves in the surrounding area.

Officer Mathias has her roots in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. She attended Pottsgrove High School and today she lives in Oley, Pennsylvania. Prior to moving to Oley last year, Officer Mathias lived in the Boyertown area for 6 years with her husband, Rodney, and her two young boys, Ayden and Kellen.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Officer Alisha Mathias for her years of exemplary service to the Boyertown community and for her notable community service contributions. It is an honor to stand before you to congratulate Alisha Mathias, one of Boyertown, Pennsylvania's most distinguished citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor John Schaeffer who has recently been named the Boyertown Area Educator of the Year, by the Berks and Montgomery County Newspapers.

John Schaeffer began his teaching career in the Boyertown Area School District 35 years ago and has since continued to touch students' lives and inspire them to be the best that they can be.

As a math teacher, Mr. Schaeffer excelled at reaching out to his students by utilizing his own teaching philosophy and practice. From the very beginning, Mr. Schaeffer realized that each student learns the same material at a different pace. Mr. Schaeffer decided that the best approach would be one of simplicity. He deliberately tries to make things simple for his students so they can learn the basics and, once the foundation had been laid, he would develop their knowledge base in greater detail. Mr. Schaeffer is also keenly aware that each child's learning style and ability is different from their classmates. He works to adapt his teaching style to help each child individually in order to achieve their goals. This skillful enhancement of the learning process has worked remarkably well for both Mr. Schaeffer and his students as he encouraged his students.

John Schaeffer is also considered a great educator because of the time and effort he exerts to create a personal relationship with each of his students. He shows care and empathy for his students which, in turn, allows him to create relationships built on trust and understanding with his students. Mr. Schaeffer feels that gaining this trust is an important step in the learning process. Mr. Schaeffer wisely spoke, ``I think the teacher's role has had to change because you have to show you care for them as a kid, and then you deal with the math problem.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring John Schaeffer for his many years of exemplary service and distinguished contributions to the Boyertown Area School District and its students over the past 35 years. He has touched countless lives and made an incredible impact on both the students and parents in Boyertown. I am honored to stand before you to congratulate and celebrate John Schaeffer on his many impressive accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Johanna Clark, the Boyertown Outstanding Student of the Year.

Johanna Clark is that special kind of student who not only excels in her academic work at school, but one who enthusiastically participates in all sorts of extracurricular activities. Johanna is seen by many in such a positive light that she is commonly described as caring, effervescent, intelligent, and responsible.

Johanna has said that she lives to help other people and make them happy. This is clearly evident through the work she is involved in. She is a member of the Boyertown High School Key Club, Student Council, ``Insight,'' the high school cable television talk show, the Boyertown Holiday House tour, peer mediation, and the meth hotline mentoring program. Johanna diligently provides support for others while consistently demonstrating a strong work ethic.

Johanna's academic achievement is quite impressive, with a current grade point average of 4.01. She has taken honors English courses since her freshman year and she began taking both honors social studies and science as a sophomore. As a senior, she has added to her impressive academic schedule by taking AP environmental science. And Johanna has been a member of the National Honor Society since her junior year.

Johanna has future plans to attend Millersville University where she will major in early childhood education, elementary education, and she then plans to get her certification in English as a Second Language. Johanna has expressed interest in teaching second grade upon graduation. As a high school student, she has already gained considerable experience working as a Sunday school teaching assistant at St. John's Lutheran Church in Boyertown for many years. At St. John's, Johanna also assists with the youth group, serves as an acolyte, and helps out in the nursery.

Johanna is the daughter of Jenny and Fitzhugh Clark and is the third of four children. Johanna's family life has served as a source of inspiration for her by instilling her with lasting values and an extraordinary work ethic. She stated how grateful she was to have people in her life who have inspired her, and in particular, her grandmother, Jeanne Dill. Johanna says that ``she is the most honest and giving person I know. I have worked so hard over the years to be like her as best as I could and to make her proud . . . because of her, in a big way, I am who I am today.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring this tremendous young lady. Johanna Clark is an inspiration to all through her hard work and community service. It is an honor to stand before you to recognize and congratulate Johanna on her many impressive accomplishments and to wish her the very best of luck in the future.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 3 and commend Chairman Young and Ranking Member Oberstar for their hard work in bringing this bill to the floor. As a Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I am proud of the work of our committee and am hopeful that we can enact TEA-LU quickly to give out State departments of transportation the stability and resources they need to plan for, design and build important highway and transit projects.

I would also like to highlight a few issues that I look forward to working with the chairman and ranking member on as this bill moves forward.

First, I strongly support a provision that was included in S. 1072, the Senate's version of the reauthorization in the 108th Congress. This provision, section 1620 of S. 1072, would provide a 2 percent set aside of funds to be used to address stormwater mitigation. If included in H.R. 3, the provision would bring over $29 million back to Pennsylvania to help address some of the major stormwater runoff problems. Stormwater runoff is a significant source of water pollution, untreated sewage overflows, beach closings and flooding. I believe addressing this need with specific funding in the bill to correct runoff problems associated with existing highways is good policy. Many of the communities in my own district have to deal with the impacts of runoff from highways and roads, yet have no funding to do so. This provision would correct this problem and give local communities access to much- needed funding for stormwater mitigation.

Second, I have worked with my colleagues on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee from Pennsylvania to address a problem that has recently come to our attention regarding ``flexing'' of Federal highway dollars to shore up the operating budgets of Pennsylvania's transit agencies. I hope that the chairman will continue to work with us to see that our concerns are taken into account. While I certainly understand the ongoing crisis confronting SEPTA and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's other transit agencies, and hence believe the flexing of Federal highway dollars may provide an appropriate, short-term answer to the agency's budgetary problems, I likewise believe that any agreed- to flexing plan should be contingent upon an agreed-to repayment of these much-needed dollars within a short and fixed time period. These highway dollars are absolutely critical to the continued improvement of our region's road infrastructure. While the Pennsylvania Legislature and Governor Rendell continue to work toward a permanent solution to mass transit funding, the need to provide transit agencies with a ``hand up'' with these dollars may be appropriate. But that assistance should only be provided if the Commonwealth agrees to return these dollars to the effected MPOs within a specified time period to ensure the use of these dollars for the initial purposes for which the appropriations were made by the Federal Government. Further, I would like to see a plan in place to assure that the projects delayed by the flexing action are fast-tracked once the flexed dollars are returned.

Mr. Chairman, providing flexibility to our metropolitan planning organizations is a laudable goal, but these Federal dollars were never intended to plug holes in the operating budgets of transit agencies, I therefore ask the chairman and members of the committee to work with us to achieve an acceptable solution.

Finally, in the section 307 of the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995, there was included a provision that prohibited states from imposing arbitrary overhead rate caps. Section 307 did have its desired effect, most States are following common overhead and auditing procedures that promote quality design work. The problem is that section 307 provided states a window of opportunity to opt out of the Federal Highway Administration FHWA, overhead and auditing procedures by adopting State laws establishing alternative procedures. Thirteen States have taken advantage of this opt out and passed law to impose arbitrary overhead rate caps.

As a result, Congress cannot be assured that the most qualified firms are being selected for working on Federal-aid design projects. At the same time, many of these States require their own audits with their own procedures, instead of accepting the uniform

audit procedures used by most of their peers. This places unnecessary burdens on engineering firms and diverts time, staff and focus away from the technical aspect of the project.

Section 1703 of S. 1072, the Senate version of the highway reauthorization in the 108th Congress, included a permanent fix for this problem and I hope that the provision finds its way into the final bill.

Again, I would like to commend Chairman Young and Ranking Member Oberstar for their commitment to our Nation's highways and transit systems. I am proud to support H.R. 3 and urge all my colleagues to support the bill as well.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Conestoga High School of Berwyn, Pennsylvania on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary.

On March 5, 1954, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for a new senior high school in the Paoli Area High School System. This event was significant because the new and modern high school would be accommodating students from six different communities in Chester County, Pennsylvania and merging them into one, unified school. In an effort to involve the community in the creation of the new school, the school board decided to hold a local competition to name the school. In the end, a ninth grade student suggested the name ``Conestoga'' because the Old Conestoga Road passes through each of the six communities served by the school. Conestoga became its name to symbolize the connection of these communities.

Construction on the school continued throughout the summer and into the next year. On September 9, 1955, the Conestoga High School opened with a student enrollment of 549 and a faculty of 35. As the school continued to grow and flourish, along came the need for additional space to accommodate the students. In 1959, just four years after the original school was completed, 19 rooms were added to the building. After the completion of the new wing, student enrollment was at an all- time high of 1036.

During the next forty years, Conestoga High School would undergo many changes. In 1967, 20 additional rooms were added to the main building and, in 1981, the school's library was enlarged and named for Karl Zettelmoyer in recognition of his years as principal from 1957 to 1971. Conestoga continued this tradition of recognizing those who had served the school when a new gymnasium was constructed and named for Principal John C. Rittenmeyer.

Just recently, Conestoga has added fourteen general all-purpose classrooms and ten new science labs. The cafeteria was enlarged and modernized to meet the needs of the student body and the entire music area was reconfigured to house the growing interest in the Conestoga High School choir. In the family and consumer sciences lab, the kitchens were completely renovated and reconfigured and a new welcoming and spacious main lobby was built.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring Conestoga High School. Throughout the past 50 years, the school has provided an invaluable exemplary educational service to its students and has contributed greatly to the community. Conestoga High School should be commended for its exceptional record of positive development of the moral, physical, and emotional well-being of the young men and women who have attended the school over the past 50 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Boy Scout Troop 65 of Exton, Pennsylvania on the occasion of their 50th Anniversary.

Troop 65 is a tremendous group of young men that practices the policy of ``boy-led and boy-run'' in the development of team work, leadership skills and personal responsibility. They develop the rules and standards to adhere to and work together to accomplish their many goals, and objectives. Interestingly, Troop 65 is also known locally as the ``Cooking Troop.'' Troop 65's scouts have learned through the years to prepare and cook such delicious meals as chicken stir-fry, peach cobbler, and double chocolate cake.

Beyond the culinary arts, Troop 65 participates in many outdoor activities. The Troop camps one weekend a month in places throughout southeastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey. In addition to the traditional camping trips, Troop 65 also participates in such ``High Adventures'' as canoeing on the Shenandoah River. Also, each July, Troop 65 sends a contingent to the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. This group is a select bunch who are elected to participate by peers and the Troop contributes half the fees for this trip.

Troop 65 is also actively involved in environmental stewardship. The Troop participates in the Adopt-a-Highway program on the Route 30 bypass in the area, which includes quarterly trips up and down the two mile stretch of road to collect litter.

In addition, Troop 65 has the distinguished honor of having graduated over 50 Eagle Scouts. The Eagle Scouts from Troop 65 have participated in numerous Eagle service projects across the region, including such locations as the Brandywine Valley Association, Okehocking Nature Preserve, West Chester Presbyterian Church, Uwchlan Friends Meeting House, and the Exton Community Baptist Church.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the scouts, great leaders, and scout parents of Troop 65 past and present for the outstanding 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 the Rotary Club of Paoli-Malvern-Berwyn, Chester County, Pennsylvania, on the occasion of its 75th anniversary.

The Rotary Club is unique in that it is the world's first service- oriented club. The very first Rotary Club was formed in Chicago, Illinois on February 23, 1905 by Paul P. Harris. Mr. Harris was an attorney who wished to recapture, in a professional organization, the friendly spirit he had felt in the small towns and communities of his youth. Mr. Harris' forward-thinking concept of community and service has gone on to become one of the world's foremost and most respected civic and humanitarian organizations.

Rotary became extremely popular in the coming decade as clubs were chartered across the country from San Francisco to New York City. In 1921, the Rotary took their ideals of service and community to the international community. The Rotary Club was given its first opportunity to expand abroad and, in doing so, spread to six different continents around the world. Today, the Rotary Club has 31,000 international chapters in 166 different countries.

As Rotary grew in popularity and membership, its mission expanded beyond serving the professional and social interests of its members. Rotarians, such as the members of the Rotary Club of Paoli-Malvern- Berwyn, began pooling their personal resources and contributing their talents to help serve area communities in need. It was during this great time of exemplary community service that the Rotary Club adopted its singular motto, ``Service Above Self,'' and each of its members throughout the world strives to implement that motto today.

In the following years, Rotarians became deeply involved in many different important causes. Rotary has made many significant contributions to the international community through working with the United Nations and was a leading advocate of the establishment of United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. In 1985, Rotary made a historic commitment to immunize the world's children against polio, further proving their extraordinary commitment to public service and

to the betterment of communities around the world. As a result, Rotary is the largest private sector contributor to the global polio eradication campaign.

Rotary is an exemplary professional, social and civic club. Its goals and ideals are noteworthy, compassionate, and are ones deserving of emulation. The members of the Rotary Club of Paoli-Malvern-Berwyn have worked hard for the past 75 years to uphold the motto of the Club's founder and continue to work to meet the needs of the communities in Chester County, their Rotary District, nation and the world. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the Rotary Club of Paoli-Malvern-Berwyn for its tremendous contributions to the individuals, organizations, and communities they have benefited for 75 years and to wish the Club's members continued success and good fortune in meeting Rotary's mission to serve others above themselves.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Jay Lloyd on the occasion of his retirement from Philadelphia's KYW News Radio after 35 years of dedicated service and exemplary accomplishment.

Jay Lloyd began his career in broadcast journalism at ZBM Radio and TV in Bermuda after a tour of duty in the Korean War. He then moved overseas to a new position in the Netherlands where he covered news and feature stories for the Dutch International Radio Service. While living abroad, Mr. Lloyd did a weekly music show on Dutch Radio where he featured American music for his Dutch listeners utilizing the radio name of ``Chuck Holiday.'' Mr. Lloyd's international career also took him to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico before he returned to Philadelphia in 1961 to work for Channel 48 and the Philadelphia Bulletin's radio station.

In 1969, Mr. Lloyd joined KYW News Radio as a general assignment reporter. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Lloyd was promoted to the position of transportation reporter. On January 1, 1971, Mr. Lloyd took control of the KYW Suburban Bureau and has since reported on some of the area's most important news event. Such stories have included the near disastrous nuclear power plant accident at Three Mile Island and the Susan Reinert murder case.

Mr. Lloyd was again given the opportunity to go overseas some years later when he traveled to Spain's Canary Islands to mark the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' historic voyage to the Western World. He then returned to the United States to cover other important news events, including that occurring September 11, 2001 when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon. Mr. Lloyd immediately traveled to the scene to cover the breaking story for his listeners in the Philadelphia area.

Mr. Lloyd has also been deeply involved in the political arena during his years at KYW, reporting on major events and covering numerous important elections. He has either met with or interviewed every President of the United States since John F. Kennedy. On November 2, 2004, Mr. Lloyd celebrated his 70th birthday by covering his final presidential election.

In recognition of his involvement in significant world events over the past 35 years, Mr. Lloyd has won several industry awards including the Associated Press Broadcasters Association Award for Enterprise Reporting and for commentary on international affairs. These awards offer clear evidence of Mr. Lloyd's exemplary professionalism and skill.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Jay Lloyd. He has provided invaluable service to the people of Southeastern Pennsylvania during his outstanding 35 year career in broadcasting. Jay Lloyd's dedication to his work has been extraordinary and he should be acknowledged for the many distinguished contributions he has made to the quality of life in the Philadelphia region throughout his career with KYW News Radio.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Barbara Cohen on the occasion of her retirement from the Phoenixville Chamber of Commerce where she has served as the Executive Director since 1992.

Barbara Cohen has led an extraordinary and exciting life. Born in Philadelphia, she has always displayed energy and determination in all aspects of her life. Her childhood consisted of piano lessons, Hebrew School, Girl Scouts, National Honor Society, and international travel. Barbara was her class valedictorian at Northeast High School in 1959 and, from there, she went on to Temple University where she earned a BS in education and a minor in political science. After graduation, Barbara began teaching 4th grade while attending University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of International Relations.

Barbara was married in 1964 and, shortly after her wedding, Barbara and her husband served their country by moving to Germany for three years where she taught military servicemen and women general education courses they needed to finish their high school educations.

In 1983, ten years after Barbara and her family moved back to Pennsylvania and settled in Valley Forge, Barbara went back to school and earned her Masters degree in interior design from Drexel University. During this time, she was also a full-time mother, driving her children to and from soccer practices, dancing lessons, Hebrew School and many other activities.

In addition to her busy schedule and many accomplishments, Barbara has been actively involved in her community since returning to the States in the 1970's. Barbara serves as a volunteer guide for the Friends of Independence National Historic Park, and as a volunteer guide for the Foundation for Architecture that gives walking tours of historic sites in Philadelphia. Barbara has also served as a board member for the Chester County Tourist Bureau and for the Schuylkill River Greenway Association. Barbara spearheaded an EPA brownfields initiative grant for Phoenixville Borough as Director of the Phoenixville Area Economic Development Corporation and Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. And she has provided unparalleled leadership and direction for a wide variety of public improvement and revitalization efforts in Phoenixville. Due to Barbara's tireless efforts, almost 4 million dollars has been raised in the revitalization effort and the Borough now stands on the threshold of a magnificent resurgence.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring this extraordinary woman for the years of good work she has done at home and abroad and for the many distinguished and remarkable contributions she has made to this community and the people whose lives she has graciously touched.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Downingtown West High School Girls Soccer team for their 2-0 win over the Moon Township team for the 2004 Girls Soccer PIAA Class AAA Championship.

Downingtown Girls Soccer last won the PIAA Class AAA Championship back in November of 2001 after a 7-0 victory and the team was determined to repeat that victory this year.

The Downingtown West Whippets were led by the senior co-captains, Adrienne Weisser and Jill Conaboy. The two co-captains worked against adversity with the challenge of revamping their team after the Downingtown High School split into two separate schools: Downingtown East and West in 2003. In the post-season of 2003, the Whippets were determined to work on their game and improve after a late season slump that year and they continued to improve with each game they played.

The Whippets traveled to Hershey, Pennsylvania to play in the finals against Moon Township. In the final game, the Whippets proved to be a strong team with superior skills and easily won their next PIAA Class AAA Championship by shutting out Moon Township 2-0.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring the players, coaches, and support staff of Downingtown West High School Whippets for their drive, determination, and commitment to excellence that led them to an outstanding season and the Class AAA championship. The team is comprised of: Kelsea Fortino, Amanda Marino, Jess Dean, Megan Miller, Captain Jill Conaboy, Lauren Sutcliffe, Katie Shannon, Jessica Stevens, Becky Edwards, Sarah Phillips, Katelyn Capps, Captain Adrienne Weisser, Colleen Flanagan, Ali McNeil, Bethany Warren, Christine McLaughlin, Caitlyn Coleman, Christine Thurwanger, Anne Collinson, Ashley Harrington, Kelly Peterson, Emily Fenimore, Sarah Halprin, Amber Reardon, Amber Werner, Coach Rob Smith, Varsity Assistants Mary Schanne and Kelly Cross, JV Head Coach Mike Huffman, Athletic Trainer Joe Iezzi and Assistant Athletic Trainer Jessica Korn.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Antietam High School Boys Soccer team for winning the Pennsylvania State PIAA Class A Boys Soccer Championship.

The Antietam Mounts played a vigorous game against the Trinity Christian Falcons. The game was extremely competitive with both teams fighting to win. But in the end, the Mounts pulled out a 4-2 win. This win marked their first state title.

During the championship game, the Mounts were without one of their key players, Christopher Dock. Dock, a junior midfielder and a starter for the entire season, injured his left knee during Tuesday's semifinal win. The Mounts were able to overcome the loss of a key player and still turn in a win.

Today, the Mounts are looking ahead to next season and possibly another state championship. However, the team will lose seven seniors, including one of the team's highest scorers, Eric Kleiman, who scored 87 points and several game winning points.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing the players, coaches, and support staff of the Antietam High School Boys Soccer team for their drive, determination, and commitment to excellence that led them to their first Pennsylvania state title. The team is comprised of: Matt Nuding, Ryan Hummel, Tony Furillo, Jared Melot, Vince Baro, Corey Hertzog, Austin Lee, Austin Keller, Seth Cerra, Kyle Cerra, Shawn Troxel, Mitch Weglos, Adam Cubbler, Maarten Koostra, Eric Kleiman, Steve Le, Madison Reece, Dan Pardo, Chris Laverty, Tom Talarico, Matt Stauffer, Pete Smith, Adam Kozlowski, Drew Gilbert, Eric Shank, Tyler Galczynski, Ian Burke, Joseph Stoltz, Scott Kiedeisch, Chris Reed, Coach Milt Scholl, Coach Charlie Weaver, Coach Ralph Hertzog, and Managers Abbey Weaver, Jordan Cunningham, and Dayna Goheen.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, Tom Fillippo, the President and CEO of Devault Foods in Chester County, Pennsylvania. This month, Tom will be honored at the Chester County Council of the Boy Scouts of America's 3rd Annual Distinguished Citizen Awards Dinner.

Tom grew up in Malvern, Pennsylvania and has remained in the area his whole life. He is committed to the community and county he grew up in and he currently serves as the Chair of the Council of Trustees at West Chester University. Tom is also the Chair of the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry and of the Foundation at Paoli Hospital. In the past, Tom served as the Chair of the Chester County Industrial Development Authority. Today, he still sits on the Board of the Chester County Industrial Development Authority and is affiliated with the organizations that work within their authority. Tom is also been a member of the Board of Directors of the American Meat Institute and involved in other industry organizations.

Tom has served as Devault Foods' President and CEO since 1972 when he took over the family business from his father. Devault Foods began as a family-owned, one room butcher shop in 1949. The small business grew tremendously in the following years and, in 1963, Devault Foods began to supply Burger King with ground meat. This move gave an explosive boost to the business. In 1972, when Tom took over for his father, he wanted to expand the company's customer base. He made a business deal with Wendy's fast-food restaurant and became the fast- food chain's new meat supplier. Today, Devault Foods is one of Chester County's largest privately held businesses.

Outside of business, Tom has always been active and has participated in sports, particularly football. Tom played on the West Chester University football team that went to the Tangerine Bowl twice, and he was the head coach at General Wayne Middle School and at Malvern Prep football teams.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Tom Fillippo. As an outstanding businessman, community leader, philanthropist, and beloved family man, he is one of Chester County's and Pennsylvania's exemplary citizens and is most deserving of this House's recognition and kudos.