Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the beloved Mario Guilio Musciano, Sr. of Somerdale, New Jersey who passed away on Friday, November 23rd, 2012.

Born and raised in Camden, Mr. Musciano's life has been an inspiration to the citizens of South Jersey. As a United States Army veteran, he served with distinction during World

War II, rising to the rank of sergeant as he fought to protect the freedoms that we all, as Americans, cherish. He survived the December 7th attack on Pearl Harbor and has, for over a decade, been an honored speaker at the annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony held aboard the USS New Jersey.

A self-employed entrepreneur, Mr. Musciano owned and retired from the Sterling Tile Company of Somerdale, NJ. He was counted a member of both the Lion's Club and the Pearl Harbor Survivors' Club, and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother. He will be sorely missed.

Mr. Speaker, Mario Guilio Musciano was a great man who exemplified the American spirit. I join the people of Somerdale and all of South Jersey in honoring the life of this exceptional man.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the forty-five volunteers who have dedicated their time to commemorating the 71st anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack.

These volunteers have been working tirelessly throughout the year to prepare for the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony held in December in Camden, New Jersey aboard the USS New Jersey.

The volunteers who have helped prepare the USS New Jersey for this historically-significant event are a necessary element in the production of the ceremony honoring those who were present that fateful day.

Their selfless hard work and devotion to honoring the 71st anniversary of Pearl Harbor should not go unnoticed. I join the citizens of Southern New Jersey, members of our military, as well as friends and family in congratulating these volunteers for a job well done.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Taiwanese government who has so generously donated $1.3 million to the Superstorm Sandy relief effort. The donation will be divided between the State Governments of New Jersey and New York, the City of New York, as well as the United Way International and Habitat for Humanity International. Although the media coverage and national attention on Superstorm Sandy has subsided in the wake of new stories, the impact of the storm continues to be felt by New York and New Jersey citizens. I am moved by this tremendous act of solidarity from our friends thousands of miles away, and I would like to officially recognize this gesture in hopes that the consideration and empathy displayed by the Taiwanese may serve as a reminder to others that this plight is still ongoing. On behalf of the 1st district of New Jersey, the State of New Jersey, and the American people I would like to extend sincere thanks to the Taiwanese people for this act of kindness.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the volunteers of Stand Down of South Jersey. These volunteers dedicate their time and effort year-round to aid homeless veterans in communities across the state of New Jersey.

The culmination of Stand Down's efforts is an event held annually at the Army National Guard Armory in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Each year, this event is a place where veterans go for haircuts, receive assistance in applying for government support, guidance on employment and job training opportunities, health-related counseling, and more.

At the event, held in September, Stand Down aided and supported approximately 278 homeless veterans from the area as a result of the volunteer efforts. In addition, volunteers have collected winter coats, blankets, and other supplies that they donated to the Marine Corps League Detachment 796 at Toms River.

The tireless efforts of these volunteers should not go unnoticed. I join the citizens of Southern New Jersey and the veterans in our community to thank these volunteers for their continued hard work and dedication to this important cause.

Mr. Speaker, I was not present for votes in the House of Representatives on November 15, 2012. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner:

Rollcall No. 606 for H. Res. 808, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Rollcall No. 607 for Senate Amendment to H.R. 2453, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Thomas. The month of October 2012 marked the 45 year anniversary of this tremendous parish. Nearly a half century ago, a small group of Greek Orthodox from South Jersey saw a need for a church to serve the Philadelphia metropolitan area and its New Jersey suburbs. This parish has been paramount in reaching out to the Southern New Jersey community, teaching the Greek language and heritage, and sharing the traditions of the Greek Orthodox faith.

Perhaps most worthy of praise are the number and variety of group organizations the church provides. Among them are the ``Philoptochos,'' a philanthropic society for lady parishioners who are committed to serving the sick, destitute, elderly, and others in need of assistance. The Hellenic Heritage Dance

Group teaches youth the traditional dance of Greece. From the Hellenic Orthodox Primary Enrichment, HOPE, a group devoted to the early introduction of kindergartners to the Orthodox fellowship to the Maturity Club for senior citizens, all ages are able to meet and celebrate their faith through church outings, meaningful discussion groups, retreats, service projects, and athletics.

Let us commemorate, on the record, the Church of St. Thomas in its 45th year of operation for the invaluable service it provides to the Greek Orthodox faith and the South New Jersey community at large.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the heroic response efforts made by the men and women of the American Red Cross. The destruction caused by Superstorm Sandy devastated those living along the Atlantic coast. During this state of emergency, many lost basic utilities like electricity and heat, access to food and water, and a safe shelter. The impact of the storm is still felt by many residents as they return home and attempt to regain some semblance of their normal life.

For over 130 years, the American Red Cross has served as an independent international humanitarian organization. Simply put, the members of the Red Cross are first responders, who in the wake of emergency, voluntarily enter dangerous environments so that the risk to others may be lessened. Before Sandy made landfall, the Red Cross opened shelters, stockpiled supplies, and organized workers. More than 3,800 Red Cross disaster workers are currently assisting in the relief effort. Since the storm hit, thousands of people have found shelter and over 200,000 meals and snacks have been served. West Deptford High School, in my home district, transformed overnight from a school into a place of refuge, with beds, a children's playroom, and an adult recreational hall.

The true value of these gallant workers extends far beyond the tangible goods and services they provide. Above all, it is their palpable presence, their reassuring smile and words of kindness--being the crutch which props up those who are ready to collapse. As their mission so eloquently and accurately states, the American Red Cross ``prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies.'' Please join me in honoring these tireless workers and remember that while the Red Cross prides itself on being a nonpartisan and independent organization, it also relies on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the winners of the Historical Society of Winslow Township's Veterans Day 2012 Student Essay Contest.

These nine students, in the 7th and 8th grades at Winslow Township Middle School and 12th grade at Winslow Township High School, wrote on what the word ``freedom'' means to them in their hearts. The moving prose of these young men and women is a testament to the patriotic spirit of the citizens of South Jersey and an inspiration to all Americans. For that reason, Mr. Speaker, I submit the following for the Congressional Record:

Kelli O'Neil, 7th Grade, 1st Place Winner

By definition freedom is; the power to determine action

without restraint. But freedom means monumentally more than

that to me. Speech, expression, faith these are only a few of

the stripes on the beautiful rainbow that is freedom. Freedom

is what sets America so high above the rest, what makes it

such a beautiful place to live.

Every Sunday, millions of Americans go to church. Imagine

if these millions of people were in a different country.

Practicing their own religion may not be legal. Whilst this

goes on for myself and to most Americans going to church

feels like such a simple liberty.

As an adolescent female I am still in school getting an

education and plan to continue through college. Now let's

pretend I am in some other country for example. I would not

be in school, I would be home doing housework caring for my

siblings. Back in America I am permitted to wear whatever

clothing I wish to wear; however, in some countries I

shouldn't even show my own hair. All of these wonderful

rights that I do have are given to me simply because America

values freedom. Our flag flying through the air sings of

freedom. And the graceful eagle soaring through the heavens

screams freedom. Every day, I look at the things I do and

wear and I am truly grateful for America and all of its

freedoms.

I have the privilege of being in an honors writing class,

and in this class I write exactly what I think and feel about

any and every thing without fear of punishment by law. I

cannot say the same for many other children in foreign

countries. In these countries writing the way they feel about

things like laws, politics, and leaders can result in great

punishment. Without the freedom to express how I feel I don't

know how I would survive. My opinions are who I am, and they

are a piece of me.

Lee Greenwood once said, ``proud to be an American Where at

least I know I'm free, and I won't forget the men who died

who gave that right to me.'' This is so incredibly true, and

I would like to take this moment in time to put the spotlight

on the soldiers who have passed away, our veterans, and our

soldiers who are currently serving because they are the sole

reason for all of these fantastic freedoms that me and my

fellow Americans have today.

So, in conclusion, freedom is the biggest blessing ever

bestowed upon the American people, and it is not to be taken

for granted.

Deanna Paul, 7th Grade, 2nd Place Winner

The first 10 amendments of the Constitution, or the Bill of

Rights, set priceless rights and freedoms that Americans may

enjoy. There is a rather large variety of them, ranging from

the freedom of speech to just the right of traveling anywhere

you want in the nation.

If you were to look in the dictionary for the word

``freedom'', you'd probably find that it means ``free to do

something or free of something'', or anything within those

lines. That'd be correct. The many freedoms that we as

Americans have should be treated like gifts, as they are.

However, our freedoms are often misused now, in a way our

forefathers didn't intend them to be. For example, the

freedom of speech, which is the freedom to say our opinions

as long as they don't cause any harm to others, is now being

used to bully and cause mental pain to citizens by Americans

who want to cause trouble.

Nevertheless, our freedoms are still gifts and worth

protecting. The many veterans who have fought for our country

by sacrificing themselves, whether they were killed or

wounded physically or mentally in battle or returned home

intact, should and are respected by our nation. They fought

or are fighting at the moment to keep things the way that

they should be, to protect the millions of Americans who have

the access to the freedoms in the Bill of Rights. Without

those brave men and woman, we might not be the way we are

today, as we would be vulnerable to other countries who mean

harm to Americans because of our freedoms and policies.

Personally, I'm so used to these freedoms that they seem

ordinary and unimportant, but after reading so many articles

about the lifestyles and other events occurring in other

parts of the world, I feel extremely lucky--and proud. I've

learned that not all countries are lucky enough to have the

same rights and freedoms that we are able to have, and that's

worth protecting.

While practicing these freedoms throughout your ordinary

lives, remember: They're special. People are out there

fighting; just for us to feel safe while exercising those

rights we were given. Be grateful. Use them the way they were

intended to be used. And most importantly, respect our

veterans.

Sarah Marshall, 7th Grade, 3rd Place Winner

Freedom is a lot of things. To an American citizen it is a

privilege. To a mother in a dictated country it's a hope. Or

to a government figure it is a law. But no matter what it

means to different people, the definition of freedom will

always be the same to me; a right.

Freedom can come in all different forms. For example; you

could have freedom of speech, freedom of expression or

freedom of religion. With freedom, I can speak out against

almost anything (including our political and government

system); I can choose and practice my own religion without

fear of being abused or jailed, and so much more. Freedom is

an important part to a great country.

In my opinion, everyone should be allowed to have freedom.

It's not right to be killed or abused because of what you

believe in or say. Some people take things like freedom, life

and rights for granted. Not me. I will always remember that

it is a huge privilege that a lot of people don't receive. I

will also keep in mind not to abuse my rights and freedom

because people died for it. They died for you and me, and

everyone else in America to be able to express ourselves

without risk. To have my rights taken away would be a

dishonor. And I really hope that everyone who does have

freedom realizes that.

In some countries, you can actually be shot at just for

speaking your mind. A real life example of that is of a young

female citizen from Pakistan. In Pakistan, they are currently

fighting for women's rights. A young lady spoke her opinion

on women having education and she was shot. This reminds us

that we are lucky, Those of us in America wouldn't have been

shot; we probably would've been rewarded. lf the young women

had been from the United States that tragic situation would

never have happened due to the fact that women already have

the right to education.

If you asked a professor what freedom means to them, the

answer would be a thousand miles long. The answer is so long

I couldn't fit it in this essay. But if it somehow wasn't

clear how thankful I am for it, going to put it like this;

Freedom is something to be thankful for. You should pray to

your (a) god for it, discuss it at thanksgiving dinner, and

visit the graves of those who died for it. You never know,

thousands of miles away someone might be praying for the

freedom you already have.

Akaash Patel, 8th Grade, 1st Place Winner

Freedom . . . Such a small word for a very meaningful

definition. Every day of our lives we are presented with this

right. However, what exactly does freedom mean to you? To me,

freedom means the moral principle of being able to choose how

you live your life. Before freedom we were told what to

believe in. We had no say so on what our lives would be like.

However, we, as a united nation celebrate and declare

freedom; not as a privilege but as a right.

Our forefathers fought for the right of freedom. They put

their lives on the line for the sake of other people's

rights. We should always be grateful that our founding

fathers gave us freedom. Moreover, we should constantly honor

America's veterans and active military. They have and are

putting their feelings for this country into actions, not

words. A picture paints a thousand words.

USA has many veterans coming back from Afghanistan. Some

have come back from Vietnam. Some are even coming back from

top priority missions that they enlisted in. However, all of

these men and woman have one definite thing in common, their

reason. All war veterans' reason for fighting always traces

back to freedom. They believe in freedom and know deep in

their heart what it means to them. America's veterans were,

are, and forever will be dedicated to freedom.

I think that freedom is a very unappreciated right. As a

kid I woke up every day able to believe in what I wanted to.

I was born into my religion. However I was not necessarily

forced to accepting it. This was the perfect world our

country's founders, veterans, and active military had created

for me and everyone else to share. In spite of this, we truly

do not honor this right enough despite the immense value it

holds. You never miss something until you lose it.

In conclusion, freedom is essential in people's lives. We

are free to choose any religion, believe in what we want, and

do what we want. This entitlement to every US citizen keeps

this country intact. In contrast, we would have never had

this right unless our veterans and active military had not

protected this sacred allotment. To sum it up, thanks to our

brave and bold veterans and our courageous active military we

live our lives and cherish freedom.

Harleigh Mae Burke, 8th Grade, 2nd Place Winner

In the 1700's, when our founding fathers began sculpting

the Constitution of our nation, there was one thing they all

agreed on: Freedom is a right all people should be given

from birth, and the work they do under this liberty is how

they earn their fortunes. To earn a fortune and be successful

under this freedom is what is known as the American Dream.

What few know, however, is that freedom is not a gift to all

humanity, but an exclusive to only some.

It is thanks to the forethought of the founding fathers,

the continued cooperation of the United States Military, and

above all the passion of the people which keeps our freedom

alive today. However, this begs the question, what is

freedom, and what precisely does it mean?

Freedom, to me, is not merely the ability to do as you

please, when you please, as long as it does not impose upon

others. Freedom is the lifeblood of humanity, what enables

man to live and prosper and change the World for the better.

Not everyone is gifted with such a thing, and some of the

idealists and geniuses and potential reformers of our

generation will not get a chance at this, and will live their

lives in oppression, cast aside by their governments as

another mere pawn in their machine of simple parts.

Freedom manifests itself in every aspect of American life,

from the business you built up yourself, to the house you

own, to the education your children earn. Freedom is

business, the arts, what has allowed the United States to

develop a culture unlike any other. To such aforementioned

countries who lack the glorious endowment of liberty, our

United States, with its military towering high in our

defense, and fame, and above all, the ability for any mere

man to forge a life of empire-like status, is not only a

desirable place to be, but a utopia Where anything can

happen.

And so, I ask of you, look at yourself, what you have, and

what you've done. Think for a moment of where you would be if

you were assigned to a life, told what to think, what to

feel, what to do. Would you be where you are? Would you have

what you've achieved? This distinction is freedom, and

freedom is the United States, its military, and its people.

Eleni Finkelstein, 8th Grade, 3rd Place Winner

Imagine coming to America from another country. You see a

flag billowing with pride in the front yard of a happy

family's house. The whole family was unique. Different

clothes, different hobbies, but they were all having a good

time. You begin to wonder why your family could not be happy

back home or have those smiles on their faces. Your life was

bland; a dry piece of toast, just like everyone else's. Then

you realized it was because you weren't given individuality.

To me, freedom means having the right to be an individual.

In other countries, you don't always have the freedom that

we have in America. Often, you cannot dress how you'd like,

say what you'd like, or do what you'd like. There was no

uniqueness at all. Here in America though, we have that

ability to be me. I can proudly say that in America, I can be

me.

Have you ever wanted to pursue an interest but you weren't

allowed? Your whole future could've been already planned if

you found a job using that special hobby! This situation may

happen continuously in other countries, but not in America!

America has the freedom to let you do what you want. There is

such a vast field of occupations you can work in here. You

don't have to be just a factory worker, or forced to go into

war. I could grow up and make a living out of the weirdest

job in the world, only because I have the freedom to do so.

Now switch places for a moment. Instead of picturing you

coming to America, picture yourself leaving America to go to

war. Veterans are extremely grateful for the freedom we have

in our country because they know what it's like in other

countries. When they go to war in another country, they are

sometimes adapting to that country's life style for a small

amount of time. They turn into them. They may be forced to

act like everyone else in that country. They are simply a

replica of the person standing next to them, across from

them, all around them. Then, when they return back to

America, they get to experience the excitement all over

again. All of the freedom comes back to them. Once again,

they can say what they please, do what they please, and be

who they please. It is clearly shown that America has the

freedom that other countries don't because they can be who

they are.

``Individuals, with liberty and justice for all.'' These

are the words that ring on my head when I think of our

country. We really are the land of the free, because we can

be individuals.

Emily Ostrander, 12th Grade, 1st Place Winner

I have always been a fan of Veterans Day. Of course, this

is mostly because November eleventh happens to be my birthday

as well as a national holiday. But, I have continually

enjoyed and respected it for the appreciation and recognition

it bestows upon those who have made it their duty to protect

and serve this noble country. Freedom, to me, is the ability

to live peacefully, and be who you want to be, in a world

that is not very accepting.

Without our armed forces, the idea of freedom would be

impossible. With no one to serve our country, fight our

battles, where would we be? I cannot imagine what life in

America would resemble if it were absent of freedom. It would

not be the America we know and care for if it were devoid of

liberty, justice, and independence. Both of my parents'

fathers served in the armed forces at some point in their

lives. My maternal grandfather served in the Korean War and

came back home with a bullet in his leg. Every year when he

calls me to wish me a happy birthday, I make sure to thank

him for that service and tell him that I am proud of him for

it. Thus, I am exceptionally grateful to the active military

and the veterans who have risked their lives for the sake of

freedom at this very moment, and in the past.

Furthermore, serving in the military is the most

significant occupation in the world, yet it is also the

toughest. Copious amounts of U.S. citizens spend or have

spent massive amounts of time away from their families and

loved ones to carry out their obligations to this country. I

know I could by no means ever accomplish or begin to go

through what veterans and the active military have had to

undergo. I have enormous respect for those with the strength

and courage to join the armed forces, and they will forever

have my support and admiration for their achievements.

Because of these achievements, I am able to live freely and

peaceably whereas citizens in other countries may not be able

to live this way.

Hence, I believe freedom is the idea that you have the

power to choose what and who you desire to be: you can decide

what to strive for and what to accomplish in life. However,

this free will is only achievable because of the work of the

active military and veterans. This immense, courageous, life-

risking group of people deserve, have earned, this national

holiday to commemorate their successes and brave service to

the United States of America.

Hope Barnstead, 12th Grade, 2nd Place Winner

Freedom. Only seven letters, but together they create a

word with more power than any other found in the English

language. But how can such a commanding word be defined? The

beauty of this word is that it has countless definitions.

Freedom is the courage found in every active service member

as they start every day not knowing what is in store for

them. Freedom is seeing our American flag waving steadily in

the night, surrounded by a sky full of bombs. Freedom is

bowing your head in prayer at the park without fear of being

reprimanded. Freedom is the last pen to leave a trail of ink

for the final signature on the Declaration of Independence.

Freedom is living in America, the land of opportunity, where

we have the right to choose our own president amongst a world

full of tyrants. Throughout history freedom has always come

at a great price, starting in 1776, when the founding fathers

declared our independence from Great Britain. These men laid

their lives on the line to defend the belief that all men are

endowed with certain definitive and undeniable rights that

cannot be taken from them. From that time on, Americans have

stood united behind the idea that we are a nation of

individuals who are free to live in the absence of fear.

Since we value individuality and illuminate it through self

expression and self-government, we need not fear forced

conformity, and that is what makes America great. Freedom to

me is waking up every morning without apprehension. I don't

have to worry about being a woman and wanting an education. I

don't need to hide my religion from those around me because I

know I am free to worship as I please. I don't have to be

afraid of who will lead our country because we have a say in

who runs the United States of America. Without the

dedication, bravery, hard work, courage, strength, and

leadership of our nation's military and other service

members, this freedom may not have been sustained. It's hard

to imagine the feeling the soldiers felt as they walked into

concentration camps to liberate the living skeletons as the

stench of burning flesh filled the air around them. Who can

picture what is what like weaving through the jungles of

Vietnam as the soldiers were constantly on guard for any

Vietcong looking to take their lives? How can one come close

to feeling the absolute terror of the US army as they

traveled to Pakistan to take down the terrorizing Osama Bin

Laden? Our troops are willing to sacrifice their lives so we

can stay in a nation that lets us live ours. Franklin D.

Roosevelt once said, ``We, and all others who believe in

freedom as deeply as we do, would rather die on our feet than

live on our knees,'' and we are blessed enough to live in a

country that gives us that freedom.

Adam White 12th Grade, 3rd Place Winner

When you hear the word ``freedom,'' you might not have the

same definition of the word as the person right next to you.

All definitions of the word are similar in meaning, but all

are influenced by each of our own past history and ways of

thinking. I have thought extensively on this word's

definition, pondering on what ``freedom'' means to me, and I

now believe that freedom is the ability to live life normally

and enjoy it without the fear of oppression or harm.

Many of us take this for granted. In other countries, their

citizens might not have this same luxury. We, as a nation,

are very lucky to live life like this. Unfortunately, it can

come with a heavy price. We have been able to live this way

only because we know that we are being protected by hard-

working men and women who wish only to serve our nation.

These men and women are the members of the Armed Forces. Each

and every day, they risk their lives to protect ours no

matter where they are, whether they're in a small town in the

U.S. or a small town in the

Middle East. They make sure that nothing happens to us so

that we can continue living the way we do.

However, as mentioned before, such a luxury comes with a

price. Some members of our active military are lucky enough

to return home with their lives, but some aren't. Yet this

has not stopped people from joining the military in the past

before. In World War II, when the world was threatened by one

of the most infamous leaders in history, did we surrender? We

did not, and hundreds of thousands of people were ready to

defend our country and what we believed in, even if it meant

traveling overseas, or being haunted by the gruesome memories

of war for the rest of their lives, or to die trying. Our

veterans faced these same consequences and have to hurdle

over the same obstacles, and that didn't stop them from doing

their duty. They protected us to make sure that we could

forever keep our freedom and our rights from the hands of our

enemies.

We have much to thank of our veterans and of our active

military for their services to this country and for their

services to us. Without them, we would not have the same

freedoms as we do now. Our world would be completely

different without them. But thankfully they are here to save

us when we need them most. Thankfully, with these men and

women as our guardians, we can continue to live life normally

and enjoy it without the fear of oppression or harm.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Joseph Hammell, a retiring veteran who has served in three separate branches of the U.S. Military.

Mr. Hammell began his career with the United States Marine Corps in 1969 when he was 17 years old. After training, he was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California before being deployed to Okinawa, Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam. After his service with the Marine Corps ended in 1974, Mr. Hammell joined the U.S. Army. During his time in the Army, Mr. Hammell was stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey where he worked as an instructor at the base's truck driving school. In 1977, he left the Army, but came back after 14 years to join the New Jersey Air National Guard. In the Air National Guard he was a member of the 170th Air Refueling Wing. Within the Wing he served as an equipment operator for the 170th Civil Engineering Squadron. After the 170th Air Refueling Wing disbanded, he was absorbed into the 108th Air Refueling Wing where he continued his service as an equipment operator. He served within the 108th Air Refueling Wing as a member of the 108th Civil Engineering Squadron until 2007 as a work controller. He then moved to the 108th Safety Office where he finished out his career as the 108th Ground Safety Manager.

In addition to his service, Mr. Hammell is an active member of the American Legion and the Marine Corps League where he is a tireless advocate for homeless veterans. Specifically, he has worked with and supported the Stand Down for Homeless Veterans for 16 years, a nonprofit organization that assists male veterans who are struggling due to mental and/or physical ailments, addictions, homelessness and/or other personal issues. It helps veterans regain their lives through a multi-tiered program, transitional living, and collaborative efforts.

Mr. Speaker, the extraordinary commitment of this New Jersey veteran should not go unrecognized. I join all of South Jersey in expressing our profound gratitude and thanks for Mr. Hammell as he retires from his more than 42 years of remarkable service to our country.

I thank my friend for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, 102 days from today, every American who pays income taxes will face a substantial tax increase; 102 days from now, the estate plans of small business people will be blown asunder because of the changes in the Tax Code that will automatically occur; 102 days from now, workers at defense plants, medical research institutions, and other very important functions in our country will lose their jobs because of an across-the-board spending cut called a sequester. The response of the majority to this looming problem is to leave town.

Now, I must confess that, given the majority's propensity to end the Medicare guarantee and provide tax cuts to millionaires, perhaps them leaving town does have a certain appeal. But under these circumstances--where there is a significant problem in our country, where farmers all across the country have no idea under what rules they will be running their farms and their businesses because a farm bill that received broad support from Democrats and Republicans on the Agriculture Committee has not made its way to the floor--in light of all this trouble, amidst all the stress of the American economy, the plan for the majority is to leave town tomorrow until after the election. This is irresponsible in two ways.

First, I think we have a duty to act before the election so the voters of this country can assess where we stand and whom they want to have represent them in the years ahead. And second, the problems of American families will not be put on hold during the 6 or 7 weeks that we're back in our districts politicking. Then we'll all come back after the election--many people will be in what's called a lame duck status where they're not coming back--and we will compress all of these decisions into 5 or 6 weeks. This is just not the proper way to legislate. It's not the proper way to govern our affairs.

So I would urge Members to oppose the previous question, which has the effect of putting on the floor legislation that would guarantee a tax cut, tax relief for middle class people, as well as the creation of jobs in our country because of clean energy. Now, you can agree or disagree with those propositions, but I don't think any of us disagrees with the proposition that in the face of these very real crises for the American people, we're just getting on

the plane, getting on the bus, getting on the train and leaving town. It's the wrong thing to do.

We should oppose the previous question and vote ``no.''

I thank my friend for yielding. Ladies and gentlemen of the House, this resolution repeals a rule that doesn't exist and ignores some problems that really do exist.

The policy from the Department of Health and Human Services says this: if a Governor thinks he or she has a better way to move people from welfare to work as two Republican Governors have asked for since that time, they can get a waiver from some of the rules in the welfare law if, and only if, they move more people from welfare to work than they otherwise would have done. The bill that the majority did report out of committee abolishes the work requirement.

In fact, the only way to save the work requirement is to let this rule go into effect. That's the illusionary rule they are trying to repeal for the real problems that concern us, though.

If you're a small business person that would like to have a tax cut when you create jobs, the House is ignoring that problem because we're not voting on that bill today. If you're a teacher or a police officer who's been laid off in the last 2 years, the House is ignoring your problem because we're not voting on that bill today.

If you're an engineer or construction worker who would like to go to work building roads or bridges or trains, the House is ignoring your problem because we're not voting on that bill today.

This resolution repeals an imaginary rule at a time of real, acute, and serious problems for the American people. The majority does have a plan to deal with those problems. They're going home for 6\1/2\ weeks. The American people shouldn't have to wait for 6\1/2\ weeks to solve these problems.

We should vote down this bill, stay on the job and pass jobs legislation that really helps the American people and a farm bill that helps American farmers.

Mr. Speaker, I was not present for rollcall No. 558; had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, I was not present for rollcall No. 559; had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mayor Vincent Scriboni for his years of tireless public service to the Borough of Oaklyn, New Jersey. Mayor Scriboni was a pillar of his community who devoted his time to the community as a Councilman and Mayor.

Mayor Scriboni dedicated his life to serving his community members and our country. As a Navy veteran from World War II, Mayor Scriboni served with distinction in order to protect the freedoms that all of us as American citizens cherish.

Serving in the U.S. Navy was only the beginning of Mayor Scriboni's service to the Nation. He served as a Councilman for seventeen years and Mayor of Oaklyn for eight years. During his time in office, Mayor Scriboni was known as the ``People's Mayor'' because of his can-do attitude and willingness to volunteer to take on community projects. Among his many accomplishments, Mayor Scriboni managed Oaklyn's budget and was able to renovate the public works department without creating a deficit. In addition, Mayor Scriboni combined the two fire companies of Oaklyn, making the fire company more efficient and cost effective while still meeting the needs of residents. In concert with these efforts, Mayor Scriboni organized a coalition of local mayors that could share equipment and services. The coalition also saved the town money because the townships could make joint purchases on new equipment. Mayor Scriboni's excellent budgetary skills allowed him to increase the police force from six members to eleven members, which increased safety in the town.

Furthermore, Vincent Scriboni was a member of several organizations dedicated to giving back to the Oaklyn community, including serving as commander of his VFW Post 4463 and participating in the Oaklyn chapter of American Legion Riders, Post 84. Mayor Scriboni led the efforts to help fellow veterans get the care they needed by providing transportation to the VA Hospital. Along with his VFW Post, the Mayor also participated in Patriots Pen and Voice of Democracy, which are

dedicated to providing scholarships to high school students in the local community.

Mr. Speaker, Vincent Scriboni's endless commitment to Oaklyn Township and the United States of America should not go unrecognized. I join the township and all of South Jersey in honoring this exceptional man.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor our South Jersey Paralympian, April Holmes, who traveled to the London 2012 Paralympics to compete in track and field.

April represents the United States on the world stage, serving as a role model for citizens across South Jersey and the entire nation. Her success, derived from her hard work and dedication, and exemplified through her competitive spirit, is something to which every American can aspire. In the same way that our national ethos rewards fortitude and persistence, April earned the opportunity to compete on the Paralympic stage through tireless training and sacrifice.

Since the beginning of her career in 2002, April has succeeded on the world stage, setting and breaking her own world records. Through fierce competition amongst the greatest athletes in the world, she continually pushes the limits of human achievement. The bonds of friendship gained through equally world-class sportsmanship enrich her and our nation.

Mr. Speaker, the dedication of this South Jersey Paralympian and her teammates should not go unrecognized. I join all of South Jersey in expressing our pride in April's efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Margaret ``Peg'' Barker for her tireless service to Maple Shade Township, New Jersey. Ms. Barker was a pillar of her community who ceaselessly worked to end adult illiteracy and protect the natural resources of Maple Shade Township.

Ms. Barker was a tireless advocate for literacy. As the founder of the Maple Shade Friends of Literacy organization, she tutored international residents so they could learn to read and write in the English language. Ms. Barker volunteered a majority of her time teaching English because she viewed books as a window to knowledge and satisfying curiosity. She wanted other residents to have the ability to enjoy reading and writing as much as she did.

However, Maple Shade Friends of Literacy was only the beginning of Ms. Barker's service to her community. She was a member of several town planning committees and various environmental committees that were dedicated to improving the lives of residents in Maple Shade. As a member of the Pennsauken Water Shed Committee, Ms. Barker volunteered her efforts protecting the environment by making sure that the water shed was safe for fellow residents. Furthermore, on her own time, Ms. Barker volunteered by mapping and marking every storm drain in the town of Maple Shade in order to protect turtles. Ms. Barker was dedicated to protecting the environment, but also extended her services to help the residents of Maple Shade in any way she could.

Mr. Speaker, Ms. Barker's endless commitment to Maple Shade Township should not go unrecognized. I join the township and all of South Jersey in paying tribute to this exceptional woman.