Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Boyertown Area Multi- Service, Incorporated Executive Director Dana Eichert, who has faithfully and compassionately served senior citizens and people of all ages in need of social services in her community for nearly three decades.

Mrs. Eichert's distinguished career serving residents of the Boyertown area started in August 1985 when she became the Under 60's Case Manager at Boyertown Multi-Service, Incorporated. She took on additional responsibilities, worked tirelessly to improve the broad range of services delivered to individuals and constantly strived to strengthen relationships between the agency and the Boyertown community.

Mrs. Eichert became Executive Director of the agency in 1997. One of her major achievements in that role involved leading the effort to raise funds, construct and open a new building, providing modern office space for the agency's staff, and more importantly, a new home for the Center at Spring Street, which is a pleasant location where people 55 and older gather to socialize, make new friends, enjoy meals, and participate in a variety of activities. Mrs. Eichert's outstanding leadership and dedication have earned the respect of the agency's staff, volunteers and Board of Directors, who have lauded her for creating an atmosphere where everyone feels as if they are part of one big family.

The Boyertown Area Multi-Service, Incorporated Board of Directors, staff, volunteers

and others from the community celebrated Mrs. Eichert's extraordinary service and wished her well in retirement during an open house on Saturday, May 18, 2013.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing the exemplary service and unwavering commitment to helping seniors and others in need that Dana Eichert has demonstrated during her nearly 28- year tenure with Boyertown Area Multi-Service, Incorporated.

Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, on May 6, 2013, I missed three recorded votes on the House floor. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall 129, ``aye'' on rollcall 130, and ``aye'' on rollcall 131.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my colleagues, Congressman Pat Meehan and Congressman Joe Pitts, I rise today to congratulate Tom Fillippo of Malvern, Pennsylvania on receiving the Chester County Economic Development Council's Hall of Fame Award for his outstanding accomplishments within the Chester County business community and the entire area community. The litany of his accomplishments and contributions is amazing.

In addition to his role as President and Chief Executive Officer of Devault Foods, Tom served as Chairman of the Board of the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry from 2002 to 2006. Tom also serves as Chairman of the West Chester University's Council of Trustees, a Board Member of the West Chester University Foundation and Sturzebecker Foundation, and a Board Member of the Paoli Hospital Foundation. Additionally, he serves on the Central and Western Chester County Industrial Development Authority and the Chester County Industrial Development Board of Directors.

Tom is a member of the West Chester University Football Hall of Fame and has received numerous awards for his service to the business community and community at large including the Chester County Boy Scouts' Community Service Award, the Great Valley Chamber's Business Leader of the Year Award, the West Chester University Distinguished Alumni Award, the American Meat Institute's Community Service Award, and the Order of the Purple Heart's Outstanding Citizen Award.

Mr. Speaker, in light of his outstanding professional accomplishments and exemplary record of service to the Chester County community, we ask that our colleagues join us today in recognizing Tom Fillippo of Malvern, Pennsylvania on receiving the Chester County Economic Development Council's Hall of Fame Award and, on behalf of our constituents, thank him for his tireless and unceasing efforts to make the County a wonderful place to raise a family and succeed in business.

Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, on February 14, 2013, I missed one recorded vote on the House floor. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall 42.

Mr. Speaker, on December 30, 2012, I unfortunately missed three recorded votes on the House floor. Had I been present, I would have voted AYE on Rollcall 649, AYE on Rollcall 650, and AYE on Rollcall 651.

Mr. Speaker, on December 17, 2012, I unfortunately missed two recorded votes on the House floor. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall 627 and ``aye'' on rollcall 628.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the players, coaches and staff of the Wyomissing Spartans High School football team of Berks County, Pennsylvania on their undefeated season and on capturing the PIAA District III AA State Championship.

The Wyomissing Spartans set a Berks County record for points scored and wins in a season, finishing with a perfect 16-0 record. The Spartans are the first team in Berks County history to win a state title in football at any level.

The Spartans' championship roster includes: Gerald Burns, Thomas Paolini, Corey Unger, Spenser Lloyd, Sean Smith, Joseph Cacchione, Scott Kuczala, Brian Walters, Rahul Kalani, Adam Chaffe, Caleb Naylor, Juche Jackson, Bern Donahue, Chase Hartman, Alex Anzalone, Brandon Faust, Eric Waxler, Brandon Gonzalez, Mason Smith, Scott McAvoy, Justin Causa, Jonah Bowman, Sam Debell-Mitton, Peter Geyer, Josh Naylor, Jack Baker, Sam Weaver, Peter Bonino, Josh Pappas, Shane Hasenauer, Connor Reedy, Chris Eaton, Jeremy Bell, Will Kroppe, Anthony Colon, Jeriko Reyes, Cody Cox, Ben Wertz, Sean Reusing, Logan Jones, Dan Sweitzer, Wyatt Metzger, Finnegan Daly, Brian Bamberger, Jon Olmeda, Sean Clark, Nate Hain, Jack Wertz, Liam Reedy, and Daniel Faust.

The champion Spartans were coached by Head Coach Bob Wolfrum and Assistant Coaches Tom Baldwin, Andrew Siggins, Al Silveri, Todd Zechman, Steve O'Neil, Richard Hoffmaster, Nick Wojciechowski, Frank Ferrandino, Bill Hartman, Steve Brunner, Chris Blickley, Corbett Babb, Ty Smith, and Jim Delp. In addition, the School District's Athletic Director is Corbin Stoltzfus.

Mr. Speaker, in light of their outstanding accomplishments, undefeated season, and state championship victory, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing the players, coaches, and staff of the Wyomissing Spartans High School Football Team of Berks County, Pennsylvania for their incredible and unforgettable season.

Mr. Speaker, I want to first acknowledge the hard work and leadership of my colleague on the Ways and Means Committee, Mr. Johnson of Texas, as well as our committee chairman, Mr. Camp of Michigan. Both gentlemen recognize the urgency of finding practical solutions for protecting seniors and taxpayers against easily preventable Medicare waste, fraud and improper payments, and the ever increasing threat of identity theft.

Mr. Speaker, whenever someone in Washington proposes a new idea for shrinking costs and saving precious taxpayer dollars, we usually receive a barrage of questions from folks concerned that they will have to do with less and possibly see services they depend upon curtailed in some way.

This legislation we're considering today contains provisions that would kick-start a critically important process that ultimately may allow Congress to use commonsense technology in cutting an estimated $60 billion a year in improper and fraudulent Medicare payments while making sure seniors enrolled in Medicare receive the care and treatment they have earned.

We're attempting to cut costs without restricting access to care. Specifically, this legislation authorizes a

study by the Government Accountability Office examining the benefits of a proposed pilot program to modernize the Medicare card that almost every senior carries with him or her in a wallet or a pocketbook. Under the proposed pilot program as introduced in legislation by my colleague Congressman Blumenauer and myself, as part of the Medicare Common Access Card Act, smart card technology would be used to protect personal information of Medicare participants, prevent phantom billing for procedures that were never performed or products that were never purchased, and speed payments to doctors and hospitals while reducing costly billing errors.

While today's Medicare card provides seniors access to the health care services they need, that small piece of plastic can provide the narrow opening unscrupulous individuals exploit to snatch identities and cheat taxpayers and seniors out of billions of dollars every year.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that waste, fraud, and abuse cost the Medicare program about $60 billion a year. Nearly 10 percent of the entire annual Medicare budget--or approximately $48 billion a year--is lost to improper payments, according to a report issued by the Government Accountability Office. That's a significant amount of human resources and financial resources that are better used helping our seniors pay for hospital visits, prescription drugs, and other vital medical care.

The Department of Defense has issued more than 20 million secure smart cards to authenticate and verify access for access to programs and facilities. To date, the Department of Defense reports that not a single common access card has been counterfeited.

We cannot stop improper payments in the Medicare system until we find a way to know and to verify who is authorized to provide and receive benefits. A comprehensive study is an important first step that will make sure we get the job done right for taxpayers, seniors, doctors, and other health care providers.

Taxpayers and seniors deserve the protection against identity theft and fraud that this legislation would provide, and I urge my colleagues to begin the process of putting in place a simple, low-cost solution for bringing the Medicare card into the 21st century, and I thank the gentleman for leading this effort.

I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank the Speaker for this time. And a special thanks to my colleague from Pennsylvania, Congressman Altmire, for the sponsorship of this legislation.

I rise today to recognize Congressional Medal of Honor hero Army Sergeant Leslie Sabo, Jr., who was a resident of my hometown of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, and proudly served in the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War.

Sergeant Sabo arrived in Vietnam on November 14, 1969, and fought on a piece of ground called Hill 474. On May 5, 1970, his company moved into Cambodia and was engaged in daily firefights for 5 days. On May 10, his company was caught in a deadly ambush; but despite being wounded three times by enemy fire and from a hand grenade, he continued to purposely draw enemy fire towards himself in order to allow his wounded comrades to be safely evacuated. Tragically, he died of his wounds on that hill.

A few years ago, after being informed that Sergeant Sabo's Medal of Honor review by the Department of Defense had languished for many years, I was pleased to work with my colleague, Representative Altmire, to have the Department reevaluate this case and ultimately recommend that the President posthumously award Sergeant Sabo the Medal of Honor. On May 16, we were both very honored and privileged to be at the White House for the President's presentation of this Medal of Honor award to the Sabo family.

Today I am, likewise, honored to have joined Representative Altmire in sponsoring this bill to rename the post office in Ellwood City the Sergeant Leslie H. Sabo, Jr. Post Office Building. It is important for the citizens of Ellwood City, of Pennsylvania, and of our entire Nation to have a permanent public reminder of one of our greatest local heroes.

His story is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices our soldiers make in order to keep our country safe. Each day in America, we enjoy unprecedented freedom thanks to the distinguished service and tremendous sacrifices of our servicemen and -women and their families. While we can never fully repay the debt we owe our troops and our veterans, we can assure them and their families that we will always remember their extraordinary service.

The legislation before us today appropriately honors Sergeant Sabo's service and sacrifice, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the West Chester Fish, Game and Wildlife Association of Chester County, Pennsylvania on its 75th anniversary.

Founded on September 21, 1937 by 107 local sportsmen, the West Chester Fish, Game and Wildlife Association has enjoyed a rich and storied history. Even prior to its date of founding, its members actively worked to address the problem of pollution in the Brandywine River caused by paper mills. These efforts led to, in some cases, the prosecution of the owners and operators of these mills.

Throughout its history, the Association has also operated a fish stocking program beginning in 1937 when 2,200 fingerling bass were released in the Brandywine. In 1941, these efforts expanded to purchasing and stocking trout in West Valley Creek. Later, in 1964, the

Association began raising its own trout at a location that is today one of the oldest, continuously operating Cooperative Trout Nurseries of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, raising and stocking over 3,000 trout annually.

Today, the West Chester Fish, Game and Wildlife Association is engaged in numerous enterprises, including conducting an annual Hunter and Trapper Safety Course, extensive stream restoration projects, fishing rodeos, establishing and maintaining a local nature center, and awarding the annual R. David Heller Scholarship to a local student. Through these efforts, the Association and its nearly 400 members, continues to be responsible stewards of the environment.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating the West Chester Fish, Game and Wildlife Association and its remarkable history on the occasion of its 75th anniversary and to extend best wishes on its continued prosperity and longevity.

Mr. Speaker, on September 14, 2012, I unfortunately missed one recorded vote on the House floor. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall 582.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Staff Sergeant Antonio Rivera of the Pennsylvania National Guard and resident of Pottstown, Montgomery County on the occasion of being selected as the 2012 Liberty USO Service Member of the Year (Army).

SSG Rivera enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard on October 18, 2000 as a 14M stinger missile operator and joined the ranks of Charlie Company 213 ADA. In 2006, SSG Rivera was ordered to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After six months of training, he was deployed as a 31B military police officer and served as a team leader providing convoy security. SSG Rivera earned a Combat Action Badge when an IED detonated beneath his vehicle in his first month in country.

In 2008, SSG Rivera transitioned into a 21B Combat Engineer Company and in 2009 achieved his current rank before being deployed for a second time in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. While serving on this deployment, SSG Rivera earned Battalion Soldier of the Quarter. On August 10, 2010, SSG Rivera earned the Purple Heart after his vehicle was struck by an IED during a routine clearance operation. Although he suffered shrapnel wounds to his neck, SSG Rivera stayed focused on taking care of his platoon and teammates.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Staff Sergeant Antonio Rivera of the Pennsylvania National Guard on the occasion of being selected as the 2012 Liberty USO Service Member of the Year (Army) and for his great service to the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Barbara Tachovsky on her retirement as President of Paoli Hospital after 26 years of service to the Hospital and in the field of healthcare.

Under President Tachovsky's leadership, Paoli Hospital earned accreditation as the only Level II Trauma Center in Chester County, which alleviated the need for victims of traumatic injury to be transported further away for emergency treatment and saved countless lives. Additionally, Paoli Hospital was recognized four times as a Top 100 Hospital by Thomson Reuters and as a Best Regional Hospital in five specialties by US News and World Report. During her tenure, Paoli also received the Premier Award for Quality two years in a row, as well as numerous certifications for providing outstanding care and achieving operational efficiency.

Mr. Speaker, in light of her years of exemplary service to her community and a litany of sterling accomplishments too long to record, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Barbara Tachovsky for her invaluable contributions to the quality of life of the citizens of Chester County, Pennsylvania and the surrounding region.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Karen Rapp and Cathleen Scarborough for their establishment and implementation of the ``Adopt a Veteran Program'' at Governor Mifflin Middle School which served to educate children about our great nation and the heroic citizens who defend it.

In the ``Adopt a Veteran Program,'' led and coordinated by Karen and Cathleen, nine students were appointed by their teachers to interview three Governor Mifflin Middle School staff members who are also war veterans. Comprehensive interviews were undertaken and short biographies written about the veterans and their military experiences. Photographs and other mementos supplemented these biographies and the entire project was posted in a display case for all students to view.

Karen and Cathleen's efforts brought both recognition to the faculty veterans and greater insight and appreciation of America's citizen- soldiers to their students.

Mr. Speaker, in light of their efforts in establishing and implementing the ``Adopt a Veteran'' program, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Karen Rapp and Cathleen Scarborough of the Governor Mifflin Middle School, Berks County, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Borough of Womelsdorf, Berks County, Pennsylvania on its 250th anniversary.

Founded by five German farmers, Mssrs. Weiser, Brown, Fidler, Schaeffer and Kobel during the 1720s, the area that would become the Borough of Womelsdorf has enjoyed a rich and storied history. One of these original settlers, Conrad Weiser, came to America in 1709 when his father, Johann Conrad Weiser, migrated from the German principality of Wurttenberg to England before settling on the New York frontier. In 1729, Conrad Weiser brought his wife and children to the Tulpehocken region, settling on 200 acres near the present town of Womelsdorf. In 1749, ``Tulpehocken Eisenhammer'' was the first industry founded when John George Nickoll and Michael Miller built a forge to produce ``barr iron'' at a location less than two miles north of Womelsdorf. This establishment was later known as ``Charming Forge.'' In 1760, John Womelsdorf received in conveyance the land that would become the present day Borough of Womelsdorf and, in 1762, sold the first lots in the town he had established.

While the Borough of Womelsdorf has changed a great deal throughout its history, it still retains much of the charm from its historic past. Pre-Revolutionary buildings continue to stand in close proximity to modern structures. Today, the Borough of Womelsdorf and its citizens continue to make valuable contributions to the quality of the economic and social life of Berks County while preserving the history of its past.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating the Borough of Womelsdorf and its remarkable history on the occasion of its 250th anniversary and to extend best wishes for the Borough's continued prosperity and longevity.