Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to address my colleagues here on the House floor one last time and to express my heartfelt gratitude for what has been the greatest honor of my lifetime.

Twelve years ago, I was sent here to Washington to represent the people of northeastern Pennsylvania, a region defined by its natural beauty, rich industrial heritage, and honest, hardworking residents.

When I was elected, I vowed to be an effective legislator, somebody who would put aside party politics and work across the aisle to pass legislation meaningful to the lives not just of my constituents back home but of all Americans, and I did that.

In my 12 years here, I have had fully 16 bills, pieces of substantive legislation passed into law by the past three Presidents. These are laws that are actively protecting our Nation's veterans, preserving our environment, reducing government waste, and helping government work more efficiently.

I have also worked to restore passenger rail between Scranton, Pennsylvania, and New York City. After more than 12 years of hard work, we are finally on the cusp of seeing that come true, thanks in large part to the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure law we passed last Congress.

I seek to give credit to my outstanding staff, including former members of Team Cartwright, who are amazing people who worked so hard.

To my district staff, former State Senator John Blake, Bob Morgan, April Niver, Tammy Aita, Colleen Gerrity, Jonas Crass, Christa Mecadon, Wendy Wilson, Lee Anne Pugliese, Len Namiotka, Tyler McAlpine, Michael Marsyada, Sabrina McLaughlin, Anne Lauritzen, and Chris Garza; and to my staff here in D.C., my formidable Chief of Staff Hunter Ridgway, Rachel Cohen, Kaylee Robinson, Jeremy Marcus, Stephen Coffey, Samuel Negatu, Karina Hull, RT Rogers, Laura Masterton, Lily Fortsch, Aliza Oppenheim, Daniela Amodei, Anna Mason, Jacob Feit, and Casey Wilson, your work has directly touched the lives of so many in our district and America.

A thank-you is also in order for the outstanding staff on the Appropriations Committee who worked for me. Clerk Bob Bonner and staff members Shannon McCully, Faye Cobb, Nora Faye, and Jamie Wise have been so valuable to me during my time as chair and ranking member of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee.

None of my work or success would have been possible without the unending support of my family: my sons, Jack and Matty, and their partners, Dr. Tim DeVita and Dr. Celeste Pallone; the wonderful support from the whole family; and my rock, my North Star, my wonderful wife, attorney Marion Munley Cartwright. I thank her for letting me go on this 12-year junket. It has been a real party.

Madam Speaker, this is the United States Congress. When you make it here, you have made it to the major leagues of world politics.

I have seen it all here in 12 years. I have seen stupendous skullduggery and treachery, and I have observed Olympic-caliber levels of obsequiousness, but I have also served with the best people I have ever met in my life.

These are people whom you look up to, people whom you admire, and men and women whom you would do anything for. Your only regret is that you didn't know them your entire life. It has been my honor to serve alongside them.

In the darkling predawn light of a spring day in May 1775, when Ethan Allen attacked the British garrison at Fort Ticonderoga at the beginning of the American Revolution, he demanded that the British surrender the fort in the name of the great God Jehovah and the Continental Congress.

I am here to say that I have gotten to know the latter. It has been my honor to serve in the latter and to get to know the latter, and now I am off in search of the former.

Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the remarkable three decades that my constituent, Christine French Cully, served as an editor, editor in chief, executive vice president, chief purpose officer, and brand ambassador at Highlights for Children, Inc., as edited in Honesdale, Pennsylvania.

Chris Cully contributed immeasurably to the success and growth of Highlights, as well as to the public esteem of the brand, by her wise decisions and extensive contributions to the Highlights editorial and business departments. She maintained the highest level of quality in her own work, serving as an advocate for children and keeping their best interests in mind throughout her career. She dedicated herself to helping millions of children become their best selves--curious, creative, caring, and confident--and personally answered thousands of their letters and emails, some of which have been compiled into her book, Dear Highlights: What Adults Can Learn from 75 Years of Letters and Conversations with Kids.

Chris' foresight, vision, and deep understanding of the goals and philosophy of Highlights magazine helped her oversee the expansion of the way the company served children, reaching to include a wide range of communications realms, including digital formats, licensing partnerships, international initiatives, products to support parents and teachers, and a robust presence in other media, including podcasts and videos.

Chris always labored to elevate and unify the children's publishing industry through her founding and hosting of annual retreats for magazine editors and through her personal and professional support of the Highlights Foundation and its workshops at the Chautauqua Institution as well as at its Boyds Mills campus. She also dedicated her time and energy in service to our region of the state through organizations such as Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania, Habitat for Humanity, and St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

Time and time again, Chris proved herself to be a masterful participant at functions and events of import to the community. She gave speeches and workshops, and she was regularly interviewed for national news media. She truly lived her cause and commitment. I am proud to express my heartfelt appreciation for her life's work and enduring legacy.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate this opportunity to speak about my bill, H.R. 1695, the SAMOSA Act, the Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act.

It is a signal mission, Chairman Comer, Ranking Member Raskin. It is a signal mission of the Oversight Committee to root out waste, fraud, and abuse and to take measures to correct such waste of money of the American taxpayers.

This legislation would require all Federal agencies to conduct a comprehensive assessment of their current software assets and restructure their operations to reduce unnecessary costs.

The U.S. Government is the largest single software customer in the world. Our Federal Government spends billions of taxpayer dollars every year on software licenses alone. Most of these software license purchases are purposeful, but some are redundant, duplicative, and simply unnecessary.

GAO reports have called out duplicative IT purchases and concluded that better tracking and inventory systems are necessary to avoid unnecessary purchases. Current software procurement processes lack transparency about what software assets are purchased and which ones are deployed by Federal agencies. In fact, many of the government software audits are done by the software vendors themselves. That is a stunning oversight.

Additionally, rigid software licensing agreements restrict vendor competition and prevent Federal agencies from accessing more cost- effective options.

Congress took a step to improve oversight of the Federal Government software assets purchases when my bill, the MEGABYTE Act that Ranking Member Raskin just mentioned, passed the House and was signed into law in 2016. I had the help of Republican Congressman Steve Russell from Oklahoma City, a fellow House Committee on Oversight and Reform member, on that.

The MEGABYTE Act directed agencies to maintain an inventory of software licenses and has saved American taxpayers over $450 million. H.R. 1695, the SAMOSA Act, builds on the MEGABYTE Act's success by requiring independent assessment of software license management practices and contracts.

This bill would also require chief information officers to develop plans to improve negotiating power against software vendors by requiring all Federal agencies to better track their software purchases. This commonsense bill would reduce waste, strengthen cybersecurity, and modernize government operations.

The Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets

Act, the SAMOSA Act, symbolizes good governance, and it is a commonsense, bipartisan solution.

Again, I thank Oversight Committee Chair Comer and Ranking Member Raskin for their support of my bill. I thank Senators Peters and Cassidy, both former House Members, for leading this measure in the United States Senate.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' and encourage swift passage of the SAMOSA Act through the Senate.

Mr. Speaker, today I recognize a remarkable milestone in northeastern Pennsylvania--Misericordia University's centennial anniversary. For 100 years, Misericordia has been a beacon of hope, education, and service in our community and beyond.

Founded by the Sisters of Mercy on September 15, 1924, the Sisters fulfilled Mother Superior Teresa Walsh's dream of establishing Luzerne County's first four-year institution of higher learning, College Misericordia, on nearly 100 acres of land in Dallas, Pennsylvania.

The name ``Misericordia'' translates to ``heart of mercy,'' which remains at the core of the university's mission to cultivate a transformational educational experience that promotes intellectual curiosity and critical thinking in a supportive and inclusive community to inspire students to engage in a life of service and global citizenship.

The history of Misericordia is deeply intertwined with the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy, whose origins trace back to the compassionate vision of their founder, Catherine McAuley.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1778, Sr. Catherine dedicated her life to serving the poor, sick, and uneducated. Sr. Catherine's words, ``The proof of love is deed,'' resonate powerfully within the halls of Misericordia University. Her vision for a compassionate, community- oriented approach to education and social service laid the groundwork for the Sisters of Mercy, who continue to inspire Misericordia's mission today.

The Sisters of Mercy arrived in the Wyoming Valley in 1875, earning the affectionate title ``The Walking Sisters'' as they tirelessly served the local community. Their work in education flourished, establishing schools for children and adults alike in response to the pressing needs of Northeastern Pennsylvania's coal mining region.

In September of 1924, Misericordia began with just 37 students, who were welcomed into a community committed to the school's motto: ``Mulier Fortis,'' meaning ``valiant women,'' symbolizing the spirit of scholarship and spirituality that has guided generations. Over the years, the university has grown significantly, attaining university status in 2007 and becoming co-educational in 1979.

Today, Misericordia offers over 50 academic programs, fostering leadership, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to service. The university continues to evolve and adapt, with innovative programs that reflect the needs of our changing world, including an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees in health sciences, business, education, and the liberal arts. The university also emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to engage with the community through service projects, internships, and research opportunities.

As we celebrate this centennial anniversary, we honor the enduring impact of Misericordia University and the vision that propelled its inception. The university has transformed countless lives, providing a nurturing environment that embraces diversity and fosters academic excellence. Its commitment to a student-centered approach continues to form and inspire the next generation of leaders.

As the member of the U.S. House representing Northeastern Pennsylvania, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Misericordia University, its faculty, staff, and students, on the remarkable milestone of celebrating 100 years. I look forward to witnessing the continued impact of Misericordia University for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize a remarkable and historic milestone that unites two communities across the Atlantic Ocean.

It is with great pride and joy that I announce the official designation of Old Forge, Pennsylvania, and Felitto, Italy, as sister cities.

This designation not only honors our shared heritage but also strengthens the bond of friendship and cultural exchange between our two communities.

Old Forge, situated in the heart of northeastern Pennsylvania, has long been a beacon of Italian-American culture. Known affectionately as the pizza capital of the world, Old Forge boasts a rich history that is deeply intertwined with the Italian immigrant experience.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, waves of immigrants from Felitto, a picturesque town in the Campania region of southern Italy, made their way to Old Forge, then known as Mudtown. Their arrival marked the beginning of a new chapter in the community's history, bringing with them their traditions, values, and of course, their beloved culinary heritage.

Felitto, located in the province of Salerno, is renowned for its artisanal fusilli pasta and its vibrant annual celebration, the Fusillo Festival. This festival is a testament to Felitto's commitment to family, community, and the joy of food.

The town's dedication to preserving its cultural traditions and fostering a strong sense of community is mirrored in the town of Old Forge.

The Felittese Association of Old Forge, now in its 35th year, hosts the city's annual Felittese Italian Festival on the second weekend in September in commemoration of Our Lady of Constantinople, who has been venerated in the town of Felitto since 1790.

Much like Felitto's Fusillo Festival, this annual celebration stands as a proud homage to Old Forge's Italian roots by celebrating the rich tapestry of Italian culture through home-cooked food and music with family, friends, and neighbors. It is a cherished tradition that underscores the deep connections that bind our two communities.

The sister city designation between Old Forge and Felitto represents more than just a symbolic gesture. It is a recognition of the shared heritage and enduring ties that unite the two places. It honors the legacy of the Italian immigrants who contributed so profoundly to Old Forge, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the United States of America, and acknowledges the vibrant culture that continues to thrive today.

This partnership will strengthen economic ties and enhance the mutual understanding between our two communities. It is a celebration of our shared history and a commitment to continuing the traditions that have enriched our lives and nations.

As we commemorate this new chapter in the relationship between Old Forge and Felitto, let us honor the contributions of the Italian immigrants who helped shape our communities. Their legacy lives on in the vibrant celebrations, the delectable cuisine, and the strong sense of community that defines both Old Forge and Felitto.

As a Member of the U.S. House representing northeastern Pennsylvania, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on this historic announcement and achievement. May this sister city relationship continue to flourish and bring us ever closer.

Mr. Speaker, today I recognize a remarkable and historic milestone for a cherished institution in the Eighth Congressional District of Pennsylvania: the 75th Anniversary of Congregation Beth Israel. Located in Honesdale, a picturesque borough nestled in the hills of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Congregation Beth Israel holds the esteemed title of being the oldest continually operating synagogue in America still in its original building.

In September of 1849, amidst the backdrop of thousands moving westward in search of new opportunities, eleven pioneering men gathered in a modest home on Main Street in Honesdale. In the flickering light of kerosene lamps, they made a commitment that would profoundly shape our community. They pledged to form a Jewish congregation to serve the members of the Jewish faith, laying the foundation for what would become a beacon of faith and perseverance.

By 1856, these visionaries celebrated the first services held in their new building on Court Street. This structure has withstood the test of time, continuing to serve as a spiritual home for generations. It truly is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the Jewish community in Honesdale.

Today, Congregation Beth Israel remains a living symbol of Northeastern Pennsylvania's rich heritage and bright future. Exemplifying this fact are the descendants of three of the congregation's original eleven families, who continue to play an active role in the synagogue's life and mission.

As we mark this 175th Anniversary, we celebrate not just a historical milestone but the vibrant, enduring spirit of Congregation Beth Israel. The synagogue is not only a cornerstone of our community's religious life but also a living testament to the dedication and faith of its members. The echoes of prayers and songs that fill the pews today are a reminder of the deep roots and unwavering commitment of this congregation.

It is with great pride and admiration that I recognize Congregation Beth Israel's 175 years of contributing to our community and to the broader American tapestry of religious and cultural diversity. The history and ongoing vitality of this institution serve as a powerful reminder of the strength and unity found in faith and community.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Congregation Beth Israel on this historic anniversary. I thank them for all they have done and continue to do for the Jewish community of Pennsylvania's Eighth Congressional District. May their congregation continue to thrive and inspire for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, today I recognize a remarkable and historic milestone that unites two communities across the Atlantic Ocean. It is with great pride and joy that I announce the official designation of Old Forge, Pennsylvania, and Felitto, Italy, as sister cities. This designation not only honors our shared heritage but also strengthens the bond of friendship and cultural exchange between our two communities.

Old Forge, situated in the heart of northeastern Pennsylvania, has long been a beacon of Italian-American culture. Known affectionately as the Pizza Capital of the World, Old Forge boasts a rich history that is deeply intertwined with the Italian immigrant experience.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, waves of immigrants from Felitto, a picturesque town in the Campania region of southern Italy, made their way to Old Forge, then known as Mudtown. Their arrival marked the beginning of a new chapter in the community's history, bringing with them their traditions, values, and, of course, their beloved culinary heritage.

Felitto, located in the province of Salerno, is renowned for its artisanal fusilli pasta and its vibrant annual celebration, the Fusillo Festival. This festival is a testament to Felitto's commitment to family, community, and the joy of food. The town's dedication to preserving its cultural traditions and fostering a strong sense of community is mirrored in the spirit of Old Forge.

The Felittese Association of Old Forge, now in its 35th year, hosts the city's annual Felittese Italian Festival on the second weekend in September in commemoration of Our Lady of Constantinople, who has been venerated in the town of Felitto since 1790. Much like Felitto's Fusillo Festival, this annual celebration stands as a proud homage to Old Forge's Italian roots by celebrating the rich tapestry of Italian culture through homecooked food and music with family, friends, and neighbors. It is a cherished tradition that underscores the deep connections that bind our two communities.

The sister city designation between Old Forge and Felitto represents more than just a symbolic gesture; it is a recognition of the shared heritage and enduring ties that unite us. It honors the legacy of the Italian immigrants who contributed so profoundly to Old Forge, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. and acknowledges the vibrant culture that continues to thrive today.

This partnership will strengthen economic ties and enhance the mutual understanding between our communities. It is a celebration of our shared history and a commitment to continuing the traditions that have enriched our lives and nations.

As we commemorate this new chapter in the relationship between Old Forge and Felitto, let us honor the contributions of the Italian immigrants who helped shape our communities. Their legacy lives on in the vibrant celebrations, the delectable cuisine, and the strong sense of community that define both Old Forge and Felitto.

As the Member of the U.S. House representing northeastern Pennsylvania, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on this historic achievement. May this sister city relationship continue to flourish, bringing us closer together.

Mr. Speaker, today I wish to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Township of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, a modern metropolitan hub with roots in our Nation's Industrial Revolution. I have always been proud of the heritage and history of the 8th Congressional District of Pennsylvania, which I have the privilege to represent, and the story of Wilkes-Barre Township is one I'm eager to share.

The Township of Wilkes-Barre, founded during America's Colonial Era, originally extended from the Susquehanna River to the Lehigh River. The Native American inhabitants of the region sold to Connecticut settlers rolling hills with endless forests, valley-wide vistas, and pristine watersheds nestled between these two major waterways.

Officially incorporated in 1774, Wilkes-Barre Township was named for two courageous Englishmen, John Wilkes and Colonel Isaac Barre, who supported colonial America and fought for our country's independence while serving in the British Parliament.

The Township's role in the 19th Century Industrial Boom began in 1849, when Moses Tammany left the shores of his beloved Ireland for a better life that was promised in America. Upon arrival in our region, Moses acquired most of the land that is now Wilkes-Barre Township for the sum of $12,000. Not long thereafter, the largest anthracite coal fields in the United States were discovered nearby, with coal companies purchasing up major parcels of Tammany's land as it contained the finest and purest anthracite coal deposits in the world.

Between the late 1800's and early 1900's, hundreds of thousands of European immigrants flocked to Wilkes-Barre Township to work in the mines, transforming the Wyoming Valley from an isolated farming area to a major metropolis and fueling America's Industrial Revolution.

When coal mining waned in the 1930s, the region developed a highly diversified manufacturing economy that includes glass, boilers, toys, steel fabrications, airplane parts and electronics.

Today, Wilkes-Barre Township serves as a commercial destination for Northeastern Pennsylvania thanks to the addition of the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza and several major shopping hubs, including the Arena Hub Plaza, Wilkes-Barre Township Commons, and the Wilkes-Barre Township Marketplace.

Throughout the past two-and-a-half centuries, the spirit of America has truly been portrayed in Wilkes-Barre Township and the heart of American history lies within.

I commend Mayor Carl Kuren and the citizens of Wilkes-Barre Township for their commitment and hard work in organizing a grand Semiquincentennial Celebration--250 years as a community and a township is certainly a cause for celebration.

I also congratulate Wilkes-Barre Township for withstanding the tests of time and for providing a welcoming community for friends, neighbors and visitors.

Therefore, Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I ask all Members of the House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute to Wilkes- Barre Township's 250th anniversary and wishing its residents many more years of good fortune.

Madam Speaker, I wish to add my voice to those speaking in memory of and in honor of Corey Comperatore.

I talk a lot in this Chamber about putting people over politics, and that is what we are doing here, we Pennsylvanians tonight, in memory of Corey Comperatore.

When you sign up to serve in the U.S. military, you agree to be willing to give up your life, if necessary, for the cause of freedom and for everything we hold dear in these United States.

When you go out of your way to serve as a volunteer firefighter for three decades, you put the well-being of others, their homes and their businesses, above your own personal safety.

When you spend the last moments of your life shielding your family members from gunfire, you show your true character: bravery.

Corey Comperatore wasn't just brave. He was steadfast. He was a devoted father, husband, dedicated church member, and the kind of person who raised the spirits of those around him, always extending a helping hand to others and helping be the kind of close-knit community that makes Pennsylvania a great place to live.

It is no wonder that scores of firefighters and other first responders and neighbors have rallied around Corey's family in their time of need. Here in the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C., our hearts are with them, too.

We also continue to pray for the recovery of James Copenhaver and David Dutch, both still in serious condition in hospital care.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Larson for yielding. I wonder if he would submit himself to a few questions and engage in a colloquy.

Will the gentleman yield?

The first question I have, and we heard it tonight, we heard the statement, the assertion that Social Security for generations has been the single most important income support program in America and has lifted millions upon millions of seniors out of poverty.

Is that true?

We have also heard talk about this Republican Study Committee, which is a group of 80 percent of the Republicans here in the United States House of Representatives, and it is a committee that came up with a proposal about Social Security to raise the retirement age and require seniors to continue working into their senior years.

Is that true?

Mr. Speaker, I have one final question for Ranking Member Larson.

This idea of raising the retirement age, as the gentleman has explained very well, constitutes a cut in benefits for every year Republicans raise it. Economists have worked out how much that is going to cost out of the Social Security system.

The majority's plan is to raise the retirement age and cut Social Security benefits by $1.5 trillion, with a t. That is what happens when you raise the retirement age to 69 the way Republicans want to. Is that right?

Mr. Speaker, Ranking Member Larson has that right, and I thank the gentleman for answering my questions.

Tonight, I am here to speak on behalf of 191,000 people from northeastern Pennsylvania who depend on Social Security checks coming in to keep them alive. Probably over 40 percent of them look to those checks as the only visible means of support that they have.

Now, the Republican Study Committee's fiscal year 2025 proposal comes along and talks about raising the retirement age to 69. That is fine if, like us, you fly a desk for a living, but if you do what so many Americans do, the people who paid paycheck after paycheck after paycheck into this sacred promise, this insurance program, FICA, if you do what they do--they have to lift and climb and carry and dig. These are the people doing manual labor, and they are expected to work well into their senior years, according to the Republican Study Committee.

Mr. Speaker, this is a breach of a promise. It is a betrayal of the Americans who paid into this system their entire working lives. It is unacceptable, and it is something that the Republicans have done year in and year out.

Remember when, in 2006, Republicans were proposing privatizing the entire Social Security system, saying that will free up people to invest their money in the stock market. Then what happened to the stock market a couple of years later? It cratered. People would have lost their entire lifesavings, and there would have been no checks of any nature coming into their post office boxes.

Mr. Speaker, the answer is not cutting benefits. The answer is Social Security 2100, Mr. Larson's bill, something that I have proudly supported for over 10 years now.

This bill would increase benefits by 2 percent for all Social Security beneficiaries for the first time in 52 years. It would eliminate the WEP, which hurts policemen, firemen, prison correctional officers, all sorts of public employees.

Rather than cutting benefits, Representative Larson and the Democratic Party have a plan to protect and enhance Social Security. It is a plan to put people over politics and make good on our promise to put American seniors first and pass Social Security 2100.

Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the 2024 Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame inductees. This year's class of sports superstars includes multiple U.S. Olympians and All-American athletes, an Ironman Triathlete and Ultramarathoner, dedicated coaches, and more.

Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the state of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors.

This year's inductees include:

Francis Xavier Baur of Shavertown--Football and Basketball

Frederick ``Fritz'' Bleich of Hanover Township--Wrestling

Qadry ``Missile'' Ismail of Wilkes-Barre--Football and Track & Field

Raghib ``Rocket'' Ismail of Wilkes-Barre--Football and Track & Field

Samuel ``Sam'' Hyder of Hanover Township--Karate International Competitor

Sean Ribbons, Esq. of Dallas--Ironman Triathlete and Ultra Marathoner

Jayson Terdiman of Berwick--U.S. Winter Olympics Luge 2014 and 2018

Ray Yakavonis of Hanover Township--Football and Track & Field

Edward Zawatski of Larksville--Swimming and Water Polo Athlete and Coach

Taylor Lillian Dean of Mountaintop--Figure Skating U.S. Olympics Committee Representative

Amanda Faust of Larksville--Field Hockey Athlete and Coach

Sara Silvetti of Mountaintop--Field Hockey U.S. Olympics Alternative 2008

Each person honored has made sports history through their outstanding feats of athletic achievement here at home and in many cases around the world. They have left an indelible mark on regional athletics, and I am pleased to celebrate their contributions to our sports communities in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

It is an honor to recognize these 12 talented individuals on their induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May their stories and impressive careers inspire the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving for excellence.

Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the centennial anniversary of The Wyoming Valley Children's Association. For a century, this noble association has been an integral part of our community in Northeast Pennsylvania, providing children with a variety of developmental conditions an inclusive environment to discover and develop into curious learners and compassionate citizens.

Founded in 1924 by members of the Rotary Club of Wilkes-Barre and Community Chest, the Wyoming Valley Children's Association was formed to provide support for children with disabilities. Over the last 100 years, the association has grown to support the needs of children with a wide range of disabilities and developmental delays through fundraisers, specialized programs, events for the children and more.

Today, the Wyoming Valley Children's Association strives to eliminate the effects of development delays through therapeutic services and quality education, believing in every child's unique potential. The Together We Grow Preschool is among its most impactful programs as it provides a warm, nurturing atmosphere for children to begin to develop their abilities. The association also offers Early Intervention programs, homebased therapy and education services for children from birth through three years of age.

The association's kindergarten program, which began in 2019, creates an environment rich in learning and social opportunities and features unique, inclusive classrooms focused on individual growth and developmental success for each and every student.

The Wyoming Valley Children's Association has had nothing but a positive impact on our community. For 100 years, the Wyoming Valley Children's Association has been caring for and supporting the children living in the Wyoming Valley and beyond. Its commitment to service, leadership and community has been an inspiration to all. I am honored to recognize the Wyoming Valley Children's Association's many achievements and would like to congratulate its members on this important milestone.

Mr. Speaker, today I recognize a very special constituent, Alek Richardson, whose unwavering optimism and unshakable courage will be celebrated on March 27 at the Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties' 2024 Celebration Awards. A resident of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, Alek is this year's deserving recipient of the organization's Education Achievement Award.

On December 9, 2023, Alex received a standing ovation at Slippery Rock University's commencement ceremony when he accepted his certificate for completing the requirements of the school's Rock Life program, a post-secondary education program for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Alek's journey to that moment was nothing short of momentous. Born in Ukraine, his devoted mother, Jean Richardson, recalls: ``The miracle story started nearly 30 years ago, when a social worker in Ukraine placed a 4.7-pound infant in my hands and said, `If you do not take him, he will die here.' ''

Upon arrival in the United States, the struggling infant was airlifted to a hospital and given little to no chance of survival. But Alek had other plans.

Five surgeries and six weeks later, Alek was taken off life support. Despite suffering apraxia to his brain--the result of permanent brain damage due to malnutrition, premature birth and significant medical trauma--Alek showed a resounding resilience that was nurtured over the past three decades by a selfless Jean, his champion and cheerleader for life.

Slippery Rock University's motto encourages students to live like a ROCK (Resilient, Optimistic, Courageous and Kind). Alek Richardson has embodied these noble traits since birth. I congratulate Alek--and his mother, Jean--for the inspiration they've instilled across Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the Borough of White Haven, Pennsylvania, in honor of its bicentennial celebration. The Borough of White Haven is situated on the eastern edge of Luzerne County and borders the beautiful Lehigh River at the entrance of the Pocono Mountains.

White Haven was founded as a settlement in 1824, making it the oldest established community in this area of Luzerne County. Incorporated as a Borough in 1842, White Haven was named after Josiah White, an enterprising citizen and builder of the old-fashioned ``bear trap'' locks that made the Lehigh River navigable.

The early settlers could not have predicted the immense importance of White Haven in Pennsylvania's--and the nation's--economic growth and industrialization efforts. By the 1840s, anthracite coal mining was booming in the nearby Wyoming Valley and White Haven would become a central trade hub. A railroad was built from the Wyoming Valley to White Haven, where the canal system allowed the coal to be carried to market on barges. The Borough also boasted Pennsylvania's busiest lumber depots at the time, producing 20 million feet of lumber annually at its peak.

Today, White Haven is a quaint town featuring a main street with shops and restaurants and lovely tree-lined streets. It also serves as a recreational hub with the Lehigh Gorge State Park on its border and the Delaware and Lehigh Anthracite Trail in its downtown. With its picturesque views, charming architecture, and friendly residents, it is easy to see why so many choose to call White Haven home.

White Haven played a critical role in Pennsylvania's history and the industrialization of our nation. Over the past two centuries, the Borough has demonstrated a commitment to persistence and progress, a trend which will no doubt continue and contribute to the prosperity of this treasured community for centuries to come.

Mr. Speaker, today I recognize John D. McCarthy Jr., a resident of Shavertown, PA, whose entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to selfless service and passion for philanthropy personify the soul of our community. These qualities have earned him the distinguished honor of being recognized as the Greater Wilkes-Barre Friendly Sons of St. Patrick's 2024 Man of the Year.

As the member of the House representing Shavertown, in Luzerne County, I am grateful to have this opportunity to recognize John D. McCarthy, Jr.'s lifelong devotion to serving the NEPA region. A third- generation family business owner at McCarthy Tire Service, John continues his family's multigenerational commitment to ensuring the economic success of our local economy.

Founded in 1926 by John's grandfather Joseph, the first McCarthy Tire Service store was opened on Main Street in Wilkes-Barre in 1930. John's father, John ``Jack'' D. McCarthy, Sr., a former Man of the Year honoree, began working in the family business at age 12 as an oil bottle cleaner, and he rose through the ranks to become president in 1957. In 1962, Jack moved McCarthy Tire to its current site at 340 Kidder Street, added services for his customers and increased the workforce.

From a young age, John understood the value of teamwork and a fair deal as he, much like his father, worked in the family business in multiple roles from gas attendant to scrap tire removal. John believes that each role has made him a better leader. Since 1997, John has served as the President of McCarthy Tire Service and has overseen considerable growth of the company without altering his core values of hard work, honesty, and handshake deals.

Under John's leadership, McCarthy Tire Service has become the fifth- largest independent commercial tire dealer in the U.S. with over 75 locations and 1,500 teammates in eight states. In under three decades, John has added over 1,200 employees to the ever-growing company and plans to add more in the future--helping to ensure the economic success of NEPA while providing good-paying jobs and benefits for our residents.

John also knows the value of being an integral part of our community. He currently serves on the Board of Highmark Inc., AllOne Health Resources, AllOne Charities and AllOne Foundation. He has also served on past boards, including the Ecumenical Enterprises, Earth Conservancy, Villanova Business School, and Landmark Bank, along with serving on numerous tire industry councils.

In addition to these important roles, John continues to promote philanthropy throughout the communities in which McCarthy Tire Service operates, as his company has generously given to over 100 charities. John has continually expressed his intent on keeping McCarthy Tire Service headquartered in Wilkes-Barre and remains dedicated to giving back to the community that helped his grandfather start McCarthy Tire Service.

I congratulate John D. McCarthy, Jr. on being honored as the Greater Wilkes-Barre Friendly Sons of St. Patrick's 2024 Man of the Year. John's entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to selfless service and passion for philanthropy distinguish him. His character represents the very best of Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District, and I am proud to be his Representative in Washington.