Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of my constituent, Logan Roush, of New Berlin, Pennsylvania.

Logan, a 22-year-old, lifelong resident of Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District, will have the distinct honor of delivering the keynote address at this year's dinner for Pennsylvania Cystic Fibrosis, Inc.

As an amateur historian, Civil War buff, and diehard Notre Dame football fan, Logan stands as an example to people across the district and the country who are struggling with cystic fibrosis. He embodies courage and strength, as he works to achieve good through the adversity of his struggles.

Logan graduated from Mifflinburg High School and completed one semester at Susquehanna University, until he was unable to continue due to his battle with cystic fibrosis. Along with his parents, Shawn and Kelly Roush, and his grandmother, Betty Hollenbach, Logan has served as a longtime member of PACFI, emceeing their annual dinner for the past ten years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, Logan Roush, and ask my colleagues to join in praising his commitment to country and community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of my constituent, Robert Bartron, for his recognition as the Montrose Area Chamber of Commerce's Citizen of the Year.

Robert, a current resident of Montrose, Pennsylvania, has been an active community advocate and business leader for many years. Since 1968, he has provided comfort and assurance to families throughout the area, as well as providing part-time employment to numerous residents, in his role as owner and director of the Bartron Funeral Home.

Additionally, Robert has served his community through his membership in numerous civic organizations including, former president of the Montrose Chamber of Commerce, former president of the Tri-County Funeral Directors Association, and retired Susquehanna County Coroner.

Currently, Robert is serving his 33rd year on the Board of Directors of the Susquehanna County Housing and Redevelopment Authority. He is also a Paul Harris fellow with the Montrose Rotary Club, where he has previously held titles of secretary, treasurer, director, and sergeant at arms.

Robert and his wife Marie are the proud parents of three children, and have dedicated significant involvement to area-youth through their support of local club and high school sports. Robert was instrumental in establishing the Montrose High School Cross Country team, as well as encouraging the continuance of the high school ski and tennis clubs. Robert and his wife are both long-time members of the Montrose Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, Robert Bartron, and ask my colleagues to join in praising his commitment to country, community, and family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor South Abington Elementary School, and a very special group of third grade students, recognizing their efforts to found and promote the Paws for Peace initiative.

Inspired by a children's book, Paws for Peace is an initiative started by six third-grade students from South Abington Elementary, with one goal: end the cruelty and suffering of animals in puppy mills. Many puppy mills engage in inhuman practices, including forcing dogs to live their entire lives in cages.

Paws for Peace encourages people to adopt animals from local shelters and pet rescues, rather than turning to puppy mills, using the slogan ``Adopt, don't shop!'' Through local and social media, members of Paws for Peace have been able to spread their message of animal welfare and humanity, creating a great impact throughout the 10th District.

With the assistance of Principal Robert D. Bugno, and teachers Judy Szymanski and Emily Saslo, third graders Olivia Arcuri, Paige Caskey, Ashley Hamilton, Christina Leo, Gianna Marturano, Mattie McGuinness, and Grace Phillips have truly made a difference in their community. They have demonstrated a heartfelt commitment to their cause, and I am proud to applaud their efforts here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor my constituents, and ask my colleagues to join me in praising their commitment to all walks of life in Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, as a foster parent, a father of two adopted children, and a cochairman of the bipartisan Congressional Foster Youth

Caucus, I rise today to recognize May as National Foster Care Month.

There are currently over 107,000 foster youth eligible and waiting for adoption and more than 400,000 youth in the foster care system. In an effort to raise awareness about the needs and the experience of these youth, I am honored to join my colleagues in a bipartisan manner to acknowledge the importance of this special month.

Through increased understanding and dedicated caregivers, we can and must continue to make important advances in providing more stable and caring environments for all foster youth. We must focus on learning from State and local child welfare providers, advocates, and foster children to better know how we can help. The needs of these youth are urgent and real. And while there are many alarming facts and figures that reflect the challenges these children face, the resiliency of foster youth remains strong; and we must all continue to do our part. Together, we can make National Foster Care Month a success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the House to join me on March 1, 2012 in recognition of Kidney Action Day and recognition of March as National Kidney Month. With over 31 million Americans affected by kidney disease, it is critical that we make every effort to raise awareness and stress the importance of early detection and treatment of the nation's 8th most deadly disease.

The effects of chronic kidney disease can go undetected for years without showing any symptoms but can evolve into a condition with the worst of consequences. As a survivor of kidney cancer, I know the importance of getting checked and beginning the fight at the earliest possible stage. A blood or urine screening can determine whether an individual is showing signs of a renal condition and in early stages, the disease can be treated with medication along with a diet and exercise program.

However, if left untreated, kidney disease may harbor other conditions such as diabetes or hypertension which increases the risk for a stroke, heart attack, or other cardiac-related issues. Dialysis may be needed in the later stages of chronic kidney disease as it aids in cleaning the bloodstream of toxins and in the most severe cases a kidney transplant may be needed. While there is no cure for chronic kidney disease, proper lifelong treatment can slow the onset of kidney failure and help control the symptoms of this devastating disease.

On March 1, 2012, I will be attending Kidney Action Day on the Hill in order to raise consciousness and spread knowledge that could potentially mitigate the tragic effects of this disease. I ask my fellow members of the House to join me on March 1, 2012 to recognize Kidney Action Day and National Kidney Month all across the United States so that we may spread awareness and lend a hand in saving the lives of those we serve.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of my constituent, Mr. Anthony Herzog, who will be honored this weekend for his dedication to the Wayne County community.

Upon his graduation from Lackawanna Junior College and the University of New Haven, Mr. Herzog began his 33-year tenure with Herzog Trucking Co., Inc., where he ultimately served as President from 1982 2004.

Until his retirement last year, Mr. Herzog was dedicated to serving his community honorably as a Wayne County Commissioner for the past 24 years. His accomplishments as a Commissioner are too numerous to list, but Mr. Herzog has been instrumental in the completion of several major initiatives in Wayne County, including construction of the Wayne County Emergency Management Operations Center, the expansion of the Area Agency on Aging, and the creation of the Wayne County Mental Health/ Mental Retardation Agency.

In 1998, Governor Tom Ridge appointed Mr. Herzog to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Advisory Committee. Mr. Herzog continues to serve in that capacity today.

Mr. Herzog's local involvement includes organizations such as the Honesdale Lions Club, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Wayne County Family Center Board, the NEPA Alliance, and the Wayne County Board of Elections, where he serves as current Chairman. He is also an active member of St. John's and St. Mary's Parish.

With his wife Sharon, Mr. Herzog is the father of two: Andrea and Steven, and the grandfather to three: Emma, Brady, and Heather.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, Mr. Anthony Herzog, and ask my colleagues to join me in praising his commitment to community, country, and family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of my constituent, Ms. Eva Marie Baldwin Wilbur on the occasion of her 95th birthday.

Eva Marie Baldwin was born February 19, 1917, the first of eight children to Earl and Frances Baldwin, in Middletown Township, Susquehanna County. Eva attended Rush Schools in Susquehanna County, where her father, Earl, drove the school wagon.

On August 10, 1935, Eva married Clayton Wilbur in Stevensville.

For forty-one years, Eva worked as a tax collector for Pike Township. She is an active parishioner of Rushville Church, and is a member of the Bradford County Republican Women. Even at the age of 95, Eva remains a part of her community, still hosting a Friday night card game for family and friends.

Eva is the proud mother of three children: Shirley, Edna, and Arlyn, grandmother of four, great-grandmother of six, and great-great- grandmother of three.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, Ms. Eva Marie Baldwin Wilbur, on the occasion of her 95th birthday, and ask my colleagues to join me in praising her commitment to country, community, and family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of my constituent, Mr. Jack DeLeo, as he is recognized by UNICO National, Scranton Chapter, as ``UNICAN of the Year.''

Upon receiving this award, Mr. DeLeo has served as president of the Scranton Chapter and is currently sitting Chairman of the Board for the organization. Mr. DeLeo has exemplified the motto of UNICO, `Service Above Self,' and has long put the needs of his community first.

Mr. DeLeo served his country with courage and dignity during the Vietnam War as a soldier in the U.S. Army. Mr. DeLeo has, more recently, dedicated himself to worthy associations including the Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

At home, Mr. DeLeo is an active parishioner of St. Lucy's Church. He previously served as president of the Lackawanna County Columbus Day Association and currently sits on its Board of Directors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, Mr. Jack DeLeo, and ask my colleagues to join me in praising his commitment to his community and our Nation.

Madam Speaker, it is undeniable that our nation faces dire economic circumstances. This Congress must continue to cut spending and reduce the size and scope of Washington. I strongly support the efforts of House Republicans to make responsible and necessary cuts to the federal workforce. A responsible federal pay freeze is an important part of that equation, particularly for Members of Congress, the President, and political appointees.

However, I rise today to express concerns regarding H.R. 3835 which we are now considering. I believe that the current pay freeze and a continuation of it has a disproportionate impact on employees that face mandatory retirement age, such as many of our law enforcement officers. These employees put their lives at risk every single day to defend our safety and freedom.

I recently toured several federal prisons located in my district and it is unbelievable what these guards go through to ensure that some of the most violent criminals in America remain behind bars. Due to the physical and mental abuse that these guards go through during their careers, it is mandatory that they retire at 57. Unfortunately, the officers currently near the mandatory retirement age will not be able to make up any lost salary by working a few extra years.

Additionally, I am concerned about the effects a continued pay freeze will have on recruitment and retention of federal law enforcement officers. Prison officers already face a long and rigorous hiring process and deplorably low wages. The prospect of not seeing an increase in pay will add yet another barrier to recruiting the best and most fit to guard our prisons and protect our safety.

I will support this legislation because I believe that Members of Congress and political appointees should not see a pay increase and that a responsible pay freeze is needed. I ask the sponsor of this legislation, House and Senate leaders, and the administration to consider the lasting impacts of a pay freeze on the federal law enforcement officers who put their lives at risk every single day to ensure that our families are safe.

Thank you, Chairman.

Mr. Speaker, I recently coauthored a letter with my colleagues, Representative Sandy Adams and Representative Trey Gowdy, concerning this very issue, and I'd like to read just a paragraph:

``As of October 4, 2011, the DEA has 325 researchers conducting research with Schedule I controlled substances. These researchers include research centers and universities who seek to better understand the effects of Schedule I controlled substances. Additionally, as of October 4, 2011, the DEA has 3,983 active registrants who manufacture, research, and conduct chemical analysis with Schedule I controlled substances.

``In fact, many researchers who would conduct research to better understand the compounds controlled in H.R. 1254 are already registered with the DEA, which means there would be virtually no impact on ongoing research.''

Mr. Speaker, as a former prosecutor for 18 years at the State and local level, I have seen firsthand the disaster this drug causes.

I have seen firsthand what this drug does. If it doesn't kill our children, it makes them suicidal; it makes them incredibly violent.

And I still get calls, as a former prosecutor, from hospitals and emergency service personnel telling me the violence that a child under this influence causes, not only on him- or herself, but emergency personnel. Therefore, I ask my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, as a parent of two wonderful adopted children and a co-chairman of the newly established bi-partisan Congressional Caucus on Foster Care, I rise today in recognition of the 12th Annual National Adoption Day which is tomorrow November 19.

As we look forward to celebrating Thanksgiving, it is important to keep in mind there are over 400,000 children in foster care across the nation who will not be spending the holiday with a permanent family. Of these children, nearly 107,000 of them are eligible for adoption and waiting for a family.

In my home State of Pennsylvania, over 19,000 children are in Pennsylvania's foster care system. About 3,300 of these children await adoption.

Each year about 28,000 youth age out of foster care having never been adopted.

I want to issue a challenge those us here in Washington and around the country to make it easier for families to adopt children.

Our goal must be a loving, caring and safe permanent home for each of these children. For this to happen, courts, judges, attorneys, adoption professionals, child welfare agencies, religious and civic organizations needs to work together to finalize adoptions and find homes for children in foster care.

National adoption Day is an essential part of this effort.

For the past 12 years, National Adoption Day has been a nationwide attempt to raise awareness of the children in foster care waiting to find permanent homes and loving families. It is commemorated across the country with numerous events held each year to finalize the adoptions of children in foster care, and to celebrate all families who adopt.

The result is that since 2000, more than 35,000 children have been adopted from foster care on National Adoption Day. This year nearly 5,000 adoptions will be finalized in through these special events.

That is why I am gratified to be speaking in recognition National Adoption Day. I also want to thank foster and adoptive families across the country because of the important role that they play in the well- being of our children.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of my constituent, Marilyn A. Bok, on the occasion of her retirement.

After completing high school, Marilyn attended the College of St. Rose, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in chemistry. She then went on to earn her Master's Degree in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Before starting the Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers, Marilyn taught, owned a consulting and research firm, served as Chair of the Board of Commissioners of Bradford County, and served as Director of Rural Services Institute at Mansfield University. Additionally, Marilyn wrote several grants for startup funding for the Bradford County Dental Clinic, the Family Literacy Program, and the Bradford County Tobacco Cessation Program.

Marilyn Bok began her tenure with the Community Foundation for Twin Tiers in 2001, having served as both volunteer Board Chair and CEO after founding the organization.

Marilyn has always had a strong commitment to volunteering in her community. She has served as President for numerous organizations, including; Penn York Opportunities for the Handicapped, Inc.; Valley Jaycees; and Greater Valley Youth Activities Council. Marilyn has also chaired over numerous committees, including; Regional Workforce 90s Task Force; Executive Committee Northern Tier Regional Planning Commission; and Endless Mountains Heritage Park Management Committee. In 2009, Marilyn was recognized by WATS/WAVR as Individual of the Year for her many contributions to her community.

Marilyn and her husband, Edward, are the proud parents of four and grandparents of eight. They have resided in the Wyoming Valley for over 45 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, Marilyn Bok, on the occasion of her retirement and ask my colleagues to join in praising her commitment to community and country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of my constituent, Mr. Gerald Scott, on the occasion of his induction as a distinguished alumnus of Mountain View High School.

Mr. Scott graduated from Mountain View High School in 1970, after which he received his Associate's Degree from Keystone College and his Bachelor's Degree from Wilkes College, all while working as a carpenter and a machinist. In 1983, he received his Master's of Science Degree from the University of Virginia and two years later his Doctorate. Mr. Scott then began his career at Alcoa as a senior engineer overseeing the Wire and Bar Division of the company. Mr. Scott gained invaluable experience while at Alcoa, primarily in the field of international business, as he was able to travel to Asia, Europe, Australia, and South America on behalf of Alcoa.

Mr. Scott has numerous patents and publications, both here in the United States and internationally. His community involvement includes membership to the Carnegie Museum, service as a judge for Junior Academy of Science at the University Of Pennsylvania Wharton School Of Business, automotive racing consultant to the NHRA, and a NASA advisory board member. Gerald and his wife, Lynn, are the proud parents of three children, Alexander, Philip, and Karl.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of my constituent, Mr. Gerald Scott, and ask my colleagues to join me in praising his commitment to country and community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of my constituent, Mr. Raymond Wilmarth, Jr., on the occasion of his induction as a distinguished alumnus of Mountain View High School.

Mr. Wilmarth graduated from Harford Vocational High School in 1950 and went on to attain a General Certificate from the American Institute of Banking. Mr. Wilmarth served as an active duty member of the United States Army, including a tour in Germany from 1953 through 1955. In 1962, Mr. Wilmarth became Vice President of County National Bank, a position he held until 1990. Raymond, along with his wife Ruth, owned and operated Harford Store until he became Business Manager for the Mountain View School District in 1993.

As a proud member of his community, Mr. Wilmarth has served as President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Montrose Rotary Club. Additionally, Raymond founded the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards and the District 741 Girls Leadership Camp. From 1992 to the present, Mr. Wilmarth has served as the Chairman of the Board for the Endless Mountains Health System and has worked to raise money for equipment purchases, facility improvements, and land purchases, striving to improve healthcare in the area.

Raymond and Ruth are the proud parents of six children.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of my constituent, Mr. Raymond Wilmarth, Jr., and ask my colleagues to join me in praising his commitment to community and country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of my constituent, Lieutenant Colonel David J. Palmer, on the occasion of his induction as a distinguished alumnus of Mountain View High School.

After graduating from Mountain View High School in 1973, David J. Palmer enlisted in the United State Air Force as an aircraft maintenance specialist. Four years later, Mr. Palmer transferred to the U.S. Air Force Reserves, where, in 2004, he was commission to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Over his illustrious career, Lieutenant Colonel Palmer has earned fourteen medals and awards for his dedicated and selfless service.

Lieutenant Colonel Palmer received both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees at the University of Scranton and has always been diligent in service to his community. He has worked with the Northern Tier Planning and Development Commission, the Susquehanna Housing Authority, and Wilkes University. Lieutenant Colonel Palmer continues to be active in many local organizations, including sitting on the Board of Trustees for the First Universalist Church, as well as serving as a Citizenship Merit Counselor for the Boy Scouts of America's Baden-Powell Council.

Lieutenant Colonel Palmer and his wife, Luann, have two sons, both of whom are combat veterans and have received a Purple Heart and Joint Service Commendation for their service in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, the Palmers reside on their farm, near Hop Bottom, Pennsylvania, where they raise sheep and train border collies.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of my constituent, Lieutenant Colonel David J. Palmer, and ask my colleagues to join me in praising his commitment to community, country, and family.