Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

My amendment is simple. This amendment finally brings some transparency and public accountability to the 80-plus billion dollar food stamp program. It directs the Government Accountability Office to establish a pilot program in nine States that will allow the GAO to collect and make public information showing how our food stamp dollars are being spent.

As a prosecutor, I presented all of the facts to the jury so that they were able to make an accurate decision based on the evidence. It is inconceivable to me that at a time when all Americans are demanding accountability and transparency in government, we are allowing 80-plus billion dollars a year to go out the door with virtually no idea on how it is being spent. To put that into context, $80 billion a year is more than double the amount of money the Department of Homeland Security received in the appropriation bill we approved on June 6 and roughly the same amount that was cut by sequester.

I have had several interesting arguments made to me against this bill, driven primarily by Big Business, who are more interested in protecting profits rather than taxpayers. Opponents have argued that this would be costly for retailers to implement.

First, the information required to be reported and made public is information that retailers are already required to keep under existing law. I also find it ironic that opponents are arguing that because there may be a compliance cost for a program that is voluntary for retailers, we should just forego any meaningful oversight over how these taxpayer dollars are being spent.

Some opponents claim that this is food surveillance. This amendment is not food surveillance; it is oversight and accountability. At a time of high debt and deficit, it is incumbent on Congress to scrutinize fully every Federal dollar spent.

I have also heard opponents argue that SNAP is efficient because USDA says that it only has a 3.8 percent error rate. This is a false, red herring argument that is meant to distract from what this amendment would do. The error rate referred to involves the percentage of benefits that either went to ineligible households or went to eligible households, but in excessive amounts. The error rate has nothing to do with how the taxpayer dollars are spent.

Having that information is critical, especially as we debate things like how much to scale back the SNAP program or whether it is inappropriate to allow the purchase of certain items with SNAP dollars. I have heard that there were no hearings about the SNAP program in conjunction with this FARRM Bill. I agree that there should have been hearings. Nevertheless, those hearings would be more productive if they had all the information as to how programs are operating.

My amendment would give us and the American people the ability to make informed policy decisions about the program. That is why my amendment is supported by a range of groups from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine to Americans for Limited Government.

Mr. Chairman, I want to again emphasize that this amendment is about transparency. It is about oversight and accountability. We have to have the facts at our disposal to determine what, if anything, to do. It is about good government.

I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this commonsense amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

How much time do I have remaining?

You know, keeping track of this, it's already done by a bar code, so there's no additional cost. And

there's no surveillance. There's no cameras. There's nothing checking on anybody. We're not asking who is buying. We're asking what is being purchased. With my colleagues, it's always a war. It's a war on women, and now it's a war on people using food stamps.

We should be doing this anyhow. It's a law that should be done by the stores. It is just not being enforced. Hardworking taxpayers deserve accountability. They deserve to know how their $80 billion is being spent and on what. I wonder what my friend across the aisle is concerned about, perhaps what the results will show. But we don't know at this point. The American people are entitled to know how their money is being spent.

As I said, there's no cost associated with this. They're doing it by bar code anyhow. Everything that goes through a store now is bar coded, so it's just reporting the information. If anything is misguided, what is misguided is $80 billion in 2012 and $82.5 billion projected in 2013 that's going to be spent and there is no accountability for it.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

Mr. Chairman, my amendment would provide for the elimination of the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program subsidy. This is one of a series of duplicative programs.

This program gives money to not-for-profit organizations that inform fleet operators and the public on the so-called benefits of using biodiesel fuels rather than fossil fuels.

Mr. Chairman, this program is yet another example of corporate welfare--taxpayer dollars not being used wisely. The American taxpayer should not be forced to foot the bill for a proposed program in an industry that would be nonexistent if it were not for government subsidies.

The Biodiesel Fuel Education Program incorrectly informs the public that biodiesel fuel is ``better'' than fossil fuels, oil, or natural gas. I am supportive of an all-of-the-above energy strategy, but Congress need not be in the business of picking winners and losers. These industries should stand on their own merit, and the consumer should decide what is the best product. We should not be wasting hard- earned taxpayer dollars on groups that have a bias against fossil fuels. We should use this money to develop our current natural resources and create jobs.

My district is in the heart of the Marcellus shale, and I have seen the jobs and opportunities created by domestic energy. The unemployment rate is below the national average. I cannot support any program that favors any one type of energy over another.

I am not debating the merits of biofuels, and I am not against or opposed to biofuels; but there are over 20 other energy programs in the FARRM Bill alone. By continuing to funnel money to these programs to not-for-profit organizations going toward salaries, we are preventing other new energy technologies from breaking ground.

We are $17 trillion in debt and borrowing more and more money every day. Let the taxpayers determine what they prefer, what source of energy to use, not the government using hardworking taxpayer dollars. This program is nothing but a colossal government subsidy that is not profitable at all.

Again, I am not against the biofuel itself. I am against using taxpayer moneys going to not-for-profit organizations to promote this.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I reserve the balance of my time, and if my colleague is ready, to close then.

Once again, I'm not against the use of biofuels. I'm against the use of taxpayer dollars going to not-for-profit organizations to promote the use of biofuels. There is not one vehicle that runs 100 percent on biofuel that I know of at this point. And it does save money. If this program is eliminated of hundreds of thousands of dollars and millions of dollars per year, then that money should go back into the taxpayers' pockets, or at least pay the debt down.

We should use taxpayer dollars to create jobs like building the Keystone XL pipeline and like developing natural gas exploration that we have an abundant supply of. So let's stop borrowing money to promote a product where we pick the winners and losers. As I said earlier, that's up to the consumer. They can choose what best product to use.

But I just oppose the fact that hardworking, middle class taxpayer dollars are going for propaganda and advertising.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, the Sons of Italy is the largest and oldest nationally-recognized organization in the United States for people of Italian heritage.

For 100 years, the Sons of Italy Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has worked to establish over 150 lodges throughout the commonwealth, all dedicated to the promotion of Italian culture, traditions, and legacy.

With support from their members, the Sons of Italy has raised over $35 million for numerous charities including the Alzheimer's Association, the Doug Flutie Junior Foundation for Autism and Cooley's Anemia Foundation.

The organization has also given $117 million in donations to scholarships, medical research, cultural preservation and disaster relief.

Through their commission for social justice, The Sons of Italy has fought racism, prejudice and the stereotyping of all races, religions and cultures.

As an Italian-American myself, I am honored to offer my congratulations to the Sons of Italy, and praise their devotion to the preservation of Italian-American heritage.

Last week, thousands of my constituents felt even more pain as a result of the President's sequestration when Tobyhanna Army Depot began to furlough over 5,000 of its civilian employees.

One constituent called my office and asked, ``How are we supposed to afford our mortgage if my husband is not allowed to work? There must be a more logical way to cut the budget.''

Well, Mr. Speaker, that is what I would like to know. Why can the President jet around the country to play golf on the taxpayers' dime when the hardworking families cannot make ends meet?

The House acted twice last year to replace the sequestration with more commonsense solutions, but the Senate refused to consider these bills. They even rejected a measure that would have given the administration more flexibility in implementing these cuts.

Because of the President's insistence and the Senate's inaction, these families will now face even more financial uncertainty, struggling to pay their bills instead of earning a steady paycheck.

Mr. Speaker, the people of the 10th Congressional District have had enough of the President's rhetoric, and they have certainly had enough of his sequestration. It's time that the President started working for the American people.

Madam Speaker, today I rise in support of the Keystone XL pipeline and urge passage of H.R. 3, the Northern Route Approval Act.

In the 1,700 days that TransCanada has been waiting for approval for Keystone XL, the State Department has issued over 15,000 pages of documents analyzing the project's environmental impact. This administration continues to delay and impede efforts to foster oil and natural gas production under an all-of-the-above energy solution.

Recent advances in technology have put America in the center of a booming

natural gas industry, particularly in my area, the PA 10th District. A NATO Parliamentary Assembly report estimates that our shale will provide gas to supply the United States for the next 90 years at least.

If Americans have access to vast and affordable resources, why are we not utilizing them? The same NATO PA report emphasized that the U.S. could lead the world in oil and natural gas production.

It's time to build. Remove the roadblocks preventing construction of the job-creating, economy-boosting Keystone XL pipeline.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Bradford County Humane Society of Ulster, Pennsylvania, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), for their efforts to save the lives of shelter animals in my district.

The Bradford County Humane Society provides care to homeless and abused pets, and investigates reports of animal cruelty in the community. When staff at the Humane Society realized their shelter in Ulster needed a new animal transport vehicle to carry out their life- saving work more efficiently, the organization turned to the ASPCA for assistance.

The ASPCA is a key player in animal welfare philanthropy, and has provided funds for animal welfare programs in every state. Over the past five years, the ASPCA has distributed nearly $55 million in grants to shelters and rescues across the country.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to announce that the Bradford County Humane Society of Ulster, Pennsylvania is the recipient of the ASPCA's 5,000th grant since 2008.

An award of $31,500 will allow the Bradford County Humane Society to acquire a new animal transport van, which the organization will use to investigate animal cruelty cases and ferry shelter animals to a local veterinary clinic for spay and neuter surgeries. The new vehicle will reduce transportation costs and stress on animals during transit.

On behalf of the citizens and animals of Pennsylvania, I'm proud to congratulate the both the Bradford County Humane Society and the ASPCA for their continued commitment to protecting animals.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the nation of Israel, and ask my colleagues to join me in condemning the terrorist attacks against the Israeli people from the Palestinian Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

As Hamas militants continue to target its assault against innocent Israeli civilians, Israel will continue its efforts to defend her people. No nation should be forced to subject itself to such violence and destruction, nor should its people be forced to live in fear. Just as the United States would not stand idly by if such horrific attacks were waged against Americans, I support Prime Minister Netanyahu's acts of self-defense.

It is equally concerning that Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi has moved away from Egypt's traditional role as a mediator between Palestine and Israel, and has publically supported the actions of Hamas, which is an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, to which President Morsi belongs. That is why I strongly urge President Obama and Secretary Clinton to use the strongest forms of diplomacy to support our ally Israel, and work with Israelis and Palestinians to end this violence.

In less than three days, Hamas militants have fired an estimated 550 missiles into Israel. Israel's justified response has debilitated Hamas's rocket-firing facilities and has significantly reduced their strategic capabilities.

To date, three Israeli civilians have been killed, along with twenty Palestinian militants and civilians. Israel ended its military and civilian presence in Gaza in 2005, attempting to end further conflict in the area, but Hamas militants continue to provoke armed conflict against Israel.

My thoughts and prayers are with the nation of Israel as they withstand and defend against these heinous attacks. I hope that this conflict soon ends and firm groundwork is established to solidify a long-term, mutually agreed upon peace agreement between Israel and Palestine.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6296, the Disaster Loan Fairness Act of 2012, introduced by my colleague from Pennsylvania, Representative Barletta.

Our districts cross each other in several counties, so we both have experienced the disaster that took place in the 10th and 11th District.

At the end of August 2011, Hurricane Irene caused severe flooding and widespread power outages in eastern Pennsylvania. With the ground saturated and waterways at a very high level, Tropical Storm Lee arrived about one week later, causing historic widespread flooding in most of central and eastern Pennsylvania. The 10th Congressional District that I represent was particularly hit hard.

Ten of the 14 counties in the district were impacted by the flood. The storm knew no boundaries. It hit homes and businesses, government offices and schools, farms, cemeteries, and churches. I visited with families and individuals who had lost everything.

I traveled to many businesses, both large and small, that were affected, like the Knoebels Amusement Park in Northumberland County, where I watched workers and owner clean up four inches of mud that covered the ground across the entire park.

While the people of my district have made heroic efforts to rebuild, they have faced many obstacles. One of these is finding loan opportunities which they need to finance the rebuilding of their homes and businesses.

Unless you have lived through a disaster and visited with families that have been through the experience, it is hard to imagine the hopelessness and desperation that people experience when the rebuilding process begins.

H.R. 6296 will provide critical relief to disaster victims in my district and across the country by lowering the interest rate on SBA disaster loans. This legislation, which will, on average, lower rates on SBA disaster loans by 1\1/2\ to 2 percent, will give Americans impacted by disaster the ability to begin the process of rebuilding their lives and livelihoods.

I had the occasion to hear a little of the argument prior to this concerning the conventions getting money, and there was an issue raised about it's only $36 million. Well, there's nobody in this room that doesn't think $1 million is a lot of money, and I certainly think $36 million is a whole heck of a lot of money.

Now, we can send money to conventions. That should be the responsibility of each party, regardless of what side of the aisle you're on.

But we also send taxpayer money to countries that hate us, so I think it's about time we start helping the American people with their own tax dollars.

I urge all of my colleagues to join with me and Representative Barletta in support of this important legislation.

I had one experience that just stuck in my mind. During the flood, I visited a family who wasn't in their house.

I want to share an experience I had touring the same areas that Lou did. And it was a family of six; they weren't able to be in their house. It was a blue collar family. It was half a double.

They wouldn't even be able to sit on their porch or stand in their front yard. That's how bad the flood was. Most of their furniture and belongings were out on the front yard, just totally lost.

They sat on the back of a pickup truck. A 6-year-old little girl, 6 or 8 years old, said to me, Are you here to help, because we don't have a bed to sleep in and we don't have a room to sleep in. What are we going to do tonight?

That is what we're faced with. We're supposed to be helping our people in our district, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today regarding the Continuing Appropriations Resolution.

This week's violent ambush at the United States Embassy in Cairo and the brutal attacks against U.S. diplomats in Benghazi serve as a blunt reminder that countries in the Middle East have been increasingly unstable and anti-American. The brutal attacks also emphasize the fact that the United States cannot continue to use taxpayer dollars to bankroll countries, with no conditions. We should immediately suspend all funding for those countries that refuse to meet strict conditions and fail to take adequate measures to prevent the loss of American lives.

Egypt has been one of the five top countries receiving the most U.S. aid over the past decade, and President Obama said he doesn't think we would consider Egypt an ally. Certain countries continue to serve as a safe haven for those who wish to cause harm to Americans and tear down our fundamental principles of freedom and liberty. Such actions merit repercussions, not a continued free flow of American tax dollars.

When our Nation has a debt of more than $16 trillion and people in my district in Pennsylvania are struggling to find jobs to support their families, it is past time that we reconsider funding to people that wish harm on the United States. It is time to end the practice of appeasement and take a staunch position regarding Libya, Egypt, and others in order to ensure a more calculated, tactful approach.

Mr. Speaker, Chairman Smith, I rise today in strong support of legislation I introduced, H.R. 6062, the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program Reauthorization Act of 2012.

The Edward Byrne Memorial JAG Program is the primary provider of Federal criminal justice funding to State and local jurisdictions, and it has been referred to as the ``cornerstone Federal crime-fighting program.''

The JAG program provides State and local governments with critically needed resources to support a wide range of law enforcement activities, including prosecution, prevention, education, planning, corrections, treatment, evaluation, and technology.

As a former district attorney and United States attorney, I understand the tremendous value of JAG-funded projects in fighting crime by improving the processes, procedures, and operations of criminal justice systems.

My legislation being considered today reauthorizes the JAG program for 5 years--I repeat, for 5 years--through fiscal year 2017.

This legislation is supported by the National Criminal Justice Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Major Cities Chiefs Association, the National Sheriffs' Association, the National District Attorneys Association, and many more law enforcement organizations.

H.R. 6062 enjoys bipartisan support, including Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Conyers of the House Judiciary Committee, who are cosponsors. The legislation was considered by the House Judiciary Committee and approved by a voice vote on July 18.

I would like to thank the chairman and the committee for their help in ensuring that the authorization for this critical program does not lapse. I urge all of my colleagues to join in the support of our State and local law enforcement agencies by voting in favor of H.R. 6062.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Republican Delegation of Pennsylvania to honor former Pennsylvania Governor William Warren Scranton on the occasion of his 95th birthday.

After earning his law degree from Yale Law School in 1946 and serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, Governor Scranton began his illustrious professional career with O'Malley, Harris, Warren & Hill in Scranton. While working in the private sector, Governor Scranton remained active and involved with the Republican Party. In 1959, he was appointed to serve as special assistant to Secretary of State John Foster Dulles, in President Dwight Eisenhower's administration.

In 1960, Governor Scranton was elected to the 87th Congress, representing the 10th District of Pennsylvania. As a freshman member, he fought tirelessly for his constituents, representing their needs above all else and building bi-partisan appeal across the state with

both Democrat and Republican voters. In 1962, he ran successfully for Governor of the Commonwealth, defeating then Philadelphia Mayor Richardson Dilworth. During his four years in office, Governor Scranton commanded one of the most productive state governments, advocating for a strong education system, continued industrial development, and fiscally responsible policy.

After being drafted by many Republicans to seek the Presidential nomination in 1964, Governor Scranton vowed to never again run for public office. He returned to the private sector in 1967, serving on numerous boards and continuing his public service through leadership with many civic organizations including; director of the Boys Club of Scranton, vice president of the University of Scranton's President's Council, director of the Scranton Chamber of Commerce, and vice president of the board of directors for Geisinger Memorial Hospital.

After turning down continued overtures to run again for public office, Governor Scranton accepted an appointment from President Gerald Ford in 1976 to serve as United States Ambassador to the United Nations. Governor Scranton's ability to promote diplomacy and cooperation earned him favor with many nations and promoted a positive world view of the United States.

Governor Scranton embodies so many of the traits, ideals, and values that we, as a delegation, strive to achieve today in the 112th Congress. I am honored to serve as his representative, and I speak on behalf of the Republican Delegation of the Commonwealth to thank him for his service to Pennsylvania and to the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Governor William Warren Scranton, an exemplary citizen, veteran, philanthropist, and public servant, and ask my colleagues to join me in praising his commitment to his family, community, Commonwealth, and country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of my constituent, Dr. Lawrence Caruth, and congratulate him on the occasion of his retirement.

Born in 1937 in Sterling Township, Wayne County to Stanley and Ruth Caruth, Lawrence worked on his family farm until entering Gettysburg College in 1957. In 1955, at the age of 17, Lawrence enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard. After participating in the Reserve Officers Training Corps throughout college, Lawrence was awarded the rank of Second Lieutenant. In 1965, he earned his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania and opened his dental practice in Honesdale in 1969.

Dr. Caruth served as an innovator in his field, introducing many dental technologies to the community. He also worked to provide patients with more convenient care, bringing specialists from the Scranton area to his office in Honesdale. In 1975, Dr. Caruth's practice developed into the Cherry Ridge Dental Center, where he had thirteen specialists working in his facility.

While continuing his practice at Cherry Ridge Dental Center, Dr. Caruth served as a Liaison Officer for West Point Military Academy, as well as a Dental Officer, Chief, and Commander for 317th Medical Detachment in Scranton. He was one of few dentists to ever command an Army Hospital when he was Commander of the 322nd General Hospital.

After an illustrious career with the U.S. Army, Dr. Caruth retired in 1997 with numerous medals, including the Legion of Merit Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal with One Service Star.

Dr. Caruth has remained an active member of his community, serving as previous President and current Treasurer of the Honesdale Rotary Club. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, the Pennsylvania Dental Association, the Scranton District Dental Society, the American Legion, and has previously served on the Cherry Ridge Planning Commission.

Lawrence is the father of two, Edward and Amy Beth, and the grandfather of five. He still resides in Honesdale with his wife Betty.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Lawrence Caruth, and ask my colleagues to join me in praising his commitment to Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, Colonel Charles C. Gibson, and congratulate him on his relocation to the United States Army Communications Electronics Command Headquarters at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, as Chief of Staff.

Currently serving as a commander of Tobyhanna Army Depot, Colonel Gibson has devoted over two decades of heroic service to our country, demonstrating his devotion to the preservation of the United States of America and to our safety through numerous military campaigns, decorations and advancement to leadership positions.

Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Colonel Charles Gibson was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Ordnance Corps in 1986. After receiving his degree in Mathematics from Bowie State University in 1987, he began his military career as a Platoon Leader for the 122nd Main Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Division, Hanau, Germany, which later deployed with the 3rd Armored Division to Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1990.

Upon his return, Colonel Gibson assumed the position of Maintenance Officer, Support Operations Cell and Battalion S-3, 264th Corps Support Battalion, Fort Bragg, NC, and deployed to Haiti in 1994. Subsequently, he served in several leadership positions while assigned to the 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii including; Support Operations Officer, G4 Division Logistics Planner, Battalion Commander of a Stryker BSB, 2nd Stryker Brigade, and Assistant Chief of Staff, Logistics Division G4. While with the 25th Infantry Division, he deployed to Bosnia as the Logistics Operations Planner. He also served one year as the BDE Support Operations Officer with the 45th Corps Support Group with a deployment to Thailand.

Colonel Gibson's awards and decorations for his service in the United States Army include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Ribbon, Kuwaiti Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Southwest Asia Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, NATO Medal and Parachutist Badge.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel Charles C. Gibson, and ask my colleagues to join me in praising his commitment to the protection and defense of our great nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the United Way of Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District on the occasion of the 125th anniversary.

Founded in Denver, Colorado in 1887 by five religious men and women, the United Way strives to improve public health and welfare though charitable donations, wellness programs, and education initiatives.

Today, the United Way stands as a well known and world-renowned organization promoting good health, sound education policy, and financial stability in communities across the globe. The United Way is one of the leading not-for-profit organizations and forces for good in the world.

I would especially like to honor the men and women who work for the United Way organizations located in Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District for their good work: United Way of Bradford County, Lycoming County United Way, United Way of the Capital Region, United Way of Mifflin-Juniata, United Way of Wyoming Valley, Danville Area United Way, Lower Anthracite Region United Way, Schuylkill United Way, United Way of Susquehanna County, and United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the United Way of Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District, and ask my colleagues to join me in praising their commitment to country and community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the U.S. Army Mission at Tobyhanna Army Depot in Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, on the occasion of their 100th year of service to our nation.

Originally used as an artillery training field, Tobyhanna Army Depot has housed the United States Army since 1912. The current supply depot was built in 1953 and has served the U.S. Army ever since.

In its 100-year history, the U.S. Army has found numerous uses for the Army Depot as a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, tank and ambulance center for World War I, prisoner-of-war camp during World War II, and storage point for gliders used in the D-Day landings at Normandy in 1944.

Tobyhanna Army Depot itself has been a leader in the design, manufacture, and repair of many integral and state of the art U.S. Army systems and tools for nearly 60 years. Currently, it is the largest, full-service electronics maintenance facility within the Department of Defense.

Tobyhanna serves not only the U.S. Army but also the people of northeastern Pennsylvania by providing the single largest number of jobs and employment in the region.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the U.S. Army Mission at Tobyhanna Army Depot, and ask my colleagues to join me in praising their commitment to country and community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of my constituent, Deborah J. Maggs, on the occasion of her retirement.

Deborah was hired in May of 1975 as a Caseworker 2 for the Lycoming County Children and Youth Services. She has served for 37 consecutive years, 34 of which were full time. She worked part time for three years from 1979 to 1982 in order to raise her two children.

In 1985, she was promoted to Casework Supervisor 1 in the General Protective Services Unit, a unit she led until 2005. Deborah's extensive training, experience and skills helped her develop expertise in the area of Child Protective Service investigation.

In 2005, Deborah was instrumental in the development, implementation, and supervision of the County's Integrated Assessment Units, composed of caseworkers cross-trained to perform Child Protective Services, General Protective Services and Mental Health Assessments.

Throughout her career, Deborah has supervised and mentored over 30 staff, many of whom have gone on to become supervisors themselves.

Deborah has dedicated a significant part of her life to service casework, having either supervised or conducted over 21,000 investigations and assessments protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of well over 38,000 children. In 2010 she was recognized with the ``Excellence in Human Services'' award as nominated and selected by her staff and peers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Deborah J. Maggs, and ask my colleagues to join me in praising her commitment to Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District.