Floor Statements

I thank the chairman for yielding.

I would like to start off by thanking my colleague from across the aisle, Congressman Brian Bilbray from California, for partnering with me on this bipartisan bill for the past 2 years. Today is a great day for our country, and I want to also highlight his partnership and his commitment to fiscal responsibility. It's been an honor to work with you, sir.

I also want to thank Senator Tom Carper for his tireless efforts in advancing this legislation in the Senate.

Mr. Speaker, most of us would be outraged if we realized that our phone company charged twice for last month's bill or that we paid for car repairs that were never made to our car. We would figure out the problem, we would get our money back, and we would make sure that that never happened again.

But every day the Federal Government either overpays or pays twice the amount for products or services it was supposed to. But until now, there was too little action and even less outrage.

According to the Office of Management and Budget, in fiscal year 2009, Federal agencies made nearly $98 billion in improper payments. Let me repeat that: In 2009, Federal agencies made nearly $98 billion in improper payments in just 1 fiscal year.

Mr. Speaker, numbers get thrown around in this Chamber all the time. So let me put this number in context. This is more than double the budget for the Department of Homeland Security and triple the budget of the National Institutes of Health. These improper payments occur as a result of fraud or from poor fiscal management systems that do not detect or prevent mistakes before Federal dollars are already out the door. This bill--our bill--the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act, will help better identify, reduce, and eliminate these improper payments. It will cut down on fraud and waste by requiring agencies to develop and implement action plans to avoid improper payments.

Mr. Speaker, no business owner would allow an employee to get away

with these mistakes. American taxpayers should not have to foot the bill when the government mismanages their hard-earned dollars. That is why this legislation has strong measures to hold those accountable for failing to protect taxpayer dollars. Perhaps most importantly, Mr. Speaker, this legislation would force the Federal Government to reclaim more money that was improperly sent.

It's pretty simple. If a family in Bristol, Bucks County, found out that they were getting double billed for their car payments or paying for groceries they never got, they'd fix the problem, get their money back, and would not allow it to happen again. My bill ensures that the Federal Government holds itself to the same standard of fiscal responsibility that will save taxpayers billions of dollars.

Mr. Speaker, there is no question that we must do more to tackle our national debt. While the debate grows increasingly partisan, the solutions seem sometimes out of political reach. But this proposal is not. This commonsense measure is something that Democrats and Republicans have come together to support. Cutting wasteful spending and growing our economy will lead us out of this recession and help put us on a path toward fiscal responsibility. I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' and pass this legislation on behalf of the American taxpayer.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the World War II Veterans of American Legion Post 960.

As we mark the 65th anniversary to the end of World War II, it is important that we continue to recognize the remarkable courage and sacrifice these members of the greatest generation of Americans gave for our country. We must never forget their struggle to maintain an enduring freedom throughout the world, and we all owe a debt to those who defended our liberty under circumstances most of us can only imagine.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to American Legion Post 960 for providing such a invaluable service to our community and our veterans. Established April 26, 1956, the 478 member post has been a place for veterans to gather together and their food holiday drives have helped feed many needy families in our community.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize the World War II Veterans of American Legion Post 960 for their extraordinary heroics and sacrifices for our country, and I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the service of these brave Americans.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commemorate the 62-year history of the State of Israel.

Officially established as an independent nation on May 14, 1948, Israel has grown into a thriving society guided by the philosophy of individual freedom and remains a shining example of a stable democracy in a volatile region.

Israel's story is much like ours. It is a story of hope, perseverance and a desire for independence. Its people struggled to overcome thousands of years of hardship, and suffered the most horrendous of atrocities to create a proud and vibrant free society in an area of the world where, historically, freedom is all too elusive.

It is our shared belief and dedication to peace and liberty that has solidified our alliance with the most successful democracy in the Middle East. Our nation was the first to recognize the State of Israel, and for more than half a century, Israel and the United States have been strong partners, bound by common values and committed to ensuring freedom throughout the world.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to offer my ongoing support and friendship to the people of Israel, as they celebrate their independence. I am confident that Israel will continue to flourish and that together, our two nations will continue to be strong allies and partners in promoting peace and individual freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3125, the Radio Spectrum Inventory Act.

As a veteran who served in Baghdad in 2003, I know firsthand how important proper radio use was for ensuring the success of our missions and safety of our troops. In the military every part of the radio spectrum had a specific purpose and was allocated based on efficiency and suitably.

Yet, in America the historical legacy of radio spectrum development has led to a patchwork system full of inefficiency. Additionally, there is a lack of information about current usage which has left America at a competitive disadvantage for developing new innovations in wireless service. Our economic success will depend on a new strategy for properly using our wireless spectrum so that we can innovate and develop new services to improve the connectivity of the American people and continue to fuel economic growth.

Every day new and useful applications are added to wireless service and the need for more radio spectrum to meet those needs increases. The Radio Spectrum Inventory Act would allow lawmakers, consumers and industry to know what spectrum is being used and how. By identifying gaps in spectrum use and inefficient spectrum allocations, this bill will help us understand the best approach to meet the growing demand for additional spectrum.

With the important information collected as a result of this bill, we can have an informed debate about how to most efficiently use and allocate our limited spectrum resources so that we can best meet the changing needs of the American public.

Mr. Speaker, it is time that we take a serious look at the future spectrum needs of this country in order to properly prepare for the challenge. The right way to start is by gathering more information on our current situation. The Radio Spectrum Inventory Act will take this first step and put us on the right path to effectively develop a better strategy to meet our nation's growing wireless needs.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Sharon K. Barker and her unending commitment to our community.

Sharon Barker has been serving Bucks County for over 30 years and has been a leader in our community, fighting for those who need our help the most. Through her leadership and her volunteer involvement, she has made fundamental contributions to the lives of women in Bucks County. It's fitting that she will receive the Bucks County Women's History Month Award.

Sharon is an inspiration to anyone who knows her, and continually finds ways to improve the community around her. She is a role model and a mentor. Her hard work and dedication are a testament to the great State of Pennsylvania, and I am proud to say she calls the 8th District home.

Currently, Sharon Barker is Senior Vice President of the United Way of Bucks County, and still she finds time to bring together others interested in serving their community. She has even established a community service organization of knitters and crocheters who make and donate crafts to other nonprofit organizations. She has worked tirelessly for these causes, and deserves recognition for her significant accomplishments, which improve the lives of those around her.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize and to honor Sharon K. Barker for her incredible service to our community, and am extremely honored to serve as her Congressman.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor William A. McKenty of Ottsville, Pennsylvania.

Mr. McKenty, who will be receiving the much-deserved ``Man of the Year'' award from the Feasterville Business Association, has been an integral part of our community and an outstanding businessman.

For 36 years, Mr. McKenty has worked in the industrial battery industry, and for the last 13 years, Mr. McKenty has owned and operated his own battery business in Trevose, Pennsylvania. He has been involved in the shaping of our business community and has helped raise thousands of dollars for local charities. He has been involved in Special People in Northeast, and the Special Olympics. In addition, he has also been a Little League and softball coach. William McKenty is an inspiration to our community.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize and honor William A. McKenty not only for being an upstanding businessman, but also for his commitment to charity work and giving back to the community. I am honored to serve as his Congressman.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor St. Luke's Quakertown Hospital for receiving the 2010 Distinguished Community Service Award from the Bucks County Council, Boy Scouts of America.

Madam Speaker, this worthy recognition was earned by St. Luke's for its tremendous contribution to our community and the positive example that service has set for the 13,000 young men and women served by Scouting and Learning for Life programs in Bucks County.

The leadership exhibited by St. Luke's and its dedicated staff is inspiring and truly sets the bar in their field. St. Luke's is one of the premier health networks in the region, and the Quakertown facility is the fastest growing hospital in Southeastern Pennsylvania, a testament to the great work being done there.

St. Luke's is dedicated to providing the community with quality care. By extending that mission beyond its walls through community days and health and safety awareness programs, St. Luke's has shown it will stop at nothing to ensure the health and well-being of the community.

This dedication to service is exactly what it means to be a Scout, and as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts, it is fitting that we recognize St. Luke's.

Madam Speaker, once again I would like to thank St. Luke's Quakertown Hospital for its contribution to the community and especially to the youth of Bucks County.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Carol Mignoni Ferguson, Rosemarie Mignoni Szczucki, and Ann Mignoni Mundy.

The Mignoni family name has been synonymous with quality jewelry in Bristol, Pennsylvania for over 60 years. They have been intertwined with the Irish community for almost as many years, with their love for Irish jewelry and art on clear display in their Bristol store.

Recently, the Mignoni sisters were again recognized by the Irish community for their contribution to the culture, the tradition, and the general welfare of Irish heritage. They truly embody the ideals of the Irish community, and their charity and support of friends and family inspire those around them.

These three sisters led the Bucks County St. Patrick's Day parade on March 13, 2010, as exemplary members of the Bucks County community and as representatives of the Irish spirit. Long after the parade is over, they will continue to be leaders throughout the community, and their love and compassion will continue to be a beacon in the 8th district of Pennsylvania.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Carol, Ann, and Rose Mignoni for their incredible service to our community. I am honored to serve as their Congressman and humbled to call them my friends.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Hajdak-Mokan Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Association as an exemplary organization for its membership's history of commitment to service, to community, and to our Nation.

The 82nd Airborne Division, the division in which I am proud to have served, has had a long and distinguished history in the United States Army. Formed on August 25, 1917, at Camp Gordon, Georgia, the unit was given the nickname ``All-Americans,'' since members of the Division called all 48 States home. This is showcased in its famous ``AA'' shoulder patch.

First deployed for combat in World War I, the 82nd Infantry Division fought for five grueling months in France. After the war ended, the Division was demobilized; when the duel threats of Fascist Germany and Imperial Japan threatened the very survival of the free world and democratic government, the 82nd was reactivated in 1942 to defend our Nation. That same year, the 82nd became the first airborne division in the U.S. Army, and was re-designated the 82nd Airborne Division. Over the course of the war, paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division saw action in North Africa, Italy, and as part of Operation Overlord. On the night of June 5th-6th, 1944, just before Allied transports landed on the beaches of Normandy, paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division began the largest airborne assault in history, and were among the first to fight for the liberation of Europe. The 82nd Airborne would go on to fight in Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands, and would brave the German counteroffensive in the Ardennes forest in the frigid winter of 1944.

After the war, the 82nd Airborne Division assisted in the occupation of Berlin, and then upon its return to the United States made its permanent home at Ft. Bragg in North Carolina. Since then, the brave paratroopers of the 82nd have seen action in Korea, have helped keep order in the Dominican Republic, have fought in the dense jungles of Vietnam, and have defended American interests in Grenada. The paratroopers participated in interventions in Honduras and Panama, and in 1990 assisted in the liberation of Kuwait from Saddam Hussein's brutal dictatorship. After 9/11, the 82nd Airborne was one of the first American units to see action in Afghanistan. When the U.S. launched Operation Iraqi Freedom, the 82nd Airborne was there.

The Hajdak-Mokan Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Association honors veterans, raises money for wounded warriors, provides honor guards for funerals, marches in parades, and supports community events. The men and women of the Hajdak-Mokan Chapter embody the spirit of the 82nd Airborne. They prove that love of country, commitment to one another and to community, and a respect for duty are all still integral parts of American society. This spirit also manifests itself in the life and work of Mr. Dan Bosak. Mr. Bosak was a founding member of the Hajdak- Mokan Chapter. He served as its chairman for 13 years of its 15-year history.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize the Hajdak-Mokan Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Association for its outstanding dedication to service, and its longtime chairman and one of its founding members, Mr. Dan Bosak, for his years of steadfast commitment and loyalty to his fellow paratroopers, to his community, and to his Nation. I am extremely honored to serve as his Congressman.

Madam Chair, I'd like to extend my sincere thanks to Chairman Reyes for accepting this amendment and taking an important step toward strengthening our Nation's cyber infrastructure against attack. Madam Chair, the protection of our country's cyber infrastructure is one of today's most pressing--and challenging--national security issues. Computers and Internet device technology have become pervasive in every type of crime and federal agencies are experiencing an increase in cyber-intrusions into our most secure and sensitive government computer networks. This growing threat is extraordinarily difficult to address. The technology used to perpetrate these crimes evolves constantly and rapidly, and it can be exceedingly difficult to track down the perpetrators. It is our duty to ensure that our Intelligence Community and our Nation's law enforcement agencies have every tool necessary in their arsenal to combat cyber criminals and cyber terrorists who seek to access or steal protected information.

To be successful in preventing security breaches, Madam Chair, the agencies tasked with protecting the country from cyber attacks must constantly revise and improve their primary functions of data collection, analysis, and dissemination to keep pace with expanding threats. Experts in the field have pointed to several areas of the law which may need to be reviewed and updated to ensure their effectiveness and to best protect American individuals, businesses, and our national security.

Our proposal would establish the Cybercrime Task Force to analyze the current tools available to the Intelligence Community and law enforcement and provide legislative recommendations on ways to strengthen those resources, reduce our national exposure, and prevent and deter cyber attacks, cyber terrorism, cyber espionage, and cybercrimes.

The goals of the task force include improving attribution to specific criminals, understanding the nontraditional targets of attackers, and strengthening federal computer crime statutes to deter would-be perpetrators.

First, crucial to better deterrence--and the possibility of implementing sanctions--is improving the IC's ability to designate concrete attribution for cyber attacks. Attacks committed with the aid of computer or Internet device technology are often cleared with negative clearance. In order words, the IC is not able to detect and identify hostile foreign actors because of missing data at Internet service providers. The task force shall provide evidence-based recommendations on mandatory data retention requirements that balance the privacy of an individual's data, the technical and financial limitations of companies and Internet service providers, and the need to ensure effective cybercrime investigation.

The task force shall incorporate in their recommendations suggestions to minimize barriers to entry into the service provider industry and to lessen any negative impact on innovation or new start-ups in the industry.

Second, Madam Chair, in light of the rapidly evolving nature of the crimes, we must better understand the likely, but nontraditional, targets to which perpetrators may seek unauthorized access. Cyber attacks are increasingly the preferred method of foreign intelligence services collection of data against the U.S., raising a host of novel training, counterintelligence and investigative issues. To improve these operations in the IC's understanding of the extent to which computer and Internet device technology pervades traditional crimes, the task force shall compile a list of nontraditional targets (i.e., economic or industrial bases) in the U.S. that the IC has not traditionally dealt with as a target for foreign intelligence services.

Finally, Madam Chair, an increasing number of ``terrestrial'' (i.e., physical) crimes are being committed with the aid of a computer or Internet services. The task force shall survey the current federal crime statute for computer fraud and abuse to determine whether it is sufficient in light of the advanced nature of the crimes being committed and to enhance the ability of our law enforcement agencies to identify, detect and apprehend suspects as well as enhance investigative and prosecutorial efforts.

The task force shall survey the current federal crime statute for computer fraud and abuse (as provided in 18 U.S.C. 1030) to determine whether it is sufficient in light of the advanced nature of the crimes being committed. It shall determine the adequacy of the laws for which cybercrime and cyber espionage constitute a predicate offense and provide recommendations for updating those statutes when warranted. The task force shall establish and disseminate guidelines for States to revise their State-level statutes equivalent to 18 U.S.C. 1030 to help ensure they keep pace with Federal changes.

An increase in the prevalence of crimes facilitated through computer fraud and abuse raises novel investigative, prosecutorial and training issues because of the complex and unique attributes of computer and Internet technology. To improve law enforcement's understanding of the extent to which computer technology pervades traditional crimes, the task force shall compile a list of which crimes are most often committed with the aid of computers or Internet devices, determine whether the relevant prosecutorial tools are up to date, and provide specific legislative recommendations on how to update the statute to improve prosecution efforts while simultaneously providing for individual privacy and data security.

The task force shall also advise whether a need exists to outlaw, or more clearly prohibit, certain behavior (i.e., unauthorized access) regardless of intent or resulting damage, whether monetary or to a computer system. The recommendations should take into account the increasing prevalence of individuals using pre-programmed hacking tools to commit a crime without necessarily understanding the full implications or potential consequences of the technology.

The task force shall analyze existing Federal and State data breach notification requirements and advise whether and how current law should be amended to strengthen requirements and improve compliance, including notification of relevant law enforcement authorities as well as any individuals whose personally identifiable information may be at risk from the breach. Currently, forty-three States have enacted breach notification requirements, and they vary widely, resulting in low compliance levels. The task force shall analyze discrepancies among existing State-level statutes, determine barriers to compliance, and provide recommendations for overcoming such barriers (i.e., through Federal legislation, tying a company's obligations to specific jurisdiction and their requirements, or through some other means).

Finally, the task force shall determine whether and how current victim restitution statutes should be amended in order for victims of cyber attacks to be made whole. Currently States have varying forms of recourse for victims of cyber attacks, particularly when a person is hurt because a company's data was breached. The task force shall recommend whether a Federal law is needed to address this and if so, how it should be structured.

Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to ensure that we stay a step ahead of hackers and cyber terrorists seeking to cause us harm and to pass this important amendment.

I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania and now the dean of the delegation.

I want to echo the comments of my classmate, Congressman Chris Carney, also from Pennsylvania. When we came in together, he was really our mentor, and he was a great man. I thought it was fitting, when we heard earlier Republicans talking about the honor to serve with a great patriot like Jack Murtha, the fact that he always reached across the aisle. The pallbearers at his service last week were both Democrats and Republicans. They were coming together to be those pallbearers in that final service.

In that service last week, we heard how Mrs. Bair told a young Jack Patrick Murtha that one person can make a difference, that one person can change the world. Whether it was in the Marine Corps, in the Congress of the United States, or within the Murtha Family, Jack Patrick Murtha certainly did make quite a difference.

In the military, he was proud of his over three decades in the Corps. He was proud that he was the first combat marine to serve in the United States Congress. He was proud when he had given a knife to a current commandant of the Marine Corps, General Conway. General Conway talked in the service last week about still having that knife. He was also proud to go down the street at the Walter Reed military hospital to see the men and women, our country's heroes, when they came back. When they gave it all on the battlefield and they came home, he was there for them.

As for his time in the Congress, he was proud of the family that made up ``team Murtha''--the folks who served with great honor and distinction, not just to the constituents of the 12th Congressional District of Pennsylvania, but also to the citizens of the United States of America.

I am a person who often says that budgets are moral documents. If you want to see someone's priorities, you look at his budget, whether it's a family's budget or a country's budget. Well, the fact is that Jack Murtha made sure that our troops had everything that they needed. If our warfighters were going to put their lives on the line, if they were going to be willing to take a bullet to keep our families and our country safe, Jack Murtha did not want a fair fight. Jack Murtha wanted to make sure that our troops had a tactical and a technical advantage on that battlefield. Jack Murtha also wanted to make sure that the Congress of the United States and our country's policymakers also had the right war policy for those troops.

As John Larson said earlier, when Jack Murtha spoke about calling for a timeline to bring our troops home from Iraq, it sent shock waves, not just across our country but around the world, that he was going to stand up for principle and do the right thing. That is the kind of marine, that is the kind of leader that Jack Murtha was. It was no surprise to many of us who had watched him throughout the years when he was awarded John Kennedy's Profile in Courage. He was so proud of that award because he knew what that award represented--the fact that he, a guy who had grown up in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, had finally made a difference.

Lastly, we all know Jack to be the family man that he was. The fact is he was most proud of his wife, Joyce, of his kids and of his grandchildren. He'd be here at the Capitol so early, by 6:00 in the morning at least. Then when we'd have late votes, at about 7:00 or 7:30, you could see him fidgeting. We used to joke with him.

You'd hear Bob Ray ask, What's the matter? Does Joyce have pork chops going on? You know, why do you want to rush out of here?

He'd say, I've got to get home.

He wanted to make sure that he was home so he could be there with his family to have a meal.

I believe that John Patrick Murtha and his service that he gave to our country as a marine, as the chairman, and as a family man is a testament to his life's work, which is that one man can make a difference.

God bless you, Jack Murtha.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor John J. Rufe of Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Serving his community as a presiding judge in the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas for twenty years, John J. Rufe has embodied what it means to be a public servant.

He has been responsible for authoring several landmark decisions on open space preservation zoning and has presided over the county's asbestos liability litigation for over a decade. In addition, John has been recognized by many for his attentive and considerate mediation in the complex and difficult field of child custody litigation.

John has also served as the President of the Bucks County Bar Association. He has been a contributor to Continuing Legal Education panels and has been a valuable resource for many beginning lawyers by offering constructive comment and guidance.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize the Honorable John J. Rufe for his outstanding commitment to public service, his community and his country. I am extremely honored to serve as his Congressman.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate my friend Colonel Daniel L. Rubini.

Colonel Daniel L. Rubini, or Larry as we all know him, has dedicated his life to the rule of law, traveling across the globe to help struggling nations, often engulfed in devastating conflicts, establish the fundamental elements of a successful democracy. A 40-year Bucks County resident, Colonel Rubini has lent his expertise and commitment to make life better for veterans and military families across our region, always lending a hand when his brothers and sisters of the Armed Forces find themselves in need.

It's been my privilege to work alongside Colonel Rubini as we fought to fmally bring a Veterans Cemetery to Bucks County, an honor long overdue for the veterans of southeastern Pennsylvania. He's been the driving force to clean up the unmarked graves at Washington's Crossing Park to make sure that those first American soldiers get the recognition they deserve. I have been proud to partner with Colonel Rubini to help the men and women of Iraq and Afghanistan who have risked their lives to assist the American military as translators. Those brave souls have no greater advocate than Colonel Rubini, who has helped countless men and women find safe haven from those who seek to harm them because they stood up for their country and fought for democracy. No matter what, Colonel Rubini is always there to make sure returning soldiers receive a warm welcome home, as well as a warm meal.

Colonel Rubini will be receiving the William H. Eastburn III Award from the Bucks County Bar Association for his contributions to the Bucks County judicial system. The award goes to someone who has encouraged a greater respect and understanding for the law, and challenged others to take personal responsibility as citizens.

Colonel Rubini has done great things, not just for this Nation, but for countries throughout the world. He has helped to bring the rule of law to places like Kuwait and Haiti, while continuing to fight for justice in Pennsylvania. He's a true veteran's advocate and I'm proud to call him my friend.

Madam Speaker, I ask that we honor and congratulate Colonel Daniel L. Rubini for his contribution to Bucks County but also to the rest of the world. He's a true American hero.

Colleagues, voting ``yes''

today means tax incentives for Joe Frederick, a small business owner in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who struggles with skyrocketing health care costs for his employees. It is a vote for Mrs. St. Clair, whose niece died because she couldn't get insurance. It is a vote for Jay Doroshow, who was kicked off his plan after being diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease.

I urge a ``yes'' vote for our fellow Americans who want to secure affordable health insurance which can't be taken away from them when they need it most.

Sixteen years have passed since we last tried to reform health care. Premiums have more than doubled. Every day in the State of Pennsylvania, 510 families are kicked off their coverage. That is every single day.

Mr. Speaker, as I said, I am a proud Blue Dog Democrat, and there is universal agreement that to get our country's fiscal house back in order, we must first get our health care spending under control. And this bill does just that. It actually reduces our deficit by $129 billion, taking important steps to rein in health care costs.

But there is more work to be done, and I look forward to working with you and our leadership to accomplish this goal.

Thank you, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Henry Gawronski, a lifelong resident of Bucks County and dedicated public servant. For 44 years, Henry has served his country and his community, whether through his time in the Navy, his positions on the school board, or as a Township Supervisor.

Henry graduated from Central Bucks High School in 1955, and shortly thereafter enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He retired from the Navy twenty years later in July of 1975 and devoted his time to his auto body business on a fulltime basis. He has five children and was deeply involved in the school board, serving as Treasurer, Vice-President, and President of the Palisades School Board during his six years of service beginning in 1980.

In 1983, Henry became one of the founding members of the Palisades Republican Club. He felt that the formation of the this club would help unite the Republicans in his rural area and encourage local, county, and state candidates to attend so community members could see, hear, and question what they had to say in person.

Henry became a Township Supervisor in January of 1988. During his eighteen year tenure, he has served as Vice-Chairman and Chairman. In 1989, he spearheaded the project to build an addition to the Nockamixon Township Building, and managed to fund it through donations of money and labor--at no cost to the township. Six years ago, he made his dream of a huge party for the township a reality by forming and helping coordinate an annual Nockamixon Township Community Day. Generous donations allow residents and guests to be treated to free entertainment, food, and door prizes.

Henry has devoted the better portion of his life to public service-- 20 years in the Navy, 6

years on the Palisades School Board, and 18 years as a Nockamixon Township Supervisor. Throughout this time, he has been a dedicated husband, father of five, and grandfather of six.

His commitment to service and the dedication he has shown to improving his community are a model for others. Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize Henry Gawronski for his outstanding efforts, and am extremely honored to serve as his Congressman.