Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 353, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the efforts of the Upper Bucks Healthy Communities Healthy Youth Coalition.

We are all aware of the dangerous rise in teen substance abuse. It is therefore reassuring to see area youth stepping up to help each other avoid the mistakes too many have made.

The members of the Upper Bucks Healthy Communities Healthy Youth Coalition have taken it upon themselves work against teen substance and alcohol abuse.

The success of their marketing campaigns speaks for itself. Madam Speaker, they can claim credit for 15 percent reduction in tobacco use among high school seniors, a 5 percent decrease in alcohol use among high school sophomores and a 44 percent decline in tobacco use among eighth-graders. These numbers demonstrate the effectiveness of the teen-to-teen strategy that they have implemented to protect their peers--our children.

The students in the Coalition began the school year passing out thousands of small buttons with the letters OMG--a common teenage online abbreviation. Next, they distributed hundreds of t-shirts and decals saying ``2outta3.'' Finally, they handed out more than 1,100 t- shirts and 5,000 wrist bands reading ``2outta3 don't drink,'' completing the message that two-out-of-three Upper Bucks teenagers don't drink.

The Coalition members have also enlisted local sports coaches to train them to focus on the incorporation of youth development strategies into coaching.

Local businesses are also joining the fight. The area Burger King franchise and other local stores have raised millions of dollars in support of Project CARE, which trains adults working with young people and awards higher-education scholarships to students formerly with alcohol, drug, or mental health problems.

I am not the first to recognize their great work. The White House National Drug Control Strategy cited the Coalition as an example for groups across the United States to follow.

Madam Speaker, these students have demonstrated great initiative in working to help their peers. On behalf of the entire 8th District of Pennsylvania, I would like to congratulate them for their efforts and their success, and urge others to use these remarkable young people as an example for true community service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge support for greater research into the possible link between breast cancer and the environment. I am a supporter of the Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act and I ask my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring this important legislation, as a tribute to all of our mothers on Mother's Day. This bill would invest in the research still necessary to determine the potential links between breast cancer and the environment, so we can better treat and eventually eradicate this terrible disease.

Madam Speaker, families in the 8th District of Pennsylvania have urged me to fight for increased research into the potential links between the environment and breast cancer. It is especially important to me personally, as my own mother battled and beat breast cancer when I was a young child. I continue admire her bravery and determination, and I hope we can look to that strength as a model as we commit to doing everything in our power to find a cure.

A woman in the United States has a 1 in 7 chance of developing invasive breast cancer during her lifetime--this risk was 1 in 11 in 1975. Breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death among women.

While important advances have been made, we still do not know what causes this disease, or how to prevent it. What better way to honor our mothers this year then to commit to finding answers to a disease suffered by more than 3 million women in this country? Let's declare war on breast cancer, and invest in getting the answers we need to eradicate this disease.

I urge my fellow members to support of the bipartisan Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to rise today in honor of our nation's teachers, who every day, are inspiring people--of all ages--to dream, learn and achieve. Today, on National Teacher Day, it is important that we pause to thank educators everywhere for their service to our communities and our country. We entrust teachers with the development of our children--they are responsible for our ability to build a better future.

National Teacher Day should be an opportunity to think about the debt we owe our nation's teachers. Madam Speaker, We thank teachers for showing children the satisfaction and fulfillment of achieving their goals. We thank them for proving that learning can be fun. We thank them for contributing to the moral development of students. We thank them for guiding our children through every new challenge. But most of all, we thank teachers for dedicating their lives to inspiring and leading the next generation of Americans.

Madam Speaker, I am passionate about education because it has always been such an important part of my life. As a former educator and the brother of a schoolteacher I know how important teaching is and how rewarding it can be. I was honored to serve as an associate professor at the United States Military Academy at West Point where I was able to teach the next generation of military leaders. Just recently I saw a former student, who is now an officer in Iraq. Seeing the way he has grown as person and succeeded as a professional is truly gratifying.

All of us had teachers that changed our lives. Outside of our families, teachers are responsible for who we are and how we view the world. And the job can be tough, it can be tiring and it can be thankless. Madam Speaker, that is why it is so important for all of us to take time to show our appreciation, not just today, but anytime we remember a lesson learned and overcome a challenge. I will take time today to think about the teachers who helped shape my life and I encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Newtown, Pennsylvania Chapter of Hadassah on its 20th anniversary. The Newtown Hadassah should be commended for its remarkable efforts as both a women's organization and an advocate for the Jewish community.

Hadassah was founded in 1926 by Henrietta Szold and has since grown immensely in membership. With chapters in all fifty states and Puerto Rico and with more than 300,000 members in the women's Zionist organization, Hadassah has bridged the divides among religions, creeds, races, and political beliefs through its presence in more than thirty countries worldwide.

Its primary focuses are in five areas: health, Jewish growth and community, partnerships with Israel, social action and advocacy, and life skills. Through these different areas Hadassah shows its allegiance to the improvement of society, by all and for all.

The Newtown, Pennsylvania Chapter of Hadassah, founded in 1987, celebrates this year their 20th anniversary. It has more than 500 members and these women work to educate themselves and the community about Judaism and Israel. They help others to understand their connections to history and to life in the United States. The members are active in local Jewish and secular communities and reflect the national and international efforts of the greater Hadassah organization.

Madam Speaker, the Newtown Hadassah has spent the last 20 years showing their devotion to our community, enriching our society and strengthening our values. Today, they are working to usher in a new era of Hadassah's growing membership. It is with great pride that I honor and thank the Newtown Chapter of Hadassah for their tireless work in the past and urge them to continue their great work in the future.

Mr. Chairman, during Rollcall vote No. 289 on H.R. 1867, I mistakenly recorded my vote as ``no'' when I should have voted ``aye.'' I ask unanimous consent that my statement appear in the Record immediately following Rollcall vote No. 289.

Amendment No. 4 Offered by Mr. Campbell of California

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bucks County Community College in celebration of National Community College Month. By

providing a gateway to higher learning for those who would otherwise be unable to continue their education, community colleges, like Bucks County, are improving our society and our communities. We need to continue to work to make college more accessible, so that we continue to build a more competitive workforce. Madam Speaker, by supporting these important institutions of higher education we can ensure their ability to serve students eager for knowledge and a path to a successful future.

Madam Speaker, I am a strong advocate of community colleges because I am the product of a community college. After graduating from high school, I enrolled at Bucks County Community College, in Newtown, Pennsylvania, where I gained the ability and confidence to achieve. My year at Bucks County Community College was very important. It prepared me for King's College, Widener University School of Law and eventually to serve as an educator myself at West Point. My love of learning and teaching blossomed at Bucks County Community College--an experience no doubt shared by so many across our great Nation.

For more than 40 years, Bucks County Community College has provided a critical service to Bucks County. Whether students are there as a stepping stone to another college or university, or preparing for jobs in business, public service or health care, Bucks provides a high quality education and a great environment in which to learn. The college has expanded its services by opening two campuses in addition to its main campus in Newtown. This has increased accessibility, especially for those continuing their education while working full- time. As one of the oldest community colleges in Pennsylvania, Bucks County Community College has established itself as a leader in education, not just among other community colleges, but among all colleges and universities.

If not for Bucks County Community College, I would not be where I am today. I know that mine is not the only case in which a community college changed the life of a young student. With 11 million students enrolled at more than 1,200 community colleges nationwide, these schools provide an invaluable service to a large portion of our community. Madam Speaker, these affordable, local institutions give every student, of every background, the ability to experience the benefits of higher education.

It was at Bucks County Community College that I learned how hard I could work and how much I could achieve. Like millions of other students, all I needed was an opportunity, and I took advantage of it. Madam Speaker, this is the unique and necessary function of our community colleges. They give every student a chance to succeed.

Madam Speaker, my appreciation for the opportunity provided by our community colleges is personal and near to my heart. I Urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 334.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute Richard Gresko, one of America's true heroes. The reason for my statement today, however, is to correct a grave injustice done to him by our country.

In March of 1970 Richard Gresko was in Vietnam serving as a lance corporal in the United States Marine Corps. On the night of March 11, 1970 Gresko was leading three of his fellow marines in an ambush to protect a village from the Viet Cong. Around midnight Gresko's team was surprised from behind by the enemy. A firefight ensued and one of the enemy threw a grenade in between Gresko and his men.

As the citation on his military award reads, ``With complete disregard for his own personal safety and fully aware of the dangers involved, he unhesitatingly threw himself on top of the grenade, absorbing most of the blast fragments with his own body in order to protect his men from certain injury and possible death.'' Despite being painfully wounded, Gresko continued to direct his men in combat. When he was helicoptered out to receive medical treatment, he continued to give information about the enemy despite bleeding profusely with hundreds of pieces of shrapnel in his face, arms and chest. Madam Speaker, it is a miracle that he survived.

Madam Speaker, I wish I could be here today to say that Richard Gresko, a man who unhesitatingly risked his own life to save his fellow marines, received the recognition that he deserves, but sadly I cannot. Mr. Gresko's bravery, sacrifice, and valor are beyond question, yet he has not been honored as he should. To truly honor this brave American, he should be awarded the Medal of Honor. Despite the fact that Gresko's commanding officer immediately put him in for the Medal of Honor, 6 years would pass before any recognition of Mr. Gresko's heroism was made by our Nation when he was awarded the Navy Cross.

Madam Speaker, as a former soldier I appreciate the amount of courage and bravery it takes to do what Mr. Gresko did for his men. There is no room for subjectivity in this matter. Richard Gresko risked his life to save men under his command. That is the highest form of sacrifice a serviceman can make and it deserves the highest honor that our Nation can bestow.

For over 30 years Mr. Gresko has patiently waited for the recognition that he deserves. His case has undergone countless reviews but each time is caught in a web of bureaucracy and dead ends. It is high time that we honor this hero and pay tribute to him for what he did for us. For that reason, Madam Speaker, I am introducing a bill to authorize and request that the President of the United States award Richard Gresko the Medal of Honor for his acts of valor on March 11, 1970, in Vietnam.

As if his gallantry on the battlefield was not enough, Mr. Gresko is also a pillar of his community in Newtown, PA, in my district. He is a father, a grandfather, and a husband of more than 38 years. Even today, despite the fact that he lives in constant pain from the injuries he sustained that night, Mr. Gresko is adamant that he would do it all over again. His instincts told him to run from that grenade, but Mr. Gresko says, ``You have to overcome that. You know you're gonna die, but you have to protect your men. Sometimes the whole is more important than the one.''

Madam Speaker, Richard Gresko is truly among the finest that America has to offer. It is my hope that with the introduction of this bill we will move one small step closer toward correcting an injustice that has gone unrecognized for almost 4 decades. Our Nation must do right by this hero whose actions define the phrase ``above and beyond the call of duty.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lenape Middle School of Doylestown, Pennsylvania. This school has consistently stretched beyond its own expectations, and was recently distinguished as a Don Eichhorn School to Watch.

This honor is bestowed upon Lenape by a coalition comprised of the Pennsylvania Middle School Association, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Lehigh University, Gettysburg College, and Duquesne University. It is one of only three Pennsylvania schools credited with this achievement, and should serve as inspiration for other schools around the country. It is through the dedicated efforts of teachers, administrators and students that America will keep its place at the pinnacle of success in education.

Lenape Middle School is a prime example of the success for which we strive each and every day. Through hard work, Lenape reaches new heights every school year. It meets and exceeds expectations, and celebrates learning.

Beyond academics, however, Lenape creates a flexible learning environment conducive to the struggles and pressures of early adolescence. Students are provided with the best teachers and resources available, and have the opportunity to excel in the areas they most enjoy. The performance of Lenape Middle School has once again raised the bar throughout the country, and they are to be applauded for their accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, strong public education sets the United States apart from the rest of the world. Lenape has been recognized as a Don Eichhorn School to Watch because it is a leader in public education; it is blazing a new trail in middle school education that other schools will do well to follow.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart. This week, nine of my fellow paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division were killed in Iraq. Nine more heroes killed, nine more paratroopers returning home in coffins draped in the American flag.

Mr. Speaker, Daniel Webster's words that are etched in the marble above implore each of us in this room, and I quote, ``To see whether we also, in our day and generation, may not perform something worthy to be remembered.''

Mr. Speaker, I know the task is daunting, but let this Congress be remembered for leading our country in a new direction in Iraq.

Mr. Speaker, I was deployed to Iraq in 2003 and 2004. Nineteen of my fellow paratroopers I served with never made it home from the streets of Baghdad. I carry their names with me every single day to remind myself of the solemn responsibility we face each time the Speaker bangs down her gavel.

Nineteen men, including Specialist Chad Keith from Indiana. Nineteen guys who never made it home to their families. Specialist James Lambert III, from North Carolina. Nineteen all Americans who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Private Kyle Gilbert from Vermont. Nineteen men who are missed. Private First Class Marc Seidan from New Jersey. Nineteen men. Now we have nine more paratroopers to add to this list.

Mr. Speaker, how many more suicide bombs must kill American soldiers before this President offers a time line for our troops to come home?

How many more military leaders must declare the war will not be won militarily before this President demands that the Iraqis stand up and fight for their country?

How many more terrorists will President Bush's foreign policy breed before he focuses on developing a new strategy, a real strategy for fighting and beating al Qaeda?

Mr. Speaker, this bill says enough is enough. No more shortchanging our troops. No more open ended commitment in Iraq. No more refereeing a religious civil war.

Mr. Speaker, on the fourth anniversary of the war, I led this body in a moment of silence. Now my fellow Democrats offer a time line to bring our troops home.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues on the other side of the aisle who are about to vote ``no'' on this bill, will you stand with us next year to offer a time line on the war's fifth anniversary?

How about a time line on the sixth? How about a time line on the 10th? Because that's what voting ``no'' does. It says no to the tough questions. No to accountability and no to providing our troops on the ground with a clear mission.

Mr. Speaker, I may be hopeful, but I am not naive. I hear Vice President Cheney taunt patriotic Americans who are concerned with the direction of our country. I see the President using his veto to hold our troops hostage to further his failed strategy in Iraq. I read the Bush Republicans' attacks questioning my patriotism and support for my fellow soldiers. But, Mr. Speaker, we have all heard these attacks before.

The American people know that President Bush and his allies are sadly out of touch. The American people know that supporting the troops means demanding accountability. The American people know we need a change.

Mr. Speaker, one of my fellow soldiers lost his brother in the World Trade Center on September 11 of 2001. This soldier is now in Iraq serving on his second deployment. And last week he sent me a message, unsolicited. It said, and I quote, ``Never did I think I would disagree with our foreign policy 5 years after my brother was murdered. Our latest mission here is to secure the Iraqi people. I signed up to secure the American people.''

My fellow colleagues, this bill, this vote helps us secure the American people. For too long the American people have been craving leadership, craving accountability, and craving a new direction in Iraq. Let's give this to them today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an organization dedicated to improving volunteer service, United Way of Bucks County. The selfless work of the volunteers of United Way has made us a stronger community in countless ways.

For more than 50 years, United Way has been devoted to improving the community at large through the use of social services and volunteer projects. Upon its founding in 1952, it was known as ``The Bucks County United Services Foundation.'' Since then, it has exceeded its own expectations, surpassing its own fundraising goals and touching more lives than was originally thought possible.

Today, United Way of Bucks County strives to spread its impact to the greatest number of people. Funding is distributed to three fundamental categories: ages and life stages, promoting self-sufficiency, and building a healthy community. The services of the organization extend to one in three Bucks County residents, and have forever changed the lives of many.

Madam Speaker, simply put, the work done by United Way of Bucks County touches the lives of thousands of families. The generosity of its members reminds us of the basic giving spirit of Americans. The inner strength and compassion of humanity is exemplified in these outstanding volunteers.

The work of United Way of Bucks County has provided scholarships for daycare and camps, dignity for the elderly, stability and friendship for those who need it most and employment and training for the developmentally disabled. Most importantly, however, they have offered hope and extended a hand to those who most need help.

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today to congratulate, thank and honor United Way of Bucks County for years of philanthropic contributions to society and for making our community stronger.

Thanks, Congressman. I appreciate it. Thank you to the gentleman from Minnesota, and to the gentleman from Connecticut, my colleague, the other Congressman Murphy up there.

Today is an important day in our country's history. We are the new Congress, the 110th Congress, and we came together from all over the country to really change the direction of our country.

I am so proud that I wore the Army uniform for the first time in 1993, following in the footsteps of my father and my uncle and my grandfather and my brother, who serves in the Air Force, that we served with pride and gave it our best.

When I was asked to join the faculty at West Point, when I taught there, we took pride in ourselves in saying we are developing leaders of character for a lifetime of service. Yes, we were making military officers. Yes, they were tacticians on the law and the profession of arms, but they were leaders of character. They stood up for the truth. They stood up for justice.

When our Nation was attacked on 9/11 of 2001, many of us who were called to serve deployed for our country. And I am proud that I deployed twice, first to Bosnia and then to Baghdad, Iraq, as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division.

So, within the first 100 days of this Congress, as you mentioned, when we took the steps to say we are going to be coequal branches of government, you see, when I was at West Point, I taught constitutional law and I taught about what this country was all about, and it was that we have three coequal branches of government.

See, we did not believe in the theory of King George, one person being infallible, running a country. That is why we had the American Revolution. Our democracy evolved over 200 years to now, today, where we have leaders from both parties willing to stand up and say, enough is enough. Mr. President, we will not continue to give you a blank check while the Iraqis still sit on the sidelines. We will not sit there and say everything is okay when we understand what the truth is on the ground in Iraq.

When I was there in 2003, I remember when it was August. I remember having the combat gear on. I remember riding up and down in what is called Ambush Alley in 138-degree heat and wondering when that next roadside bomb might go off, scouting it out, looking, always being vigilant to make sure the men I was leading down that path were safe.

Now, what this 110th Congress has stood up to do and why I am so proud of the freshman class for doing is, when we had the emergency supplemental, the Iraq supplemental, we said, we will give you, Mr. President, every single dime, every single penny that you ask for to support the troops, but there is a policy attached.

No longer is there an open-ended commitment. No longer is there unaccountability. This is a different Congress. This is the 110th Congress. This is a Congress that will stand strong, stand together, even though we know the political attacks are going to come, even though we know it takes personal courage, and even though they are going to try and distort what we are actually going to try to do. And what we are trying to do is to hold the Iraqi people accountable, now, over 4 years later.

At 6:12 a.m. this morning, I got an e-mail from Iraq. It was from a former cadet that I got to know who lost his brother on 9/11. He said to me, Sir, this is the first time I have ever written you, but he said, I want you to know there are legions, legions of junior officers, now company commanders, in Iraq and in Afghanistan and all over this country that are watching you, that are watching this 110th Congress, and that you are saying thank God someone is standing up and speaking truth to power. He said, I would never think that 5 years after my brother was murdered at the World Trade Center on 9/11/2001 that I would stand up against the foreign policy of the United States of America when it comes to Iraq. I want you to know that I am keeping you in my prayers, and if there is anything, anything I can do to help your cause, to put our country back on the right track, I am there.

That is what is happening with all these Congresspersons here in Washington.

When I get letters from people in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, or northeast Philadelphia, and they say, thank God we have a Congressman that is going to stand up for us, for our veterans, thank God that they are speaking truth to power, that is what is going on. There is a movement, and it is a movement again to believe in America, a movement again to say, listen, we understand there are coequal branches of the government. We understand what the Congress is trying to do. We understand they are trying to do what is right.

And it is not about partisan politics. It is not about Bush Republicans versus Democrats. It is not about that.

I joke. My wife Jenni is at home. I just talked to her on the phone. My 4-month-old Maggie just laughed for the first time today. It puts it all in perspective.

But my wife was a lifelong Republican. She still considers herself a Republican. She said to me when we first met, and she gave me a hard time for being a Democrat, she said, you know, Patrick, I will support you, and I will support you for one reason and one reason only, besides the fact that I am in love with you. She said, I was a YAFer. That is called a Young American for Freedom; it is a conservative wing of the Republican Party. She said, the Republican Party left me; I did not leave the Republican Party.

So when I talk about what we have done, what we have accomplished in the supplemental bill against all odds, because we remember, we were through this when we were voting for this, we understood when they said, why are you wasting your time trying to pass this emergency supplemental, putting a timeline on Iraq? Why would you do that? You know it is not going to pass.

I was there and talking to the press, and I said, I will give every cent, every fiber of my being, to talk to my colleagues together, all of us as one, and say how important it is to pass this.

Then when we passed it against all the odds, when they told us it wasn't going to happen, and we passed it, then they said, well, why did you do that? The Senate is never going to pass it. The Senate responded and the Senate took our bill, and now it is in conference and they passed it, also a supplemental bill with a timeline.

That is why it is so important that all of us do not lose hope, all of us continue to stand up and speak truth to power, all of us stand up and say, no longer are we just going to have an open-ended commitment in Iraq.

Because when you look at the full spectrum, some people say, bring all the troops home tomorrow; we don't care, just bring them all home tomorrow. Others say, it is the President, he is infallible; you can't ask any tough questions, you can't give him a timeline. You can't demand accountability from the Iraqis, who are still sitting on the sidelines 4 years later.

But this 110th Congress, made up of all races, of all sexes, of all parties,

came together and we said, this is a moderate approach, this is an approach that will change the direction in Iraq. When we look at how almost every day hundreds of people are dying there, and we said to the Iraqi people that we will support you, but we will not sit idly by. We will not stand idly by and watch you continue to sit on the sidelines, when our troops, our men and women who wear the military uniform of our country, continue to lead the efforts there when, now, it is 4 years later and it is imperative that they stand up for their country.

Because if we remember when it was the American Revolution, it was America's revolution; it was the Americans standing up. When it was the American Civil War, it was the Americans fighting each other.

So that is why all of us in good conscience cannot stand here while our brave young men and women serve in places like Iraq and referee a religious civil war. That is not what they were supposed to do. That is not in the national interests of the United States of America. That will not keep our families safe.

When we all vote, when we all take these so important and these crucial votes and these timely votes and these historic votes, when we vote for our families and for our constituents, we think about how is it going to affect our children and our children's children. How is it going to affect my daughter, Maggie Murphy, when she reads in the history books what we have done? How is it going to affect who we call Joe, that GI Joe, that soldier on the ground in the 138-degree heat in Baghdad, those members of the 82nd Airborne Division that I so proudly served with that are now back over there on their third deployment?

When I was there weeks ago, and I know some of my colleagues here were also just recently there, I talked to these guys. I talked to the guys I served with. I talked to the guys, Sergeant Juan Santiago, who left his wife and two kids at home, is now in his third deployment in Iraq. I broke bread with him over there.

I said to him when I was in Baghdad, he used to be Private Santiago, now he is Sergeant Santiago, and his nickname is Santi. I had lunch with him. I said, ``Santi, what is going on?'' And he said, ``Sir, it is like Groundhog Day, but 4 years later. They are still sitting on the sidelines. We are still doing everything for them. I don't know what it is going to take to get them to come off the sidelines.''

What it is going to take is the political pressure so we are clear and we act as one; that we tell the Iraqis that the 110th Congress is different; that the spirit of America is there and we love you, but we cannot hold your hand. You need to stand up finally for your country. You need to stand up and secure your neighborhoods, secure your street corners. You need to be the ones that are leading those convoys up and down Ambush Ally, not our troops.

That is exactly what our supplemental did and what we will do when we vote on it after it comes back from conference in just a few days.

With that, I would now take it back probably to the gentleman from Minnesota, Mr. Ellison. Thank you.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Timothy Block for his efforts in the research of Hepatitis B. This truly remarkable individual has dedicated his life to expanding knowledge of and solutions to a disease that kills one million people each year.

Motivated to cure Hepatitis B by one afflicted area family with nowhere else to turn, Dr. Block established the Hepatitis B Foundation in 1991. Its mission: to discover a cure and to help patients with the disease. In 2003, Dr. Block and the Hepatitis B Foundation created the Institute for Hepatitis and Virus Research, a nonprofit organization that researches the disease in search of a breakthrough. As volunteer President of the organization, Dr. Block led the formation of the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center of Bucks County, Pennsylvania's first Biotech center.

In addition to his work with Hepatitis B research, Dr. Block has initiated a Summer Research Internship Program. The program affords college students the opportunity to participate in research careers under the supervision of scientists. The Hepatitis B Foundation also hosts an annual convention called the ``B Informed Patient Conference,'' at which people from around the country can share experiences and learn from experts.

Madam Speaker, Dr. Block has brought hope to millions of Hepatitis B patients and has spearheaded discovery research in the field. His zeal for helping other members of his community is unparalleled and the personal responsibility he has taken on for Hepatitis B patients throughout his career is commendable. I applaud his service to his community and to those affected by a deadly disease.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary Eighth District resident. Mr. Gil Cohen has recently received the Bucks County Arts Award for his devotion and talent as an artist. An exceptional aviation artist, Mr. Cohen is a member of many local art groups.

As a young boy in Philadelphia, Mr. Cohen became an expert in identifying the various World War II planes flying overhead. He combined this knowledge with a love of history and a gift for painting, first as an artist with the United States Army in West Germany and later as a freelance artist. One of his greatest accomplishments is a series of oil paintings depicting the Eighth Air Force during World War

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Mr. Jonathon Otto for his efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Mr. Otto has raised money for and helped rebuild the Mississippi town of Bay St. Louis, which was decimated in Hurricane Katrina. Mr. Otto has been nominated for the Bucks County Chamber of Commerce's 2007 Ambassador Award.

Mr. Otto's career with Penn Valley Contractors, Inc. as a construction superintendent and estimator, along with his passion for helping others, made him the perfect candidate to spearhead fundraising efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina for the Bucks/Mont Katrina Relief Project.

Madam Speaker, Mr. Otto has truly risen to the challenge. He raised more than $2 million and personally oversaw reconstruction efforts. He stepped up and coordinated the collection of materials, volunteers, and transportation, supervising the construction of a brand-new daycare center in Bay St. Louis.

Beyond the Katrina Relief Project, Mr. Otto has served the community in a variety of ways, including acting as Treasure and Director of the Phillips Mill Community Association, trustee of the Newtown Friends School, treasurer and clerk of the Finance Committee, and director of the Heritage Conservancy.

Madam Speaker, Mr. Otto is an inspiration for us all. When a community was in trouble, he jumped in and began rebuilding. On behalf of the residents of the Eighth District, of Bay St. Louis and of all Americans, I congratulate Mr. Otto on his commendable efforts with the Katrina Relief Project. In a stunning display of good will and humanity, he has reminded us of the important things in life and the value of community.