Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, the voting machine did not record my vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 284.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Bakers Creek Air Crash on June 14, 1943, in which forty U.S. Army Air Corps Service Members tragically perished at Bakers Creek, Queensland, Australia during World War II.

These deaths were the result of the crash of a B-17C Flying Fortress, which proved to be the worst aviation disaster of the Southwest Pacific War. More men died on that plane from Pennsylvania (6) than from any other State. The PA Fallen were: Pvt James E. Finney/Erie; T/Sgt Alfred H. Frezza/Altoona; Sgt Donald B. Kyper/Huntingdon; Pfc Frank S. Penska/ Moscow; Sgt Anthony Rudnick/Philadelphia; and Cpl Raymond H. Smith/Oil City.

Only since passing the FY06 National Defense Authorization Act (Public Law 109-163) has Congress officially recognized this previously classified wartime accident. Previously, most of the crash victims' Families were left in the dark about the truth of their loved ones' deaths in World War II.

A dozen years ago, many of my colleagues actively supported efforts to place a memorial in Arlington. Moreover, in June 2008, the Pennsylvania Legislature passed a resolution designating June 14th as ``Bakers Creek Memorial Day.''

I understand that Colonel Kimberly A. Peeples, Garrison Commander, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, the Honorable Joe Hockey, Australian Ambassador to the United States, and U.S. Fifth Air Force Commander, General Ralph E. Eberhart, USAF Ret will place a wreath at the Bakers Creek Memorial to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the crash.

I applaud the Service Members at JBM-HH and members of the Bakers Creek Memorial Association for their continued efforts to help bring closure to the casualty Families with annual public remembrance ceremonies for the forty American Servicemen who perished at Bakers Creek in Australia during World War II.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

On May 28, 1918, Azerbaijan declared its independence following the Bolshevik victory in the Russian Revolution of 1917, and the withdrawal of Russian troops from the Caucasian Front during World War I. Just 2 years later, Azerbaijan fell to the Red Army and lost its independence to the Soviet Union.

While its initial independence was short, it laid the foundation for the country that exists today. Since ultimately gaining its independence in 1991, Azerbaijan has played an increasing important role in the region and the world.

Azerbaijan is a key military ally to the United States. Its peacekeepers have served alongside American and NATO troops in Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Today, Azerbaijan has 120 troops in Afghanistan supporting the NATO-led Resolute Support mission there.

Azerbaijan also became a leader in the energy sector. Since one of the world's first oil wells was drilled south of Baku in 1848, Azerbaijan has developed its natural resources and is helping to reduce Europe's reliance on Russian gas through the development of the Trans- Anatolian Pipeline.

The Baku Flame Towers, now a global city for the country, pays homage to Azerbaijan's nickname, ``the land of fire,'' hailing from the rich deposits of natural gas.

The United States is grateful for Azerbaijan's friendship and we wish its people continued peace and prosperity.

Mr. Chairman, the current U.S. sugar program represents an anti-free market scheme that imposes a massive hidden tax on both American businesses and consumers for the benefit of a small, concentrated group of special interests.

People say, well, we have got the safest, cheapest food source in the world in the United States. It is cheap because we are paying for it with our taxes. These are Soviet-style policies imposing significant, unnecessary costs on the domestic food manufacturing industry and the consumer.

Policies have imposed $2.4 billion to $4 billion worth of losses to sugar users across the Nation. These industries provide jobs to 600,000 Americans, including 40,000 Pennsylvanians.

Mr. Chairman, I urge passage.

Mr. Speaker, today I'd like to honor the Defense Distribution Center Susquehanna, located in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, on its 100th Anniversary of supporting our Nation's warfighting and peacekeeping forces.

In 1817, the United States government purchased 832 acres of farmland and began the construction of the Marsh Run Storage Depot, located in a small town just outside of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. A ribbon cutting ceremony took place at the depot in November of 1918. During that first year, the installation served as a receiving point for supplies returning from overseas.

The next few years, the depot provided engineer and chemical warfare support and then from 1921 to 1941, the base was a quartermaster, ordnance, signal and medical inactive storage area. From 1941 to 1946, the depot served as a WWII reception center and recruit processing center. Then from 1945 to 1949, it was a German and Italian prisoner of war camp. From 1955 through 1985, Chinook helicopters were repaired and maintained on the depot. The depot provided an air maintenance mission from 1958 through 1983. During that timeframe, in 1962, the name changed to New Cumberland Army Depot, or NCAD. In 1991, as a result of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) actions, the depot became part of the Defense Logistics Agency and is now known as the Defense Distribution Center Susquehanna. Since 1991, the Defense Distribution Center Susquehanna, the largest distribution center within the Department of Defense, has provided military and commercial repair parts, medical supplies and industrial and electronic components to the Department of Defense in support of the warfighter.

From the beginning of its humble history, the Defense Distribution Center Susquehanna has provided unwavering support to our military-- providing critical supplies needed to perform their mission. As someone who has served in several combat theaters, the world-class support to the Warfighter provided by the Defense Distribution Center Susquehanna was greatly appreciated by my brothers-and-sisters-in-arms. The men and women of this installation, past and present, should be justifiably proud of their role in sustaining our Nation's military readiness.

It's with great pride, on behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, that I congratulate the men and women of the Defense Distribution Center Susquehanna for 100 years of dedicated service to the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, today I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Russell Berkheimer, a native of Thomasville, PA, on his upcoming retirement after more than 20 years of service to the United States of America.

Master Sergeant Berkheimer currently serves as the Technical Director of the Joint Communications Integration Element, where he provides daily guidance on technical issues facing the entire command, while leading research and development projects to meet capability gaps. He entered the United States Army in 1998, and served in numerous assignments, to include Central America in support of counter-narcotics and humanitarian missions, as well as Afghanistan and Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, respectively.

His numerous commendations and awards, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC), the Meritorious Service Medal and others, are a testament to his steadfast courage, personal integrity, tireless work ethic and impeccable character. His enduring legacy of service to our Nation truly is exceptional and sets a standard for all to follow.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I commend and congratulate my fellow brother-in-arms, Master Sergeant Russell Berkheimer, upon his retirement

and for his tireless service to the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York for bringing this issue to light.

As you can see, I am serving in this uniform. We are all citizens here tonight. No one outranks another. As a matter of fact, we all serve at the pleasure of our constituents, and we ask to earn their votes.

With that, I want to join my colleagues in this call for a second special counsel to investigate the abuses of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act court.

Knowing what we know now, this warrant was based off of a bogus news report which was based off of a bogus document that was commissioned much like, Mr. Speaker, someone commissions an artist for a painting and said: Well, we want this information to make the other guy look bad, so we are going to pay you. You go get the information, put it together in a nice format for us, and then we are going to act like it is real.

I say that because, right now, there doesn't seem to be any evidence that says that any of it is real, no evidence after over a year of investigation.

So they commissioned this dossier, which is just a fancy name for a file, to

go get the other guy, and they use that to get a FISA warrant and investigate him using the power of the Federal Government, the highest power, to investigate a private citizen.

Now, this begs the question, Mr. Speaker: Did these partisans intentionally mislead the FISA court? That is the question.

The reason that we are asking for a second special counsel acknowledges that these things can be problematic, they can run far afield, and we want them to be focused only on what they are focused on and not looking at everything and anything.

But the reason there has to be a second special counsel, Mr. Speaker, is because that is the only one who can answer this question. Because the people who potentially stand accused--and we don't know exactly who they are--are a limited group of people, because I can't get a FISA court to investigate somebody--you can't get a FISA court to investigate, and the American people can't get the FISA court to investigate somebody where they think something wrong has happened. Only the Department of Justice and the FBI folks can get this FISA warrant.

If they are the only people who can get it, then they can't be investigating themselves. Nowhere else do we ask the accused to investigate himself and come up with the right answer, only in this crazy world that we live in right here. So that is why we must have the second special counsel. The standard for accountability simply must be higher.

And if you don't understand, when you go to the FISA court, it is not like any other court where you say: ``Here is the prosecution's case, and here is the defense's case.'' It doesn't work like that. It is only the prosecution's case because it is secret, Mr. Speaker. The defense doesn't get to defend themselves until after the fact.

That is why there has to be a higher standard and a higher level of accountability, because it is only supposed to be in the rarest of circumstances that this is used.

I have said over and over again: Do I live in a free America or do I live in a place where there is a secret police like the KGB where, instead of investigating crimes, we investigate people, and we keep investigating and investigating until we find a crime?

That is not what we plan for in America. Nowhere is it said that people in high positions are allowed to weaponize the instruments of Federal power to get back at their political rivals or their political enemies. American citizens deserve strict constitutional protections regardless of what court they are in and, most specifically and most especially, if they are in the FISA Court.

The Founding Fathers wrote the Fourth Amendment to enshrine and ensure that the right of the people to be secure in their persons, their houses, their papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated. But, Mr. Speaker, they have been violated. The Founding Fathers wrote that long before the internet was available and long before cameras and microphones were ubiquitous in our society. The time is now long overdue to reaffirm that right.

I have always opposed warrantless surveillance and searches of American citizens because they violate the Constitution. Mr. Speaker, you may say: Why should I care? I am not being investigated by the FISA court. It is not happening to me.

But think about that. If it can happen to the President of the United States, arguably the most powerful person in our country if not the free world, then do you think it can't happen to you?

Do you think it is fair? Is it right to have one standard of justice, or is it okay to have two: one for all of us people out here and then one for the politically connected?

That is why you should care, because there is a true danger in the unchecked power and authority of a faceless government bureaucrat.

The American people have a right to know who is watching the watchmen, and it is our job in Congress to do that watching. That is why we are calling for this second special counsel. Mr. Speaker, it is long overdue and it is long past time. These abuses cannot continue.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York for the time and for bringing this issue to light.

Mr. Speaker, today I extend my sincere thanks and congratulations to my constituent, Matthew Ott, for his efforts over the last 10 years to raise donations and awareness for Veterans in need.

Matthew was just 11 months old when his mother, Patricia, a Veteran, died from an illness. At age nine, Matthew started a lemonade stand business in her honor and donated the proceeds directly to local Veteran organizations.

On April 21, 2018, Matthew will conduct his 10th and final Veterans charity event. Assisted by his father, John, and many local supporters, Matthew has raised more than $32,000 for Veterans in our community. He's earned countless awards and commendations for his service, including the Rotary Club of York's Charles Wolf Award.

I've long appreciated the commitment of people who devote themselves selflessly to serving our communities and fellow citizens. Matthew took a tragic event and turned it into an opportunity to touch the lives of countless Veterans and their families. His legacy of service to our Veterans and community truly is an inspiration.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I commend, thank and congratulate Matthew Ott on his volunteer service and wish him continued great success in his future adventures.

Mr. Speaker, today I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, loved ones and peers of my constituents, York City Firefighters Ivan Flanscha and Zachary Anthony, who perished in the Line of Duty on Thursday, March 22, 2018. We grieve their passing and are forever indebted for their selfless, tireless and devoted years of service as firefighters.

I've long revered the commitment of people who devote themselves selflessly to serving our communities and fellow citizens. Ivan learned the importance of public service at an early age from his father, a dedicated police officer in Waterloo, Iowa who lost his life in an off- duty accident when Ivan was five years old. Ivan began his career with the York City Fire Department in 1999, where he earned the auspicious title of Firefighter of the Year in 2004. His colleagues recall his amazing and tireless work ethic, how dependable and reliable he was to all who knew him.

Zachary joined the York City Fire Department in 2010, and dedicated his life to public service, gladly helping others in the community-- whether in the course of his official duties or in his private life. Zachary's colleagues recall his fantastic spirit and free will, as well as his eagerness to embrace new opportunities and experiences.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I am crestfallen at the passing of these brave Warriors, and offer my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Ivan Flanscha and Zachary Anthony on our tragic loss. While they died in service to our Commonwealth and Country, they were doing what they loved and what truly mattered to them; they set the standard for all to follow--in their lives and in their service. Ivan and Zachary will remain in my heart and prayers, and I wish them Godspeed and I'll see them on the High Ground.

Mr. Speaker, I also want to join my friends in honoring National K-9 Veterans Day.

Every March 13, we commemorate the United States Army's first K-9 Corps training program. While this program began in 1942, the history of our ``best friend'' engaging in training and combat with us extends well beyond that date.

Today, we commemorate the iconic Sergeant Stubby. If you don't know about Stubby, Sergeant Stubby was a brindle bull terrier mutt from New Haven, Connecticut. Stubby was adopted by U.S. Army Private Robert Conroy, who stowed him away on a ship bound for France in the First World War, where his service was integral to saving American lives. Stubby was allowed to join our soldiers on the front lines after he was discovered by Private Conroy's commanding officer. Because Stubby rendered a salute to the commander, he was allowed to stay.

While on the front, he was once injured during a gas strike and developed a unique sensitivity to the smell of chemical weapons used at that time. His sensitivity was used to alert sleeping troops to another gas attack. He rescued them on numerous occasions from an ill and very painful fate.

Sergeant Stubby also thwarted a German spy attempting to map out the battlefield of the Allied trenches. He did that by grabbing onto the German soldier, biting him and subduing him until the American soldiers could arrive.

Sergeant Stubby served in 17 separate battles during World War I. Private Conroy's grandson, Curt Deane, recalled stories about Stubby:

``My grandmother was always clear: he was a service dog. He gave the troops comfort . . . and support. He used to run through the trenches and warn them about gas attacks. He used to go outside of the trenches and into this sort of no man's land between the U.S. and the German trenches and stand by soldiers who had been injured until the medics could come and get them.''

Sergeant Stubby became a lifetime member of the American Legion and was recognized as the mascot of Georgetown University in the 1920s, where Private Conroy then studied law. In 1921, Stubby was awarded the Humane Education Society's Hero Dog gold medal and earned the honor of meeting General John ``Blackjack'' Pershing, the highest ranking servicemember since General George Washington, at that time.

Sergeant Stubby died in Private Conroy's arms on March 16, 1926.

Today, Sergeant Stubby is set to be immortalized in an animated film

premiering next month. That will be great for us all to see. His loyalty, bravery, and selflessness is the legacy for thousands of service dogs being trained at any given time in all branches of our military, as well as our local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies.

While we aren't yet able to measure the exact number of lives saved by service dogs, one thing is certain: dogs really are a man's and woman's best friend. We are forever grateful and indebted to these animals and applaud them, their handlers and caretakers for their tireless service and devotion to duty and showing us the true meaning of ``battle buddy.''

Mr. Speaker, today I extend my sincere congratulations to Miss Summer Britcher of Glen Rock, Pennsylvania, for a great run at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea. Summer represented the United States on the Olympic Luge team, and is a true champion--of which the citizens of the 4th Congressional District couldn't be more proud.

Summer's career highlights thus far are remarkable. Her five World Cup career victories make her the all-time singles leader in USA Luge history. She won the 2012 Youth Olympic Games Gold medal in team relay, the Silver medal in team relay at Junior World Championships in Austria, earned the 2013 Norton Junior National Championship, and was named the 2017 U23 World Champion. Summer also finished 15th at the 2014 XXII Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.

Although the end result at the 2018 Winter Olympics wasn't as she'd hoped, Summer was the epitome of true grit, character and sportsmanship. She summarized the experience with the following statement: ``I love my teammates, and I think the important thing that I feel (is) incredibly lucky to be a part of this team and to have them in my life.'' Summer set the standard--in performance, perseverance and sportsmanship--for all to follow.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I commend and congratulate Summer Britcher on her hard work and determination that has led to these exceptional achievements. We look forward to her future adventures.

Mr. Speaker, today I extend my sincere congratulations to the Cumberland Valley High School Varsity Cheerleading squad on earning 3rd Place at the 2018 National High School Cheerleading Championships, February 10-11, in Orlando, Florida. This is the third time that Cumberland Valley has earned a slot at the national championships.

The Team practiced four to five days a week in preparation for this event. Their work ethic continues a standard of excellence for Cumberland Valley, who's won the District Three Championship in each of the last eight years, and won the state tournament four times.

The dedication and perseverance of these students sets the standard for all to follow. I extend my congratulations to Coach Kristi Shaffner, her staff, the school officials, family and friends who supported these young women on their journey.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I commend and congratulate the Cumberland Valley High School Varsity Cheerleading squad on this well-earned accomplishment.

Mr. Speaker, today I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, loved ones and peers of my constituent, Deputy U.S. Marshal Christopher Hill, who was killed in the Line of Duty on Thursday, January 18, 2018. We grieve his passing, and are indebted for his selfless, tireless and devoted years of service as a law enforcement officer.

I've long admired the commitment of people who devote themselves selflessly to serving our Nation and communities. Christopher served our Country as a U.S. Army Ranger, and over 11 years with the U.S. Marshals Service and its Special Operations Group. More importantly, though, he was best known for his devotion to his loving family.

I joined throngs of compatriots at Christopher's memorial service on January 25, 2018, and saw firsthand the results of his tireless dedication, professionalism and sacrifice touched the lives of countless people. He set the standard for all others to follow, and though his legacy will endure in ways too numerous to count, his loss will continue to be felt in myriad and significant ways.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I offer my heartfelt condolences to Deputy U.S. Marshal Christopher Hill's family, friends and colleagues on our tragic loss. I thank Christopher and Godspeed, Brother. He'll remain in my heart and prayers.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 72.

Mr. Speaker, today I extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Voni B. Grimes, who passed away on Friday, January 26, 2018.

Mr. Grimes was an amazing man who's left a legacy of service that won't soon be matched. He served our Nation in the U.S. Army during World War II, worked at Cole Steel in York, Pennsylvania, and later served as an administrator at Penn State York.

Voni was deeply involved in the York community. He was a founding member of several local organizations, including the York County Department of Parks and Recreation and Access-York, and was involved in countless other volunteer activities, including the Lions Club. He was passionate about personal fitness and healthy living--even up to his passing at age 95--and the College Avenue Gym at 125 East College Avenue in the City of York was famously re-named as the Voni B. Grimes Gym.

Despite the fact that he grew up in segregated schools and challenged by racism,

Voni became one of the most recognizable and influential citizens in York's history--a testament to his strength, character and faith.

Voni was one of the most uplifting, positive and life affirming people you'd ever have the privilege to meet. His infectious smile and his ever-present harmonica brought joy and inspiration to countless people.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I offer my prayers and God's blessings to the family, friends and admirers of Mr. Voni B. Grimes. Godspeed Voni--we're all better people for having known him