Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5493, as amended, will grant to the District of Columbia and the five territories of the United States the right to each place one statue honoring a distinguished individual into the National Statuary Hall Collection in the U.S. Capitol. Currently, there are 100 statues in the Collection, with each of the 50 states represented by two statues.

The Committee on House Administration had originally reported two bills on this subject. H.R. 5493, by the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia, would have given the District the right to have two statues. H.R. 5711, by the gentleman from American Samoa, would have given American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands one statue each.

It became unlikely that these bills could pass the House separately, and there has been continuing controversy about giving the District of Columbia two statues. Therefore, I am supporting this amended legislation in the form recommended by the Ranking Minority Member, Representative Lungren, to grant each jurisdiction one statue. I have become convinced that this is an excellent compromise which will provide an opportunity for all of these jurisdictions to enjoy representation in the National Statuary Hall Collection.

Mr. Speaker, no Federal funds would be needed to implement this legislation. All costs of production and placement of the statues would be borne by the District of Columbia and the five territories.

Madam Speaker, on the occasion of her retirement September 23, 2010, we rise to thank Ms. Marion Pacic for outstanding service to the U.S. House of Representatives. For the past 35 years Marion has served this great institution as a valued employee of House Information Resources (HIR) within the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).

Throughout her career with HIR, Marion has held many positions of increasing responsibility. She began her career at the House in November 1975 as an Administrative Assistant for HIR. Marion joined the Digital Equipment Corporation ``Office Automation Project'' as an applications analyst helping to develop user requirements and teaching Member and Committee staff to use software designed to keep track of constituent correspondence, office accounting, personnel management and committee calendar publication. Marion's technical, analytical and communications skills served her well in her efficient management as Deputy Manager of the Member Services Division in 1989. She became Manager of the Technical Support Representatives in 1994 and held that position until accepting the position of Acting-Director of Client Services in 1997. She assumed the position of Manager, HIR Telecommunications in June 1999 and during her tenure of 11 years, wireless service expanded almost ten-fold from 1,700 to over 11, 000 customers in the House. Marion's unending commitment to opening the first wireless kiosk in the House has made wireless support more available to Members and their staff. Her peers and co-workers will miss Marion's professionalism and friendly manner.

On behalf of the entire House community, we extend congratulations to Marion for her many years of dedication and outstanding contributions to the U.S. House of Representatives. We wish Marion many wonderful years in fulfilling her retirement dreams.

Madam Speaker, on the occasion of her retirement on September 30, 2010, we rise to thank Ms. Lea Fowlie for her 36 years of distinguished service to the United States House of Representatives. Lea has served this great institution as a valued employee of House Information Resources, HIR, within the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, CAO.

Lea began serving the House of Representatives on January 7, 1974, as a Junior Computer Terminal Operator in the Bill Status Office, where she responded to as many as 100 telephone inquiries a day about the status of legislation from both the American public and the House community. She was appointed Quality Control Coordinator and contacted House committees, the Senate Bill Clerk, and the White House daily to ensure the accuracy of the data.

Lea was selected in the late 1970s as one of the first Service Representatives to inform Congressional offices of emerging computer technologies in the House and was appointed

in the early 1980s as an Office Automation Consultant to analyze mail flow in Member offices. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, she served as an Applications Analyst where she assisted in the design, testing, implementation, and support of the House's correspondence management service and several online databases. In the late 1990s, Lea worked to ensure a smooth technology Y2K transition and assisted with the conversion of online services from the mainframe to the Web.

Lea's coworkers and clients came to rely on her for her editorial, public speaking, and collaboration skills. She wrote, edited, and produced user documentation for classroom instruction, served as a member of the CAO Communications Team, had an article published in Government Information Quarterly in 1991 as part of a special symposium on legislative information, and served as Editor of the e-CyberCongress Connection Newsletter distributed to House staff. Lea also participated in several Congressional Research Service, CRS, District/State Institutes, delivered the ``History of HIR and Technology'' portion of the HIR CIO Vision briefing: Distinguished Service for a Digital World, and was a primary speaker at two Federal funding workshops in Congressional district offices.

Lea was appointed as one of the first classroom trainers for the House of Representatives in the 1970s and returned to the classroom environment three times while at the House. She spent the last 15 years with The House Learning Center instructing Congressional staff in a wide range of desktop software, BlackBerry, Web design, online research, and professional development skills. She consistently received high marks from her students. She was instrumental in the development of job-related training matrices and in forming a partnership with the Congressional Research Service, CRS, to advise staff on how to assist their constituents in finding Federal funds for district projects.

Lea was recognized by CAO and HIR leadership for her work in individual and team efforts on the CAO Roll of Honor, as a CAO All Star, with a CAO/HIR ``Pat on the Back'', 107-111th Congressional Transitions Teams, and as a CAO ACE Excellence Award nominee. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) recognized her for her work on the Legislative Information System (LIS) project where she served as the House's representative. She was spotlighted in the January-June 2007 CAO Semi-Annual Report and in the `Trophy Case' on the CAOnline internal web site. Lea received numerous notes and letters of appreciation from Members of Congress, Congressional staff, coworkers, and the public.

On behalf of the entire House community, we extend our congratulations to Lea for her many years of dedication and outstanding contributions to the United States House of Representatives. We wish Lea many wonderful years in fulfilling her retirement dreams.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5717 would upgrade the Smithsonian Institution's scientific and educational activities at its unique animal conservation facility, the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute at Front Royal, Virginia. The SCBI, a part of the National Zoo, is renowned worldwide for its work preserving and breeding endangered species, and is a magnet for prominent researchers and students starting careers in related fields. The bill will provide additional modern facilities to conduct programs and house students at the site, and relocate animal holding facilities for endangered red pandas and clouded leopards.

H.R. 5717 contains three elements. First, the bill would authorize $1 million in Federal funds in fiscal 2010 which has already been appropriated; $1 million in fiscal 2011; and $3 million in later fiscal years, to plan, design, and construct a facility which would include laboratories and offices to conduct research and educational programs. This aggregate authorization of $5 million constitutes the only Federal funds provided in the bill. The Smithsonian would supply an additional $5 million out of its own privately-raised trust funds to complete the project.

The bill would also authorize the Smithsonian Board of Regents to enter into agreements for the provision of housing and dining services to participants in the programs, at no cost to the Smithsonian. George Mason University, located in northern Virginia, plans to use $20 million in state revenue bonds to construct a dormitory and cafeteria facility at the site. There would not be any cost to the Federal government or to the Smithsonian. In October, 2008, the Smithsonian and GMU signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the ``Smithsonian-Mason Global Conservation Studies Program'', and GMU will give course credit to participants.

The Smithsonian Institution has frequently entered into cooperative agreements with other institutions, including universities, though this is the first time that it would allow an outside entity to construct a building on property it controls. After 30 years, ownership of the GMU- constructed facilities will pass to the Smithsonian. This no-cost feature makes the project an especially attractive addition to the Smithsonian's infrastructure.

Finally, the bill would authorize the Smithsonian to plan, design and construct animal holding and related program facilities at Front Royal, but without any Federal funding. The cost, estimated to be between $1 to 2 million, would be paid for entirely by the Smithsonian's privately-raised trust funds.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation was introduced by the three House Members who serve on the Smithsonian Board of Regents--Representatives Becerra, Matsui and Sam Johnson--and by Rep. Wolf of Virginia, in whose district the facility is located. It was considered and reported by voice vote both by the primary committee of jurisdiction, the Committee on House Administration, and by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. I know of no controversy and I urge Members to support

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of Reverend Canon Charles Poindexter. I would like to congratulate Rev. Poindexter on his recent installation as Rector Emeritus of Saint Luke's Church in Germantown, PA.

Reverend Poindexter has spent his entire career dedicated to his community as a clergyman, educator, and civil rights advocate. In 1968, Rev. Charles, then Rector of St. Barnabas Church, merged his black congregation with the local white congregation to form a newly integrated church to serve as a beacon for the community. This was an expression of Rev. Charles' heartfelt belief that when ``Christians decide to unite, race becomes secondary.''

Rev. Poindexter was also committed to the education of the next generation. In 1969 he founded St. Barnabas School to help provide quality education to those who needed it. As Headmaster he promoted the values of education, stewardship, and positive citizenship.

Madam Speaker, as Saint Luke's prepares to celebrate its 200th anniversary I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Canon Rev. Poindexter on his new position as Rector Emeritus and thank him for his long service to his community.

Madam Speaker, as I did last year, I rise today to congratulate and recognize outstanding employees of the Officers (Clerk of the House, Sergeant at Arms, and Chief Administrative Officer) and Inspector General of the U.S. House of Representatives who have reached the milestone of 25 years of service to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Our most important asset in the House is our dedicated employees, and their work, often behind the scenes, is vital in keeping the operations and services of the House running smoothly and efficiently. The employees we recognize today are acknowledged and commended for their hard work, dedication, and support of House Members, their staffs and constituents, and for their contributions day-in and day-out to the overall operations of the House. These employees have a wide range of responsibilities that support the legislative process, assure the security of the institution, and maintain our technology and service infrastructure. They have accomplished a great many things in a wide range of activities, and the House of Representatives and its Members, staff, and the general public, are better served because of them. The individuals we honor today have collectively provided four hundred fifty (450) years of service to the U.S. House of Representatives:

Linda Cain, Office of the Clerk;

John Clarke, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer;

Corliss Clemonts-James, Office of the Clerk;

Jodi Detwiler, Office of the Clerk;

KaSandra R. Greenhow, Office of the Sergeant at Arms;

Tina Hanonu, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer;

Monroe Holliway, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer;

Dorothy M. Jennings, Office of the Sergeant at Arms;

Deborah Jones, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer;

Steven Kaeser, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer;

Olga Kornacki, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer;

Mary O'Brien, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer;

Beth Pence, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer;

Robert Ransom, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer;

Sarah Ricanek, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer;

Bruce Roland, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer;

Anthony Scott, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer;

Linda Rawl Shealy, Office of the Sergeant at Arms.

On behalf of the entire House community, I extend congratulations and once again recognize and thank these employees for their commitment to the U.S. House of Representatives as a whole, and to their respective House Officers and Inspector General in particular. Their long hours and hard work are invaluable, and their years of unwavering service, dedication, and commitment to the House set an example for their colleagues and other employees who will follow in their footsteps. I celebrate our honorees, and I am proud to stand before you and the nation on their behalf to recognize the importance of their public service.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2039) to clarify the applicability of the Buy American Act to products purchased for the use of the legislative branch, to prohibit the application of any of the exceptions to the requirements of such act to products bearing a Congressional seal, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous matters on the measure now under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

On behalf of my committee, I am pleased to bring this bill to the House. This is a very important bill designed to help create more jobs in America. Offered by our colleague, the gentlelady from Ohio, H.R. 2039 extends the requirements of the Buy American Act to the legislative branch of government, including the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Several legislative branch agencies already abide by the Buy American Act, including the Government Printing Office, the Library of Congress, and the Architect of the Capitol. But the House and Senate are exempt from the Buy American Act, and it's time for that to change.

The House and the Senate buy things, many things: Pencils, pens, paper, envelopes, furniture, furnishings, office machines, and equipment of every kind. You name it. There are no reasons that Buy American requirements should not apply to the Congress as to any other Federal agency. That's what the gentlelady's legislation will accomplish.

From my perspective as chairman of the House Administration Committee, H.R. 2039 will provide us with one more tool we can use to prevent the purchase of foreign-made goods when suitable American-made goods are available.

Mr. Speaker, this is a good bill. I commend the gentlelady for introducing it, and I urge the House to pass it.

Mr. Speaker, I now yield 5 minutes to the sponsor of the bill, the distinguished gentlelady from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my colleague on the Committee of House Administration, the gentlewoman from California, Susan Davis.

Mr. Speaker, I urge an ``aye'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, as you know, House Rule X entrusts the Committee on House Administration with responsibility for, among other matters, the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian Institution, United States Capitol Police, Printing and correction of the Congressional Record, Federal elections and other services to the House.

The Committee strenuously exercises its oversight authority by routinely meeting with the Legislative Branch agencies, the Officers and Inspector General of the House, and the Smithsonian Institution. Through this rigorous oversight the Committee has identified and implemented policies to reduce waste, eliminate fraud, and mitigate inefficiencies.

Among the Committee's recent work:

Passed H.R. 4825, to make permanent the law dedicating the unspent balances of Members Representational Allowances to deficit and debt reduction (measure is now pending in the Senate);

Passed H.R. 3690, 110th Cong. (became Pub. L. 110-178), merging the United States Capitol Police and the Library of Congress Police; during 111th Congress, oversaw merger process resulting in elimination of needless duplication of responsibilities, achievement of administrative savings and enhanced security for the Capitol campus;

Passed H.R. 1299, 111th Cong. (became Pub. L. 111-145), clarifying sundry laws related to the administration of the United States Capitol Police and streamlining USCP operations;

Partnered with the Smithsonian Inspector General in the development and implementation of a return-to-work program that transitions injured employees' return to appropriate work with a requirement that claimants provide updated medical reports; the Smithsonian estimates potential savings of nearly $2.1 million in workers' compensation costs;

Strengthened accountability for personal property at the Smithsonian Institution by requiring the agency to initiate regular inventories, leading to reduced agency spending to replace lost or stolen items;

Disapproved Library of Congress plan to spend nearly $20 million for a new book-conveyor system, resulting in its cancellation;

Instructed the Library of Congress to develop a cost-benefit analysis for all Information Technology investments in excess of $100,000 including developing of internal controls to eliminate redundant hardware and software purchases across business units;

Worked with the Inspector General of the House of Representatives to develop a cost-benefit analysis of the Chief Administrative Officer's joint effort with the Architect of the Capitol to deploy compact- fluorescent light bulbs within House office buildings, revealing potential savings of $1.18 million over ten years;

Instructed the Architect of the Capitol to develop and implement a procedure for assessing a tenant at the House Alternate Computing Facility for additional operating costs (e.g., electricity, facilities maintenance) properly chargeable to the tenant under the terms of the lease, revealing an additional amount of over $1 million due the taxpayer;

For the fiscal years 2010 and 2011, consulted with other congressional committees, the Congressional Budget Office, and the President's Office of Management and Budget to reduce the number of printed copies of the multi-volume President's Budget and instead to substitute distribution of the CD-ROM version wherever appropriate, resulting in savings to both the Executive branch and Congress; and

Worked with the Government Printing Office's Inspector General to block execution of a contract for delivery of human-resources and payroll-related services to certain elements of the agency instead of relying on GPO's agency-wide system, and encouraged the IG to redouble efforts to improve human resources' performance across GPO.

Among the Committee's recommendations for additional improvements are:

Extend beyond 2013 the current authority for levying of administrative fines by the Federal Election Commission pursuant to Pub. L. 110-433;

Strengthen the Speaker's new travel rules by requiring House committee chairmen to certify the existence of a bona-fide need for foreign travel under the Mutual Security Act. Repeal the law (44 U.S.C. 723) requiring compilation and publication of memorial tribute volumes in honor of deceased Representatives and Senators;

Repeal authority for printing of sundry government publications now required by law but determined to be of little use or value, e.g., the ``United States Treaties and Other International Agreements'' authorized by 1 U.S.C. 112a;

Reform Procurement practice of the Library of Congress;

Improve in-house technical support at the Library of Congress and Government Printing Office, reducing reliance on costly contractors; and

Require implementation of Performance Based Budgeting at the Library of Congress. Merge the Government Printing Office Police with the United States Capitol Police.

The Committee will also continue its oversight of the Legislative Branch and continually work to identify opportunities to reduce waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement in the operations of our agencies.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my friend, Joseph A. Frick, President and Chief Executive Officer of Independence Blue Cross, on receiving the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Hope Award. Mr. Frick's work to improve Philadelphia exemplifies his upstanding character and worthiness of receiving the Hope Award.

A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Loyola College, Mr. Frick has a long and impressive career of working for the people of Philadelphia. For several years, Mr. Frick worked at Philadelphia Newspapers Incorporated, the company that publishes the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Daily News, eventually being promoted to the Vice President of Human Resources. Currently, Mr. Frick is Chairman of the Board of Directors for Leadership Incorporated, a program preparing Philadelphia leaders like Mr. Frick himself, for influential roles in the community. He also has served on the Board of Directors for Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, LaSalle University, the Penjerdel Council, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board.

On October 22nd, Mr. Frick will be acknowledged by more than 600 attendees at the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter of the National MS Society's Reception in Philadelphia. The Hope Award is the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's highest honor and is only bestowed upon an individual who has taken the initiative to affect the community through philanthropic service and community leadership. Mr. Frick's philanthropic work has benefitted more than 13,000 people in the Greater Delaware Valley who live with MS, and he is greatly deserving of this honor.

Mr. Frick's impressive career proves a long-standing commitment to the people of Philadelphia. Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring my friend, Joseph A. Frick, for his work in Philadelphia and congratulate him on receiving the Hope Award.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5681) to improve certain administrative operations of the Library of Congress, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks in the Record and include extraneous matters on this legislation.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I sponsored this legislation to make improvements to the Library of Congress in three important areas. The bill was reported by the Committee on House Administration on July 22, 2010.

First, H.R. 5681 would allow the Librarian of Congress to dispose of surplus or obsolete personal property and to use the proceeds from these transactions, if any, to buy similar but updated property. Congress has previously granted such authority to the Capitol Police and other agencies. This provision will allow the Library to replace dated equipment while it still has value and keep costs down. This is especially useful with respect to computers and other technology.

Second, the bill would also improve administration of the Library's student-loan repayment program. Currently, each service must draw from its operating budget for loan repayments for its participating employees. H.R. 5681 would create a common fund to support loan repayment agencywide.

Finally, the bill would make available expired but unobligated appropriations balances to pay the Library's annual deposits due to the Labor Department's workers compensation fund. This provision will help address a timing problem faced by the Library and avoid the need for new appropriations.

Mr. Speaker, this bill has the Library's full support. I know of no controversy, and I urge support of this legislation.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge an ``aye'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5682) to improve the operation of certain facilities and programs of the House of Representatives, and for other purposes, as amended.

I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill now under consideration.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, the Committee on House Appropriations, reported this legislation, which I introduced on July 1, 2010, to improve the operation of certain facilities and programs of the House.

The bill will make two substantial changes into law. First it will make into permanent law a temporary provision allowing active-duty Armed Forces personnel working in House office buildings as congressional liaisons to use the House staff gym like any other staff member. This practice, which is currently in place, is working fine and we propose to make it permanent for the benefit of personnel who might prefer to exercise here rather than travel to the Pentagon or elsewhere.

Second, the bill includes language to eliminate needless bookkeeping related to the House Child Care Center. The account supporting the Center is not a true revolving fund, meaning that at the end of every year accountants must seek approval to transfer the unobligated balances forward to the new year and work with the Treasury to implement what has become an annual ritual.

Converting the account to a true revolving fund will save House and Treasury staff time better spent elsewhere. This change will have no effect on the Center's staff, parents, or the children.

Finally, the bill includes two technical corrections and complies with the PAYGO rules.

I know of no controversy on this bill. Since H.R. 5682 affects only the House, I trust that the Senate will pass it quickly without change. I urge an ``aye'' vote.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge an ``aye'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 415) to provide Capitol-flown flags to the immediate family of fire fighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical technicians, and other rescue workers who are killed in the line of duty.

I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous matter in the Record on the consideration of this bill.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, there are brave public servants who selflessly put their lives at risk for the protection of others. On rare occasions, these men and women make the ultimate sacrifice. This bill will provide for a simple and eloquent tribute to these fallen heroes.

H.R. 415 would provide a flag flown over the United States Capitol to the immediate family of a firefighter, law enforcement officer, emergency medical technician, and other rescue workers who die in the line of duty. The flag would be presented by the House Member representing the family.

The family would also receive a certificate signed by the Speaker of the House and the Representative presenting the flag, and prepared by the Clerk of the House, expressing sympathy on behalf of the House of Representatives. There would be no cost at all to the family.

A United States flag flown over the Capitol is a simple expression of national sympathy and gratitude. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in recognizing the heroism of these amazing men and women by supporting H.R. 415, the Fallen Heroes Flag Act.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I also would like to thank my friend, Peter King from New York, for this thoughtful bill and my ranking member for his cooperation and support. I urge a ``yes'' vote for again this courteous bill to our fallen heroes that paid the ultimate sacrifice.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor my friend, Samuel Staten, Sr., on his retirement from the Laborers' Local 332, and his long and influential career as a great Philadelphian and influential labor leader.

Mr. Staten worked his way up through the ranks, working 10 years as a construction laborer before becoming a Local 332 field representative in 1970. Three years later, he was appointed as assistant business manager, and in 1978, he was elected business manager of the Local 332. Mr. Staten held the position of business manager until May 2008, serving 30 years in that capacity. Mr. Staten officially retired from the Laborers' Local 332 in March 2010, leaving behind a career that was essential in turning the Local 332 into the powerful labor leader that it is today.

Mr. Staten's great leadership does not stop with Laborers' Local 332. Throughout his career, he has held several significant positions including being a board member of the Philadelphia Housing Authority, a member of the African American Chamber of Commerce, president of the Philadelphia Building Trades, and a board member of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, among many others. Mr. Staten has continually pushed his labor members and community to get involved with countless organizations, and become active in Philadelphia city politics. He truly is an amazing asset to Philadelphia, and a great friend. Remarkably, Mr. Staten is able do all of this and still be a genuine family man. He is the proud and loving father of nine children.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating my good friend, Samuel Staten, Sr., on his years of labor leadership and thank Mr. Staten for his devotion to Laborers' Local 332.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life of my friend Ronald Merriweather. Dedicated to the law, Judge Merriweather worked to better his city and improve the lives of those living in Philadelphia. I know that my colleagues will join me in expressing our condolences to his family as well as thanking them for letting him brighten all of our lives.

Judge Merriweather was born May 27, 1938 and raised in Philadelphia. A product of the Philadelphia Public School System, he graduated from West Philadelphia High School in 1956. After high school Judge Merriweather attended Morgan State University, graduating with a degree in Chemistry and a 2nd Lt. Commission in the U.S. Army. From 1960 to 1962 he served in the U.S. Army, being promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

After serving in the Army, Judge Merriweather was employed as a United States Treasury Agent with the Federal Bureau of Narcotics. He served in this position for 5 years, earning the U.S. Secretary of Treasury Award for Outstanding Service. After, Judge Merriweather received his J.D. from UCLA Law School and became a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association in 1973.

Judge Merriweather practiced law in Philadelphia for over ten years, before being elected to the Philadelphia Municipal Court in 1984. He worked on this court for 26 years, retiring in January 2010. During his tenure on the Municipal Court, Judge Merriweather garnered special recognition and numerous awards. He became a Senior Judge in 2009 and was honored with a Special Recognition Award from the Guardian Civic League.

Judge Ronald Merriweather's life showcases his commitment, service, and dedication to bettering his community. Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in celebrating the life of Judge Merriweather, and offer his family our deepest sympathies at the loss of this great man.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and work of my friend Robert Mannings. Robert dedicated his life to serving his community and he will be sorely missed.

Born in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Robert Mannings was the oldest of three children. Educated in the New Jersey public school system, Robert entered the U.S. Army in 1952, serving his country during the Korean War. After his service in Korea, Robert moved to Philadelphia and quickly established strong ties to the community.

A long-time member of the Mount Carmel Baptist Church, Robert was dedicated to bettering his neighborhood. He served in various positions within the Church, such as a member of the Men Usher Board and Men of Mount Carmel. For over 20 years, Robert served as the president of the Dewey and Race Streets Civic Organization, providing outreach and necessary services to those in his community. Robert headed ``Let's Talk About It'' seminars and starred in a video called ``Putting the Pieces Back Together'', both dealing with cancer. In recognition of his hard work, Robert was awarded the American Cancer Society's Volunteer Achievement Award and the Carl Mansfield, M.D. Award.

Robert Mannings' long and impressive career showcases his commitment, service, and dedication to bettering his community. Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in celebrating the life and accomplishments of Mr. Mannings, and honor him for the great work he has done for the people of Philadelphia.