Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the young women of Laurel Highlands High School Cheerleading Squad and their coach Liz Dunham. The young ladies of this squad have accomplished so much not just over the squad school year but over the proceeding years. These accomplished young women have done more for the community of Uniontown, Pennsylvania than they may realize.

While not only cheering at 98 games over the past year, the cheerleaders of Laurel Highlands have accomplished so much more. These young ladies have participated and volunteered their time in numerous community activities. They have raised funds and awareness for organizations and charities that include the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Bosom Buddies. The cheerleaders of Laurel Highlands High School have also collected for food banks and helped with the benefit dance for Interfaith Caregivers of Fayette, Inc.

Along with their community involvement, the cheerleaders of Laurel Highlands High School have participated and won many titles and the respect of many within the sport. Including, back to back Bituminous Coal Show ``Varsity Over All High Point'' titles, along with JV winning their division, and the 2007 WPXI ``Cheer of the Year'' Contest. The involvement and dedication of these young women could end today and I still would not have enough time to stress the accomplishments of this squad both past and present.

I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in commending the athletes of the Laurel Highlands High School Cheerleading Squad in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Their presence has been felt not only throughout the school but throughout the community as well. Best wishes to all of these young ladies in their future endeavors and may the memories this illustrious year last them a lifetime.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of Mr. John S. Nigrelli, Sr., Chairman of the United Savings Bank. Mr. Nigrelli has been chosen as the recipient of the 2007 Achievement Award sponsored by the Association Regionale Calabrese of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Nigrelli's lifetime of excellence and achievement began at the Lawrence Savings and Loan Association. During his time there, he began night school to further his education and completed an Associate degree in business administration from the Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania.

While attending night school, Mr. Nigrelli dedicated himself to Albert Lawrence Savings and Loan in an effort to continue his advancement through the bank. These tremendous efforts, both educational and professional, were recognized. In 1963, Mr. Nigrelli was elected as an officer of the bank. Throughout his career, he continued to conquer his professional goals and continued his quest for education and knowledge. In 1970, he was elected Executive Vice President and in 1977, he was named President and C.E.O. He continued to hold that position until 2006 when he was named Chairman and C.E.O. As Albert Lawrence Savings and Loan transformed into United Savings Bank throughout the years, Mr. Nigrelli's experience has always guided the bank to unparalleled success.

The bank flourished under Mr. Nigrelli's leadership, knowledge, and experience. His efforts were recognized not only by the community of Philadelphia but by several publications, as one of the most established and stable banks in the city.

Even today, Mr. Nigrelli's kindness is felt through the organizations and charities in which he is a part. Throughout his professional success, this great man was supported by his wife, Marie Pedano. Although she passed away in August 10, 2002, her inspiration continues to contribute to Mr. Nigrelli's continued success. John's endeavors have also been supported by his four beloved children and seven grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Mr. John Nigrelli, Sr. on his 2007 Achievement Award sponsored by the Association Regionale Calabrese. This great honor could not go to a better man.

Madam Speaker, the Berean Institute's long and esteemed history began with the vision of one man, Reverend Matthew Anderson. Reverend Anderson began his work at the Gloucester Mission in North Philadelphia in 1879. In 1880, the Berean Presbyterian Church was founded, from a hall meeting room on Fairmount Avenue, with no funds, but with an abundance of unshaken trust in God. In 1888, he founded the Berean Building and Loan Association. Later renamed the Berean Savings and Loan Association, it enabled African Americans to borrow money to buy homes. With the migration of many African Americans coming from the south that needed special training, Rev. Anderson founded Berean Mutual Training and Industrial School.

In 1899, Rev. Anderson was able to gain support to found a school for the economically disenfranchised. In 1904, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania incorporated Berean Manual and Industrial School, a corporate charter. In the early years, Berean offered training in plumbing, custom and merchant tailoring,

dressmaking, carpentry and home management. Today, the Berean Institute which still resides on the same grounds as the original complex conducts programs in such areas as accounting, computer repair, and cosmetology for over 100 full-time and part-time students.

The Berean Institute is regarded as one of the leading business schools in Philadelphia and serves a broad-cross section of students that come from local as well as distant places to learn. Rev. Anderson was succeeded by his widow Mrs. Blanche W. Still Anderson, followed by Ms. Louise B. Yergan, Mr. Jeffery O. Jones, Mr. Charles Preston, Ms. Lucille P. Blondin, and by the Berean Institute's current president, Mr. Andrew Carn. The leadership reins have also been shared by the board of trustees. The Berean Institute experienced considerable growth under former chairman Dr. William H. Gray. Dr. Gray was succeeded by Dr. Robert Johnson-Smith, Dr. Leonard W. Johnson, and Berean's current chairperson Kim Staudt. Under its exceptional leadership, the Berean Institute continues its service and diverse programs that provide education and training for many students who would be otherwise left out.

The Berean Institute celebrated its 108th year of service on Friday, February 23, and looks forward to the future to continue the vision and service of Reverend Matthew Anderson.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution, and I am in complete opposition to President's plan to send an additional 21,000 Americans into Iraq.

This ill conceived plan will only make a war that never should have started much, much worse. The generals don't want this surge. Our allies oppose it. 60 percent of the American people think it is a terrible idea and, the enemy is using it to boost recruitment. There is no conceivable reason for this surge. Yet, President Bush is pushing ahead with it.

I opposed the original Iraq war resolution because I didn't see the connection between Al Qaeda and Saddam Hussein, the evidence of an immediate threat from Iraqi weapons of mass destruction, or even compelling evidence of the existence of WMD. But, we went in anyway. We rushed off, unprepared, into a needless war that has killed thousands and scarred 10's of thousands of Americans and hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqis.

Now, here we go again. It is time for this administration to end its policy of ready, fire, aim. It is time to begin a policy of ready, aim, fire. I urge all of my colleagues to listen to the American public, to our troops and to our friends around the world. Vote yes on this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Rev. James Moore, Sr. the pastor of the Second Mount Zion Baptist Church, upon the occasion of his installation as the president of Black Clergy, Inc. of Philadelphia and Vicinity.

Rev. Moore is a man of uncompromising faith and vision. His absolute devotion to church and community is recognized by his parishioners, his fellow clergy members and civic officials.

As the president of the Black Clergy I know he will take the organization to even greater heights because of his commitment to build working partnerships beyond the walls of the church to solve some of the serious problems our communities are facing.

Biblically guided by Philippians 2:5, ``Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,'' Rev. Moore, in spite of his accomplishments, walks the path of humility as he offers spiritual inspiration to those in need.

I know that all of my colleagues in the Congress join me in honoring Rev. Moore.

Madam Speaker, I rise in mourning for one of Philadelphia's most well-known and loved moms. ``Mom'' Frances Williams, a mother of five sons and a civic leader in her own right, left us to go home on January 12, 2007 at the age of 94.

Born in Philadelphia on February 7, 1912, ``Mom'' was a devoted member of Mount Zion Baptist Church since the age of 12, and over the years generously contributed her time and talents to the church. As a member of the Mt. Zion family, she was the longest serving president of the Young Women's Industrial Club and initiated the first ``Get Set'' program for children in the church.

``Mom'' was considered a surrogate mother to countless young people she mentored over the decades. Many can attest to having found their first jobs with the help of ``Mom'' Williams. Numerous young people entered college and joined the church because of her guidance. She often went into her pocketbook, cupboard, and closet to help someone else.

She served her community and city as a block captain, committee person and civic leader. Later in life, she directed her energy towards helping seniors in need. She was a member of many organizations and boards. ``Mom'' founded and served as president of Save Our Senior and Concerned Citizens. She served as a board member of the Philadelphia Corporation of Aging and commissioner on the Philadelphia Commission of Human Relations.

``Mom'' ran for City Council At-Large in 1979 on a platform that pledged housing programs for seniors, crime-reduction programs, and initiatives to serve and empower at risk youth and people with disabilities. She also gave our city two generations of leaders in her son former State Sen. Hard Williams and grandson State Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams.

In March 1999, article in the Philadelphia New Observer she explains ``It's all very simple. Keep yourself clean and if something makes you sick, don't eat it. Tell the truth and don't follow the crowd. Most of all have faith.''

She is survived by one sister, Ruth Lacy of Philadelphia; five sons: James Williams (Gloria) of Blackwood, NJ; Hardy Williams, Fredrick A. Williams (Ernestine); Theodore; and Ali Robinson (Ramona) of Philadelphia; one niece, Vivian Whitt; one nephew, Carl Lacy, both Philadelphia,; twenty one grandchildren; numerous great and great, great grandchildren; and a host of grand and great grand nieces and nephews.

I know that all my colleagues will join me in honoring her memory today.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Al Echols, Esq., a Philadelphia legend who after serving 44 years as the executive director of North City Congress has announced his retirement.

Under the leadership of Mr. Echols, North City Congress has remained a valued institution meeting the changing needs of a changing community in North Philadelphia. During its first decade North City Congress represented a federation of neighborhood organizations committed to positive community change.

North City Congress later became a vital social service agency. Today, the agency operates two senior citizens centers that offer meals, social, recreational and cultural activities and in-home management services for the frail and home-bound. It also offers financial management and estate planning for seniors and fiscal management and technical assistance for community-based organizations.

Mr. Echols, a graduate of Virginia Union University and the Howard University Law School, marshaled his considerable acumen in the struggle to gain political power for African Americans in Philadelphia. In 1971, he was a council-at-large candidate on the Thatcher Longstreth Republican ticket in a hard fought race against Democrat Frank Rizzo.

Known for his wit, Mr. Echols is fiercely opinionated and a political sage with whom one cannot have a brief conversation. Not only does he love to explain the nuances of his points of view he punctuates his conversations with a laugh that can shake the grand mansion that houses North City Congress.

As he retires, Al Echols leaves an indelible stamp of good will, principled leadership and service.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor one of my city's great leaders, Representative Louise Williams Bishop. Representative Bishop, who I am

proud to say represents me in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, is an accomplished legislator who was first elected in 1989. She has demonstrated leadership throughout her entire career. And her activism in cultural, ecclesiastical, civil rights, and political organizations has enriched the lives of every Philadelphian.

Madam Speaker, Louise Williams Bishop is much more than just a legislator. A true servant of God, she has evangelized in the pulpit, in the capitol, and over the airwaves. For four decades, her radio program, ``The Louise Williams Show,'' has been the hallmark of gospel radio. Her excellence in broadcasting has earned her many accolades, including the title ``The Queen of Gospel Radio.'' For so many Philadelphians, Reverend Bishop has been a blessing in their cars and in their living rooms. She has been a lifeline for thousands of shut ins who would otherwise miss their worship experience. Each of them feels that she is his or her personal friend and minister. And, in many ways she is.

Madam Speaker, today, Representative Bishop will host her 20th annual birthday celebration tribute to the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. For all the time she has hosted this celebration, I have been proud to call her my representative, my advisor, and my friend. I know that all of my colleagues in the Congress join me in honoring her.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman of the committee and the ranking member for allowing me to speak and also for bringing this bill up so quickly.

Edward Rudolph Bradley was born on June 22, 1941, in West Philadelphia, about 8 blocks from my house. He attended my alma mater, St. Thomas More High School. He graduated about 3 years ahead of me. I knew him personally, saw him in school, and he always was a gentleman and someone who always helped anyone who needed any help in any manner. With him being a senior and me being a freshman, I needed a lot of help, and he always took the time to do that.

He taught at William B. Mann Elementary in Philadelphia and spent his evenings working at a local Philadelphia radio station, WDAS, for free. In 1965, when riots broke out in Philadelphia and Philadelphia was in a major turmoil, Bradley, lacking recording equipment, covered the riots from a nearby pay phone and did an excellent job reporting back and also trying to soothe the problems we were having there.

Bradley's coverage of the North Philadelphia riots earned him a full- time paid position with WDAS. Bradley was hired in 1967 as a reporter for WCBS radio in New York. In 1968 he was the only African American on air at CBS, or at any New York news radio station.

Ed Bradley joined CBS News in 1971 as a stringer in its Paris bureau, covering the Paris peace talks, and remained with CBS News for 35 years. He was transferred in 1972 to CBS Saigon bureau to cover the Vietnam War and, while covering the war in Cambodia, was injured by a mortar round.

Ed Bradley covered Jimmy Carter's campaign in 1976, served as a CBS News floor correspondent for coverage of the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, which he covered and reported very fairly. Bradley became the first African American White House correspondent for CBS from 1976 to 1978. In 1981, Bradley joined 60 Minutes as an on-air correspondent and remained with 60 Minutes for 26 years.

In 2000, Bradley was the only television journalist granted an interview with condemned Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh, which earned him another Emmy Award.

Bradley received numerous awards of distinction for his in-depth reporting and coverage, including 20 Emmy Awards, Lew Klein Excellence in the Media Award, 2006; Paul White Award, 2000; Damon Runyon Award, 2003; Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award, 1995; and Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Black Journalists in 2005.

In addition to valuable contributions to journalism, Bradley's reporting also spurred social activism, but also spurred change with his reporting on AIDS in Africa, ``Death by Denial,'' which helped influence drug companies into discounting and donating AIDS drugs to Africa.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Blanchet. He will surely be missed in the City of Philadelphia, and we in the City of Philadelphia are extremely proud and honored to call him one of our own.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor James J. Binns for his service to the people of Philadelphia. Jimmy Binns is a Philadelphia attorney specializing in litigation who has always been a friend of labor. His unflinching service to labor is shown by his achievement of 51 consecutive ``not guilty'' verdicts on behalf of those accused of picket line violence during the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers strike. It is clear his efforts enabled union members to unite to better their lot without fear of intimidation.

Mr. Binns is more than a friend of labor. He is also an important member of the community as seen through his service on numerous boards, including the Boy Scouts of America, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and St. Luke's Hospital. He also dedicated the James J. Binns Fitness Center at LaSalle University, his alma mater. Mr. Binns founded the Judeo Christian School at Roman Catholic. Additionally, Mr. Binns initiated the current fundraising drive to replace 65 motorcycles for the Philadelphia Police Highway Patrol.

Mr. Binns also chaired the Organized Crime Task Force of the Citizens Crime Commission and served as Pennsylvania's Boxing Commissioner under Governors Dick Thornburgh and Bob Casey. Due to his service he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame.

It is readily apparent that James J. Binns has played a vital role in the betterment of the community of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania

as a whole. His continued contribution is to be applauded, and I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending James J. Binns for his immeasurable contribution to the City of Philadelphia.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor one of Philadelphia's most important leaders, my friend, Wade Stevens. Mr. Stevens is the Business Manager of the Laborer's International Union's District Council of the Metropolitan Area of Philadelphia and Vicinity. In this capacity he has been a tireless contributor to the betterment of Philadelphia's workers.

Mr. Stevens, who has served most of his life as a union activist, is celebrating his 10th year as a Business Manager. He joined Laborer's Local 135 in Norristown, PA in 1971, and served in varying capacities as a Delegate, Sergeant of Arms, and Judge of Elections. He still maintains his membership having transferred to Laborers' Local 332 in Philadelphia.

Mr. Stevens became a part of the Laborers' District Council as a Field Representative in 1989, and as a part of his duties was a Building Trades Committee Representative. In 1996, Mr. Stevens was elected to his current passion as the Business Manager of the Laborers' District Council. He worked in conjunction with local business managers, delegates, and management to create unprecedented services and benefits for Council members. In, 2001 Mr. Stevens was appointed to the Tax Review Board of Philadelphia by Mayor John Street.

Mr. Stevens is also active in his community having sat on the Board of the All-Star Labor Classic Committee, raising thousands of dollars for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. He is a lifetime member of the NAACP and a sponsor of the Norristown Bandits Midget Football Team. Mr. Stevens is proudly married to Cora Stevens and has been blessed with three sons and three grandchildren. I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues rise to congratulate Mr. Wade H. Stevens, Jr. for his 10th year as the Business Manager of the Laborers' International Union North America Laborers' District Council of the Metropolitan Area of Philadelphia and Vicinity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our colleague from the Republic of Italy, the Honorable Sergio De Gregorio.

Senator De Gregorio was elected Senator of the Republic of Italy on April 10th, 2006. As President of the Defense Committee for the Republic of Italy, Senator De Gregorio is one of the most important national security officials in one of our most important allied states.

Prior to his election to the Senate, Mr. De Gregorio served as a pioneering journalist who produced many important reports on organized crime, various wars and conflicts in almost every corner of the world. He further established his international credentials during his tenure as Assistant to European Parliament, a position he held until 2004.

Mr. Speaker, the City of Philadelphia is proud to host Senator De Gregorio and 15 distinguished Italian delegates, including four members of his committee: Hon. Paolo Guzzanti; Hon. Filippo Berselli; Hon. Calogero Mannino; and Hon. Gianni Nieddu, as well as Princess Josephine Pritchard Borghese and Hon. Salvatore Ferrigno, to Philadelphia for a four-day tour of the city and its various Italian American businesses, factories and importers. Their visit will also include three events to raise funds for the construction of an Italian American Cultural Center to be located in Northeast Philadelphia.

The Republic of Italy has long been a critically important ally in the fight against terrorism and against organized crime. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am pleased that this important delegation will be touring defense facilities in my District. And, as a son of Italy, I am equally proud that they will be doing so much to help us create the Italian American Cultural Center. I know that all of my colleagues will join me in welcoming them to the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a man who personifies the finest traditions of the legal profession. Kenneth J. Fleisher is a Philadelphia native. He is a magna cum laude graduate of Yale University and a cum laude graduate of Harvard Law School.

For more than a decade he has been a member of the prestigious law firm Zarwin, Baum, DeVito, Kaplan, Schaer, Toddy, P.C. in Philadelphia.

He also serves as the chair of the Philadelphia Bar Association's Real Property Section.

In spite of his impeccable legal credentials I did not meet Mr. Fleischer in a board room, at a big ticket gala or as the attorney of record

representing a powerful client. I came to know him because of the countless hours that he and an amazing group of attorneys have put into representing, on a pro bono basis, my constituents who were forced from their homes because their properties were literally sinking on a street in my district.

Mr. Speaker, putting aside any question of profit, Ken and his fellow volunteers at the Philadelphia Volunteers for the Indigent Program have worked tirelessly to ensure that these constituents who found themselves in the middle of a bureaucratic nightmare had the best legal representation possible. No words can express the gratitude I have for their diligence and commitment to work through the legal maze these homeowners faced.

But, Mr. Fleisher's efforts would come as no surprise to anyone who knows the culture of the Zarwin firm. It has been home to many people I have been honored to work with and call my friends over the years. It is a firm that inspires leadership and dedication in its attorneys. Two of my good friends, the late Rotan Lee, a former Philadelphia School District president, and Seth Williams, Philadelphia's Inspector General, both were a part of the firm.

Mr. Speaker, as the Philadelphia legal community today honors Mr. Fleisher for his highly successful tenure as chair of the Philadelphia Bar Association's Real Property Section, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking him for his service and wish him well in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the spirit of volunteerism embodied by a company in Philadelphia which celebrates its 100th anniversary in our city, KPMG LLP.

KPMG's partners and employees serve as officers, directors and volunteers for many of Philadelphia's philanthropic and charitable organizations. Earlier this year, KPMG sponsored the ``City Hall in Bloom'' spring planting. As part of the event, more than 200 KPMG volunteers joined students from the Bach-Martin Elementary School in clearing, cleaning and preparing beds for more than 8,500 flowers, plants, and trees in the largest volunteer clean-up ever mounted at City Hall. Other examples of KPMG's volunteerism are many. Employees helped paint the interior of Bach-Martin school and created a new mural for the entrance. The firm also has assisted the ``Help Philadelphia'' women's shelter with a number of events over the years. And last year, KPMG helped welcome refugees from Hurricane Katrina, assisting in their relocation, while this year a group of KPMG professionals traveled to the Gulf region to help rebuild homes with Habitat for Humanity.

In 1906, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. opened its doors on Chestnut Street. Marwick, Mitchell & Co. was then a small accounting firm with less than a handful of partners. In the these last 100 years, Philadelphia has added greatly to its history as the birthplace of the American republic to its renown as one of the Nation's leading ports, centers of commerce, and home to many Fortune 500 companies. Marwick, Mitchell & Co. grew with Philadelphia and is known today as KPMG.

Throughout its history, KPMG has been and is an outstanding citizen of Philadelphia. KPMG is today one of the oldest and largest professional services firms in the city, employing more than 850 professionals headquartered on Market Street and providing a variety of audit, tax and advisory services to the public and private sectors.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to pay tribute to KPMG and its people for 100 years of service to Philadelphia, for its contributions to the growth and health of the city's commerce, and for its many efforts benefiting our community's quality of life.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join the chairman in support of this resolution introduced this week by the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher), encouraging all Members, committees, and offices of the House to hire disabled veterans. This Congress absolutely should give preference to disabled veterans as long as there are disabled veterans.

First, this resolution reminds all Members and other House employees that this Congress has a moral and ethical obligation to support American disabled veterans. Unfortunately, we know too well that the ranks of America's disabled veterans are growing every day. One way for the House to fulfill its obligation is to help disabled veterans return to their pre-war lifestyles. Their former jobs may be gone or their disabilities may preclude them from performing that function again.

I am sure there are many disabled veterans whose knowledge, skills, and abilities could help Members better serve their constituencies. This would allow disabled veterans to continue their service to their country as civilians, while providing for themselves and their families. This could take place anywhere in the country since a large percentage of congressional staff positions are located in districts throughout America. There are also opportunities here on Capitol Hill as well.

Second, the resolution states that the Committee on House Administration will facilitate employment opportunities for disabled veterans by directing the House Chief Administration Officer to provide resources to guide qualified disabled veterans to potential positions. A suitable Web site, for example, could enable disabled veterans to employment opportunities in the House.

Whatever the committee may decide, I am pleased that this resolution apprises all Members of the need of our disabled veterans and the rest of the community to take action. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this resolution. The ranks of American disabled veterans are growing every day, and the end of the current conflict is not in sight. The House should do everything possible to help our disabled veterans to rebuild their lives.

If qualified disabled veterans are interested in working here, we should encourage Members, our committees, and our support offices to embrace these brave men and women who have served in Iraq and elsewhere around the world and who have sacrificed their futures for our country. I urge an ``aye'' vote

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

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield to Mr. Fattah from the great State of Pennsylvania for such time as he may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Rohrabacher for the resolution and the chairman of our committee. It is a pleasure working with you.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.