Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete and northeastern Pennsylvania native Dr. Michael Portonova. Michael was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2020 for his distinct athletic achievements in the sport of tennis. He and his fellow inductees will be honored at a reception this spring.

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.

Michael is the son of Michael and Marydonna Portonova. He attended Bishop Haffey High School where he stood out as a star player on the tennis team. While at Bishop Haffey, he compiled a 56-0 regular season NEPTL record. He was a three-time Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) District 2AA Singles champion and a two-time bronze medalist at the PIAA State Singles Championship. Michael was ranked second in the United States Tennis Association's (USTA) Middle State Section in 2003-2004 and was ranked in the top 30 in the USTA National Boys' 18 and under division in 2003-2004.

Michael began his collegiate career playing Division I tennis at St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 2004, he won the Swarthmore Invitation at No. 2 Singles. He then transferred to King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where he held a 71-2 record and an undefeated record in Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) play during his 3-year career on the team.

For his efforts on the court, Michael was named MAC Player of the Year 3 years in a row (2005-2007), and he was the MAC Champion five times, twice for doubles and three times for singles. He was named to the MAC Conference All-Century Team in 2014.

After graduating from King's College with a degree in pre-medical biology, he went on to study chiropractic at New York Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls, New York. He completed a clinical residency in Long Island, New York. He owns and operates his own practice, Portonova Chiropractic LLC, as a solo practitioner in Hazleton, Pennsylvania.

It is an honor to recognize Michael on his induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May his story and athletic career serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving for excellence.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete, coach, and northeastern Pennsylvania native Paul Richards. Paul was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2020 for his distinct athletic achievements in the sport of swimming. He and his fellow inductees will be honored at a reception this spring.

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.

Paul grew up in South Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, in a family of avid swimmers. From 1968 to 1971, he swam for E.L. Meyers High School where he helped lead the team to four consecutive District II championships. He earned three individual championships in the 100 butterfly, 200 freestyle, and 400 freestyle. In 1968, he was named All-State in the 400 freestyle. He held the school records in the 50, 100, 200, and 400 freestyle; the 100 butterfly; and the 200 individual medley.

Paul continued his academic and athletic careers at Bloomsburg State College in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. He continued to excel in the pool, holding the school record in the 200 individual medley. He was a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) championship winning and record breaking 400 freestyle team which earned a berth at the 1974 national championship.

Paul's love of the sport led him to a four-decade collegiate coaching career. He began coaching at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, before moving to Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He spent the last 26 years coaching the Dickinson College Red Devils in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Paul found great success at Dickinson. He coached his teams to more than 500 career wins and nine conference championships. His swimmers have been named conference champions, national champions, and NCAA All- Americans. He has been recognized as Coach of the Year 10 times.

Paul has recently retired from coaching and teaching at Dickinson, and he lives in Carlisle with his wife, Jeanette.

It is an honor to recognize Paul on his induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May his story and athletic career serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving for excellence.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete and northeastern Pennsylvania native Judy Sholtis. Judy was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2020 for her distinct athletic achievements in the sports of basketball and softball. She and her fellow inductees will be honored at a reception this spring.

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.

Judy had a stand-out athletic career as a student at Bishop O'Reilly High School in Kingston, Pennsylvania, from 1978 to 1982, earning three varsity letters in basketball and four in softball. She pitched for the Queenswomen under coach Jim Mahon and had an ERA (earned run average) of 1.00. In 1982, Judy was named Queenswoman of the Year for outstanding female student athlete. During her senior year, she was named the Times Leader Athlete of the Week after winning three games at pitcher with 23 strikeouts in 17 innings and going seven for nine at the plate.

Judy continued her softball career at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. While at Susquehanna, she had 43 career wins, a .717 winning percentage, an overall ERA of 1.32, and 323 career strikeouts. In 1984, Judy set a school single season record with an ERA of 0.73. That same year, she was named All-American and nationally ranked for ERA (second) and strikeouts (ninth). She was named All- Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) four times and named Most Valuable Player at Susquehanna three times. In 2009, she was inducted into the Susquehanna University Sports Hall of Fame.

Judy currently lives in Ocean City, New Jersey, where she is a special education teacher for the Wildwood School District.

It is an honor to recognize Judy on her induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May her story and athletic career serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving for excellence.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Monroe County Historical Association located in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. They are approaching the significant benchmark of 100 years of service, which they celebrated at their annual meeting on February 28.

Formed on April 8, 1921, a group of enthusiasts known as the Historical Society were given one room in the Stroud Mansion to keep records and relics of earlier days. Officially incorporated on September 5, 1928, the Historical Society continued to collect artifacts and required more space over the years.

On March 8, 1990, the Monroe County Historical Society merged with the Monroe County Museum Association fanning the present-day Monroe County Historical Association. A few years later, on May 16, 1994, the Woman's Club of the Stroudsburgs transferred total ownership of the Stroud Mansion to the Monroe County Historical Association.

They are well known for their stately home, the Stroud Mansion, which was built in Georgian-style architecture in 1795 by a prominent businessman and has its own unique history. It is a prime example of their stewardship and is one of three buildings they maintain. The stately Mansion houses pieces dating back to pre-contact experiences as well as historic photographs and articles. I am sure the Monroe County Historical Association will continue to document the events of our recent times with a sharp awareness of how soon they will be our past.

It is my honor to commend the Monroe County Historical Association for their service as the official county historical organization for Monroe County. The staff and volunteers have strived well and hard to preserve Monroe County's rich history. It is my hope they will continue this valuable work for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, this week we will be passing H.R. 1, the For the People Act, and the dark money interests are squealing loudly about it right now.

H.R. 1, the For the People Act, requires exposure of the identities of the people and companies that are the dark money that contribute hundreds of millions of dollars toward American elections, including Federal elections, in this country--people and companies that don't have to reveal who they are, what they are about, what profits they are trying to maximize, or even if they are from the United States of America. They don't have to reveal any of that.

H.R. 1, the For the People Act, is to restore democracy to this country, to restore pure democracy so that we know who is paying for these elections. The dark money interests are squealing about it. They are squealing like stuck pigs. Let's pass H.R. 1.

Madam Speaker, in December, this House passed a COVID-19 relief compromise, during which time we pledged to the American people that we would do more. Now is the time for us to deliver on that promise.

The American Rescue Plan is that promise delivered. It is something that enables us to put people back to work; put kids back in schools; to put $1,400

checks in people's hands, the people who are struggling to keep body and soul together, to make ends meet, the people who really need this money.

No American economist of repute disagrees that this kind of relief is necessary. Now is the time for us to do it. Let's come together and enact the American Rescue Plan.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize former Wayne County Commissioner Mark Graziadio for his lifetime of service to his fellow citizens. Mark was enjoying his well-deserved retirement with his wife of 46 years, Susan Jayne Bunnell Graziadio, in Cape Coral, Florida when he unexpectedly passed away on January 18, 2021.

Mark was born in Hancock, New York to Rita Laverne Fisher Graziadio and Vincent Sebastian Graziadio on July 6, 1953. He attended Catholic schools in Hancock, New York and Honesdale, Pennsylvania before graduating from Scranton Preparatory School in 1971. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Scranton in 1977.

Mark began his professional career at Giant Markets. During his time at the market from 1971 to 1986, he held many positions that were integral to store operations, including clerk, night shift manager, third man, and assistant manager. As point of sale coordinator,

he installed and trained employees on the use of the first scanning registers in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

In 1983, Mark joined the Honesdale National Bank (HNB), and in 2018, he retired as vice president and marketing director. At HNB, he launched a marketing strategy that used radio ads to promote community events. He used the banking acumen he acquired at HNB to teach banking courses at local colleges and at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Bucknell University in Lewisburg, and Penn State in State College through the Pennsylvania Bankers Association. He also spoke at businesses and nonprofits on a variety of topics, including customer service, team building, and marketing.

Mark was interested in politics. He actively engaged with the political process by serving on committees on the local and state levels and ran for local office in Honesdale and Wayne County. In 1999, he ran a successful campaign for Wayne County Commissioner and served from 2000 to 2003.

Mark was dedicated to his local community and sought to give back to his friends and neighbors by devoting his time to local charity organizations and advocacy groups. He served as the president of the Wayne County Habitat for Humanity; an officer, board member, and member of the Executive Committee for the NEPA Alliance; a member of the Honesdale Jaycees; a youth basketball coach and champion Little League coach; chairman of the Wayne County Big Brothers/Big Sisters; and president of the Scranton Chapter of the American Institute of Banking (AIB). For his efforts, Mark received many awards and recognitions, including Jaycee of the Year and the Wayne County Chamber's Community Service Award.

I am humbled to honor the life of this true public servant. Mark was steadfast in his determination to give back to this community and generous with his time and energy, and he had a sense of humor that delighted all who had the privilege of knowing him. Mark will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on for generations.

Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition.

Madam Speaker, I completely agree with my colleague Representative Dwight Evans, and I remind this Chamber that Pennsylvania is the cradle of American democracy.

We can't claim to be the birthplace of American democracy. That would be a disservice to James Otis, Jr., who, in 1761, stood up in a Massachusetts courtroom and argued against the King's writs of assistance.

But Pennsylvania is the cradle of democracy. It is where we hosted the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the American Constitution.

It was Pennsylvanians who immediately went to battle to defend this idea of democracy. They went right after Bunker Hill to the Siege of Boston. American riflemen were instrumental at the transformational Battles of Trenton and Saratoga in victory. And it is Independence Hall where these documents got signed, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

You heard my colleagues. You heard Representative Houlahan talking about the privations at Valley Forge, all in support of creating democracy.

You heard Representative Brendan F. Boyle quoting John Adams, that democracy only dies by suicide.

You heard Representative Dean quoting John Lewis, our hero, who said: Democracy is not a state. It is an act.

You heard Representative Wild talking about this stunning assault on our democracy.

If it seems like we get a little prickly in Pennsylvania about assaulting democracy, you are right. We do. Pennsylvania is the cradle of democracy.

You heard how foolish and empty these challenges are. Representative Lamb said it: 31 cameras filming the place where the count was happening, resulting in thousands of hours of videotape--you can see it on YouTube--proving there was no fraud.

You heard Representatives Michael F. Doyle and Brendan F. Boyle talking about Act 77, how the Republicans in Pennsylvania were falling all over themselves to pass this law for mail-in voting because they thought it would help them.

You heard Representative Scanlon explaining why there were no allegations of fraud made in court because a lawyer going into court and lying to the court gets his or her ticket to practice law punched. They can be disbarred.

Politicians can say anything on cable TV, but they have to be darn careful when they are in court. So all these big TV talkers never alleged fraud in court.

Let me tell you about one court case. It was a case where they brought on their best legal talent. It was a case where they drew as a judge a staunch, principled, conservative Republican, Judge Matthew Brann. He called this case ``strained legal arguments without merit'' and ``speculative accusations.'' He called it ``like Frankenstein's monster,'' a ``haphazardly stitched together'' case.

Judge Brann said he ``has no authority to take away the right to vote of even a single person, let alone millions of citizens.''

On appeal Judge Bibas, a Trump appointee writing for the Third Circuit, agreed. He said: ``Calling an election unfair does not make it so. Charges require specific allegations and then proof. We have neither here.''

So, we have judges--dozens and dozens of them, Federal judges, State judges, Democrats, Republicans--turning away these challenges. All they ever wanted was evidence.

Here is the number-one rule when you go to court: Don't forget to bring the evidence with you.

This objection, in all seriousness, reflects the most profound disrespect to our American judiciary. We Pennsylvanians understand democracy. It was in Pennsylvania that our Founders signed the Constitution, and Article II makes it plain as day: We elect our President. We don't have a king.

If you can undo a Presidential election simply by alleging that something was amiss, then we don't have a democracy at all. We have something else entirely.

And if we vote to sustain this objection, we are not upholding our Constitution at all. We are doing something else entirely.

Let's vote ``no'' on this objection.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Andrew Barilla, Jr. and Swoyersville Borough, Pennsylvania as Swoyersville rededicates its Slocum Street Park as the Andrew Barilla, Jr. Park.

Andrew Barilla, Jr. has been a force for positive change in Swoyersville Borough and an outstanding member of his community in every way. He was born in Swoyersville and was the borough's first All- Scholastic athlete in three sports. Driven to athletic and academic excellence, he attended Michigan State University on a football scholarship. After a severe knee injury ended his athletic career, Andrew finished his degree at Lock Haven State Teachers College.

As a ten-year member of Swoyersville Borough Council, Andrew made it his mission to share his love of sports and remain active with the children in his community. He founded Slocum Street Park, which will now bear his name. He is also a charter member of the Swoyersville Baseball Club for Boys and was a driving force behind building Roosevelt Stadium. Andrew also generously sponsors Barilla's team in the Wyoming Valley Girls' Travel Softball League. For his athletic prowess and commitment to sports, he was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 1991.

Andrew's dedication to his community does not end with athletics. He is a past president of the Crime Clinic of Greater Wyoming Valley and the Special Court Judges Association, and he recently retired as the Magisterial District Judge for Swoyersville, Forty Fort, Luzerne, Courtdale, and Pringle.

It is a privilege to recognize Andrew during the rededication of the Slocum Street Park in his honor. I thank him for his lifetime of service to the people of Swoyersville Borough and beyond. May the park continue to be a place for residents and visitors to gather and enjoy for generations to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Borough of Throop, Pennsylvania for its quasquicentennial year. Throop celebrated 125 years of being incorporated on April 16, 2019.

The borough was named after one of its most influential residents, Dr. Benjamin H. Throop, who settled in the county in the fall of 1840. He became an active figure in the community, buying real estate and advocating for the separation of Throop and Dickson City Borough. Dr. Throop also served in the military during the Civil War, and at the time he was one of the wealthiest figures in the area.

Throop originally applied to become independent of Dickson City Borough in 1888, but the subdivision failed. Refusing to back down, the community banded together to continue to circulate petitions. Among the many reasons driving the residents' motivation to become their own, independent borough was a dispute over schools and the desire to have their own schooling system. In 1893, the petition was granted, and the borough was officially incorporated on April 16, 1894.

The Throop family continued to be a driving force behind the borough's success. The Throop Hose Company 1 was organized in 1894 and named after Dr. Throop's son, Dr. George S. Throop. The borough building was completed in 1895 on land donated by Dr. Throop, Dr. Pancoast, and Eli K. Price. Once incorporated, Throop had a population of 1,639 with 266 dwellings, 9 hotels, a small number of businesses, two churches, a colliery, and a school.

Like many communities in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Throop's coal mining industry was the principal industry in the region for decades. Throop has the distinction of being the site of the first anthracite coal mined in Lackawanna County, which was taken from the Anderson farm by Willian Wurts in 1814.

Throughout its notable 125-year history, Throop has established an impressive public school system and has continued to celebrate its religious heritage. The borough has also shown its incredible resilience in the face of devastating floods from Hurricanes Diane, Agnes, and Gloria.

Today, Throop is a vibrant community with around 3,900 residents and many industries and businesses that have taken the place of coal mining. Annual traditions and celebrations for children like the Santa Parade and Tree Lighting make Throop an inviting and welcoming place to live and visit. Throop's rich history and a tight knit community make it the flourishing borough it is today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the community contributions of Marjorie ``Peggy'' Murphy at time of her retirement. Peggy has been a prominent and passionate member of Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania's theater community for most of her life. Both on the stage and in the community, Peggy has dedicated her career to making a positive impact on those around her.

For over 50 years, Peggy has been actively involved in bringing live community theater to audiences in Wayne County. She has directed and performed in all kinds of productions, from dramas and comedies to musicals and mysteries. And her involvement extends far beyond the stage. Along with her late husband Richard Murphy, Peggy helped create the Ritz Company Players, a tight-knit group of community theater performers who forged an unbreakable bond through their love of the arts. Even after her retirement from the board, Peggy remains a board member emeritus for her continued dedication to the company and for the wisdom she entrusts to the next generation of leaders in the theater community.

Outside of the world of theater, Peggy has also served her community in several other capacities. For the past 43 years, for example, Peggy has been a board member of the Wayne County Redevelopment Authority, and for three decades she has served on the board of the Wayne County Housing Authority. In those roles, Peggy has been instrumental in bringing federal funds to the county for housing and community development projects.

Peggy has also been very active in public policy issues and politics, working on the local level in that regard in Hawley for 40 years. She was also the National Vice-Chair of Commissioners of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Authorities, and she co- authored the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials' Handbook for Commissioners.

Through her service both in and outside the theater, Peggy has been an illustrious and impactful resident of Wayne County. Her life of service is one to be recognized and celebrated.

It is an honor to recognize Peggy Murphy at the time of her retirement for her many community accomplishments. Her dedication to Wayne County is admirable and will help ensure a smooth succession to the next generation of leaders. May her journey continue to inspire our community, not just through artistic expression but also through Peggy's continuous, selfless service to others.

Mr. Chairman, as a member of the subcommittee, I rise today to discuss the importance of the Financial Services and General Government bill, FSGG.

First, I would like to thank Chairman Quigley for his leadership on the subcommittee and for his work on the bill. I would also like to thank Ranking Member Graves for all that he has done to ensure this bill receives its proper airing and reaches the floor and for his support on several provisions in the bill.

The FSGG bill supports a broad range of functions and services in both the executive and judicial branches that are essential to the operation of our Federal Government. The FSGG bill supports programs that assist and protect the public, such as shielding consumers from defective and dangerous products, assisting small businesses, investing in distressed communities, and ensuring the integrity of Federal elections. This bill includes significant funding to support these critical functions.

One especially important provision the workers in my district appreciate is the increase in the Federal civilian pay by 3.1 percent in FY 2020. This pay increase means so much to the hardworking men and women in our Nation who struggle to make ends meet while serving our Nation. For far too long, Federal workers have been shortchanged by the work they do, and their wages have not kept up with the changes in our country's cost of living.

Importantly, this FSGG bill is also about improving our economy. From increased funding for the IRS to assist taxpayers and bolster enforcement, to supporting the Small Business Administration to help small businesses develop and expand throughout the country, this bill will make our economy stronger for everyday Americans.

Mr. Chairman, another important program I would like to highlight in the bill is the funding for the Office of National Drug Control Policy. My home State of Pennsylvania, like so many others across the Nation, has suffered severely from the effects of the opioid crisis. To help combat this crisis, the ONDCP receives $100.5 million for the Drug-Free Communities

program, along with $300 million for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program in the bill.

Notably, these funding levels are a rejection of the administration's proposed transfer or elimination of the ONDCP grant programs. It is vital that we continue to support these programs, which help fight addiction issues in communities across this Nation.

Finally, this FSGG bill takes an important step in improving election security and integrity. In the last Presidential election, we saw unprecedented interference with our election system, an issue that we, as a Congress, must address in the strongest of terms in support and defense of our national sovereignty. We cannot, and will not, allow any foreign power to harm our democracy. It rests solely in the hands of the American people.

To that end, the FSGG bill provides $600 million to the Election Assistance Commission. This commission deals with issues that are extraordinarily important to this Nation, conducting reliable, secure, and accessible elections. The integrity of American elections should not be a partisan matter.

Mr. Chairman, for these reasons, I am proud to support this bill as it comes to the floor today, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Baltimore Mine Tunnel Disaster, one of the deadliest mining accidents in Pennsylvania's history.

On June 5, 1919, more than a hundred miners entered the Delaware & Hudson Coal Company's Baltimore Mine Tunnel No. 2 in Wilkes-Barre. Disaster struck when 12 barrels of blasting powder ignited, killing 92 miners and injuring dozens. Historians believe the blast was caused by a loose power cable that came into contact with the trolley, causing the powder from the rear cart to ignite. Unfortunately, only seven miners escaped unscathed.

Following the disaster, legislators questioned the official procedures and safety regulations in mining plants. They believed regulations were not followed entirely, and many blamed the Baltimore Mine Tunnel Disaster on an ambiguous and lax mining code. Historians believe the incident could have been avoided if the Pennsylvania mining code had explicitly prohibited the transportation of powder in the same trolley cart as miners. As a result, legislators passed sensible protections that restricted the access and distribution of blasting powder by employees. To this day, the Baltimore Mine Tunnel Disaster remains one of the deadliest industrial accidents in Pennsylvania's history.

It is our responsibility to commemorate this day in Northeastern Pennsylvania's history, remember our region's roots in anthracite coal, and honor the legacy of those who lost their lives in the mines.

Madam Chair, I thank my colleague from Texas (Mr. Green) for yielding.

Madam Chair, I rise in support of the Green amendment.

Madam Chair, to the Members of this House, when we file into this room, we file past a three-times-life-size statue of Thomas Jefferson, one of our Founders in this Nation. And Jefferson said he considered a trial by jury ``as the only anchor, ever yet imagined by man, by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution.''

Trial by jury was that important to Thomas Jefferson that he said it was that important.

Daniel Webster, who is quoted up here on our wall, said, ``The law: It has honored us.'' Let us honor it by executing it in its fullest severity.

How do we do that? We allow jury trials for American citizens.

We teach our children accountability, responsibility, being accountable for your actions. The way to do it in America is to allow jury trials to decide who is at fault.

Madam Speaker, for nearly a decade, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has helped millions of Americans get the care that they need. It has allowed parents to keep their kids on their own insurance plans, and it has protected millions and millions of Americans who are living with preexisting conditions, and that piece is so important.

It means that Americans living with cancer, living with heart disease, and living with diabetes can no longer be thrown off their plans or denied coverage simply because of their medical history.

In my own State of Pennsylvania, more than 5.4 million people depend on these protections to treat their asthma, to afford their insulin, and to receive treatments for other preexisting illnesses.

Madam Speaker, I promise these families that I will keep fighting to keep them healthy, which is why this week I am voting for the Strengthening Health Care and Lowering Prescription Drugs Costs Act which will ban junk insurance plans that don't offer sufficient coverage, bring lower-priced generic prescription drugs to market more quickly, and invest in helping Americans sign up for healthcare.

That is what Democrats are focused on, moving forward, making sure seniors, veterans, and working families across our Nation have the healthcare they need. I hope the current administration will see this as an opportunity to work with our House majority in order to lower the cost of prescription medications, and I hope Republicans in Congress will join us in our mission to keep working for the people and to make sure that every American can afford their prescription medications and their healthcare.