Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to pay tribute to Ernest ``Ernie'' P. Kline, the 25th Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania and a tireless public servant.

Since his days as Class President of Rostraver High School, Ernie always took charge to organize and lead in the groups of which he was a member.

Ernie was indefatigable in his work for the people of Pennsylvania. Beginning his political career as a councilman in the City of Beaver Falls, PA, Ernie was elected to the State Senate in 1965 and then as Lieutenant Governor in 1970.

As Lieutenant Governor, Ernie chaired commissions on education and energy, showing his devotion toward creating a better world for future Pennsylvanians.

Beyond public life, Ernie and his beloved wife Josephine were always involved in the community, be it establishing the Ronald McDonald House of Hershey Medical Center or umpiring softball games. Ernie was also president of Kline Associates Ltd., a government consulting firm, which allowed him to continue to serve the State of Pennsylvania after leaving elected office.

Devoted to his Catholic faith, the Democratic Party, and his country, Ernest P. Kline was committed to serving the Commonwealth. Madam Speaker, please join me, Congressman Holden, and all Pennsylvanians, in honoring this great man, whose public service legacy will be fondly remembered by many.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedication and opening of the new headquarters for Monument Bank in Doylestown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

This day 141 years ago marks the anniversary of the official dedication of the Doylestown Monument. The Doylestown landmark commemorates the officers and men of the 104th Pennsylvania Regiment who fell in the Civil War, and serves as the namesake for Monument Bank.

The founding members and shareholders of the new Monument Bank have a proven history of successful local banking. They have provided some of the most outstanding professional banking services in our area, recognizing the importance of local community relationships and support. Their service and community leadership will undoubtedly be an important asset to Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

I applaud Monument Bank for moving forward in these trying economic times to provide valuable banking services to our community. Madam Speaker, I proudly recognize Monument Bank and I extend my congratulations on the dedication of their headquarters today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Penndel-Middletown Emergency Squad for 50 years of distinguished service to Middletown Township and its adjoining boroughs. Since their inception as a non-profit emergency ambulance service in 1959, they have selflessly served tens of thousands of residents in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Penndel-Middletown Emergency Squad has come quite a long way since its incorporation. Their first ambulance was a used 1947 Cadillac- Superior Coach, and now their purpose is to provide the best and most modern emergency care and transportation that can be made available. The Penndel-Middletown Emergency Squad also offers education and training to the community for first aid and emergency care.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in recognizing the Penndel- Middletown Emergency Squad for their 50 years of service to Middletown Township and the neighboring boroughs of Hulmeville, Langhorne, Langhorne Manor and Penndel, an area of more than 25 square miles. I am honored to serve as their Congressman.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Rabbi Howard Hersch, the spiritual leader of Congregation Brothers of Israel in Newtown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Rabbi Hersch will be retiring in July after 48 years of dedicated service to his community.

While serving at the Congregation Brothers of Israel, Rabbi Hersch has worked tirelessly to provide his congregants with leadership, kindness, and an open ear. His combination of wisdom, humor, and compassion has created an atmosphere of warmth in his synagogue that his congregants will truly miss.

Rabbi Hersch is not only a scholar, teacher, and respected associate of several Rabbinical Boards, but also a member of many humanitarian and civic organizations. He has dedicated his life to advancing the causes of the State of Israel, the Jewish people, and of all people in need.

Rabbi Hersch has contributed enormously to his community in Bucks County. His commitment to service through spiritual leadership and education is a characteristic to be emulated. Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize Rabbi Hersch for his outstanding efforts, and am extremely honored to serve as his Congressman.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dalton Pepper, a member of the Pennsbury High School boys' basketball team and 2009 Pennsylvania player of the year. Dalton has excelled as a student athlete in Bucks County, and I am eager to see him continue that legacy next year at West Virginia University.

Dalton's hard work and dedication led him and his teammates to four straight undefeated league championships and into their fourth PIAA AAAA State playoff. He was recently named The Associated Press' 2009 Pennsylvania Class AAAA boy's basketball player of the year.

These performances earned Dalton a position on the Pennsylvania all- state team. His high school career record of 2,207 points, nearly 1,000 rebounds and a 104-20 record is an extraordinary accomplishment.

The recognition and awards Dalton has received throughout his high school basketball career are no small feat. For his leadership and determination, he has gained respect from

his coaches and teammates, not to mention the admiration of our community, which has cheered him along throughout his career.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in recognizing Dalton Pepper for his hard work and dedication to the Pennsbury High School boys' basketball team--he sets an example for student athletes everywhere and I am proud to represent him.

Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights, which will provide real relief to Americans who are being hit hard by unfair credit card practices.

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney has been fighting for three years to bring these predatory practices to light, and I commend her tireless efforts.

Mr. Chair, college students are particularly vulnerable to credit card targeting and marketing. As they walk through campus, they come across offers ranging from free food to clothing just for filling out a credit card application. But after the free gifts, too many students are left with piles of debt and nowhere to turn.

For too long, credit card companies have had special deals with universities to let them market to students. Through these deals, schools receive large cash payments in exchange for handing over students' personal information and providing access to their campuses. Right now, with their families at home struggling, more students are turning to credit cards to fill the gap between their tuition bill and student loans. As a result they are racking up debts that take years to pay off. A Sallie Mae study recently reported that college seniors are graduating from school with an average of more than $4,100 in credit card debt.

I strongly support today's bill, but as it progresses I hope to see a provision included to bring accountability to the deals credit card companies make with schools. We should require that companies report the terms and conditions of agreements with schools and call for a GAO report to show the impact these agreements have on overall credit card debt. I offered a bipartisan amendment with Congressman Petri from Wisconsin to do just that, but unfortunately it fell to procedural hurdles.

This provision would provide much needed transparency--and hopefully help prevent students from falling too far behind before they graduate. I hope as this bill makes its way through Congress, our amendment will ultimately be incorporated.

Mr. Chair, this bill is an opportunity to do what's right for American consumers. I will continue to look for ways to provide more transparency to these practices--something that the American people are desperate for right now.

With this bill, we are taking a large step toward decreasing credit card debt. I urge my colleagues to keep the debt of college students in mind as this bill moves forward.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a cosponsor and strong supporter of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009.

Ten years have now passed since a University of Wyoming student was tied to a fence and fatally beaten just because he was gay. In the time since, we've seen a Texas man dragged to his death by a truck just because he was black and a woman brutally beaten and killed with a fire extinguisher just because she was transgendered. We've even seen young children at day camp shot just because they were Jewish.

Passage of comprehensive federal hate crime legislation that would allow the Department of Justice to assist state and local jurisdictions unable or unwilling to prosecute violent, bias-motivated crimes is long overdue.

Mr. Speaker, as a former Constitutional law professor at West Point, I want to make something perfectly clear. Nothing in this bill impinges the right of an individual's freedom of speech as guaranteed under the First Amendment of the Constitution. The ability to think or express sentiments repulsive to most members of society absent the fear of legal recrimination is part of what makes this country great and free. The ability to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those who cause injury or death to an individual because of who they are or what they believe is also what makes this country great and free.

Ensuring that states and local law enforcement throughout the United States have the resources they need to go after the perpetrators of these crimes is not just something we owe to the victims and their families. It also helps to free the rest of society--particularly members of the group to which the victim identified--from being intimidated by the hatred of a few.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill and send a clear message that those who injure or kill another human being because of who they are will be brought to justice for their crimes.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Justina Cassavell, daughter of Jeanne and Michael Doyle of Upper Black Eddy, Bucks County, Pennsylvania and someone who is helping to shape the next generation of Americans.

Justina's dedication as head coach of her girls cross country team has allowed her student athletes to excel both on and off the field. She was recently named the Express-Times Newspaper 2008 Cross Country Coach of the Year. This is the sixth time she has received this honor in eight seasons.

Justina was also inducted into the NJ Scholastic Coaches Association Hall of Fame on March 29th of this year. As head coach of the Voorhees High School girls cross country team since 1997, Justina has led her team to numerous victories, including its seventh straight Hunterdon- Warren NJ championship, third straight North 2 Group 3 sectional title, fifth NJ State Interscholastic Athletic Association Group 3 state title, and second Meet of Champions crown.

The recognition and appreciation that Ms. Cassavell has been shown is no small feat, considering she is a part-time coach. Present and past students alike have called her the ``inspiration'' in their lives, as she teaches them to believe in themselves and to strive to be great in all that they do.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in recognizing Justina Cassavell for her hard work and dedication to her student athletes--she sets an example for students and teachers everywhere and that is something we should be encouraging more and more.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Thomas B. White Sr. and his family, who have selflessly served our country by enforcing the law in Southeastern Pennsylvania for over 100 years.

Thomas B. White Sr. started his career with the Philadelphia Police Department on March

16th, 1909, and retired in April 1941. He was born in Ireland and immigrated to the United States in 1896, where he worked primarily on the Philadelphia Police Department's foot traffic unit.

James ``Bud'' White, Tom's son, became employed with the Pennsylvania State Police in 1937 and was there until 1942, when he was transferred to the Philadelphia Police Department. There, Bud served on the patrol, accident investigation, crime scene, and stake out units. He worked in this capacity until 1962, when he joined the Philadelphia School District Police. Bud remained until retirement in 1972.

Joseph P. White, Bud's son, began his career with the Philadelphia Police Department in 1966. He worked on the uniform patrol and juvenile aide/gang control units until 1970, when he joined the detective division. After serving in the major crimes/dignitary protection unit, Joe retired in 1988.

Ann Thomson Wisnewski, Joe's cousin, became employed with the Philadelphia Police Department in 1970, where she served as one of the first female police officers. Ann worked in the juvenile aide division, dignitary protection unit, and stakeout unit, before retiring in 1980 as a sergeant.

Kevin J. O'Rourke, Ann's cousin, started his career in the Philadelphia Police Department in 1973, and worked on the patrol and vice units. He also served in the District Attorney's Office until 1990, where he was promoted to Detective Sergeant in the special investigations and homicide unit. Kevin then went on to serve with the Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General, Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, and Pennsylvania Gaming Commission before retiring in 2008.

Stephen J. White, Kevin's cousin, became employed with the U.S. Capitol Police in 1972, where he served until 1974. The same year, he started working as a patrol officer with the Doylestown Township Police, before being promoted to Sergeant in 1975, Lieutenant in 1978, and then finally Chief of Police in 1988. He continues to serve in this capacity today.

Through multiple generations, the White family has contributed enormously to our communities in Southeastern Pennsylvania. I have the utmost gratitude for their 100 years of dedication and service. Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize the White family for their extraordinary accomplishments, and am extremely honored to serve as their Congressman.

Mr. Speaker, it was a great charity event.

There are a lot of challenges facing our country right now where our focus is, but we took time out for the kids to make sure that we raised money. These kids could not afford to play the game of hockey, which really demonstrates and embodies the sense of teamwork and goal setting. It was great to be with those kids, with the first African American NHL player, who was also there. And I would also like to highlight the cooperation of the Washington Capitals.

I would like to say that our colleague from New York (Mr. Weiner), who got the puck of the game, who was our goaltender, a lot of folks did say that he had cat-like reflexes. He reminded me of a young Mike Richter, who most folks understand is a New York Ranger, won the World Cup for Team America that was played at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia. But Mike Richter is from the suburbs of Philadelphia, and I was proud of that comparison of Anthony Weiner to Mike Richter. I sometimes question the athletic ability of Mr. Weiner, but that day he really showed his skill.

I will yield.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Southampton Fire Company #1 for 100 years of distinguished service. Since their inception in 1909, Southampton Fire Company #1 has remained an all-volunteer fire department.

On December 10, 1909, the first meeting of the Southampton Fire Company was held, and four years later they were incorporated with 88 charter members. They utilized a variety of firefighting equipment through the years, such as a horse-drawn button hand pumper in 1913, a Ford Model T/Hale fire engine in 1921, and an 85-foot Hi-Ranger Snorkel elevated platform truck in 1965, the first of its kind in Bucks County.

A major renovation of the firehouse was dedicated in May 2000 to the ``past, present, and future members of the Southampton Fire Company #1, in recognition of their unselfish service to the citizens of Upper Southampton Township.'' Now, on the Fire Company's 100th Anniversary, we also extend our greatest thanks and appreciation for their unwavering service.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in recognizing the Southampton Fire Company #1 for their 100 years of service to our families in Bucks County. I am honored to serve as their Congressman.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Rabbi Jon E. Cutler--the only Jewish Chaplain currently serving in western Iraq. And as a former paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division who served in Baghdad 5 years ago and the first Iraq war veteran to serve in this great body, it fills me with tremendous pride to be Rabbi Cutler's Congressman. Rabbi Cutler has set an example for all of us--not just through his spiritual leadership--but through selfless service to our community and our nation.

In Iraq, Rabbi Cutler serves as the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Chaplain, and assists the entire Al Asad Marine Air Base. Prior to his service in Iraq, Rabbi Cutler served as the pulpit rabbi of Tiferes B'nai Israel in Warrington, Bucks County, Pennsylvania for the past 8 years.

As the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Chaplain, Rabbi Cutler supervises 20 Christian chaplains and chaplain assistants, and has worked to create a center for Jewish troops who are serving in Anbar Province. The congregants of Tiferes B'nai Israel even contributed to this effort, sending tiles and paste to be used for the chapel floor.

As the Rabbi for Tiferes B'nai Israel in Warrington, Rabbi Cutler worked tirelessly to unite his congregants, both old and new. He strived to make new members feel welcome while respecting the needs and wishes of long-standing members. Before he was deployed to Iraq, he also proudly received his Navy commander pins on the pulpit at Tiferes B'nai Israel.

Commander Cutler has been a chaplain in the U.S. Navy Reserve for 23 years. He was the only Jewish chaplain serving with the Marines in Desert Storm, and after 9/11, he was called to the Pentagon to counsel family members who lost loved ones during the tragic events of that terrible day.

When not serving our troops in Iraq or his congregants in Warrington, Rabbi Cutler has served as an instructor at Gratz College for Jewish education and a visiting professor at Philadelphia University. He received his B.A. and M.A. in religious studies from Temple University, and holds a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Counseling from Hebrew Union College. Rabbi Cutler was ordained by the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Wyncote, PA.

Rabbi Cutler has contributed enormously to the citizens of Bucks County and given so

much to so many servicemen and women serving abroad. He leads by example and is committed to service, spiritual leadership and education. Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize Rabbi Cutler for his outstanding work, and am extremely honored to serve as his Congressman.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Francis M. Gorski for his 50th year of active service to the Lingohocken Fire Company. He and his family have been extremely dedicated to serving Wrightstown Township and the community as a whole.

Lingohocken firefighters are able to become ``Life Members'' after twenty-five years of service and let others take over. That was an option for Mr. Gorski twenty-five years ago, but instead he has remained hard at work--as so many have come to expect.

Mr. Gorski is one of the most active members of the department, responding to 70-80% of their calls. He has responded to calls that many individuals his age would no longer respond to--including calls at 3 o'clock in the morning. He volunteers his time for Lingohocken on top of the time he spends running the family business with his two younger brothers.

He has served at almost every rank in the company including chief, and is currently serving as deputy chief. His dedication and work ethic are examples for our community and country to follow.

Those at the company--and in our entire community--are extremely proud of the accomplishments and outstanding level of service Mr. Gorski provides to the people of Wrightstown Township and Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize Mr. Francis Gorski for his exceptional services to his community and am extremely honored to serve as his Congressman.

Mr. Speaker, as we begin in this Congress a potentially transformational debate on the future of health care, I think it is time that we start dispelling some of the myths about American health care. So let's start with this one.

If I told you that the country which spent the most money on health care also ranked among the highest in wait times for care, opponents of health care reform would scream, ``Well, that is what you get with socialized medicine.'' The sad fact is that I'm describing our own health care system. A recent study published in Business Week showed that amongst the six top industrialized nations, the U.S. ranked fifth in medical wait times. We ranked behind New Zealand, Britain, Germany and Australia. In addition, 26 percent of Americans reported going to the ER for treatment because they couldn't get in to see their doctor, and ER wait times for heart attack patients has nearly doubled in the last 5 years.

So when you hear these anecdotes about people waiting for care in other countries that guarantee health care, know the facts. Americans wait longer.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

Mr. Chairman, last fall we had to take emergency action to try and stop the falling stock market and weakening credit markets. But I was not pleased when it took a subpoena threat to force financial institutions to release program details about the TARP, the Troubled Asset Relief Program.

Mr. Chairman, most folks in America are not aware, but the Federal Reserve, shortly before Thanksgiving, announced a half a trillion dollar effort to purchase MBS, Mortgage-Backed Securities, and contracted with four outside investment firms to manage it.

With another $500 billion, half a trillion dollars at stake, Mr. Chairman, we cannot let or allow history to repeat itself.

We demand the details of the Fed's MBS program, and it is our duty to demand the information about how the Federal Reserve will run this program.

For example, the Fed has refused to make clear details about how they chose the four firms and who will manage the purchases. They have refused to share how much those firms are getting paid. And it is still unclear what steps have been taken to ensure strict conflict of interest provisions are put in place so that these four firms are not given an unfair market advantage because of their role in the mortgage backed securities program. Despite half a trillion dollars at stake, Mr. Chairman, there are still too many things we do not know.

Mr. Chairman, my amendment is simple. It will force the Fed to do three things.

First, it will force the Federal Reserve to disclose the details of the request process used to select the investment managers.

Second, it would force the Fed to disclose the details of the contracts reached with these four investment managers, including price.

And, third, it will force the Fed to disclose the steps that each investment manager has taken to ensure that the program is free of conflicts of interest or an unfair advantage.

Despite many requests from my office and news organizations, we have been unable to get the information relating to these contracts. With $500 billion and the public trust at stake, this information is not too much to ask or an undue burden on the Federal Reserve.

I urge my colleagues to support my amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate any colleague from New Jersey's support of our bill and the effort for transparency and accountability.

At this time, Mr. Chairman, I would like to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank).

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.