Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, last night, I voted ``no'' on H.R. 83 (The Continuing Resolution/Omnibus bill) despite adequate funding levels in several areas because it contained far too many poison pills. The best way forward would have been to compromise on a bill that did not include policy riders and would have funded the government without jeopardizing our financial security, the environment, our retirees, and our election system. I fully support the provisions in H.R. 83 that provide robust funding for our military, provide a 1% pay raise for military and civilian employees, and would provide additional funding for Tobyhanna Army Depot. However, I ultimately voted ``no'' because the legislation places the interests of greedy Wall Street investment bankers ahead of regular American working families. The Continuing Resolution/Omnibus bill, which passed by a narrow 219-206, guts important Dodd-Frank safeguards against a repeat of the $700 billion taxpayer bailout of Wall Street financiers. It also exponentially raises the limits on campaign contribution cash that wealthy individuals (like Wall Street bankers) can donate to federal political parties. In one bill, House Speaker John Boehner has managed both to jeopardize the American economy and further weaken the foundations of our American democracy itself. We should have been able to vote on a bill

that focused on funding our government, instead we had to vote on a bill that contained numerous giveaways to private interests and that is why I voted ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life's work of David E. Glowinski. For the better part of four decades, Mr. Glowinski has served the Defense Contract Management Agency with distinction. On January 2, 2015, Mr. Glowinski will retire from federal service after more than 37 years.

David E. Glowinski was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Wilkes University, David graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Master's in Business Administration. After finishing school, David began working for the Department of Defense in August 1977. He was stationed at General Dynamics in Eynon, where he worked as Quality Assurance Specialist. In 1980, David became an Industrial Specialist and has served in that capacity until the present time.

During his time with the Department of Defense, Mr. Glowinski built up a reputation for being an outstanding worker and vigilant steward of resources. David was well known for his superior technical skills and constantly relied on for his technical expertise at General Dynamics. He was often called upon to complete complex delivery predictions and notices for Top 500 contractors. In addition, Mr. Glowinski managed expedited customer requests which assisted early delivery in support of critical worldwide missions. Because of his dedication, Mr. Glowinski was recognized for outstanding performance in each of his 37 years at General Dynamics.

I take great honor in congratulating Mr. Glowinski on his retirement from federal service. His career with the Defense Contract Management Agency has been exceptional. I offer my thanks for his service to our country, and I wish him the best in retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I am introducing the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2014 today to help disabled coal miners get benefits that they are entitled to but often unable to access.

Coal workers' pneumoconiosis, commonly referred to as ``black lung,'' is a debilitating and deadly disease caused by the long-term inhalation of coal dust in underground and surface coal mines. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, black lung has caused or contributed to more than 76,000 deaths since 1968, with thousands of miners still sick and dying from the disease.

The Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, which included the Black Lung Benefits Act, contained a program designed to provide compensation and medical care to miners who are totally disabled due to black lung. To secure benefits, disabled coal miners must engage in lengthy and complex litigation against local operators that has been proven to unfairly burden claimants and prevent them from receiving the benefits to which they are entitled.

In 2009, the Government Accountability Office found that ``coal miners face a number of challenges pursuing federal black lung claims, including finding legal representation and developing sound medical evidence to support their claims.'' More recent award-winning investigations by the Center for Public Integrity and ABC News uncovered numerous cases in which coal operators and their attorneys defeated claims by hiring doctors who systematically failed to diagnose black lung disease, or by withholding medical evidence from miners, surviving spouses, and judges that would have proven the miners' eligibility for benefits. These and other unethical practices were examined as part of a July 22, 2014, hearing before the Senate Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety. In addition, bureaucratic delays impede timely decisions about miners' benefits, with miners waiting an average of 42 months to receive a decision on their claim from an administrative law judge in the Department of Labor.

In the past year, the Department of Labor has taken several steps to address these issues; however, administrative actions alone will not be able to solve the systematic problems facing victims of black lung disease. That is why Congress has an obligation to reform this program so that it better serves and honors those who have helped supply the energy that our country relies on to light our homes and power our factories.

I want to thank Congressman George Miller, the senior Democrat on the Committee on Education and the Workforce, for his leadership on this issue, and for Representatives Joe Courtney, Nick Rahall and Robert C. ``Bobby'' Scott for joining me in sponsoring this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the exceptional work of Fethullah Gulen. Mr. Gulen has long stood as a pillar of peace and humanity and as a model for opposition in the face of rising dictatorship.

A respected member of the Pennsylvania community, Fethullah Gulen has worn many hats throughout his life. A vocal leader of the Turkish civic movement, Mr. Gulen has been forced to live in a self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania for fear for his safety.

The founder of the `Gulen Movement,' Fethullah Gulen has long been a voice of reason in a world of turmoil. Widely known as a highly- respected leader, he has encouraged Turkish citizens to vote for those who are respectful to democracy and the rule of law, rather than one party or another. He has consistently promoted a moderate blend of Islam in a time of growing radicalism and is well known for his global network of educational establishments, extending to over 140 countries. His views promote a tolerant Islam, emphasizing hard work and education, as well as building bridges between the Muslim and Western world and science and religion.

While the global community looks to Turkey with both growing concern and enduring hope, it is my honor to commend Fethullah Gulen for his tireless efforts to promote the ideals of peace, democracy, an educated electorate, and the human rights of the Turkish people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 100th anniversary of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 375 and to acknowledge their persistent endeavor to fairly represent their members.

On February 3, 1914, a dedicated group of seventeen electricians organized into the Local Union 375. Their goal was to obtain better wages and better working conditions. In 1947, LU 375 initiated an apprenticeship program. Now seen as a key function, the apprenticeship program meets the demand for high quality electricians highly skilled in fiber-optics and advanced technologies as well as the traditional delivery modes. That same year, LU 375 joined the National Electrical Contractors Association, which leveraged their bargaining power. The benefits afforded members increased again in 1961, when the Health and Welfare Plan was put in place to provide healthcare and other benefits. Another milestone was reached on June 1, 1990, when LU 375 began to train Telecommunication Technicians as part of the Telephone Interconnect Communications system agreement.

On December 19, 1998, LU 375 moved to their new office and training center at what is now their current headquarters in Allentown. A short eleven years later, in 2009, they hired their first full-time Training Director and expanded the apprenticeship program. Today, they serve up to 150 apprentices in their training center and offer programs to keep veteran members current on the newest techniques and technologies. Although hit by the economic downturn in 2008, they have since seen new opportunities, including those generated by the redevelopment of downtown Allentown through the Neighborhood Improvement Zone awarded in 2013.

As one of the oldest unions in the region, LU 375 has grown to a membership approaching 1100, with ranks continuing to expand thanks to well-planned organizing. After 100 years, the IBEW Local Union 375 has remained true to their mission to provide strong, fair representation and open communication for members, fellow unions, contractors, and the community. It is an honor for me to recognize their 100 years of service and fraternity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and remember the bravery of American troops who fought in the Battle of the Bulge and to recall the unique prayer cards General George Patton distributed to his Third Army in December 1944. The prayer, which asked for favorable weather, was printed on the back of a Christmas greeting from General Patton. The troops received these prayer cards prior to the Battle of the Bulge.

The incident of the now famous Patton Prayer commenced with a telephone call to the Third Army Chaplain on the morning of December 8, 1944. After weeks of severe rains that threatened the prospects of victory, General Patton called to ask Msgr. James H. O'Neill if he knew a prayer for good weather. While looking out on the steadily falling rain, the chaplain wrote an original prayer alongside a Christmas greeting, and then had it circulated it to all 250,000 Third Army troops on the eve of the Battle of the Bulge.

The prayer, in part, read: ``Almighty and most merciful Father, we humbly beseech Thee, of Thy great goodness, to restrain these immoderate rains with which we have had to contend. Grant us fair weather for Battle. Graciously hearken to us as soldiers who call upon Thee that, armed with Thy power, we may advance from victory to victory . . .''

The Battle of the Bulge, one of World War II's most critical battles, started when Nazi forces launched a major surprise offensive on December 16. Fought among the dense forests bordering Belgium and Luxembourg, it was the bloodiest battle the U.S. encountered during the World War II, with over 18,000 Americans killed and over 65,000 captured or injured. The heavy rains and thick fog eventually subsided, and Allied forces were able to hold off Nazi forces and severely deplete their resource supply. The Battle of the Bulge is symbolic of the resilience and strength of American soldiers, who were unyielding in the face of both enemy fire and debilitating weather. After the Battle, General Patton told Msgr. O'Neill that ``our prayers worked.'' To General Patton, prayer was just as powerful a weapon of war and as defense and attack strategies.

It is an honor for me to commemorate the valor of these American soldiers, the leadership of General Patton, and the ultimate victory of the ``Greatest Generation.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 175th anniversary of the Temple Covenant of Peace. They are the third oldest Temple in Pennsylvania and the tenth oldest in the United States. Committed to a mission of cultivating a love and understanding of Jewish heritage and to inspiring fellowship in the Jewish Community, they have offered many avenues for service to the larger community. Their history is intertwined with the history of the City of Easton, Pennsylvania.

Founded on August 26, 1839, the Congregation Brith Sholom (Covenant of Peace) held their services in a rented space on Third and Bank Street in Easton. As they grew, they endeavored to build a synagogue on Sixth Street between Pine and Ferry. Its facade mirrored that of a great synagogue in Florence, Italy. Until 1959, it was the oldest synagogue in continuous use, for 117 years, in the United States. In 1954, the Covenant of Peace purchased property to build a new synagogue for their growing congregation. This synagogue was dedicated on November 20, 1959. The synagogue was built with no work performed on the Sabbath or on Jewish holidays. The Temple Covenant of Peace has what is believed to be one of the first free-standing monuments to the victims of the Holocaust.

Through the years, members of the Temple Covenant of Peace have served the Easton community well. The Rabbis and members have served on the boards of community non-profits and similar organizations. They have organized food drives and participated in community dialogues on faith and the ethical issues of our day. They have stood with members of the community to help them grieve times of loss and to offer courage in times of change.

It is my honor to commend the Temple Covenant of Peace and their commitment to cultivating a love and understanding of the Jewish heritage and to inspiring fellowship in the Jewish Community as well as service in the broader community in the Easton area.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. John Heuberger, who will retire on Friday, October 3, 2014 from his position as the Deputy Commander of DLA Distribution in Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Heuberger is a Vietnam Era Veteran, having served in the United States Navy from 1971-1974 as a Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class. He later spent three years in the Naval Reserve and began his career as a federal employee, where he continued to proudly serve our country.

As a federal employee, Mr. Heuberger worked at a wide range of facilities across New York and Pennsylvania. His assignments included the Veterans Administration Extended Care Center in St. Albans, New York, the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, the Veterans Administration Center in Northport, New York, and as a General Supply Officer at Tobyhanna Army Depot in Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania.

Since 1992, Mr. Heuberger has served as Distribution Facilities Manager, DLA Distribution at Tobyhanna Army Depot.

Mr. Heuberger is the recipient of the Army Award for Civilian Service, the Department of the Army Certificate of Appreciation, numerous other awards, and has been honored by Vice-President Al Gore with the National Partnership for Reinventing Government Award.

Mr. Heuberger is a role model in the workplace--truly an individual other federal employees should seek to emulate. His hard work and dedication to all facets of our making our military the best it can be are overly commendable. During his Tobyhanna years, he drew on past experiences and relationships to hone his leadership skills, consistently sought to promote positive thinking, and provided invaluable guidance to his colleagues and fellow employees. The role Mr. Heuberger played in his years of service at DLA is an integral part of the critical mission to supply and equip our military. I am honored to recognize outstanding individuals engaged in this mission.

I extend my congratulations to Mr. Heuberger for a job well done in service to our nation. The Department of Defense and everyone at Tobyhanna will miss him, I'm sure, but I wish him well in retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant Colonel Starr Seip of Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, on her promotion to Colonel in the U.S. National Guard, for which a ceremony will occur tomorrow, July 26.

LTC Seip has served our country honorably, having been assigned to the 28th Division Support Command (DISCOM) in the International Zone of Baghdad at the Embassy of the United States during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In preparation for that military assignment, LTC Seip left home for training at Fort Dix in New Jersey on Mother's Day 2006. Upon the completion of her training, she returned home for a brief period before leaving for Iraq on Memorial Day 2006.

Additionally, LTC Seip served as the mayor of the Ocean Cliff section of Baghdad and had an integral role in the preparation of the mass casualty plan for the Embassy. LTC Seip's deployment ended on July 14, 2007 and, upon her return, she was greeted on the Pennsylvania House Floor along with her colleague Captain Cara Walters.

LTC Seip is the youngest of 5 children born to Frank and Patricia Dubbs. She is married to Tim Seip and is mother to Elisa Seip. LTC Seip's current assignment is to be the Deputy Commander for the 28th Division Medical Detachment.

On behalf of all of the citizens of Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District, I offer my thanks for impressive and dedicated service in the defense of our country, I congratulate Lieutenant Colonel Seip on her promotion, and ask all my colleagues here in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring our invaluable service members like Starr Seip.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Maryland for yielding.

I would like to thank Congressman Welch from Vermont for his leadership on this bill as well. It is no secret that Congressman Welch is one of the great champions in the House on the issue of energy efficiency, and it has been my pleasure to work with him on this.

I would also like to thank Chairman Upton and Ranking Member Waxman for their support in guiding this bill through committee. This legislation is a great example of what we can do when we work together in a bipartisan fashion.

I would like to thank the majority and minority staffers. It is to their credit that they worked to craft an amended version of this bill that everybody could agree on. It was great to see

this bill pass unanimously out of the committee.

K-12 school districts spend billions on their energy bills every year, approximately $6 billion a year, according to Energy Star, second only to personnel costs, exceeding the costs of textbooks and exceeding the costs of supplies.

Energy expenses are one of the few costs that can be reduced while, at the same time, improving classroom instruction. In fact, high- performance schools can lower a school district's operating costs by up to 30 percent.

There are numerous Federal initiatives already available to schools to help them become more energy efficient. However, these programs are spread across the Federal Government, making it challenging, time consuming, and costly for schools to identify and take full advantage of these programs. I have heard it said that you practically need a degree in library science to research and find all of these programs.

First introduced in the Senate as S. 1084 by Senators Mark Udall and Susan Collins, the bipartisan Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act aims to provide a coordinating structure for schools to help them better navigate available Federal programs and financing options.

This legislation doesn't spend an additional dime and keeps decisionmaking authority with the States, with the school boards, and with the local officials.

The bill establishes a clearinghouse through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, which will disseminate information on Federal programs and financing mechanisms that may be used to develop energy efficiency, distributed generation, and energy retrofitting projects for schools.

I urge my colleagues to pass this bill.

Again, I thank the gentleman from Maryland for yielding and for his assistance in this matter.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce 2014 Award Recipients. Each year the Chamber selects several individuals and organizations that have contributed to economic and community development in Schuylkill County. The honorees this year are Cindy Petchulis, Bob Greene, Maria Rowlands, Theresa Pothering, The Cotler Group, and the Sexual Assault Resource & Counseling Center of Schuylkill County.

Cindy Petchulis of the Providence Place Retirement Community is the 2014 Business Woman of the Year. Cindy was critical in helping expand the Providence Place Facility, and is well known for her positive attitude and love of community. A caring people-person, Cindy excellently maintains Providence Place as a peaceful community where its patients can live and its employees can be productive.

Bob Greene of Pioneer Pole Buildings, Inc. is the 2014 Business Man of the Year. Bob treats all his employees as family, which encourages retention and helps the company grow. He strives to be on the cutting edge of his business and wants his company to be the best. Bob is always willing to help the people of Schuylkill County. He is a sponsor for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Wounded Warrior Project, Pottsville Lions Car Cruise, 4-H, and his local community Easter Egg hunt. Under his leadership, his company has been recognized by the National Frame Builders Association with the Building of the Year award.

Theresa Pothering and Maria Rowlands are the Entrepreneurs of the Year, as they established an accounting firm, Rowlands and Pothering. With their strong leadership skills and expertise, they were able to turn a dream into a successful business. Clients enjoy that Rowlands and Pothering is a place where ``everybody knows your name,'' and clients do not hesitate to recommend them.

The Cotler Group is the 2014 For Profit Organization of the Year. The Cotler Group has been family-owned for over 60 years and has contributed significantly to Schuylkill County's quality of life and economic vitality. Through its various holdings, the multifaceted business group provides employment for many in the County. The Cotler Group is well known for the development and expansion of one of Schuylkill County's premier golf courses, Mountain Valley. Their ventures bring out-of-county businesses and individuals into the area, enhancing sales for many local vendors. This company and its owner, Steve Cotler, work quietly behind the scenes and are involved with a wide and varied number of organizations and charities.

The Sexual Assault Resource & Counseling Center of Schuylkill County (SARCC) is the 2014 Non-Profit Organization of the Year. This non- profit engages all individuals, families, and communities in healing from sexual violence plus advocates and educates to eliminate sexual violence. It has served approximately 7,500 individuals within Schuylkill County who turned to them for support. SARCC works hard to make Schuylkill County a better and safer place to live. This organization serves its clients on a person-to-person basis and is instrumental in prevention education in schools throughout the county. All of their services are available for free to all men, women, and children in Schuylkill County.

Lastly, the 2014 James Stine Lifetime of Service Award honoree is Joseph Jones, Sr. Mr. Jones exhibits outstanding commitment and achievement, and his efforts have dramatically benefited Schuylkill County. After graduating from the Shamokin public schools, Mr. Jones served three years in the Navy during World War II as a Lieutenant, JG in the Pacific Theater. He then went to Ursinus College, Dickinson School of Law, and New York University law school for an LLM. He served as the editor-in-chief of the Dickinson Law Review and graduated first in his J.D. class. Mr. Jones was admitted in 1950 into the Pennsylvania Bar Association and moved to Pottsville where he began practicing law with Hicks, Williamson & Friedberg. He is now a senior partner with the firm, which is now known as Williamson, Friedberg & Jones, LLC.

Mr. Jones has also chaired successful capital fund raising campaigns for the Schuylkill United Way, Greater Pottsville Industrial Development Corporation, Salvation Army, Boy Scouts of America, Pottsville Free Public Library, Good Samaritan Hospital, Pennsylvania State University--Schuylkill Campus, Ursinus College, Hawk Mountain Council B.S.A., Pottsville Hospital, Pottsville Area Development Corporation, and Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation.

It is a great honor to recognize the Schuylkill County Chamber of Commerce 2014 Award Recipients. These leaders are creating opportunity and raising the quality of life for others in Schuylkill County. May they continue to flourish for many years to come, and may they continue giving back to the community that supports them.

Madam Chairman, I thank my friend from Michigan for yielding.

I rise to ask for support for our amendment to stop unnecessary foreclosures and ensure oversight of HUD's Distressed Asset Stabilization Program, the DASP.

When the Nation's largest banks sell delinquent FHA-insured loans into DASP the taxpayers have to pay the outstanding balance on the loan. HUD turns around and sells the loans at deep discounts to private investors. Many times banks don't comply with the law, and FHA inappropriately pays out claims. This is not an insignificant issue.

HUD has sold more than 70,000 of these mortgages in the past 3 years. Despite ongoing efforts to improve the program, HUD has not exercised sufficient oversight in this matter.

Our amendment would help ensure more rigorous oversight of the DASP so that only loans that have met all of HUD's loss mitigation requirements are sold through this DASP program.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor of Kathy Dunsmuir, who was awarded the 2014 Distinguished Leadership Award at the Annual Dinner and Graduation of Leadership Wilkes-Barre on June 5, 2014. The dinner honored Leadership Wilkes-Barre's graduating class of 2014, marking 33 years of developing community leaders. Leadership Wilkes- Barre's mission focuses on both developing community leaders and fostering civic engagement.

Kathy has worked for PNC Bank for 37 years, where she currently serves as the Senior Vice President and Team Director. She is a 1999 graduate of Leadership Wilkes-Barre's Core program. Kathy stays involved in her community through participation in many area organizations. Kathy serves on the Board of Directors for the Wilkes- Barre Catholic Youth Center, Wyoming Valley Children's Association, Maternal & Family Service Association, and she will soon assume the Board Chairpersonship of the Osterhout Library. She is also a very active member of several committees, directing fundraisers and events for many area organizations such as the North Branch Land Trust, The Association for the Blind, Family Service Association, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, United Way of Luzerne County, Luzerne County Historical Society, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

I am proud to recognize Kathy for receiving this important award. Her tireless dedication to volunteer work sets a shining example for the Wilkes-Barre and northeastern Pennsylvania. Through her personal leadership, I am confident that she will continue serving as a pillar of our community. I thank her for her past work and look forward to her future accomplishments.

Mr. Chair, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment.

I appreciate all of the courtesies from my good friend from Montana. I understand the motivations behind this amendment, but I must speak against it because this amendment itself is a threat to the safety of Americans on the roadway.

It is counter to the goal that we all share, of protecting and preserving Social Security and Medicare, two vital safety net programs in this country; and, above all, it destroys accountability in the safety rules in the trucking industry.

Mr. Chairman, in 1980, Congress mandated that commercial motor carriers carry a minimum of $750,000 in liability coverage. This number has not been adjusted in more than 33 years. In present dollars, simply adjusting for inflation using a health care cost CPI, consumer price index, would require changing the $750,000 to $4.4 million.

In fact, I have introduced, myself, H.R. 2730, the SAFE HAUL Act to do just that, simply to adjust for inflation over the 34 years that that $750,000 limit was in place.

This past weekend, Mr. Chairman, Mr. James McNair, a talented comedian, died in New Jersey because of a tractor-trailer collision. Apparently, the tractor-trailer driver was awake for 24 hours, in violation of a myriad of hours of service requirements in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations. Tracy Morgan, his associate, remains in critical condition.

To suggest that $750,000, with today's health care costs, is adequate to cover this kind of tragedy is ridiculous.

In fact, the truth is that, since 1980, more than 100,000 people have died in tractor-trailer-related collisions. We are not talking about cases where

there was a genuine dispute about who was at fault for the accident.

We are talking about cases where it was clear that the tractor- trailer was at fault for the accident and people died, more than 100,000 over the past 34 years.

Mr. Chairman, in contradistinction to the comments of my good friend from Montana, a recent study conducted by the Trucking Alliance found that 42 percent of the value of settlements paid by trucking companies between 2005 and 2011 exceeded the minimum insurance requirement of $750,000.

When you don't adjust for inflation, you are not doing the simple math that is required, and to suggest that adjustment for inflation is wrong somehow seems quite silly.

So, Mr. Chairman, what we need to realize is that, when a truck is underinsured, when a truck doesn't have enough insurance to cover the harm that it causes, who pays the difference? What happens when a truck doesn't have enough insurance to cover the harm that it causes in medical bills, in lost wages?

Well, what happens is the U.S. taxpayer picks up the difference, the U.S. taxpayer, paying into the Social Security system, paying into the Medicare system, the U.S. taxpayer picks up the difference; and what ends up happening is we get a form of corporate welfare, where trucking companies at fault for accidents that kill, maim, and disable people, all of a sudden, don't have to pick up the difference. It is the American taxpayer that picks up the difference.

In a day and age when we should be doing everything and anything that we can to shore up Social Security and Medicare, this is not a policy decision that we want to be engaging in, protecting trucking companies at fault for death-dealing accidents from accountability for their actions.

So, Mr. Chairman, I do oppose this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Angelo ``Abe'' Barone, a native of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, for his outstanding military service during World War II. Mr. Barone served as a machine gunner within the U.S. Army's 80th Division in the European theater. He bravely fought in seven battles, including the Battle of Normandy, and helped in liberating France from Nazi occupation. On September 5, 1944, Mr. Barone was injured in combat and captured the following day by German forces. He was held as a prisoner of war for eight months.

In recognition of his heroic service on French soil, Mr. Barone was named a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor by France. Mr. Barone received the medal from Consul General of France Olivier Serot Almeeras at a ceremony at the French Embassy in Washington, DC on May 8, 2014. He was one of 15 veterans to receive the honor. The Legion of Honor, created in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, is the highest military distinction offered by France.

I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Mr. Barone for his courageous service during the Second World War. And I extend my sincere congratulations to Mr. Barone for his having been designated a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor.