Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize members of the Harrisburg Havoc Women's Tackle Football Team for their participation in the 2026 Women's Football Alliance (WFA) All-American Bowl.

On July 25, 2026, the WPA hosted the All-American Bowl at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, where the best of the League's National Conference and American Conference faced off during the WFA ``Championship Weekend.'' Several members of the Havoc were selected to participate in this historic event to represent Pennsylvania on the National stage. Four Havoc players were selected to earn first-team honors: Leah Hutchinson, Kaeli Thomas, Ashley Robinson, and Elizabeth Smith (who is unable to participate due to her attendance at United States Army Basic Training). Earning second-team honors from the Havoc are Angela Deamer, Patience Waters, Samantha Moyer, Bri Swanson, Melissa Fawcett, and Millie Mosley.

In addition to the players, Harrisburg Havoc Coach DeQuan Ware also was selected for the WFA All-Pro Team, where he worked alongside coaches from across the United States while proudly representing the Harrisburg Havoc and Pennsylvania in the All-American Bowl.

The Havoc's selections to these prestigious positions showcase the dedication and commitment of these athletes on and off the field. These women have spent hours training, mentoring, competing, and serving as positive role models for their fellow teammates and other young women hoping to play at their level.

Mr. Speaker, as the sport of women's tackle football continues to grow, I am proud that the 10th Congressional District is home to exceptional athletes who inspire others with their dedication, work ethic, and performance. I am honored to recognize the Harrisburg Havoc Football Team for their valiant efforts and performance in the All- American Bowl and look forward to their future successes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and honor the service of Mr. Scott K. Bradley upon the auspicious occasion of his retirement after 41 years of cumulative service to our Nation in the U.S. Navy and federal government.

As a child, Mr. Bradley had dreamed of serving on submarines ever since he witnessed two Canadian Oberon Class Diesel Submarines surface while on a family vacation. At 18, he joined the United States Navy. He thought himself to be a Northerner, so that February, he attended boot camp in NTC Great Lakes for 14 weeks, laughing at ``his cold self'' until he graduated.

After graduating boot camp, the detailing team at Great Lakes tried mightily to get Bradley to accept a rate that called for a six-year enlistment, though his intent was to serve for four years and get a college degree with the GI Bill. The team offered him a choice between becoming a cook or a Torpedoman; he chose Torpedoman's Mate, marking the beginning of his decorated Naval career.

After several school commands, TMSN Bradley was detailed to the USS George Washington Carver (SSBN-656) underway out of Holy Loch, Scotland. The only Sailor in a house full of Marines made for more than one wrestling match to get to the Thanksgiving table, but somehow, he managed to do that while earning his brothers' respect after he was promoted halfway through his third enlistment to Chief Petty Officer in just under nine years, and earned commission as an Underseas Ordnance Limited Duty Officer one year later, commissioned as an Underseas Ordnance Limited Duty Officer (LDO). Submarines were in his blood, and he crewed on several throughout his career. Later, as a Squadron Combat Systems Officer, he trained 18 weapons officers before ending his 24- year Naval career as a Special Projects Officer at Electric Boat Shipyard with the Strategic Systems Programs.

After culminating his Naval career, Mr. Bradley began his second career with the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) in 2013, at which he's an essential part of the acquisition process from pre-award to sustainment. While postings at the Department of Energy and the Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific took him away at times, the importance of his work and the people with whom he served brought him back into the fold. Now, after 37 years of service to our Nation, Mr. Bradley is retiring to spend time with his wife and search for new challenges and adventures.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize and congratulate Mr. Scott K. Bradley on his retirement after more than four decades of service to our Nation. His tireless service, outstanding performance, and dedication to the United States of America set the standard by which we all should be judged.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and honor the life of United States Army Specialist James Michael Yohn, Sr., who was killed in action (KIA) while bravely serving our Nation with the 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment in Mosul, Iraq.

Specialist Yohn dedicated his life to selfless service--both in and out of uniform. He was an athlete from a very young age, played baseball and basketball at a high level, and enjoyed fishing--saying that it was a calming way for him to stop and reflect in peace near the tranquility of the water.

Before enlisting in the United States Army, Specialist Yohn served with the Highspire Volunteer Fire Department for eight years. While serving with distinction for the benefit and safety of his community, he also loved being on the fire engine and making people laugh while performing his duties.

After the terror attacks on September 11, 2001, Specialist Yohn told his mother that he wanted to do something to protect our Nation from present and future barbaric acts of terrorism. Five years later, he enlisted in the Army and attended Basic Training at Fort

Knox, Kentucky. After graduating, he was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, where he met his future wife, Amber.

Shortly after deploying to Iraq in October 2007, he and Amber discovered that they were expecting their first child. He returned home for 30 days to make plans for their future and redeployed to Iraq in February 2008.

On June 25, 2008, Specialist Yohn and two other Troopers of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment's 1st Squadron were headed back to a combat outpost following a route-protection mission. Their vehicle was the convoy lead that provided security for the rest of the platoon when they struck a roadside bomb that tragically killed all three Cavalrymen.

Specialist Yohn was 25 years-old when terrorists cowardly took his life. He was so excited about becoming a father. He was a devoted husband and family man who had a way of making others smile without even trying. He was an excellent Trooper who took pride in his work and loved the life of spirit of not only being a Soldier but being around other Soldiers. This year, 2026, marks 18 years since Specialist Yohn was killed in action (KIA). He was the first Fallen in the Global War on Terror to hail from Dauphin County, and his memory endures through his loving wife, Amber, and the son who proudly carries his namesake-- James Michael Yohn, Jr.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored and privileged to recognize Specialist James Yohn, who not only selflessly and eagerly served our Nation with distinction in the United States Army, but defended those who may never even know him, that they might live free and peacefully because of his sacrifices. His tireless dedication, loyalty, patriotism, professionalism, and devotion are a great credit to himself, our communities, the United States Army, and the United States of America, and set the standard by which all should be judged. May he Rest in God's Peace until we ``. . . meet again on the High Ground.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and recognize civil- and human-rights leader W. Miller Barbour, and commemorate his legacy and contributions to our Nation.

While born in Philadelphia in 1908, Mr. Barbour was raised in Middletown, Pennsylvania. Very active in his local church, he witnessed barriers to opportunity in his community that shaped his commitment to equality and social work.

Once graduating from Middletown High School, Mr. Barbour attended Elizabethtown College, where he became only the second African American graduate in 1932, and was the first known African American student- athlete to play college football in Lancaster County.

After college, Mr. Barbour pursued a career in social work, focusing on the effects of poverty and employment opportunities. He worked directly with young people at Philadelphia's Wharton Center, where he helped address juvenile delinquency and gang violence by promoting mentorship and education. His work was an expression of his belief that, in order to fix social issues, we must first address the poverty and neighborhood environments that lead to them.

Mr. Barbour later earned a Masters degree in Social Work from the esteemed University of Pennsylvania. He joined the National Urban League in 1947, becoming Executive Secretary of its Denver affiliate branch, wherein he was a passionate advocate for fair employment and equal economic opportunity, and worked to break down barriers preventing African Americans from participating fully in American life. In 1952, he became Director of the National Urban League's Western Field Office in Los Angeles, where he continued his work fighting for meaningful civil rights reform. In this role, he commissioned a 1952 study analyzing racial relationships and socioeconomic conditions in Richmond, California. He also co-authored The Prospect for Freedom: Human Rights, What Can be Done on the Local Level in 1951, which emphasized the responsibility of local communities to build equal institutions.

Mr. Barbour sadly passed away unexpectedly in March 1957. His legacy has endured throughout our communities and Nation. Dauphin County recently proclaimed every July 16th as ``W. Miller Barbour Day,'' and his life also has been recognized by the Pennsylvania State Legislature.

Mr. Speaker, I am humbled and honored to recognize Mr. W. Miller Barbour for his selfless and outstanding contributions to the Civil Rights movement, and for his enduring dedication to our local communities, Commonwealth, and our great Nation. His service, leadership, and tireless devotion set the standard by which all should be judged.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize The LIBRE Initiative on the auspicious occasion of its 15th Anniversary. For a decade and a half, LIBRE has worked tirelessly to advance economic freedom and opportunity for Hispanic communities across Pennsylvania and the Nation.

Founded in 2011, The LIBRE Initiative has grown into one of the most active grassroots organizations serving Hispanic families, small business owners, and entrepreneurs. Through community outreach, civic education, and direct engagement with elected officials, LIBRE has helped countless individuals navigate the path toward greater economic self-sufficiency.

Over the years, LIBRE has expanded its work to include English- language classes, financial literacy workshops, job fairs, and back-to- school drives to support working individuals and families.

This milestone anniversary reflects 15 years of selfless and tireless dedication to empowering individuals to pursue their own version of the American Dream--free from unnecessary government barriers.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored and privileged to recognize The LIBRE Initiative, commend its 15 years of service to Hispanic communities in Pennsylvania and across our Nation, and look forward to witnessing the positive and meaningful results of its tireless and dedicated work for decades to come.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his leadership and his dogged determination to bring this to the floor.

Mr. Speaker, I am a proud original cosponsor of not only this bill but every other bipartisan bill that is not here. The record for me is clear on this.

Last year alone, Members made, according to my count, over 13,000 trades, totaling over $600 million with 202 representatives and 56 senators trading, both Republican and Democrat. Every single year, at some point, somebody publishes a list of the Members that were most successful in trading.

You will never see my name on there because I don't own any stock, no commodities, no crypto, none of it, because, Mr. Speaker, I came here to

serve. If you know anything about service, you know service is about sacrifice. Service isn't about what you can get. It is about what you can give.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the sponsor, the chairman, the author of this bill, for his dogged determination. I am glad we are going to vote on it, and everybody is going to see.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Colonel (Col.) Christopher John Hickey upon the auspicious occasion of his retirement from the United States Army after 33 years of selfless service.

Col. Hickey retired as Professor of the U.S. Army War College (USAWC), Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania on May 31, 2026. He entered the Army in 1989, upon earning a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from The Johns Hopkins University as the Distinguished Military Graduate. He served as Rifle Platoon leader, Company Executive Officer, and Battalion Liaison and Training Officer in the 1st Cavalry Division from 1994 to 1997, and as Brigade and Battalion Assistant Operations Officer and Rifle Company Commander in the 82nd Airborne Division from 1997 to 2000, including deployment to Haiti as commander of a 151-man Parachute Rifle Company Team. He served as an Instructor/Assistant Professor at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point from 2002 to 2005. In 2003, he served as Assistant Battalion Operations Officer with Task Force China, 3-15 Infantry, 2 Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division during the invasion of Iraq and the Battle of Baghdad, earning the Combat Infantryman Badge.

Col. Hickey returned to Iraq from 2005 to 2006 and served as the campaign planner for Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq, and advisor to the Iraqi Ministry of Defense J5. From 2007 to 2010, he was a contingency plans officer in the U.S. European Command, serving as lead planner for all NATO and Russian plans, planner for the Regional War of Terror, lead planner for Georgia and the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and played a key role in a major counterintelligence operation. In 2011, he served as Chief of Plans and Strategy for the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan/Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan's Deputy Commander for Regional Support and led a lessons-learned exchange in Iraq. He served from 2011 to 2014 at the NATO Joint Warfare Center in Stavanger, Norway, as Exercise Officer for ISAF strategy plans and assessment training and deployed four times to Kabul. He also served as the Scenario Officer for NATO's first post-Cold War large-scale combat scenario.

Until his retirement, Col. Hickey served as Director of Joint Operations Planning, Associate Professor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Professor of Military Studies Chair, and finally as a Functional Area 47 Professor of the Army War College. He was senior strategic advisor to Joint, Army, and multinational leaders, and taught in all four of the schools' resident and distance learning departments, to include serving on the resident program's most prestigious seminar, the Carlisle Scholars Program.

Col. Hickey's military education includes the: Infantry Officers Basic and Advanced Courses; Airborne School; Ranger Course; Combined Arms Staff Service School; Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat Familiarization Course; Command and General Staff College; Basic Strategic Arts Program; Joint and Combined Warfighting Course; NATO Defense College; and the U.S. Army War College. He earned a master's in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School, Master of Strategic Studies from the USAWC, and Ph.D. in Policy Studies from the University Maryland School of Public Policy.

Col. Hickey's awards and decorations include the: Presidential Unit Citation; Joint Meritorious Unit Award (w/6 OLC); Legion of Merit; Bronze Star; Defense Meritorious Service Medal (w/1 OLC); Meritorious Service Medal; Joint Service Commendation Medal (w/2 OLC); Army Commendation Medal (w/2 OLC); Joint Service Achievement Medal (w/1 OLC); Army Achievement Medal (w/3 OLC); National Defense Service Medal (w/1 BSS); Iraq Campaign Medal (w/5 CS); Afghan Campaign Medal (w/2 CS); GWOT Service Medal; Armed Forces Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon (4); NATO Medal--ISAF AFG; Master Combat Infantryman Badge; Senior Parachutist Badge; and Ranger Tab.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored and privileged to commend and congratulate Col. Christopher Hickey upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 33 years of selfless and distinguished uniformed service to our Nation. His dedication, professionalism, and tireless devotion to duty, the U.S. Army, and the United States of America set the standard by which all should be judged.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Mr. William F. McQuade for his distinguished career in the Heating, Ventilation, Air- Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC&R) industry.

After graduating from high school, William earned his Bachelors (1991) and Masters (1992) degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University. Under the mentorship of Dr. Ralph Webb, a pioneer in enhanced heat transfer, he conducted research that helped the HVAC industry transition to safer more environmentally responsible refrigerants. Despite his young age, he was ready and able to contribute to global environmental research.

After college, William began his career at York International Corporation, where he rose from heat exchanger design engineer to Director of Innovation and Technology for Applied Products. While working full time, he earned his MBA from Penn State. In 2012, he was named a Fellow for the American Society for Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the leading global society for the HVAC&R industry, recognizing his contributions to chiller design and his work on the United Nations ``Montreal Protocol.''

As his career progressed William's influence expanded internationally. Transitioning to Johnson Controls, he played key roles in crafting global energy efficiency standards for HVAC equipment and various international energy agreements, including the Paris Climate Accord. He has advised the U.S., EU, and Chinese governments on ozone and climate policy, and the U.S. Department of State and EPA appointed him to the Indo-U.S. Taskforce on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). He later served on the Department of Energy HVAC Roadmap Collaboration Team. In 2019, William joined the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) as Vice President of Sector Services, where he oversaw

standards and certification programs, and led an industry-wide effort to apply lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic to future equipment design. Since 2023, he has served as Global Vice President for Government Affairs and Sustainability at Baltimore Aircoil Company.

Last year, after decades of work, William achieved his dream of serving as the international President of ASHRAE. In his role, he spent more than 250 days traveling the world to champion his theme, ``Healthy Buildings: Designing for Life,'' in which he elevated water quality as an important pillar of indoor building quality, established the Presidential Ad Hoc Committee that led to the creation of the Center of Excellence for Indoor Environmental Quality, and advocated for standardized methods to measure embodied carbon in mechanical systems.

William has received numerous honors throughout his career, including the: ASHRAE Distinguished Service Award (2012); AHRI Richard C. Schulze Distinguished Service Award (2014); ASHRAE Exceptional Service Award (2023); and ASHRAE Distinguished Public Service Award (2023). On top of his honors, he earned 22 U.S. and international patents. Most importantly, William has been an actively engaged father and mentor despite his demanding career. As a mentor, he has guided students, young engineers, and colleagues with patience, encouragement, and genuine care for their wellbeing. As a father, he guided his two sons as Boy Scouts, serving as Den Leader, Assistant Scoutmaster, and eventually Council President for the New Birth of Freedom Council.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud and honored to recognize Mr. William F. McQuade on his distinguished and decorated career in the HVAC&R industry and congratulate him on being installed as President of ASHRAE for the 2025 to 2026 session. His service to our local communities and Nation, and his commitment to making the world a better place, set the standard by which all should be judged.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Chief Master Sergeant Natalie A. Briggs on the auspicious occasion of her retirement upon 26 years of selfless service to our Nation.

Chief Master Sergeant Natalie Briggs has more than 25 years of human resources, personnel management, and military leadership experience in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. She currently serves as Senior Enlisted Leader for the 193d Special Operations Wing Force Support Squadron, where she serves as a principal advisor to commanders on enlisted morale, welfare, training, readiness, and mission execution, while being the vital bridge between enlisted personnel and senior leadership. In this role, she helps reinforce the Air Force core values, professional military standards, and culture of readiness while advocating for policies and decisions that support Airmen and their families.

Throughout her career, Chief Master Sergeant Briggs has held key leadership roles across force sustainment, human resources, recruiting and retention, personnel readiness, casualty assistance, contingency operations, and crisis action support. She has led teams, managed programs affecting thousands of Airmen, guided commanders and supervisors through complex personnel matters, and supported major deployment, conversion, and readiness initiatives. Known for her sound judgment, regulatory expertise, professionalism, and compassionate leadership, Chief Master Sergeant Briggs consistently strengthened programs, improved processes, and developed Airmen at every level.

Having earned a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management from Eastern University, and an associate's degree in human resources from the Community College of the Air Force, Chief Master Sergeant Briggs' professional development includes Distinguished Graduate honors from the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, and Airman Leadership School. Her career reflects a strong commitment to service, mentorship, mission readiness, and trusted leadership within the military community.

Chief Master Sergeant Briggs has earned numerous awards, including the: Meritorious Service Medal (w/2 OLC); Air and Space Commendation Medal (w/2 OLC); Meritorious Unit Award (w/l OLC); Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award (w/5 OLC); and the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal (w/7 OLC). She has deployed to Andrews Air Force Base as the A1 Representative in support of Operation Jump Start in 2006, and to RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, with the 1st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2009. In Cyprus, during emergency aircraft diversion, Chief Master Sergeant Briggs employed shelf-plans untouched for 10 years and deployed 20 personnel to recover the aircraft.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored and privileged to recognize, commend, and congratulate Chief Master Sergeant Natalie A. Briggs upon the auspicious occasion of her retirement after more than 26 years of outstanding and selfless service to our Nation. Her dedication, professionalism, and tireless devotion are a great credit to herself, our Commonwealth, the U.S. Air Force and the United States of America and set the standard by which all should be judged.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Captain Theresa Bowie on the auspicious occasion of her retirement after nearly 25 years of service to our Nation in the U.S. Air Force and Pennsylvania Air National Guard.

Captain Bowie first enlisted in the USAF in 2002; after completing Basic Training and Technical School, she was assigned to Beale Air Force Base, where she became an electrical/environmental specialist working on the U2-S ``Dragon Lady'' reconnaissance plane. During her six years of active component service, she completed deployments in 2005 and 2007, supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

In 2008, Captain Bowie left active the active Air Force and joined the Pennsylvania Air National Guard's 193rd Special Operations Wing, where she served as an EC-130 Aircraft Electrician, and deployed two more times in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Freedom Sentinel.

Captain Bowie transferred to the 201st RED HORSE Squadron in 2018, wherein she completed the requirements to commission as an Engineering Officer. Her knowledge and expertise were vital during two more deployments during the Global War on Terror, as well as during a humanitarian mission in Hawaii.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored and privileged to recognize Captain Theresa Bowie on her retirement upon nearly 25 years of outstanding and selfless service to our Nation. Her tireless service and dedication to her fellow Airmen, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the United States of America set the standard by which all should be judged.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 241; YEA on Roll Call No. 242; NAY on Roll Call No. 243; NAY on Roll Call No. 244; YEA on Roll Call No. 245; NAY on Roll Call No. 246; and YEA on Roll Call No. 247.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Mrs. Carmen Bloom-Harvey on earning the title, ``Mrs. East Coast International 2026.''

Carmen's journey to the Mrs. International stage has been special and unique. Through her platform and influence, she promoted her ``Welcome Without Worry'' initiative that raises awareness about the seriousness of food allergies, advocates for inclusive practices in schools and public spaces, and helps parents gain the confidence and tools they need to advocate for and protect their children. Her three-year-old son, Charlie, has severe food allergies and experienced anaphylaxis twice. Carmen's advocacy not only helps her son, but every child who suffers from severe allergies to feel safe, included, and understood in school, on sports teams, and elsewhere. In the future, she hopes to work with community organizations, speak at local events, and use her platform to support increased awareness and preparedness regarding food allergy safety.

Outside of pageantry, Carmen is a full-time attorney who leads a state school boards association, instructs a group fitness class at a YMCA, and carries the critical roles of mother and wife. Her pageant experience gives her the opportunity to amplify a mission that affects millions of individuals and families, and her advocacy is driven by love of her son and a commitment to creating a world where every child may completely and confidently participate in life.

From July 21 to July 24, 2026, Carmen will compete for ``Mrs. International'' in Chicago, a pageant developed 37 years ago with higher standards than other pageant systems, and the focus of which is to showcase women 21 to 56 years of age, married at least six months, and a resident of the state/citizen of the country she represents. Each contestant has the opportunity to select a platform of her choice, which she spends the year promoting. As a contestant for Mrs. International and a representative of the ``Welcome Without Worry'' platform, Carmen is proud to stand as a representative of advocacy, leadership, and inclusion for individuals with allergies, highlighting that allergies should not stop them from fulfilling their dreams.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 10th District of Pennsylvania, I am honored and proud to recognize Mrs. Carmen Bloom-Harvey on earning the title of ``Mrs. East Coast International 2026,'' and wish the best in her competition for ``Mrs. International'' in July. Her focus, platform, and advocacy on behalf of others sets the standard by which all should be judged.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Cathedral Parish of Saint Patrick of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on the auspicious occasion of its 200th Anniversary.

This beautiful House of Prayer, the Mother Church of the Diocese of Harrisburg, serves more than 242,000 Catholics in the 15 counties of central Pennsylvania, and welcomes parishioners, pilgrims in faith, curious tourists, or wanderers in search of a spiritual home with refreshment of soul and spirit in the peace of Christ. The sacrifices of many Catholics--from every demographic and background throughout the Diocese--built, renovated, and maintained this Cathedral for two centuries--particularly in 1949, 1976, 2003, to 2005, and 2006--up until this day.

German Jesuits brought Catholicism to Central Pennsylvania during the pre-Revolutionary period; the first two churches were established in Conewago and Lancaster. Historical records indicate a small Catholic mission in Harrisburg in 1806. In 1823, the Allison Hill property known as Sylvan Heights was purchased, and purportedly, a chapel was built on that site. The influx of Irish laborers who built Pennsylvania's canals and railroads influenced the building of a church closer to the riverfront, and in 1824, land was purchased at the present State Street site, with the cornerstone being laid for Saint Patrick Church in 1826--originally part of the Diocese of Philadelphia.

After the formal establishment of the Diocese of Harrisburg in 1868, the original Saint Patrick was designated as a ``pro-cathedral''--a church that temporarily would house the cathedra--or the Bishop's chair--until permanent cathedral could be erected. The cathedral is a symbol of the unbroken apostolic succession of the bishop and unity with the Pope, the Bishop of Rome. At that time, the Diocese was placed under the patronage of Saint Patrick. During the 1880s the church was enlarged, and the entrance was relocated from Liberty Street to State Street. Graves from a cemetery that formerly occupied the space adjacent to the pro-cathedral were exhumed and relocated to Mount Calvary Cemetery, Harrisburg, along with the granite Celtic Cross that adorned the Saint Patrick Cemetery. As part of the diocesan synod in 1902, Bishop John W. Shanahan (third Bishop of Harrisburg) proposed the idea of building a proper cathedral. Construction began in 1904, was completed on March 1, 1907--less than 40 years since the formal founding of the diocese--and the current Cathedral was dedicated on May 14, 1907. The architectural design of the new Cathedral was modeled in the Romanesque-Renaissance style. It is cruciform in shape and the original main altar was patterned after Bernini's altar adorning the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament in Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. The current cathedral was constructed of North Carolina granite on the site of the original church, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing property in the Harrisburg Historic District in 1976.

Beyond physical changes over time, strength of faith, determination, and dedication to the mission of the Church remains steadfast as the House of God, built with care, love, and devotion. It continues its legacy with grace and gratitude for what's been accomplished and focused resolve on what remains to be done.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 10th Congressional District of Pennsylvania, I am humbled and honored to celebrate the Cathedral Parish of Saint Patrick on this auspicious and blessed occasion of its 200th Anniversary. The church family's contributions to our communities--spiritual, charitable, educational, and social--are immeasurable, and I pray for God's continued blessings on their continued call to serve and honor Him.

Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to recognize the Unforgettable Big Band's ``Freedom is Not Free'' celebration of our Nation's 250th Birthday.

The Unforgettable Big Band originally formed in 2000, in the York, Pennsylvania area, for the simple joy of playing music for the local community; however, its reputation quickly grew. Within a couple of years, the Lake Meade Homeowners Association invited the Band to perform at the annual charity fundraiser dance, marking the Band's first public appearance. Their overwhelming success turned the performance into a bi-annual tradition that occurs to this day. As word about the Band continued to spread, they began performing more frequently across the York area. Proceeds from performances for local charities and churches enabled the Band to invest in a sound system and stage lighting, further elevating their shows and performances. Many of the Band's early performances focused on World War II Veterans' reunion events--an important tradition the Band upholds as long as surviving Veterans are able to attend. In 2019, the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame was formed to recognize and support bands and music in Central Pennsylvania. In January 2020, the Unforgettable Big Band won ``Best Ensemble,'' and followed that win with a ``Cover-To-Cover'' award in 2021, for the song ``Fighter,'' which was written to benefit the Four Diamonds Foundation's support of families of children with cancer at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Children's Hospital.

On July 3, the Unforgettable Big Band will host ``Freedom is Not Free,'' a World War II-themed USO-Canteen Swing Dance at York's Valencia Ballroom, to honor our Veterans--past and present--and our community's First Responders, and the unique role that York County has played in the history of our Nation, All profits from this event will benefit charitable local causes supporting Veterans and First Responders.

Mr. Speaker, I'm honored and privileged to recognize the Unforgettable Big Band and their ``Freedom is Not Free'' celebration of America's 250th Birthday. From the early days of the Continental Congress, to the York Plan that helped achieve the Allied victory, to end World War II, York County has made an enormous mark on American history, and on behalf of the Citizens of the 10th Congressional District, I commend the Unforgettable Big Band for its service to our Nation and Veterans, and am proud that this memorable and historic celebration will occur in our local community.

Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to recognize the Historic Peter Allen House of Dauphin, Pennsylvania upon the auspicious occasion of its 300th Anniversary.

The Peter Allen House is the oldest home in Dauphin County, dating back to 1726. The original grant to Peter Allen, a Scots-Irish trapper and trader, was for nearly 400 acres. The House is listed on both the National and State Registries of Historic Homes, and some contend that it was considered the Western English Frontier of the then-Pennsylvania Colony.

Built at the base of Peters Mountain in central Dauphin County, the Peter Allen House historically served as the signature trading post for the migrating settlers of the colonial, pre-Revolutionary western frontier. Throughout the 19th Century, it also served as an inn, tavern, and hotel, hosting settlers and guests from across the Country. It was a welcomed stop on what was then known as the Sunbury Turnpike, which stretched from Reading to Sunbury.

Today, the Peter Allen House serves as a memorial to early pioneers and settlers who gave everything for their Country and Commonwealth. The current owners have restored the House, converting the stable into a private residence, and growing the House into a popular site for weddings and special events.

To celebrate their 300th Anniversary and America's 250th Birthday, the Peter Allen House is hosting an historic Independence Day celebration, featuring special readings of the Declaration of Independence, reenactments, educational forums, tours, fireworks, and a colonial costume ball. The celebration will be a testament to the tremendous impact the House has had upon our region throughout our Nation's history.

Mr. Speaker, I'm honored to recognize the Historic Peter Allen House on its 300th Anniversary. From the early days of precolonial America to today, the Peter Allen House has played an enormous role in Central Pennsylvania's history, and on behalf of the Citizens of the 10th Congressional District, I'm proud and honored that the owners can celebrate and share this wonderful and momentous occasion with our local community.