Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the chairman of the full committee for recognizing me and to assert for the record in the full House that although today this huge bill of 1,300 pages or 1,200 pages will be difficult to describe and probably not well understood by either the people watching this proceeding nor all of the Members of the House, I want to say that I am proud to have worked under the tutelage of the chairman, Mr. Frank, and I think that in years to come, history will look back at this moment and say, when there was need in this country for reformation, it was had in the major part of this bill.

Mr. Chairman, I have had the pleasure of participating in major portions of the bill--Title V, Title VI, and then part of Title I.

What we tried to do, in essence, so that the viewing public can understand, is to recognize some of the problems, not all of the problems, but some of the problems that we were facing as a result of the actions of last year of the capital markets of the United States.

First and foremost, we had discovered that there were great irregularities in transparency and accountability in the rating agencies as they acted to evaluate various sets of securities in the world markets. And when we examined the rating agencies in great detail and through hearings and examination, we found that these entities were poorly--not really regulated at all but certainly poorly accounting for their own responsibilities in the system. We found they were enticing investors throughout the world to buy securities that were rated AAA when, in fact, some of those securities weren't even of B class quality. As a result, millions of people around the world and billions of dollars came in to the purchase of these securitized--or these securities, and as a result, when the market failed, they failed. And there was an impression around the world created that the American Government, the United States of America, stood behind these rating agencies when, in fact, we didn't, and that there was a great compromise.

Some of these rating agencies, because of the internal conflicts within the agencies, were taking great liberty in evaluating and analyzing the values of certain securities to the extent that, because they were paid by the individuals that were issuing the agency, there was an internal conflict. Whether that conflict caused, to a large extent, a scandal or caused failure in the system, one will probably never know, but certainly the aspects of the operations of the rating agencies have been called into question, were called into question at the time, and certainly have been since our examination.

So what have we done? We have developed a set of principles and rules to account for accountability and transparency in the rating agencies in the United States. Will that cure the problem? No. We're going to have to watch very closely, monitor very closely that these rating agencies do not stray from the straight path. If they do, we will have to come back and impose greater restrictions on them and take extraordinary actions in the future if necessary.

But we will have rating agencies now that can be sued when they could never be sued before. We will have rating agencies that will have the responsibility to provide disclosure, will have the responsibility of showing their methodologies and explanations to the buying public of the securities they rate and analyze. To that extent, we hope the public will be protected.

Next, we looked at who is accounted for in our system, and we found, as we've all known, that some 10, 12 years ago, hedge funds were denied the examination of the Securities and Exchange Commission. We have now formed what is known as the Private-Funded Investment Advisors Registration Act, which is Title V of this act, part A, and that provides that all advisers that want to play in the capital markets must register and must disclose certain information so that knowledge of what capital is doing, where it is and in what amounts will be known by our regulators. That is the first time in the history of the United States that that will prevail. It should go a long way of having inside information in the role of the regulators of the United States as to what is at risk.

Then, finally, we created an Investors Protection Act. The Investors Protection Act has done so many things it's almost impossible to enumerate, but the SEC gave recommendations which were incorporated in the bill.

Authorities that they lacked, they were given. With that inclusion, I think we have one of the finest investment protection acts that ever existed.

Finally, we have something new we created. We created the Federal insurance office that will, for the first time, will encompass information encompassing the insurance industry in the United States.

Finally, I'm proud to say I had a major part in putting together an amendment to the act, the first provision of the act, part one, that allows ``too big to fail'' protection in the United States. For the first time, the regulators in the United States will have the opportunity to analyze the structure of corporations and the financial service industry that either may be too large, interconnected, or too large in scope or too inexperienced in management or some other condition that may, in the future, cause them to be of systemic risk to the economic system of the United States. And we've empowered the regulators to move in and require changes, controls,

and regulations to prevent that occurrence so that never again, we hope, the ``too large to fail,'' in fact, will be, in fact, too large not to fail.

So with that, I recommend to all of my colleagues on both the Democrat side and the Republican side, stop for a moment and think what we've done.

May I call the attention of the Republican side, three of the eight bills that we passed through our committee went through with significant bipartisan support.

Mr. Chair, over the next few days this body will have the opportunity to consider sweeping, meaningful reforms to protect American investors, safeguard consumers on Main Street, and fundamentally change the way Wall Street and large financial institutions operate. For roughly two years, we have endured a severe crisis that exposed vulnerabilities in our system for overseeing the financial sector and demonstrated the perils of deregulation.

During this calamity, Americans have unfortunately lost trillions of dollars in personal wealth and retirement savings, millions of families have lost their homes, and far too many workers have lost their jobs. Last year, in order to save the financial system itself, we had to act courageously and pass the Troubled Asset Relief Program, despite considerable criticism. This law has worked to stabilize our system, but public faith in our financial markets has also nearly vanished. We therefore must now take bold steps to restore trust in the financial services industry by significantly modifying its regulation. H.R. 4173, the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, will do just that.

While this broad, comprehensive legislation encompasses substantial reforms in many areas--from the regulation of complex financial derivatives to the creation of a Consumer Financial Protection Agency-- I want to focus my comments on the proposals that I worked to develop and incorporate into this package. These reforms include investor protection improvements, the registration of hedge fund advisers, changes to credit rating agency oversight, and the creation of a Federal insurance office. I also want to discuss how this legislation will rein in ``too-big-to-fail'' financial institutions.

The failure to detect the massive $65 billion Madoff Ponzi scheme, the problematic securities lending program of American International Group, the freezing up of the auction-rate securities market, and the ``breaking of the buck'' by Reserve Primary Fund each demonstrated the need for comprehensive investor protection reform. In response, the Investor Protection Act of 2009--a key part of H.R. 4173--contains more than six dozen provisions aimed at strengthening the oversight of U.S. securities markets and closing regulatory loopholes.

For the first time, every professional who offers investment advice about a securities product will have a fiduciary duty to their customer. For the first time, we will create a bounty program to encourage tipsters to come forward with information about securities fraud. For the first time, we will regulate municipal financial advisers. Moreover, by doubling the budget of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and by requiring a comprehensive study to fundamentally reform the way the agency operates, this bill lays the foundation for us to put in place a superior securities regulatory system going forward.

We also need to regulate everyone who plays in our capital markets. By mandating the registration of hedge fund advisers and others who currently operate in the shadows of our markets and subjecting them to recordkeeping and disclosure requirements, for the first time regulators will have the information needed to better understand exactly how these entities operate and whether their actions pose a threat to the financial system as a whole.

Without question, the actions of Moody's, Standard and Poor's, and Fitch exacerbated this financial crisis. In response, H.R. 4173 takes strong steps to reduce conflicts of interest, stem market reliance on credit rating agencies, and impose accountability on rating agencies by increasing liability. As gatekeepers to our markets, credit rating agencies must be held to higher standards. We need to incentivize them to do their jobs correctly and effectively, and there must be repercussions if they fall short.

Insurance also plays a vital role in the smooth and efficient functioning of our economy, but the credit crisis highlighted the lack of expertise within the Federal Government on the industry, especially during the collapse of American International Group and last year's turmoil in the bond insurance industry. I have long championed the need to establish a place within the Federal Government to collect information and build expertise on this sizable industry. The Federal Government needs a fundamental knowledge base on these matters, and for the first time we will have such a repository because of this bill.

Finally, I am pleased that H.R. 4173 includes my amendment addressing companies that have become too big to fail. This bill will empower Federal regulators to rein in and dismantle financial firms that are so large, inter-connected, or risky that their collapse would put at risk the entire American economic system, even if those firms currently appear to be well-capitalized and healthy. By ensuring that financial companies cannot become so big that their failure would pose a threat to economic stability, we will protect American taxpayers from future bailouts. By outlining clear and objective standards for regulators to examine financial companies, we will also reduce the level of risk their activities pose to our financial stability and our economy.

In sum, I want to thank the Members of the Financial Services Committee for their hard work and their support of my efforts to better protect investors, advance credit rating agency accountability, register hedge fund advisers, establish a knowledge base on insurance, and curb too-big-to-fail companies. I especially want to congratulate the Chairman of our Committee, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank), for his tireless efforts in pulling this comprehensive package together during the last year. I urge all of my colleagues to support this landmark bill.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2873) to provide enhanced enforcement authority to the Securities and Exchange Commission, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material thereon.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume and rise today to speak in support of H.R. 2873, the Enhanced S.E.C. Enforcement Authority Act, and to congratulate the gentleman from California (Mr. Campbell) for his work on these matters.

H.R. 2873 enjoys bipartisan support and previously passed the House in a slightly different form as part of the Securities Act of 2008 in the 110th Congress. In the 111th Congress, we've also incorporated this commonsense legislative reform in the Investors Protection Act of 2009. The House Financial Services Committee recently approved the Investors Protection Act, and that bill will come to the House floor in the near future as part of the broader financial services regulatory reform package.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission currently has nationwide service of process of subpoenas in administrative proceedings. This bill will enhance the Commission's enforcement

program by allowing subpoenas to be served nationwide in civil actions brought by the agency in Federal court. Currently, the Commission can issue a subpoena only within the Federal jurisdictional district where a trial takes place or within 100 miles of the courthouse. Witnesses in civil cases brought by the Commission are, however, often located outside of a trial court's subpoena range.

With the proliferation of Internet scams that are perpetrated in multiple States, this quirk in the law has hampered the Commission's ability to efficiently and effectively mount its cases. Unless witnesses volunteer to appear at civil trials, the Commission must take depositions where the witnesses are located and use their written or videotaped deposition testimony at trial. Because of the associated travel for numerous lawyers and associates that must be present, depositions are generally more expensive than having a witness attend a trial.

H.R. 2873 would fix this problem by allowing the Commission to have nationwide service of process just as it currently has for its administrative proceedings. These changes in subpoena procedures for civil cases would apply to the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Company Act of 1940, and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Nationwide service of process would produce a number of substantial advantages, including a significant savings in terms of travel costs and staff time.

During these difficult economic times, we need to ensure that Federal agencies operate more efficiently. Additionally, we need to ensure that the Commission maximizes its limited resources to investigate and resolve wrongdoing in our securities markets. H.R. 2873 achieves both of these important objectives.

Moreover, the bill that the House is considering today incorporates the recommendations of the Commission, the Justice Department and our colleagues on the House Judiciary Committee. The consensus legislation, therefore, not only has bipartisan support in the House but it also has support from within the administration and across committee jurisdictions in the House. In short, H.R. 2873 is a commonsense bill that will allow the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to operate more efficiently.

Madam Speaker, I again commend the gentleman from California for his work on these matters, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time and yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Mr. Albert Caswell, of Street, Maryland, who is employed as a U.S. Capitol tour guide, and SSG Earl Granville, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, a member of the U.S. Army 109th Field Artillery, Pennsylvania National Guard, who was severely wounded during deployment in Afghanistan.

Mr. Caswell met Sergeant Granville while doing volunteer work at Walter Reed Army Hospital. Mr. Caswell was deeply impressed with Sergeant Granville's devotion to military duty and subsequently wrote a poem to express his appreciation for the sacrifices citizens like Sergeant Granville make in the defense of our Nation and the freedoms we hold dear.

Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Caswell and Sergeant Granville. As a soldier, Sergeant Granville represents our Nation's finest and most courageous citizens, willing to venture into harm's way to protect this nation and ensure that our liberties survive and flourish. And Mr. Caswell represents the gratitude that we all share for our men and women in uniform. May we all be inspired by these two fine Americans.

The poem that Mr. Caswell wrote follows:

Standing Guard--In Honor of SSG Earl Granville, an American Hero, the Pennsylvania National Guard, the United States Army, 28th ID-1/109th/

INF-103rdAR

(By Albert Carey Caswell)

Standing Guard! Standing Strong!

Standing Hard! Standing long!

On Guard!

A band of brothers another world away, such burdens bear . .

.

As into the face of death, they so stare!

As they Stand Guard!

Stand Strong!

As the word Hero to them so belongs . . .

And if ever I have a son, I but pray he could be like this

fine one . . .

Who will stand?

And who will fall?

And who will but give their all?

Who will give up their fine lives, and strong arms and legs

so freedom can thrive?

For that's only how freedom is made!

By only all those who stay, And Stand Guard!

For as long as our nation has been . . .

There have always been, such splendid men . . .

Men, who must Stand Guard!

Men of honor, with hearts of courage full . . . of steel over

evil rule . . .

Men such as Earl Granville, from that great state of

Pennsylvania so true . . .

Men of such faith, who death so view . . .

Who for all of us go off to war . . .

But, for this our Country Tis of Thee . . . such burdens

bore!

All for our freedom, to insure . . .

As They Stand Guard . . .

With but their fine hearts of courage, pure!

Standing strong, all the more . . .

Who but with only their most heroic hearts . . .

Right all of those wrongs, as is their part!

And all of the ones, who come back home . . .

Without arms and legs, as to them such beautiful hearts

belong . . .

As we Witness their most heroic songs.

Teaching us all how faith stands strong.

As up from the ashes they do rise . . .

With but tears of valor all in their eyes . . .

As but the full measure of the word hero comprised . . .

Standing Strong, while blessing all our lives . . .

As they reach us . . . as they teach us . . .

As to great heights their heart's beseech us . . .

As on this day Earl, you so teach us . . .

Even the Angels up in heaven, Wipe the tears from their eyes

. . .

For in life, what do we so stand for?

And for what, will we so rise?

To face death, when all upon us so much relies . . .

While, Standing Guard all in time . . .

So but our children might but find a better life realized . .

.

All so they will not have to fight. . . .

All so that they might sleep peacefully this night . . .

Because, somewhere out there . . .

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act.

The House has taken an important first step today to improve the affordability and accessibility of health care. While today's health care legislation is not perfect, action to address this important issue is absolutely necessary. If we do nothing to reform health care, health care costs are expected to double over the next ten years, just as they have over the last ten years.

Insured Americans pay on average $500 per year just to administer health insurance, more than double the administrative costs paid in any other country which has a government-run health care system. The McKinsey Global Institute estimates that $91 billion a year is wasted on excessive insurance administrative costs.

Because about 60 percent of all Americans under the age of 65 receive insurance through their employers, much of this waste is burdening American companies. American companies competing in the global economy cannot afford this economic disadvantage. The bill we voted on today attempts to reduce the costs of insurance to employers and employees by providing greater competition among insurers. According to a study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a family of four would save $1,260 in annual health insurance premiums once this bill is enacted.

It is estimated that 96 percent of all Americans will have access to affordable health insurance under this bill. While I believe that caring for our fellow citizens is a moral imperative, it also makes economic sense to have as many people covered by insurance as possible. Families USA estimates that every insured American family pays over $1000 per year in premiums just to cover the medical expenses of the uninsured, who obtain urgently needed health care through inefficient means such as visits to hospital emergency rooms. As we face the threat of pandemics such as the current swine flu, it is in the best interest of all of our health to make sure that sick people are treated quickly and affordably so that infectious diseases are not spread.

While there are many detailed provisions in this complex legislation, it is important to note what the bill does not do. The only effect it will have on senior citizens who rely on Medicare is it will reduce their out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs, as noted by AARP in its recent endorsement of the bill. The bill does not use tax dollars to pay for abortions. It does not require our smallest businesses to pay for insurance coverage for their employees. It will not result in the federal government controlling the delivery of health care; in fact, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that only six million Americans will choose to enroll in the government- sponsored insurance plan, the so-called ``public option.'' It does not add to the federal deficit. CBO estimates that the bill will reduce the deficit by $109 billion over the first ten years.

Finally, I want to praise the House leadership for including in this bill a provision which will help to fund the education of the next generation of doctors, some of whom I hope will be educated by our region's own medical college.

We all share the goal of keeping American citizens healthy in the most humane and efficient means possible. I believe this bill is a reasonable first step toward reaching this goal.

In closing, I appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts about this important legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Ann and Leo Moskovitz, recipients of this

year's Monsignor McGowan Cornerstone Award.

This prestigious award is presented annually to individuals who best exemplify the spirit, leadership and service of the late Monsignor Andrew J. McGowan as a catalyst for social, cultural and economic growth and promoting the charitable ideals of philanthropy and collaboration in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Mr. Moskovitz was affiliated with his family's dry goods business and later with the Hudson Coal Company before embarking on a banking career with First National Bank of Jermyn. After serving as cashier and then vice president, Mr. Moskovitz was named president in 1961 where he forged a reputation as a leader in automobile and small business financing and home mortgages. He also led the way in promoting women to administrative positions in the bank.

After a prominent career, he retired as President of the First National Bank of Jermyn in 1993 after more than 40 years of service that saw the bank's assets increase nearly a hundredfold to $300 million under his leadership.

Active in the community, Mr. Moskovitz served two terms as a member of Jermyn Borough Council and he was chairman of the Pennsylvania State School for the Deaf.

Mrs. Moskovitz, Mr. Moskovitz' wife of 38 years, graduated from Temple University's School of Pharmacy after which she worked in that profession for 30 years. She, too, has been highly active in the community, serving on boards and committees of many educational, health care and cultural organizations, including Mercy Healthcare Foundation Board, University of Scranton, Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic League Board, United Way of Lackawanna County, the Country Club of Scranton, Mercy Hospital, Sacred Heart of Mary Church and the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.

Mrs. Moskovitz formerly served on boards and committees of St. Joseph's Center, The Lucan Center for the Arts, Cultural Council, the Philharmonic Women's League of Scranton, the Women's Golf Association of the Country Club of Scranton; St. Joseph's Hospital in Carbondale, Allied Services, Visiting Nurse Association, Temple Hesed Sisterhood, Family Services of Lackawanna County, Mercy Health Care System and the American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days.

Mrs. Moskovitz was a former commentator for the Radio Broadcasting Program for the Blind Association and was Jermyn's coordinator of volunteers each year for the Blind Association Days. She has served on the Laity Committee of the Diocesan Synod, Preparatory Commission of the Hospital Trustee Association, Women's Activities at the Scranton Club, Saint Andrea Society, St. Joseph's Center Auxiliary, Hadassah and the Society of Pennsylvania Hospital Pharmacists. Mrs. Moskovitz was a recipient of the Globe Store and Estee Lauder Star Achiever Award for outstanding service in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Ann and Leo Moskovitz on this auspicious occasion. Their selection to receive the Monsignor McGowan cornerstone Award is entirely fitting because their lives reflect an extraordinary level of service and contribution to their community where they have improved the quality of life for all.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Christopher DiMattio, who was named recipient of the 2009 Man of the Year Award from the Lackawana County, Pennsylvania, Columbus Day Association.

Mr. DiMattio will be honored this year at the annual dinner to be held Sunday, October 11, at the Genetti Manor in Dickson City, Pennsylvania.

A native of Dunmore, Pennsylvania, Mr. DiMattio is the youngest son of Louis and Catherine Summa DiMattio. He graduated from St. Anthony's School and Bishop O'Hara High School as well as Marywood University where he earned a degree in Business Administration and Marketing. He remained active at Marywood and served three terms on the Board of Trustees and established several endowment and scholarship funds. He is a recipient of the Alumni Society's ``Recent Graduate Award'' and the ``Presidential Scholarship Honoree'' for outstanding community service.

Mr. DiMattio is a member of the ``Chairman's Club,'' the highest award for production of financial services at the parent company, INVEST Financial Corporation and, last year, he was cited as the top producer in the entire Nation. A past director of the National Advisory Board, he is frequently called on to present at various bank and financial institutions both regionally and nationally. He is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary as well as a member of various professional organizations in the finance and investment areas, primarily concentrating in business retirement plans.

Mr. DiMattio served two terms as a director of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and he is a member of the Scranton-Lackawanna Industrial Building Corporation.

Mr. DiMattio served on the board of directors for many charitable, civic, religious and cultural organizations. He is active in UNICO National where he currently serves as Executive Vice President and will become National President next July as well as the Scranton Chapter's Secretary. He is the volunteer event chairman and president of La Festa Italiana and he serves on the board of the St. Francis of Assisi Soup Kitchen, Little Flower Manor of the Diocese of Scranton and he chairs the annual coat drive for the Head Start program of the Scranton- Lackawanna Human Development Agency. Mr. DiMattio has been the recipient of many honors for his community service including the ``Bronze Medallion of the Legion of Honor'' by the Chapel of the Four Chaplains, the Outstanding Volunteer Fund Raiser by the Northeast Chapter of the National Society of Fund Raising Executives, UNICO Member of the Year Wall of Fame by Bishop O'Hara High School, Community Roast by Family Services, Honorary Delta Mu Delta by Marywood University's Business Department, Past President's Award by the Columbus Day Association, the Victor Alfieri Literary Society, the St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, the Diocesan Council of Catholic Men and by the Greater Scranton Jaycees where he was also honored for the founding of the Santa Parade. He has also been honored by the City of Scranton and Lackawanna County for service to the community and by the Volunteer Action Center with the JC Penney's Golden Rule Award. In 1992, he was chairman of the Columbus Quincentenary Parade celebrating the 500th anniversary of America.

Mr. DiMattio resides in Moscow, Pennsylvania, with his wife, the former Ann Celli, and their two sons, Louis Carlo and Robert Christopher.

Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. DiMattio on this auspicious occasion. His remarkable spirit of volunteerism and community service should be an inspiration for all, as his accomplishments have improved the quality of life in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Mr. William Anzalone, Esq., on the occasion of his selection by the Italian American Association of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, to receive its prestigious 2009 ``Person of the Year'' award.

Mr. Anzalone is a 1969 graduate of Wyoming Area High School. He received his undergraduate degree from Temple University where he also distinguished himself as a member of the university football team. He earned his law degree from Dickinson School of Law. In 1998, he was inducted into the Wyoming Area ``Ring of Pride'' and, in 2005, he was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame.

Mr. Anzalone owns Anzalone Law Offices in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton and Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. He is associated in practice with his son, Attorney Jamie Joseph Anzalone; his daughter, Attorney Alana Marie Anzalone and Attorney Eric William Wassel.

Attorney Anzalone is the former president and founder of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, an association that encompasses 12 counties of northeastern Pennsylvania. He also served a two-year term as the president of the Luzerne County Bar Association. He was also the founder and first president of the Luzerne County Bar Association's charitable foundation. He currently serves on the board of governors for the statewide Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association.

Attorney Anzalone is a mediator for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is a certified trial master in Luzerne County. He frequently lectures throughout the Commonwealth on trial-related matters.

Attorney Anzalone was recognized as a preeminent lawyer by the Martindale Hubble Bar Register and was recognized as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer since its inception in 2004. He was also recognized in 2007 and 2009 as being among the top 100 Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania.

Attorney Anzalone is a past president of the Wilkes-Barre Chapter of UNICO. He chaired their annual Allstate Football games many times and currently serves on the board of directors of the Luzerne County Catholic Social Services, FM Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre Chapter of UNICO and the Luzerne County Bar Association's Charitable Foundation. He previously served on the board of directors for the St. Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen, Lackawanna County Junior College, Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce and Wilkes-Barre Leadership. He is a 2006 recipient of the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Swingle Award.

Married to the former Tina Medico, the couple has three children: Attorney Jamie Joseph Anzalone, Attorney Alana Marie Anzalone and

Dr. William F. Anzalone, director of forensic psychology of Luzerne County.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) on the occasion of their 100th anniversary, which is being celebrated at the annual Freedom Fund Banquet at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Plains Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, September 24, 2009.

The NAACP, with more than a half million members, is the largest and oldest civil rights organization in the United States that dedicates itself to the advocacy of civil rights, social justice and equal opportunity under the law.

Founded on February 12, 1909, the NAACP is widely recognized and frequently conducts voter mobilization and advocates for equal opportunity in both the public and private sectors.

From the ballot box to the classroom, the dedicated workers, organizers and leaders who forged this great organization and maintain its status as a champion of social justice fought long and hard to ensure that the voices of all ethnic minorities would be heard. For 100 years, it has been the talent and tenacity of NAACP members that has saved lives and changed many negative aspects of American society.

As honorary co-chairs of this event, Robert Soper, president and CEO of Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs and David Lee, president of the United Way of Wyoming Valley, deserve credit for raising awareness to the valuable place the NAACP holds in our American society.

Likewise, the founders and current officers and executive committee members of the Wilkes-Barre branch of the NAACP, deserve recognition and appreciation for the role they play in preserving the traditions of the NAACP and highlighting the organization's positive influence for future generations to emulate.

The Wilkes-Barre branch of the NAACP was formed February 10, 1930, when it received its first charter. That charter was re-activated in 1984 and the NAACP subsequently has provided uninterrupted service to northeastern Pennsylvania.

Since the re-activation of the local charter, presidents of the organization have included: Audrey Spence, Bob Crawford, Tyrone Edmunds, Constance Wynn, Bonnie Wynder and Ronald Felton, who has held the office of president since 1997 and is the longest serving president to date.

In 1998, President Felton was elected to the Executive Committee of the Pennsylvania State Conference of the NAACP Branches and he continues to serve in that capacity to this day.

Under President Felton's leadership, the Wilkes-Bane NAACP has handled complaints of racial discrimination, hosted racial summits, improved race relations, hosted diversity picnics, endeavored to increase representation of minority teachers in the region, raised awareness of constitutional rights, promoted voter registration and participation, promoted awareness of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the holiday named in honor of him, promoted the first ever NAACP history tour to Colonial Williamsburg for NEPA high school students, advocated for juvenile rights in the justice system, participated in a presidential summit on America's Future headed by Gen. Colin Powell, participated in League of Women Voters discussions to encourage citizen participation in the election process and helped raise awareness of the injustice associated with racial profiling.

Serving on the Wilkes-Bane NAACP executive committee are: David Barber, Peggy Felton, Clinton Harrison, Angel Jirau, David Wallin and Sid Williams.

Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating the NAACP for 100 years of remarkable service to this nation. In fostering appreciation of and justice for racial minorities, the NAACP has become a champion for human rights and a beacon of human civility and deserves the respect and admiration of the entire nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Mr. and Mrs. Ted Stuban of Berwick, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, on the occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary that was celebrated on September 3.

Throughout their remarkable lives, Ted and Vee Stuban have exemplified what it means to be personal and community role models.

As lifelong residents of northeastern Pennsylvania, Ted was associated with the excavation business and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation before starting an auction business which he and Vee operated for about 25 years.

Ted was also deeply involved in his community, initially as a member of the Berwick Council, then as mayor of Briar Creek and, later, as a member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly as State Representative of the 109th District for eight successive terms, from 1976 to 1992.

In his capacity as State Representative, Ted was instrumental in crafting legislation and serving constituents in a manner that earned him much respect among his colleagues in Harrisburg and among the thousands of citizens in his district whom he represented so well.

Ted was also deeply involved in civic activities over the years. He was a member of the West End Fire Company, the Knights of Columbus, the Bloomsburg Elks Lodge, past president of the Columbia Montour Aging Board, the Columbia-Montour Visiting Nurses Association board of directors, the PPL Advisory Commission and Ss. Cyril and Methodius Ukranian Catholic Church.

Vee Stuban is the former Charlotte Hetler, of Berwick. Formerly employed by the Wise Potato Chip Company in Berwick, Vee has been active in Democrat political circles for many years. She is a member of the Columbia County Democratic Women's Club and the Columbia County Democratic Caucus. She has also been active over the years as a 4H leader and as a member of the Calvary United Methodist Church in Berwick.

Ted and Vee are the parents of a daughter, Mrs. Joseph R., Kathy, Duda.

Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Ted and Vee Stuban on this very special occasion. Not only has this remarkable couple contributed greatly to the quality of life in their community, but they have also been an inspiration to their peers and to future generations as they illustrated, through their actions as well as their words, how to live lives focused on community service to others as a means of deriving personal happiness and contentment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to pay tribute to Mr. Frank Golder, of Bloomsburg, Columbia County, Pennsylvania, on the joyous occasion of his 100th birthday celebration that will occur on August 8.

Long a legendary figure in the fields of education and athletic development in northeastern and central Pennsylvania, Mr. Golder has distinguished himself as a mentor and a role model to generations of young Pennsylvanians who looked to him with respect and admiration.

After graduating from Bloomsburg High School in the 1920s where he developed his love for basketball and baseball, Mr. Golder went on to star in those sports from 1927 to 1931 during his years at then Bloomsburg Normal School, later Bloomsburg University.

He went on to become a teacher and an athletic coach at Hughesville High School during which he earned his master's degree from Columbia University.

His teams won two West Branch League titles at Hughesville.

Mr. Golder moved to Bloomsburg High School in 1937 where he was named head basketball coach. In 19 seasons in charge of the basketball program, his squads won 10 Susquehanna Valley League crowns and, during one three-year stretch, he won 40 consecutive league games. His team, The Panthers, also captured four District Four championships.

Mr. Golder was also responsible for establishing Little League Baseball in Bloomsburg in the late 1940s. He also started baseball at Bloomsburg High School where he coached that sport for seven years.

For 13 years, Mr. Golder was a member of the PIAA District Four Board of Directors and was chairman of that organization for three years.

After serving as principal of Bloomsburg High School for 14 years, he retired in 1975.

During his remarkable basketball coaching career, Mr. Golder endeared himself to hundreds of aspiring young athletes with his disciplined approach to the importance of learning the fundamentals of the sport and his reputation as a coach who inspired excellence through a calm, reasoned, approach.

The Bloomsburg Press Enterprise described him as an extraordinary gentleman and a fine coach when including him as one of the top local sports figures of the 20th century in 1999. He was inducted into the Bloomsburg University's Sports Hall of Fame in 1988.

Mr. Golder continues to reside in Bloomsburg with his wife, Myra. The couple has one daughter and two grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Golder on this wonderful occasion. For his entire life, Frank Golder has demonstrated the highest ideals for a role model and he encouraged his students to rise to excellence both on and off the field of competition. His contributions to generations of our

citizens have greatly improved the quality of life and his legacy lives on with those he has inspired.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the Scranton Jewish Community Center on its 100th anniversary celebration.

The Scranton Jewish Community Center, or JCC, was founded as the YMHA, or Young Men's Hebrew Association, on September l2, 1909. The YMHA humbly began in the rear of a candy store on Penn Avenue. However, not long after holding its first meeting, membership grew rapidly. The group, under the leadership of the first president, Mr. A. Freedman, rented bigger rooms on Wyoming Avenue.

Less than four years later, the Ladies' Auxiliary was established forcing the group to look for a more permanent location--resulting in the first resoundingly successful fundraising campaign of the YM-YWHA.

After raising over $50,000, under the direction of A.B. Cohen, the association purchased the Matthews Homestead and was able to officially open on December 5, 1915.

With its growing success and its growing membership, larger facilities were again needed. Myer Davidow donated $50,000, which was matched by the building committee to remodel the existing property.

Between 1934 and 1938 the club system had reached the apex of function and success. The YM-YWHA provided various programming benefiting the entire Jewish community of Scranton.

Between 1946 and 1949 the ``Y'' programs continued to prosper and another successful fundraising campaign began. Also, a new constitution was adopted renaming the organization the Jewish Community Center.

On May 15, 1953, Judge Brady granted the organization's plea to erect a new center on Jefferson Avenue. The JCC was given $200,000 over a ten-year period as well as $450,000 and collected out-standing pledges resulting in an additional $400,000 for the building project.

Between 1955 and 1979 JCC programs expanded to include theater, art and film festivals, camps, dances and balls, cultural and women's affairs under their new roof on Jefferson Avenue. Meanwhile, a $750,000 revitalization project helped establish a fitness center for JCC members.

In the 1980s and 1990s, an emphasis was placed on community cooperation and coordination. The JCC collaborated with area agencies including the YMCA and United Way.

The Golden Agers made their way into JCC programming with senior- focused tours, trips and clubs.

In 1998 the Capital Campaign chaired by Steven Seitchik set a goal of $400,000. They exceeded their goal receiving pledges totalling $666,208 of which 99.9% was collected.

Since 2000, the Scranton JCC has continued to expand and perfect its programming for the community as it provides for the needs of members. Also available are ``Teen Trips to Israel'' which offers lowered costs to those participating.

Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Scranton Jewish Community Center on 100 years of success. The Scranton JCC has set an example in Scranton of an organization focused on its members' needs spiritually, mentally, physically, socially and educationally. Their work in the community has provided innumerable benefits for Scranton and has improved the quality of life throughout the region.

Madam Chair, I rise today in support of the manager's amendment put forth by Chairman Dicks to H.R. 2996, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. This manager's amendment incorporates an amendment I offered to allow funds appropriated to the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) to be used as the non-Federal share of the cost of certain environmental restoration projects that repair acid mine drainage from coal abandoned mines.

For many years, the Interior Appropriations bill authorized OSM to provide matching funds for federally-funded projects related to treatment or abatement of acid mine drainage from abandoned mines. The language was inadvertently removed from the appropriations bill several years ago and today I am pleased that Chairman Dicks agreed to collect this oversight by restoring this important provision in the fiscal year 2010 legislation.

Communities that are impacted by environmental damage related to abandoned mines tend to be in economically distressed areas of the country. These communities have small budgets and little, if any, money for environmental restoration projects. Furthermore, the economic downtown has caused budget shortfalls for many municipalities and providing basic services such as police and fire protection takes precedent over environmental restoration.

Permitting OSM to use these funds to serve as the local match will help meet the department's mission of ensuring that citizens and the environment are protected during mining and that the land is restored to beneficial use when mining is finished. This provision will not cost the federal government any additional dollars.

In closing, I would like to thank Chairman Dicks for including my amendment in this legislation and urge my colleagues to support this manager's amendment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Mercy Special Care Hospital in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, on the occasion of a century of service to the citizens of northeastern Pennsylvania.

In October, 1909, responding to community growth due to coal mining and subsequent mine accidents as result of that burgeoning industry, Nanticoke Hospital was born. No longer would injured miners be simply dropped on their porch or would their families go without needed medical treatment.

Throughout those 100 years the hospital endured two World Wars, the Great Depression, epidemics, merger and closure threats. It also saw new forms of insurance, the Medicare program for seniors and disabled as well as affordable healthcare for children and the poor. It also witnessed a time of more life saving drugs and procedures than ever before.

This small community hospital saw horse-drawn carriages give way to motorized ambulances and oxygen tents that led to ventilators. It would also respond to policy initiatives from eighteen United States Presidents. But, most importantly, Nanticoke Hospital cared for tens of thousands of patients, many of them poor, most of them uninsured. Human need was tended by hundreds of dedicated staff and physicians.

Renamed Mercy Special Care Hospital in 1994, it was one of the first long term care hospitals in Pennsylvania. From its success in Nanticoke, a satellite at Mercy Scranton was developed.

This year both sites will explore or undergo major renovations and changes to meet patient, physician and staff needs. That will include things such as increased beds, room upgrades, new outpatient renovation and areas of new growth such as the Area Agency on Aging Nanticoke Senior Center on campus that will be visited daily by older adults.

Mercy Special Care Hospital also holds the distinction of having the first wound care and hyperbaric unit in Luzerne County, a service that continues to grow in response to community need.

Throughout 2009 and beyond, this important facility will look toward the future but never lose sight of the challenges faced daily.

The Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Health Partners and Catholic Healthcare Partners are proud sponsors of this great institution at this historic time.

Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mercy Special Care Hospital. The invaluable services they have rendered to the community for over a century have been inspirational to countless others who share the commitment to helping those in need and has made vast improvement to the quality of life for generations.

So important has their contribution been that they deserve the highest measure of our gratitude and respect.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Attorney Joseph J. Savitz, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, who is being honored by the Board of Trustees of Temple Israel for his many years of leadership and community service.

For more than 50 years, Attorney Savitz has distinguished himself throughout northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond as a highly skilled practitioner of the law and as a dedicated supporter of worthwhile causes that enriched the region and benefitted countless people.

Born in the Heights section of Wilkes-Barre, Attorney Savitz graduated from G.A.R. High School and went on to further his studies at then Wilkes College from which he graduated in 1948 following three years of military service in the United States Army that included service during World War II in France.

In 1951 he received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. His preceptor was then Attorney Max Rosenn who went on to distinguished himself during decades of service on the federal bench with the United States Third Circuit Court.

Attorney Savitz joined the law firm of Rosenn and Rosenn which, in 1954, became the law firm of Rosenn, Jenkins and Greenwald. It was from that law firm that Attorney Savitz eventually retired as senior partner and still serves as ``Of Counsel.''

Over the years, Attorney Savitz has served as Pennsylvania Department Commander of the Jewish War Veterans; USA and then National Judge Advocate; trustee of Wilkes University since 1958 (Chair, Board of Trustees, 1975-1978), now a Trustee Emeritus; treasurer and member of the board of John Heinz Institute of Rehabilitative Medicine; Past President and continuing Director of Temple Israel; Trustee of the Jewish Community Center and a member of all State and Federal Courts.

Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Attorney Savitz on this noteworthy occasion. His dedication and selfless service to his community is legendary and his leadership and example has inspired countless others to seek his counsel and follow in his footsteps.

Attorney Joseph Savitz has truly improved the quality of life for so many for so long in northeastern Pennsylvania and, in the process, he has earned widespread respect and admiration from his fellow citizens.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Chris Economaki, the dean of motorsports journalists, who has dedicated himself to the promotion of a national sport that has enriched the lives of countless people for more than 60 years.

Mr. Economaki is the first journalist to receive this award, first presented in 1977, which is dedicated to the memory of William H. G. France, the founder of NASCAR. This award is presented annually to a person, organization or corporation that has made outstanding contributions to the sport of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Racing.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1920, Mr. Economaki's father was a Greek immigrant while his mother was a great niece of Robert E. Lee. He witnessed his first auto race in Atlantic City at the age of nine and was immediately hooked on the sport. He started his career at the age of 13 selling copies of National Speed Sport News newspapers. He wrote his first column at the age of 14 for the National Auto Racing News. In 1950, he became editor of the National Speed Sport News. He began a column for that publication, titled ``The Editor's Notebook,'' that he still writes more than 50 years later. He eventually became owner, publisher and editor of the National Speed Sport News. His daughter, Corinne Economaki, is the current publisher and the paper is still considered ``America's Weekly Motorsports Authority.''

His autobiography is entitled ``Let Em All Go: The Story of Auto Racing by the Man Who Was There.''

Mr. Economaki worked as a race track announcer in the 40s and 50s. He covered races at Indianapolis, Daytona, LeMans and many other locations. His motorsports coverage on radio and television became legendary.

Mr. Economaki has been the recipient of numerous major motorsports award and he was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1994. The Economaki Champion of Champions Award is named after him. A day at the Dodge Charger 500 at the Darlington Speedway race weekend is named ``Chris Economaki Day.'' The press room at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was named the ``Economaki Press Conference Room'' in 2006. He appeared as a pit reporter in two motion picture films, ``Stroker Ace'' and ``Six Pack.''

Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Economaki on this notable occasion. His contributions to the motorsports industry have been economically rewarding to countless families across America and have improved the quality of life for so many. Mr. Economaki epitomizes the spirit of American entrepreneurs and his example is inspirational to the generations who will follow him.