Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our 16th President Abraham Lincoln and his first and most enduring monument, the United States penny. Just three years after adoption of the U.S. Constitution, Congress passed The Coinage Act in 1792 and established the U.S. Mint. In 1793, the first federal building constructed in the then-capital city of Philadelphia, minted the first circulating coins, 11,178 copper cents. Mr. Speaker, I would like to point out that the Mint was and remains in my own district and that it continues to produce high quality products for the American people. And true to its Philadelphia roots, the first pennies were designed by one of our town's most famous sons, Benjamin Franklin.

In 1909, after several design and composition changes, the penny's design was changed to honor President Lincoln, the first real person to appear on an American coin. The Lincoln penny is the longest used design of any American coin, and its release was timed to honor his 100th birthday.

The Lincoln penny was the first U.S. coin to carry the motto ``In God We Trust,'' and it preceded by five years the construction of the Lincoln Memorial. For generations of Americans, the penny has served as a memorial to the first President assassinated in office, as well as a reminder of the brutal Civil War that threatened to end the American experiment, and the liberation of the enslaved African.

Mr. Speaker, the penny is the most common and most highly circulated coin in the United States. 62 percent of the 11.2 billion new coins put into circulation by the U.S. Mint in fiscal year 2013 were pennies. The Mint has shipped 90 billion new pennies since 2000. We can clearly see that demand for the penny remains high and we need to keep minting it.

I am proud that my own City of Philadelphia was the first and longest running producer of the penny. As we celebrate President Lincoln's 206th birthday, I am pleased to honor him, and the coin that commemorates his place in our history.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office's Deputy Director of the Congressional Liaison Division, Anthony Ho. Anthony has served in that important office for more than 10 years. He has played a large role in promoting friendship between the people of our two great nations during his two tours here in Washington, DC.

Anthony earned his B.A. at the National Taiwan University and his Master's degree in

Public Administration at the Kennedy School of Harvard University. That education prepared him for the challenges he faces on behalf of one of America's most important allies.

Mr. Speaker, Anthony impressed Members of the House of Representatives and Senate with his diligence, his honesty and his dedication to keeping the friendship between our countries strong.

Deputy Director Ho has been a great help to me, by keeping me informed on issues relating to Taiwan and to the entire Pacific Rim. He will be greatly missed. I wish him, his wife Anne and his son, Anwell all the best. I also want to send a special goodbye to his eldest son Andrew, who did such an excellent job as an intern in my office.

Washington's loss is Taipei's gain and I am sure that Anthony and his family will have a successful and happy time in their homeland. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in wishing the Ho family goodbye and good fortune.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor The Union League of Philadelphia and the 69th President of this patriotic organization, Hon. Gregory P. Montanaro.

Founded in 1862, the Union League has been one of the leading supporters of our nation and of our Constitution.

Its 3,600 members pledge ``support of the United States Constitution'', and are leaders in business, education, medicine and the arts. The Foundations of the Union League, three non-profit charities that provide constitutional and leadership education, college scholarships, and the opportunity to research and explore one of the most important Civil War collections in the United States.

In December of 2014, the League elected my friend Gregory P. Montanaro as its 69th President. Mr. Montanaro embodies the qualities that the League stands for today: leadership, patriotism, service to the community, and a dedication to preserving the promise of liberty and freedom embodied in our constitution.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in honoring The Union League of Philadelphia and its president Mr. Gregory P. Montanaro for its 153 years of service to the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Fralinger String Band as it celebrates its 100th anniversary on December 18, 2014.

The Fralinger String Band was founded on December 18, 1914 by a group of young men playing music on a street corner in South Philadelphia where physician Dr. John Fralinger operated a neighborhood drug store, in the heart of Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District. The doctor, known for his interest in promoting promising youth, would sponsor the band. The J.J. Fralinger String Band would make its debut in the New Year's Day Mummers Parade, a Philadelphia tradition, on January 1, 1915, just two weeks after its founding.

The band has won an unmatched 16 first-place prizes in the Mummer's Parade in the last 50 years, and was the first string band to use the saxophone and the first to appear in a major motion picture. The band served as a goodwill ambassador for Philadelphia and traveled throughout both the United States and the world, in Miss America Pageant Parades, and the International Chinese New Year Parade in Hong Kong.

Over its 100-year history, the Fralinger String Band has been led by the friends and family members of Dr. Fralinger and operates today as a non-profit corporation run entirely by volunteers. The band's clubhouse is still located in the heart of South Philadelphia, just feet from the original Fralinger Pharmacy.

I invite you and all of my colleagues to join me in commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Fralinger String Band. May its commitment to performing for and entertaining people

of all ages be an inspiration to all of us in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Act of 2013, to rename the Philadelphia VA Medical Center in honor of Medal of Honor recipient and Philadelphia native Corporal Michael Crescenz.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that we are able to bring this long overdue honor to a great Philadelphian and a worthy American hero. I have been working to accomplish this renaming since I first drafted legislation in 2012, and I am thankful that my colleagues Congressman Fattah and Senator Toomey, as well as the rest of the Pennsylvania delegation, have joined me in this important endeavor.

Mr. Speaker, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz is the only Philadelphia- born recipient of the Medal of Honor, our nation's highest military honor, from the Vietnam War. Born on January 14, 1949 to Mary Ann and Charles Crescenz, Michael grew up in the West Oak Lane neighborhood of Philadelphia and went on to graduate from Cardinal Dougherty High School Class of 1966. He enlisted in the US Army in September 1968, the same month that his older brother Charles was discharged from active duty.

According to his Medal of Honor citation, 19-year old Cpl. Crescenz's platoon came under attack on November 20, 1968, in Vietnam's Hiep Duc Valley. Rather than remain in the relative safety of his position, Cpl. Crescenz seized a nearby machine gun,

charged toward the enemy's position, and silenced two bunkers. He then courageously advanced toward a third bunker, which he also silenced, clearing a route for his comrades. Shortly thereafter, gunfire emerged from a fourth, unseen bunker, and in order to protect his fellow soldiers, Cpl. Crescenz advanced on the position, firing with his machine gun. He was mortally wounded when he was just 5 meters away from the camouflaged bunker. His selfless actions allowed his company to maneuver freely to complete its mission, ultimately defeating the enemy.

President Nixon posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor to Cpl. Crescenz in April, 1970 for his gallantry and intrepidity in action. Now, 46 years after his heroic stand, we again humbly recognize the sacrifice of Cpl. Crescenz, along with the sacrifice of all those who paid the ultimate price in Vietnam and in all wars in defense of our nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Triumph Missionary Baptist Church as it celebrates its 45th church anniversary and Pastor James S. Hall, Jr.'s 63 years of preaching and teaching as its leader.

Over the past forty-five years, Triumph Missionary Baptist Church has endured as the spiritual home for countless numbers of Philadelphia citizens. Strong leaders, like Pastor James S. Hall, allow institutions like Triumph Missionary Baptist Church to thrive and support the communities in which they reside. Since he was elected Pastor for Life in 1969, Pastor Hall's wisdom and years of experience preaching have allowed him to sustain the church, even in the face of adversity, and provide a venue for Christians in the North Philadelphia community to worship their Creator.

Since its founding, the Church has had four homes in North Philadelphia. It has been in its current location since 2007 and has worked to uplift surrounding residents through numerous efforts, including the creation of a supermarket to serve the local underserved community. From the 63 members it began with, to the 5,400 Philadelphians who call this church home, Triumph Missionary Baptist Church has accomplished much in its forty-five years of existence.

I invite you and all of my colleagues to join me in commemorating Triumph Missionary Baptist Church's 45th anniversary. May its success and commitment to helping the City of Philadelphia be an inspiration to all of us in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Alan R. Parham as he receives the Labor Man of the Year Award from the Friends of Labor Committee of Laborers' Local 332. Mr. Parham is the Fund Administrator of the Laborer's International Union of North America Local 332, a local union representing thousands of construction workers in the Philadelphia area.

Mr. Parham is responsible for the administration and operation of a variety of the Laborers' funds with assets in excess of $750 million for providing pension, health, and annuity benefits to over 12,000 people and their families. He has more than 25 years of experience working for the Benefit Fund, and been a member of the union for even longer, following in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather, who were both members of Local 332.

In addition to managing the benefit portfolio, Mr. Parham has a passion for health awareness initiatives, serving on the executive board of the Delaware Valley Health Coalition. He has led several initiatives within the union with a focus on the health of union members and their families. Under his direction, the Benefit Fund is undertaking a program to educate and encourage 50% of eligible members to get tested for prostate cancer.

I invite you and all of my colleagues to join me in commemorating Mr. Parham's accomplishment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend, Bob W. Bogle, as he receives the Outstanding Community Leader Award from the Friends of Labor Committee of Laborers' Local 332. Bob is the chairman, president, and CEO of The Philadelphia Tribune.

Bob is chairman of the Hospitals and Higher Education Facilities Authority of Philadelphia, and also serves as the Mayor of Philadelphia's appointee on the Independence Blue Cross Board. Bob is also chairman of the Council of Trustees at Cheyney University, his alma mater, and serves on a number of boards, including the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. Additionally, he was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as member of the National Museum of African American History and Culture Commission.

The Philadelphia Tribune is America's oldest and Greater Philadelphia's largest audited paper primarily serving the African- American community. Before assuming his present position, Bob held other high-level positions at the newspaper, including director of advertising, director of marketing, and executive vice president. The magazine has been honored at least five times by the National Newspaper Publisher's Association, a trade association of 205 Black-owned newspapers across the country.

I invite you and all of my colleagues to join me in commemorating my friend Bob's accomplishment and his dedication to the city of Philadelphia, the birthplace of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Pennsylvania chapter of the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education (A.B.A.T.E) 34th Annual Motorcycle Toy Run.

The Toy Run was formed by A.B.A.T.E in 1980 with a simple goal: to bring Christmas joy and smiles to the faces of underprivileged children throughout the Greater Philadelphia region, many of whom live in Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional district. The run began with 30 motorcyclists in its first year. Since then, it has grown tremendously, with an expected 10,000 motorcyclists expected to participate in this year's ride. The Toy Run is open to motorcyclists and spectators alike, all in support for the cause.

The motorcyclists will depart from the Delaware River waterfront and head west through the city led by Santa Claus and Justice Seamus McCaffery, a Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. At the finish line, the procession will deliver toys to the United States Marine Corps for their ``Toys for Tots'' program.

I invite you and all of my colleagues to join me in commemorating the 34th Annual Motorcycle Toy Run of the Pennsylvania chapter of A.B.A.T.E. May its philanthropy and dedication to bringing joy to the underprivileged children of the Philadelphia region be an inspiration to all of us in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Philadelphia Office of Forensic Science. Forensic science is the application of a broad spectrum of sciences and technologies to investigate and establish facts of interest in relation to criminal or civil law. The word forensic comes from the Latin forensic, meaning ``before the forum.'' In modern usage, the word defines a category of legal evidence that may be presented in a legal courtroom setting. Forensic science is a vital public service and access to quality forensic analysis dramatically improves the investigation of criminal activity leading to the exoneration of the innocent and the prosecution of the guilty. Forensic science plays a critical role in public outreach and crime prevention and that role is evolving within the criminal justice community. Crime scene investigators, forensic examiners and forensic scientists provide unbiased, accurate and reliable analyses of evidence recovered from scenes across the nation. In the United States there are more than 12,000 forensic scientists active in the field.

The dedicated and hardworking individuals that comprise the forensic science organizations are worthy of recognition for their commitment to proper scientific investigations to support the cause of justice. Through quality forensic services, accredited programs, validated scientific techniques and a commitment to scientific integrity, forensic scientists make a significant impact in our communities.

From August 10-16, 2014, professional organizations across the country acknowledged the value of modern forensic science and the role of forensic examiners by hosting events to observe National Forensic Science Week. Activities were presented to encourage a better understanding of forensic science and educate local, state and federal policy makers to the current capabilities and future challenges facing this field.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in in expressing appreciation for the people, facilities, and technologies that make reliable forensic science possible for the betterment of our communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Ryan Cepregi for his commendable and brave actions that saved his friend's life and earned him The Medal of Merit from the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Cepregi has acted in a manner that shows great concern for the well-being of others and will contribute greatly to our community in the future. We are proud to call Mr. Cepregi a resident of Pennsylvania's First Congressional District.

Mr. Ryan Cepregi is only fourteen years of age, but this past June he saved his friend's life. Ryan received a text message from his friend stating that he had taken all of his depression medication in an attempt to take his own life. Ryan immediately contacted his friend's father and paramedics were able to save his life, partially as a result of Ryan's immediate and mature response. Ryan said, ``I was just being a friend. He has so many more years to live his life, he is too young to die.'' Ryan put the skills he was taught as a Boy Scout to use in order to save his friend's life. Ryan has been involved in the Boy Scouts of America since he was a Tiger Cub at the age of 7, and has been active in Troop 120 for many years now. For his use of these skills, Ryan is being awarded The Medal of Merit, which is given to a youth member or adult leader who has performed some outstanding act of service of a rare or exceptional character that reflects an uncommon degree of concern for the well-being of others.

It is a privilege to recognize a person whose admirable actions have already impacted our community greatly and will likely continue to do so in the future. I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Mr. Ryan Cepregi for his service and dedication to Pennsylvania's First Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Tindley Temple United Methodist Church's celebration of Nelson Mandela on July 18, 2014.

Nelson Mandela has inspired so many through his work as a revolutionary leader in the South-African anti-apartheid movement, and his later career as a politician and philanthropist left a lasting legacy. Mandela's leadership and participation in peaceful protests against the oppressive regime in South Africa led to his incarceration, and he became the face of the anti-apartheid movement. As the President of South Africa, he was the nation's first black chief executive, and the first elected in a truly democratic election. Under Nelson Mandela, the government worked tirelessly to break through the institutionalized racism, poverty, and inequality that had long plagued the nation. After he left office, he continued to work as a global advocate for human rights.

On July 18, the Tindley Temple United Methodist Church will celebrate the legacy that Nelson Mandela created. The Tindley Temple United Methodist Church is well known in Philadelphia for being the birthplace of gospel music. Dr. Charles Albert Tindley, a pastor of the Church during the Depression, is renowned for composing more than 60 hymns, including ``Stand by Me'' and ``We'll Understand It Better By and By.'' They work in service to the community through their soup kitchen, and in their aid to the ill and underprivileged in the area.

It is a privilege to recognize this celebration of a person whose leadership and commitment have inspired and supported so many around the globe. I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending the Tindley Temple United Methodist Church for honoring Nelson Mandela in their celebratory day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lighthouse Field now celebrating 100 years of service to the community, set in motion when the Pennsylvania Railroad Company deeded over 15 acres of land to the Lighthouse on June 13, 1914.

The history of Lighthouse Field dates back to June 13, 1910, when Charles Hamilton completed the first round trip airplane flight between two major cities, landing at Lighthouse Field and signaling the beginning of the commercial viability of airplane travel. At one time Lighthouse Field hosted the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. In 1938, half of the United States Olympic Soccer Team was from Philadelphia with most of those players learning the sport at Lighthouse Field. By 1940 the Lighthouse Boys Club soccer program was the largest single soccer organization in the world and the most famous goal in American soccer history was scored by Walter Bahr, a product of the Lighthouse Boys Club, while playing on the 1950 World Cup team. In 1952, in anticipation of the Manchester United Soccer Club playing an exhibition game at Lighthouse Field, which over 3,000 people attended, Manchester United paid for the installation of concrete bleachers that are still used at Lighthouse Field. Also in the 1940's the Philadelphia Phillies occasionally practiced at Lighthouse Field. In 1984 the Army National Guard began using Lighthouse Field to host training exercises. In 2012 the Lighthouse partnered with Teens 4 Good to open an Urban Farm Program at Lighthouse Field. The Boy Scouts of America have also used Lighthouse Field to host a weekend camping exhibition for 500 scouts complete with camp fires and bow and arrow exhibitions.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Lighthouse Field for a century of serving as a safe haven for our city's children and for standing as a beacon of excellence and innovation for the evolving needs of our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the upcoming 75th birthday of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, formerly known as the Volunteer Reserve of the Coast Guard. Founded in June of 1939, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary has become one of the premier volunteer organizations in the country.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was formed by an act of Congress in June 1939 and has provided direct support and assistance to the Coast Guard since. Four of the first five Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotillas were formed in the Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey regions, and we are proud to be the birthplace of this organization. The Coast Guard Auxiliary provides two million hours of volunteer service to the Coast Guard and the boating public annually, saving hundreds of lives and providing aid to countless more. This June, the Coast Guard Auxiliary will celebrate its 75th birthday on the banks of the Delaware River, where the first Coast Guard began its service in 1790.

I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary for this distinguished milestone in its already impressive history. May we all take this moment to thank the Coast Guard Auxiliary for its dedication and hard work in preserving the safety of our shores.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the accomplishments of Mr. Bob Lott. For over twenty years Bob Lott has documented and produced numerous videos that have been used to teach and inform African American people about their ancestral lineage to help combat the disproportionate ills they have suffered compared to other races.

Mr. Bob Lott and then partner Walt Gavin pioneered a nationally syndicated black music show on commercial television with The Gavin & Lott Show. He then followed that effort with the breakthrough production of City Sounds. Over the years, Mr. Lott has worked with many legendary recording artists at Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff's Philadelphia International Records, including Teddy Pendergrass, McFadden & Whitehead, Patti LaBelle, Bunny Sigler, and The O'Jays.

Moreover, Mr. Lott produced numerous documentaries shedding much needed light on important historical figures, including my friends Kenny Gamble and the great Representative David Richardson. Over the years, he has produced music videos, eleven nationally aired infomercials, television commercials, and promotional videos for countless corporations and non-profits. Mr. Lott will be honored by the Marian Anderson Historical Society on May 31, 2014 for his dedication to aiding African American people through film.

It is a privilege to recognize a person whose leadership and commitment have inspired and supported so many in our region. I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Mr. Bob Lott for his lifetime of service and dedication to Pennsylvania's First Congressional District.