Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Connecticut for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Chairman Smith) and the ranking member, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), and their staffs for their great work in bringing H.R. 1516 to the floor today, and I would also like to thank and acknowledge the kind comments of the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Hoeffel) and his great work and support in bringing this bill to this point today. I thank the gentleman for his work, not only this year, but in previous years in this effort. Also a special thank you to our colleagues on the Pennsylvania congressional delegation for their support as well.

Most importantly, we would like to thank the veterans of southeastern Pennsylvania for their great service and sacrifice to our country over the years. This legislation was introduced last March to establish a new national veterans cemetery in southeastern Pennsylvania; and as that bill moved through the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I am very pleased to see that some additional sites were added. As was mentioned by the gentleman from Connecticut, Birmingham, Alabama; Jacksonville, Florida; Bakersfield, California; and the Columbia-Greenville, South Carolina, area were added.

It would also require that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs establish new and much-needed cemeteries within 4 years of the date of enactment of this legislation. Aside from establishing these important national cemeteries, another important provision of this measure will provide for local involvement in the selecting of sites for these cemeteries.

Under the legislation, the Secretary for Veterans Affairs is directed to solicit the advice and the views of representatives of local veterans organizations and other individuals as the Secretary considers appropriate.

The need for a new veterans cemetery in our community is well documented and long overdue. The Philadelphia National Cemetery is virtually closed, with the exception of cremated remains, to nearly 400,000 veterans that reside in the five counties and make up the metropolitan Philadelphia area. And while cremation may be an alternative to traditional burial for some, it is not the preference of most. But, unfortunately, it is the only option that Philadelphia-area veterans currently have if they want their remains reposed at a veterans cemetery close to home.

The only other national cemetery in our region is the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, which is a long drive from the Philadelphia area, and can be a very difficult trip for widows, widowers, and other family members who want to visit the graves of their loved ones. I would note that more than 290,000 area veterans live over 65 miles from Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

The Secretary for Veterans Affairs, Anthony Principi, has expressed his support for the establishment of a new cemetery in southeastern Pennsylvania after analyzing two factors not taken into account in a previous Veterans Affairs Department study.

First, the Beverly National Cemetery in nearby Burlington County, New Jersey, is filling up faster than expected and is only available to New Jersey veterans. Additionally, the Department recently added Monroe County, Pennsylvania, to the greater Philadelphia service area, thereby increasing the number of veterans in need to over 170,000, the statistical benchmark for the establishment of a new cemetery.

Secretary Principi also acknowledged that the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, is at least 80 miles from Philadelphia, which contrasts with the Department's guideline of having a veterans cemetery within 75 miles of a veteran's home.

Consequently, the Secretary expressed his support for a new cemetery in the greater Philadelphia area to honor those who would be laid to rest there. This legislation will provide both for its establishment within a specified time period and allow for the input of local officials and veterans in determining a specific site.

The importance of a veterans cemetery in the southeastern Pennsylvania region has been already recognized. In 1862, the 37th Congress created the National Cemetery of Philadelphia when they initially established what has become a large network of national cemeteries across the United States. Southeastern Pennsylvania veterans of today, as those of the past, should likewise have the opportunity to be buried close to home after providing the same level of heroic service and sacrifice to our Nation.

Again, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleagues, and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Hoeffel) in particular, and also the members of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for their work in bringing H.R. 1516 to the floor today, and I would urge all Members of the House to support this much-needed measure.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California for his dedication to adding a prescription drug benefit to Medicare. Members of the Pennsylvania delegation have some concerns as to whether State pharmaceutical assistance programs like PACE and PACENET in Pennsylvania will be able to fully coordinate their programs with Medicare drug plans to provide a seamless transition for beneficiaries and States that already have prescription drug plans.

I thank the gentleman.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Bryn Mawr Fire Company of Bryn Mawr, PA on its 100th anniversary.

Almost a century ago, citizens of Bryn Mawr, Haverford and Rosemont came together to form a fire company. The Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas approved the Certificate of Incorporation for the Bryn Mawr Fire Company on December 21, 1903, even before the Township in which it was located was chartered. The Company acquired its first horse-drawn engine the following year and the fire house was dedicated 2 years later in May of 1906.

The Bryn Mawr Fire Company has served its community in exemplary fashion over the past 100 years and today there are almost 40 volunteer firefighters in the Company. The Company responds to over 500 calls per year throughout Lower Merion, Radnor and Haverford Townships.

The volunteers of the Bryn Mawr Fire Company take every aspect of their job very seriously. Members drill every Monday night and participate in a live burn drill each month. Firefighters from the Company attend schools and conferences all across the country. The Company sends members into the local schools to talk about fire prevention and hosts an open house every year to educate the public about fire safety.

For the past 100 years, the citizens of Bryn Mawr and the surrounding communities have been able to depend on the courageous men and women of the Bryn Mawr Fire Company. I encourage my colleagues to join me in saluting the Bryn Mawr Fire Company on reaching this important milestone.

Mr. Speaker; I rise today to commend my constituent, 7- year-old Alexandra Scott, for the work she is doing to raise money for those living with cancer.

Alex was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a cancer of the nervous system, when she was just a year old. Six years later, she has had six surgeries and still undergoes chemotherapy treatments at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

When Alex was four, she told her mother that she wanted to have a lemonade stand and give the money that she made to her hospital in Connecticut, where they lived at the time. In July of 2000, Alex started her first lemonade stand and raised over $2000. Shortly thereafter, the Scott family moved to Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. Each summer, Alex has opened her lemonade stand with proceeds going to help others battling cancer.

So far, Alex has raised over $80,000 for cancer research. Money has been donated to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, and Toireasa's Dream, a neuroblastoma research fund set up in memory of Alex's friend, Toireasa Barry. The Philadelphia Foundation recently presented Alex with its ``Philanthropist of the Year'' award.

I encourage my colleagues to join me in applauding Alexandra Scott on her accomplishments and in sending her our prayers for her recovery. May she continue to serve as a role model for all of us.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Cassia Mount Horeb Lodge #273 of Ardmore, Pennsylvania on their 150th anniversary. Cassia Lodge has the distinction of being the first permanent establishment of Freemasonry in what is now known as the ``Main Line.'' Since their founding, the Masons of Lodge 273 have made invaluable contributions to their community and to Pennsylvania.

Faith, honor, integrity, responsibility for one's actions, the absolute right to intellectual and spiritual freedom and self-control are the Masons' core values and principles. After the first Grand Lodge was founded in England in 1717, Masonry's rich history was solidified in America by such patriots as Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Paul Revere, and John Hancock. Many would argue that the Masons and Masonry played a significant role in the Revolutionary War and an even more important part in the Constitutional Convention. For 150 years, the Masons of Cassia Mount Horeb Lodge have worked to maintain this tradition and standard of excellence while producing many prestigious community and professional leaders of their own.

The members of Cassia Mount Horeb Lodge have been proven and active leaders in our community, providing a wide range of services to a wide range of people. They have hosted numerous Sunday school groups, one of which went on to found St. Mary's Church, which is now located just across the street from the Lodge. On another occasion, they opened their doors to the students of a neighboring school when their schoolhouse suffered severe damage from a fire. Acts of kindness and compassion like these have been commonplace in the history of Cassia Lodge and I am sure that they will continue to be an exemplary organization for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, the Masons of Cassia Mount Horeb Lodge have served as a model for all Masons for 150 years. Their commitment to God and country, emboldened by their brotherhood, has set a high standard for all Masonic lodges.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I appreciate the opportunity to speak on this matter. I rise today to oppose the substitute amendment and to support the underlying bill. The initial repeal of the death tax was designed to benefit an important sector in our economy: Family-owned and small businesses.

Many of these businesses hold nonliquid assets and, thus, upon the passing of an elder, many families finds they must liquidate a portion or all of their family business in order to pay the obligations imposed upon them by the estate tax. Often these businesses are generations old, and when they liquidate not only does the family suffer but the economy and the community suffers as well.

Small businesses are among the strongest participants in our economy, yet their continued viability is the most vulnerable to unfair and excessive taxes, such as the death tax, which may tax up to 55 percent of a business' full value. Permanently repealing the death tax will not only provide much-needed tax relief to personal estates passed to individuals, but will also insulate this business sector so vital to our fledgling economic recovery.

Additionally, if we do not address this issue by a permanent repeal of the estate tax, it will automatically be reinstated in 2011. Individuals and small businesses would again face the looming specter of the return of the death tax. I urge opposition to the substitute amendment and for support of the underlying bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Gouglersville Fire Company of Gouglersville, PA during its 75th anniversary celebration.

Without a fire company of its own, the people of Gouglersville, PA had to rely on companies located in neighboring communities. On March 8, 1928, citizens of Gouglersville attended a town meeting to discuss the formation of their own company. Over the next few months, the Gouglersville Fire Company was created. Members were recruited, officers were elected and the company constitution and by-laws were adopted. Finally, on September 4, 1928, the Berks County Court of Common Pleas granted a charter to the Company.

Over the next few years, the Company purchased a firehouse and its first apparatus. As time went on, the Company outgrew its original building and purchased a larger space to accommodate its increased membership and growing number of vehicles. The charter and by-laws of the Company were amended on August 3, 1950 to permit women to join. A Junior Brigade was started in 1972. As time has passed and the Company has changed, one thing that has not altered is the dedication of the firefighters to their duties.

For the past 75 years, the citizens of Gouglersville have been able to depend on the courageous men and women of Gouglersville Fire Company. I encourage my colleagues to join me in saluting Gouglersville Fire Company on reaching this milestone.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Valley Forge Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and its celebration of the 10 year anniversary of the raising of the Patriots of African Descent Monument in Valley Forge National Historical Park. Ninety years ago, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority started with 22 women, right here in our Nation's Capital at Howard University, and has since expanded to the 200,000 member, 90 chapter organization that exists today.

The Valley Forge Alumnae Chapter of this public service organization was chartered on February 10, 1991 and has since contributed to the local and national community in ways consistent with the organization's Five Point Program foci of: educational development, economic development, physical and mental health, political awareness and international awareness and involvement.

These contributions are signified in the Chapter's effort and success in erecting the Patriots of African Descent Monument in 1993 at Valley Forge, one of our Nation's most historical parks. The monument remains the only such edifice to be raised in any of the units of the National Park system and contributes to the education of visitors to the Park of the role African-Americans played in the country's founding. More specifically, the monument signifies the tremendous service and sacrifice African-American soldiers of the Continental Army provided to a fledgling nation.

The Valley Forge National Park holds great historic value as the site dedicated to the Continental Army's bravery, suffering and sacrifice that took place during the harsh winter encampment there in 1777-78, during which time some 2,000 soldiers died.

The Patriots of African Descent Monument only furthers the historic symbolism of the Park by recognizing the numerous contributions and sacrifices of African-Americans during the Revolutionary War, in particular the approximately 500 African-American soldiers who suffered terribly along with the many other Continental soldiers during the long, harsh winter spent in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Since the monument's unveiling in 1993, this statue has contributed to educating visitors of Valley Forge to the diverse cultures that contributed to this Nation's birth and will continue to do so with the sustained involvement and efforts of the Valley Forge Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the Valley Forge Historical Society and citizens. I congratulate and commend the Chapter's continued efforts to educate future generations regarding historic artifacts and places which ``tell the American story'' and recognize the 10 year anniversary of the Patriots of African Descent Monument and its symbolic place in our Nation's history.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor seven members of the East Norriton Fire Engine Company. For over 30 years these fine individuals--Joseph Rothwein, George Myers, Joseph M. Pfizenmayer, Douglas Lindberg Sr., Donald Huston, Henry M. Carneavale, and Joseph T. Lesinski--have dedicated over a third of their lives, 242 years total, to saving life and property for East Norriton Township and the surrounding communities.

Joseph Rothwein is a 30-year member who has held numerous positions within the Company. He served on and chaired the Board of Trustees, held elected office as Financial Secretary for over 20 years, and was a recipient of the Life Membership Award in 1995.

George Myers, a 31-year member, is the current Assistant Fire Chief and Chairman of the Board of Trustees. He has held such positions as Fire Chief and Chief Engineer of the Company and presently is a training instructor at the Montgomery County Fire Academy and Pennsylvania Fire Academy. George is a two-time recipient of the Fire Fighter of the Year Award and received the Life Membership Award in 1991.

Joseph M. Pfizenmayer, a 32-year member, and current East Norriton Township Fire Marshall, has served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and held numerous elected positions including Assistant Fire Chief. He was a training instructor at the Montgomery County Fire Academy and was Chairman of the Montgomery Fire Advisory Board. Joe is a recipient of the Fighter of the Year Award and was presented the Life Membership Award in 1991.

Douglas Lindberg Sr., a 33-year member, and current Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees, has held numerous elected offices including Fire Chief and is currently a training officer at both the Montgomery County Fire Academy and the Pennsylvania Fire Academy. Doug was the first member of his Company to pass the Pennsylvania State Certification of Fire Fighter Level one and is a three-time recipient of the Fire Fighter of the Year Award. He received the Life Membership Award in 1989.

Donald Huston, a 36-year member, has held several elected positions including that of Fire Police Chief as well as serving on the Board of Trustees. Donald received the Life Membership Award in 1986.

Henry M. Carneavale, a 43-year member, has held numerous elected positions, most notably that of Fire Police Chief while also serving on the Board of Trustees. Hank is a recipient of the Life Membership Award in 1979.

Joseph T. Lesinski Sr., the senior member of this group at 47 years, and former Fire Chief and a 17-year line officer, has held several elected positions during his tenure, including Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Joe has the distinction of founding the first fire school in East Norriton. He is a current Senior Training Instructor at the Montgomery County Fire Academy and Pennsylvania Fire Academy and two- time recipient of the Fire Fighter of the Year Award and in 1975 he received the Life Membership Award.

The contributions of these fine men cannot be honored or praised enough by their fellow citizens. Their ongoing leadership and commitment to the East Norriton Fire Engine Company has made their community a safer place to live now and in the future.

Mr. Speaker I rise today in support of H. Res. 178, a resolution honoring the life and work of Matthew J. Ryan, the former Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

The basic facts of Speaker Ryan's career in the Pennsylvania House were that he served for over 40 years and that he was the longest serving Speaker in the chamber's history. But as is often the case, the simple facts do little to explain the man or his impact on the lives of his fellow Pennsylvanians-including my own.

Speaker Ryan was an almost legendary figure in Pennsylvania politics. He was a powerful man, to be sure. But more to the point, he was a man who had the trust and confidence of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. He was universally respected for his nonpartisan style of presiding over the Pennsylvania House, his parliamentary skill and his formidable debating abilities. And, not least among his qualities, he was a tireless booster of Pennsylvania and her citizens.

I came to know Speaker Ryan when I served under him for two terms in the Pennsylvania House in the early 1990s. Speaker Ryan earned the devotion of freshmen classes session after session because he was accessible, he was genuinely interested in helping new members learn the ropes, and because he was committed to helping all members do their best to better the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Like many of my colleagues in the Pennsylvania congressional delegation, I am personally indebted to Speaker Ryan for his mentorship, his leadership and, above all, his friendship. I shall miss him greatly.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Downingtown Lions Club during its 75th anniversary celebration. The Downingtown Lions Club was chartered in January of 1928 and they were sponsored by the Coatesville Lions Club.

As we all know, Lions Clubs across the nation are made up of active and energetic citizens who undertake numerous initiatives and projects to make their communities better places to live and raise families. They are particularly committed to providing help and service to the blind through a wide variety of support activities. The Downingtown Lions Club hosts four major fundraising events each year--White Cane Day, a golf outing, Good Neighbor Day and a pancake breakfast. These efforts have helped many charitable organizations over the years, including the Chester County Association for the Blind and the Downingtown Area Senior Center.

The good works of the Club have also resulted in contributions to the Downingtown Area Veterans Memorial Fund, Downingtown Historical Society and various health appeals. And the entire community has benefited from the Club's particular attention to the development of Kerr Park, including a pavilion, the war memorial, and a water fountain.

I am proud to be a member of and represent an organization that has spent so many years in the service of others. I wish to extend my thanks, and the thanks of all those who have been helped by members of the Club. I encourage my colleagues to join me in saluting Downingtown Lions Club on reaching this milestone.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania during its 125th anniversary celebration. Bethel AME is the oldest black church on the original Main Line, a suburb of Philadelphia.

Local minister John Hooper began Bethel AME in his home on Conestoga Road in 1878. He was joined by Mr. George Barrick, who continued the mission after Hooper died in 1880.

During the 1880s, Bethel AME petitioned the Philadelphia AME Conference for a pastor. The first permanent pastor, Reverend J.B. Hill, came to the congregation in 1888.

Although the Church now had a full-time pastor, it lacked a fixed place of worship. Too poor to purchase land for a church, congregants moved from place to place, worshipping wherever they could. Eventually Mr. Barrick and Mr. Samuel Curtis purchased a lot on Merion Avenue in Bryn Mawr. Residents of Bryn Mawr, both white and African-American, raised four thousand dollars to construct the church, which was finished in 1889. A parsonage and parish house were added later. They have since been converted to a fellowship hall for use by the entire Church community.

Currently under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Isiah H. Woods, Bethel AME Church is an important part of the Main Line community. The founding and development of the Church illustrate for us all what can be accomplished when people work together for a higher purpose. I encourage my colleagues to join me in saluting Bethel AME on reaching this milestone.

Mr. Speaker, physicians in Pennsylvania face skyrocketing liability insurance rates. This is forcing them to leave their practices, retire early, or stop performing certain procedures.

That threatens access to care for patients in Pennsylvania and across this country. In my district alone, hospital services have been curtailed and advanced life support services have been terminated at an alarming rate. Without passage of medical liability reform at the Federal level, this situation will continue to worsen.

From 1977 to 2000 the number of practicing OB/GYNs in southeastern Pennsylvania has declined by 20 percent, and that is before the astronomical increase in doctors' medical liability, doctor insurance rates that took place last year. In Pennsylvania more than 75 hospital services have been closed or curtailed in the past year alone. The most severely affected specialty services are obstetrics, orthopedics, general surgery and neurosurgery.

Mr. Speaker, my constituents need real, meaningful medical liability reform and they need it now. We cannot allow the continuation of a system that is threatening and has in fact cut off patients' access to their doctor or hospital of choice. Let us put the patients above litigation and let us pass this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Borough of Mount Penn, Pennsylvania during its 100th anniversary celebration. Mount Penn, known as the ``Friendly Borough,'' truly lives up to its moniker.

The area lying at the foot of Mount Penn was settled in 1748; it was originally named Dengler's, after one of its most prominent citizens. With busy Philadelphia Pike running through town, Dengler's quickly became a popular suburb of nearby Reading. Some of the first businesses were carriage and wagon works to help speed travelers along the 55-mile trip between Reading and Philadelphia.

In 1902, residents of the village petitioned the courts to create their own borough. On January 7, 1903, the petition was granted and the 500-citizen Mount Penn Borough was born. As time went on, trolley lines and paved roads running to all points around Mount Penn brought more visitors and settlers to the borough.

Today, Mount Penn has grown to around 242 acres and 3,000 residents-- many of whom are third- and fourth-generation ``Mountaineers.'' The Borough contains a thriving business district, including Leinbach's Hardware, which at 82 years old is the longest continually operated business in the borough.

Although the Borough has kept up with the times, it still retains the small-town feel that made it so appealing to travelers many years ago. In a day and age when many people do not even know their neighbors, Mount Penn is a shining example of what a community can be. I congratulate Mount Penn Borough on its one hundredth anniversary and call upon my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time and I rise to engage in a colloquy. Would the gentleman so engage?

In 1996, I was the lead sponsor of legislation that overhauled Pennsylvania's welfare system. When this legislation was implemented, I worked with the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry in my district to initiate what later became the Jobs and Advancement Through Mentoring program. This program provides welfare recipients who are entering the workforce with volunteer mentors recruited from the local business community. The intent of the program is to make sure that welfare recipients do not just start working, but that they have a volunteer partner in the community helping them over the rough spots during that first year of employment in helping to ensure lifetime self-sufficiency and productivity.

While I realize that the bill we are debating today expresses the sense of Congress that States should encourage mentoring programs, I believe we should do more. That is why I have drafted an amendment to require States to identify approaches to establishing voluntary community-based mentoring programs like the one I just described.

Let me emphasize that States would only be required to formally consider mentoring programs. They would not be mandated to actually create them.

Mr. Chairman, I would be very appreciative if you would give every consideration to including this amendment in any conference agreement that may be forthcoming.