Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Yerecic Label, a New Kensington, Pennsylvania company who has been honored with the Employer Support Freedom Award from the Secretary of Defense.

Initiated in 1996, the Employer Support Freedom Award was created by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an organization within the Department of Defense. The ESGR's mission is to ``develop and promote employer support for Guard and Reserve service by advocating relevant initiatives, recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of applicable laws, and resolving conflict between employers and service members.'' As a part of fulfilling that mission, the ESGR awards 15 employers nationally who go above and beyond in offering support to employees that are members of the National Guard or the Reserves.

Out of 2,500 nominations from Guard and Reserve members and their families, Yerecic Label was chosen as one of our country's top employers who take the extra initiative to support our men and women in uniform. Starting as a small labeling company out of a garage in western Pennsylvania in 1969, Yerecic has grown to accommodate the needs of customers throughout the eastern half of the United States. Along with their continued successful business practices, Yerecic has stood by and offered assistance to its employees who are on call and ready to defend our country.

Three of Yerecic's 90 employees were deployed to the Pennsylvania Army National Guard from September 2008 to September 2009. While proudly serving their country overseas, Yerecic provided these guardsmen with international cell phones and laptops capable of video chat and internet access. Yerecic also continued to pay their salaries while they were deployed. The three guardsmen also received numerous letters, cards and care packages from fellow employees to keep their spirits high while overseas.

Madam Speaker, Yerecic Label knows what it truly means to support our troops. Through their generosity and kindness, they have provided our Guard and Reserve members and their families with the reassurance they need to make it through this tumultuous time of war. The company's president, Art Yerecic, even gives his personal phone number to families of deployed employees, should they need any additional support.

In the 15 years that the Employer Support Freedom Award has existed, only 130 companies nationwide have been presented with the award. Madam Speaker, I would like to once again honor Yerecic Label for receiving this prestigious award and for supporting our men and women serving abroad.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hundreds-of- thousands of U.S. service members and veterans impacted by traumatic brain injuries.

Earlier this morning, Congressman Bill Pascrell and I welcomed Pennsylvania State Representative Bryan Barbin to the U.S. Capitol. Representative Barbin completed a seven-day motorcycle ride through seven state capitals to raise awareness of the impact of traumatic brain injuries, and to deliver the following resolution that was adopted by the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on June 23, 2010. It reads:

Whereas, More than 1.5 million United States military

personnel have deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan since the

start of military operations in 2001, and military statistics

show that at least 115,000 troops have suffered brain

injuries related to IED explosions since the Iraq and

Afghanistan wars began; and

Whereas, Brain injury has been labeled a signature injury

of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and brain injuries

occurring among soldiers deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan are

strongly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder and

physical health problems after soldiers return home; and

Whereas, Concern has been emerging about the possible long-

term effects of combat-related brain injuries. Significant

numbers of undiagnosed injuries and the failure by medical

personnel to include such information in soldiers' permanent

medical files has been identified as serious in studies

prepared by medical and army experts; and

Whereas, Without diagnosis and official documentation,

soldiers with head wounds have struggled to receive

appropriate treatment, sometimes receiving psychotropic drugs

instead of rehabilitative therapy that could help retrain

their brains; and

Whereas, The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center,

DVBIC, in Johnstown has been assisting returning veterans

with rehabilitative therapy since 2006; and

Whereas, In January 2009, Congress mandated DVBIC to

establish an assisted living pilot program to determine the

best practices to rehabilitate soldiers with mild, moderate

or severe traumatic brain injuries to enable them to return

to their own communities, therefore be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives designate July

7, 2010, as ``Combat-Related Brain Injury and Post Traumatic

Stress Disorder Awareness Day'' in Pennsylvania to promote

public understanding and encourage all citizens to help bind

the wounds of our returning soldiers.

Madam Speaker, I would like to commend State Representative Barbin for his advocacy on behalf of this important cause.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1411) honoring the service and commitment of the 111th Fighter Wing, Pennsylvania Air National Guard, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the resolution under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1411, recognizing the service and sacrifice of the members of the 111th Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard. I would like to thank my colleague from Pennsylvania (Ms. Schwartz) for bringing this resolution before the House.

The distinguished history of the 111th Fighter Wing began in 1924. Since then, the men and women of this outstanding unit have, with great honor and dignity, represented the finest of America's Armed Forces. Thoroughly immersed in the greatest conflict of our time, they protected the coasts of New England, aided missions in the China-Burma- India theater of World War II, and earned the Distinguished Unit Citation for their contributions to the invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge.

Members of the 111th Fighter Wing also remained involved during the Korean and Vietnam wars, honorably performing various airlift missions in support of the war efforts.

The 111th Fighter Wing has not shied from battle, but has time and time again demonstrated their dedication to defending the United States and its principles. The 111th Fighter Wing volunteered to deploy in support of Operation Southern Watch and Operation Enduring Freedom on very short notice immediately following the September 11 attacks of 2001.

To honor their commitment and to recognize their contributions by voluntarily deploying to the heart of the conflict in two separate combat operations within a 5-month period, the 111th Fighter Wing was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, with Valor.

Madam Speaker, the courage and commitment consistently demonstrated by the 111th Fighter Wing over the last 86 years deserves the thanks of the United States Congress today. The success of the United States is contingent upon the bravery and honor of units like the 111th Fighter Wing.

I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the patriotism and valor of the 111th Fighter Wing by supporting House Resolution 1411.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to my friend and colleague and the sponsor of this resolution, the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Schwartz).

Madam Speaker, I would like to commend Ms. Schwartz for her leadership in bringing the 111th to our attention and honoring their service.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1483) recognizing the exemplary service and sacrifice of the soldiers of the 14th Armored Division of the United States Army, known as the Liberators, during World War II, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the resolution under consideration.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1483, recognizing the exemplary service and sacrifice of the soldiers of the 14th Armored Division of the United States Army, known as the Liberators, during World War II. I'm very grateful to my colleague from Georgia, Dr. Gingrey, for his work in authoring this resolution.

Madam Speaker, the distinctive designation ``Liberator'' is a title well-earned by the brave men of the 14th Armored Division for their valor, heroism, and sacrifice in the Allied invasion of Western Europe and the liberation of prisoners of war, forced laborers, and concentration camps.

Crossing over the Danube River in southern Germany through the concentration camps at Dachau, the troops of the 14th Armored Division became witness to evidence of some of the most appalling and brutal atrocities the world has ever seen. The resolve in the face of unspeakable evil is testament to the strength of their conviction in the American ideals of freedom and democracy that eventually led the Allies to victory in 1945.

As the soldiers of the 14th Armored Division advanced toward the Stalag VII A POW camp near Moosburg, Allied prisoners of war, including American soldiers, sailors, and airmen waited in nervous hope as the sounds of fighting and the prospect of their own freedom grew even closer. Despite being outnumbered by SS troops, the men of the 14th fought valiantly to overpower them and went on to carry out the liberation of one of the largest POW camps in Germany.

The flag of the 14th Armored Division, along with those of many other liberating units, is displayed at the entrance of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum as a permanent reminder of the courage of these and other American liberators who put their own lives in danger so that others could be free from oppression and fear.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to recognize and commend the service of the soldiers of the 14th Armored Division, of whom it has been said that heroism, sacrifice, and achievements above and beyond the call of duty were everyday occurrences, by voting in favor of House Resolution 1483.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I urge support of H. Res. 1483. I commend Dr. Gingrey for his leadership.

I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to address the egregious actions taken by both the House and Senate against unemployed Americans. Members of this body have continued to vote against extending benefits to millions of Americans who need it the most right now. While these citizens are facing the worst job market that this Nation has seen in generations, these Members have turned their backs on them. They claim that the Restoration of Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act is budget-busting legislation. Madam Speaker, any bill whose intention is to assist 14.7 million jobless Americans while adding a needed infusion of cash into our still fragile economy is not budget-busting legislation. It is the right legislation.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has claimed that the Republicans continue to block the extension of unemployment benefits because they are not ``willing to use worthwhile programs as an excuse'' to create ``even bigger national debt than we've already got.'' Where were these same Republicans when we began our descent into fiscal disarray? Where were the Republicans when our national debt doubled when they had control of the White House and Congress? Where were the Republicans in stopping this atrocity from taking place?

And with that, I would like to put a chart up that some of my former colleagues used to show where we were

and where we came from. In western Pennsylvania, where I'm from, many times I've been taught over the years that you have to look back to see where you were to know where you're going. And I think this chart shows pretty dramatically where we were just a decade ago and where the last administration brought us.

Republicans have made a political calculation and decided to present this as a debate about our national debt. If we look back at history, we can see this new mantra of fiscal responsibility heralded by the Republican Party of today was not what they lived by a few years ago. Our national debt grew to enormous numbers because of actions Republicans have taken in the past decade. Let us not forget, when President Bush came into office in 2001, he inherited a $236 billion budget surplus, 2.4 percent of our total GDP. This was the first surplus of this magnitude in the history of our country. These surpluses were projected to continue for at least the next 10 years.

According to a Congressional Budget Office report on the Economic Outlook for the Next Decade published in January of 2000, if the policies in place under President Clinton were maintained, total surpluses would have accumulated to between $3.2 and $4.2 trillion over the next 10 years. With these surpluses, it was projected that the Treasury would have sufficient cash on hand sometime between 2007 and 2009 to retire all debt held by the public. Now, let me read that to you again. With these surpluses, it was projected that the Treasury would have sufficient cash on hand sometime between 2007 and 2009 to retire all debt held by the public.

Madam Speaker, we've come a long way from the days of President Clinton, and it's been under the Republican leadership that this descent has taken place. As a country, we were on a path towards true fiscal responsibility and recovery. Rather than demand that we use these funds to eradicate our national debt then, Republicans dwindled our surplus on unpaid programs that greatly benefited the wealthiest citizens in our Nation. The Economic Growth--and I love the titles--the Economic Growth and Tax Reconciliation Act of 2001 passed the Republican Congress and was signed by President Bush, and it was an unpaid tax cut for the rich.

The CBO revised its economic outlook at the beginning of 2002 to reflect the changes in spending policy that have taken place during President Bush's first year. Although they still projected surpluses, the total amount had dropped by $4 trillion under the prior year's estimate; $2.4 trillion, or 60 percent, of that decline was attributed to laws enacted in 2001, including the Bush tax cuts. When the tax policy was studied for its long-term impact on our national budget, it was determined that the plan would cost us $1.35 trillion over 10 years. At the end of fiscal year 2002, we reported our first budget deficit since 1997 in the amount of $157.8 billion. Even then, there were no trumpets sounded by the Republicans to reverse our spending habits to pay down the national debt. In fact, they continued to embrace policies that would lead us deeper and deeper into the financial black hole we see ourselves in today.

In 2003, there was a second round of major tax cuts enacted. The law accelerated previous provisions from the 2001 cuts while enacting new terms. Here we go with these great titles. The Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 was projected to increase Federal budget deficits by $349.7 billion in the next 10 years. From 2001 to 2008, the Republicans added $4.9 trillion to our national debt, bringing it to a total of $10.6 trillion by the time President Obama took office. The Republican leadership was able to turn a projected $4 trillion surplus into a nearly $5 trillion budget deficit in a matter of 8 years.

Madam Speaker, 2008 was a trying year for all Americans. We witnessed a dramatic dip in housing prices, a skyrocketing number of foreclosed homes, the failing of financial institutions, what appeared to be a full collapse of our banking system, and the loss of 3.1 million American jobs by the end of the year. It was a catastrophe on a magnitude this Nation had not seen in decades. The economic meltdown prompted President Bush's Treasury Secretary Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke to visit the Speaker's Office on Thursday, September 18 of that year to deliver information to congressional leaders on our country's dire economic situation.

The Treasury Secretary and Chairman of the Fed described how, under the Bush administration, our economy had reached the equivalent of driving a tanker off of Allegheny Mountain. They believed that a serious government intervention was needed in order to rescue the system. On Saturday, September 20, a mere 2 days after this briefing, the Treasury Department delivered a three-page proposal to Congress asking for $700 billion and giving the Secretary authority to purchase mortgage-related assets from any financial institution.

In a hearing held by the House Financial Services Committee on the financial crisis, Secretary Paulson stated this major outlay of government money was needed to restore confidence in our financial markets and financial institutions so that they can perform their mission of supporting future prosperity and growth. The CBO estimated that the bill, signed by President Bush on October 4, 2008, in its entirety, including several tax provisions added on to it, would increase the national debt by $814 billion.

In the 8 years that President Bush and his administration led this country, they doubled our national debt. Not once did Republicans stand up to say the Bush administration and the Republican-controlled Congress were responsible for this. But now when Americans are in need of help, the Republicans refuse to offer it.

The financial crisis left a lasting effect on our country. Not only were Wall Street and our Nation's financial institutions left in disarray, but millions of Americans were left without jobs. Our unemployment rate jumped to 7.4 percent at the end of December 2008 and now stands over 9 percent. Americans are suffering because of this crisis and are in dire need of assistance, yet Republicans believe that it is politically astute to deny millions of American families the aid they need to put food on their tables while searching for a job during this difficult time.

When the House took up the Restoration of Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act on July 1, it passed by a 270-153 vote. It is wonderful that 270 Members of this body see the needs of the people and are appropriately providing for them, yet 80 percent of the Republicans in the House opted to continue being the party of ``no.''

Nearly all Republicans in the Senate decided to do the same. They continue to turn their backs on American families in need.

Republicans believe that this is all in the name of fiscal responsibility. How is denying Americans needed funding to support their families fiscally irresponsible?

Not only do these funds help American families, they help the American economy. One reason there is not enough jobs right now is weak consumer demand. CBO has found that extending unemployment benefits to be one of the most cost-effective and fast-acting ways to stimulate the economy.

Every dollar in unemployment benefits creates at least $1.64 in economic activity, as opposed to the 29 cents the Bush tax cuts would generate if extended, according to chief economist Mark Zandi of moodys.com. Virtually every dollar from unemployment benefits would be quickly spent on living expenses with the purchase of goods and services.

The CBO projected that the Restoration of Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 2010 would cost $33 billion, which works out to be about $2,200 per unemployed person of those 14.7 million people. This is roughly seven-thousandths of 1 percent of the debt amassed by the Republicans under the Bush administration. Yet the Republicans now want to claim fiscal responsibility. Providing these benefits is fiscally responsible and, more than that, it's a moral responsibility.

In the month of May, the State of Pennsylvania had a 9.1 percent unemployment rate. And in my area in southwest Pennsylvania we see many counties that are still hovering around the 10 percent market. While I was in the district over this past week I heard

many stories about families and how they're hurting while I was around visiting them.

At a senior center I talked to a young woman whose husband used to work in one of the factories in Johnstown. He worked there for 30 years. They paid their taxes. They did everything that they were supposed to do. Now his unemployment benefits are running out, but the Republican Members in this body and in the Senate feel it's not important enough to pass the emergency unemployment benefits.

One unemployed constituent lost her car because she's unable to make her payments once she stopped receiving the benefits in June. She's now left to find a jobs with no means of transportation, but that's not important enough for the folks in this body.

I received this letter last week from one of my constituents who desperately needs Congress to pass the unemployment extension. Her letter reads, ``I am writing this message to tell you about the harm that failure to extend unemployment is causing for my family. Both my husband and I lost jobs through no fault of our own, like millions of other Americans. We have worked hard and paid taxes for a combined total of 71 years; two of these include my husband's 2 years in the military service.

``We have tried to get work since being laid off over a year and a half ago. My husband has worked for the Census.'' Remember, those are some of those jobs that have been noted that they're not real jobs. ``My husband has worked for the Census a few weeks each of these past 2 years, but that will end soon. I have tried to get work during the past 2 years, but so far have not found anything. I have read that for every job that opens in Pennsylvania, there are five workers that would need it.

``We feel that we have been let down. Our country has bailed out companies and banks, and has saved high-paying jobs and bonuses, but feels it is too expensive to continue to help the unemployed. Some say that there are jobs out there that people aren't taking. I would like to know what they are and especially whether they are jobs that my husband and I could do.''

Now, this is western Pennsylvania. The people in my district want to work. Sometimes there isn't work though, and they need the help that these unemployment benefits offer. And it really, it hurts my feelings and it angers me that this body can turn that kind of help down.

``Most of our 71 years of work have been in public libraries, which are hurting more than any other service from huge cuts by the State and local governments.

``I don't know how Congressmen and Senators can take a break when millions of Americans' lives are on hold. We can't make the rent or mortgage, pay for prescription drugs, feed and clothe our children, put gas into our cars so that we can continue to look for jobs and many other necessities.''

And just as a side note, before I continue the speech that my staff and I put together, in western Pennsylvania we've seen the loss of jobs over many years. It used to be the hub of the steel industry of this country. Well, steel left in the late seventies and early eighties, and we've been fighting to create jobs in western Pennsylvania for a long time. We're a very hard working people. We do the best job that we can.

And why I'm so angered by the rhetoric that's been thrown around about this unemployment extension of unemployment benefits is these are hard working people, and if the jobs were there they'd be working. They're not looking for any kind of handout. But sometimes you need help, and that's all they're asking for.

She goes on to say, ``I would like for you to share this letter with other Congressmen and Senators. I hope that you will all realize that we did not ask for this situation and would be glad to return to work if only we could.

``The unemployed need help and we need it fast. Please work as hard as you can to get our benefits back.''

Madam Speaker, these families, like millions of other American families, need our help. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass the Restoration of Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act and provide our citizens the help they require in this time of crisis.

And again, let me reference where we were and then where we went.

This is not budget busting. This is helping men and women who are in need.

Madam Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 10 o'clock and 34 minutes p.m.), the House adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, July 14, 2010, at 10 a.m.

Madam Speaker, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our nation, I rise today to honor Mr. Lloyd Stufft of New Kensington, Pennsylvania. Mr. Stufft is a tireless volunteer and patriot who has made it his personal mission to honor deceased veterans buried in the Alle-Kiski region of the 12th Congressional District.

Growing up in rural Somerset County, Mr. Stufft joined the Army and served during World War II. He was deeply affected by what he saw. While stationed in France, he spent time burying veterans and maintaining their graves. After joining the American Legion, he continued to care for the graves of deceased veterans, and for the last 40 years, has volunteered as the graves-registration officer for the Robert L. Davies Post No. 868 of Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania. In this role he tends the graves of all the servicemen and women who served in the United States military. He ensures that each grave has an American flag and a marker denoting a veteran's military branch as well as service in any wars.

For the 50th anniversary of World War II, Mr. Stufft put together a color lithograph display of European cemeteries that contain the graves of American service members. In addition, he put together photo books of these cemeteries, including the French cemeteries where he helped to bury veterans and maintain their graves. This work has helped many people find out where their loved ones are buried.

To honor his service, the Pennsylvania American Legion presented Mr. Stufft with the Blue Cap Award for Legionnaire of the Year.

In addition to serving his fellow veterans, Mr. Stufft also cares for his loving wife of 62 years, Mrs. Jeneane Stufft.

Madam Speaker, I wish to conclude my remarks by thanking Mr. Lloyd Stufft for everything he has done to honor our deceased veterans. He is a man who lives by the ideals of the 4th of July every day, and has truly made a difference.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize this July 4th as the 234th anniversary of our great country and also as the 50th anniversary of the Stars and Stripes that fly above our Capitol and across our Nation today. On July 4, 1960, the red, white, and blue flag rose high above our Nation as an emblem of our national pride and freedom, representing the now 50 States that came together to form a more perfect union.

Old Glory originally came to be by an act of the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. It is marked in the journal of the Continental Congress ``that the flag of the United States be made of 13 stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.''

From this day forward, the symbol of our great Nation was born. The flag itself was not produced until the late 18th century, characterized by the famous circle of 13 stars representing the 13 original colonies of Delaware, the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island.

Although not enunciated by any act of Congress, the colors of the flag have come to have a special meaning. In a report written by Secretary of the Continental Congress Charles Thomson, the colors and the seal of the United States are defined as: white, signifying purity and innocence; red, hardiness and valor; and blue, signifying vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

Through the centuries of its existence, the flag has undergone a number of changes. The first went into effect after the signing of the Flag Act of 1794 by President George Washington. This act of Congress changed the number of stars on the flag to 15 to accommodate for Kentucky and Vermont, the newly admitted States into the Union. It also called for 15 stripes to go on the flag, the only official flag not to possess 13 stripes.

The Flag Act of 1818, signed into law by President James Monroe, the last Founding Father to serve as President, set the common standard for today's flag. It pronounced that all official United States flags must have 13 stripes to represent the original 13 colonies and one star to represent each State in the Union.

The final change to our Nation's great emblem of freedom came by an Executive order issued in 1959 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It announced the addition of Hawaii into the Union and also prescribed the arrangement of the stars in nine rows staggered horizontally and 11 rows of stars staggered vertically.

More than 1,500 designs for the new flag were submitted to the White House. It was a 50-star flag created for a class project by a young man named Robert Heft that would become adopted by our country. Young Robert, a 17-year-old student from Lancaster, Ohio, originally received a B minus for the project. Our Nation received a new symbol of our freedom.

As stated by law, on July 4 of the following year, the flag was hoisted up and now stands as the great emblem of our Nation. It is with purity in our hearts that every American, especially our valorous servicemembers here at home and abroad, look to the red, white, and blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

As we all celebrate our Nation's birth this Fourth of July, I would like to reflect upon our independence, our values, and what it means to be an American as a fitting tribute to the 50th anniversary of the current flag of the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1153) recognizing the heroic efforts of the West Virginia National Guard and local responders for their work rescuing 17 individuals from a downed military helicopter on a rugged, snow-covered mountain on the Pocahontas-Randolph county line.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1153, recognizing the heroic efforts of the West Virginia National Guard and local responders for their work rescuing 17 people from a downed military helicopter on a rocky, snow-covered mountain on the Pocahontas-Randolph county line. I would like to thank my colleague from West Virginia, Mr. Rahall, for putting this resolution together.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to spend this time recognizing the individuals and organizations involved in the execution of this tremendous rescue.

On February 18, 2010, a West Virginia Army National Guard HH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, skillfully piloted by a native of Bluefield, West Virginia, Major Kevin Hazuka, located the downed aircraft in extremely difficult circumstances. The snow and ice of the Pocahontas-Randolph county line at the time was treacherous, and the valor of Major Kevin Hazuka should be commended by all.

I would like to commend Staff Sergeant Nicole Hopkins and Specialist Casey Dunfee, two West Virginia Army National Guard flight medics. Sergeant Hopkins and Specialist Dunfee were lowered to the site in order to provide medical care throughout the night as rescue workers labored their way to the survivors.

Thanks are also deserved to the pilot of the 130th Airlift Wing of the West Virginia National Guard who assisted by orbiting the crash site in a C-130 Hercules aircraft in order to facilitate vital communication.

Volunteers, civilians, service men and women alike all gave a hand to help rescue the survivors. The Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort assisted by providing invaluable machinery and staff to help evacuate the injured.

Local West Virginians helped by donating snowmobiles that enabled first responders to reach the site. The Shavers Fork Volunteer Fire and Rescue Unit was instrumental in using special equipment and snowmobiles to clear a path to the location of the crash.

The Valley Head Fire Department, Northern Greenbrier EMS, Greenbrier County Ambulance, White Sulphur Springs EMS, Cass Rescue, and Greenbank National Radio Astronomy Observatory staff all provided extremely vital support for the effort. In addition, the Pocahontas County Emergency Management, West Virginia State Police, Pocahontas County Sheriff's Department, Pocahontas County 911, and the U.S. Forest Service also lent a hand in order to help assist the victims of the crash. The coordination and support they provided was also invaluable.

Finally, the Bartow-Frank-Durbin Volunteer Fire and Rescue made a valiant attempt to approach the crash site from the north side with support from the State of West Virginia Departments of Natural Resources and Highways, neighboring Randolph and Tucker County Sheriff Departments and EMS units, Elkins, Harmon, and Huttonsville-Mill Creek Volunteer Fire Departments, and the American Red Cross.

Mr. Speaker, this resolution acknowledges and thanks the West Virginia National Guard, local first responders, and volunteers around the area for their successful efforts to rescue the 17 individuals. House Resolution 1153 recognizes the courage, ability, and determination of West Virginians.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my friend and colleague and the sponsor of this resolution, the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall).

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Becky Piscitella, an outstanding teacher who was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) by President Barack Obama earlier this month

Ms. Piscitella teaches eleventh grade mathematics at Richland High School, located in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. She is the only teacher in Pennsylvania to receive this prestigious award this year.

The PAEMST award is given annually to the country's top pre-college level science and mathematics teachers. Ms. Piscitella's award is well deserved as her work promotes science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. The opportunity for students to receive STEM education is crucial for our nation's competitiveness and future economic welfare. I am delighted that students in the 12th Congressional District of Pennsylvania are able to become the next generation of innovators and leaders because of educators like Ms. Piscitella.

Madam Speaker, I conclude my remarks by congratulating her on this exceptional recognition of her talents, her dedication, and her passion for helping our students succeed. I wish her well as she continues to inspire our young scholars.

Mr. Speaker, getting our economy back on track and creating new jobs is the priority of my constituents and a top priority of my own.

The Democratic Congress has already taken significant steps to create jobs and jump-start the economy, resulting in the lowest tax rates in over 50 years and the creation of over 500,000 new jobs so far this year. The American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act continues these efforts.

Current tax law allows companies here in the United States to be rewarded for shipping American jobs overseas. This is unconscionable, and American workers deserve better. This legislation includes provisions that close these tax loopholes and protects jobs here at home. This legislation will also continue to provide hard-working American families with the relief they deserve, relief on property taxes, sales taxes, and college tuition.

Mr. Speaker, the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act is another important step to creating new jobs and jump-starting our economy.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

I also would like to thank my wife, Nancy, my two beautiful children, Sadie and Joe, my entire family and Mrs. Murtha for their support. I also want to thank the people of Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District, who I am honored to represent. Today I begin your work.

This moment is bittersweet for me because I wouldn't be here right now if Jack Murtha hadn't left us too soon. I have thought about the many lessons Congressman Murtha taught me. He always said to me, ``It's always about the work.'' It is. And I'm going to work tirelessly every day in Congress for the families of western Pennsylvania. The people of western Pennsylvania, just like so many across the country, are struggling right now. The challenges we are facing are unprecedented. My priority is to put western Pennsylvanians and families across the country back to work, and I am going to fight every day, moving forward to do my part to help create good-paying American jobs. I know all of us share this commitment to getting our country back to work, and I'm optimistic that we can all come together to make this a reality on behalf of all of our constituents.

Jack Murtha spent his life working to bring jobs and opportunity to our communities. That was his fight for 36 years, and our communities are far better because of it. While nobody can fill his shoes, I now have the extraordinary honor of continuing his fight for jobs and following in his footsteps to Congress. I am honored to be here, and I pledge to my constituents that no one will work harder for them than I will. Thank you very much.