Robert Brady

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, it is my pleasure to yield as much time as he may consume to, in my opinion, an expert on this matter, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price).

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, this resolution recognizes the courage and sacrifices of Staff Sergeant Salvatore A. Giunta and other Medal of Honor recipients in defending their country in the line of duty. The Medal of Honor is the highest award of bravery that can be given to a member of the United States Armed Forces. This resolution will acknowledge members of our Armed Forces that receive the Medal of Honor by providing them with a flag flown over the Capitol along with a certificate signed by the Speaker of the House. The flag would be provided at no cost to the recipient or family of the recipient. May this small gesture serve as a constant reminder of our Medal of Honor recipients who act selflessly and heroically in defense of the freedoms that we, the American people, enjoy. I am pleased to support this resolution and urge all of my colleagues to vote ``aye.'' Madam Speaker, I now yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Loebsack).

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Boswell). (Mr. BOSWELL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my condolences regarding the terrible events that took place on Saturday, January 8, 2011, in Tucson, Arizona. The attempted assassination of Representative Gabrielle Giffords and the killing of six people, including a 9-year-old child, a federal judge, and a congressional aide, is an unspeakable tragedy. Congresswoman Giffords is not only an esteemed colleague of mine, she is my friend. It has been an honor to serve alongside of her on the Armed Services Committee, and I have witnessed first-hand her dedication. Gabrielle's passion for her job is evident to all those who know her, and it is no surprise to me that Gabrielle was doing what she loves most on that horrible Saturday. I look forward to her full and speedy recovery, and I anxiously await her return to Congress. While I am hopeful about Gabrielle's recovery, I am heartbroken over the deaths of the six innocent people caught at the wrong place, at the wrong time. Christina Taylor Green, who was only 9 years old, was recently elected to her school's student council and hoped to speak with a government official that tragic day. Pennsylvania native and Federal judge, John Roll, was hoping to meet with his Congresswoman to discuss overcrowding of prisons. Gabriel Zimmerman was struck while carrying out his duties as the Congresswoman's Director of Community Outreach. Dorothy Morris, Dorwan Stoddard, and Phyllis Schneck were going about their regular Saturday activities and hoped they would get a chance to speak with their member of Congress. Madam Speaker, I hope that all those touched by these tragic events find peace and comfort. Saturday, January 8, 2011 should be a reminder to all Americans that there is no place for violence in a free political process. I continue to pray for those that were lost and for the recovery of those who were wounded, and I hope we as a country can move forward and learn from this tragedy.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as a staunch advocate for strong, accountable stewardship of hard-earned taxpayer dollars, I applaud any effort to responsibly address this concern. I travel back and forth to my district every day in the city of Philadelphia, and I spend a large portion of every day listening to constituents as they voice their concerns over our economy and the real impact it has on their day-to- day lives. Certainly this House must take steps to ensure that resources are effectively utilized, administered and accounted for. To that end, I support this resolution and encourage my colleagues to do so as well. During the 111th Congress, significant steps were taken by the House leadership to expand transparency and responsible use of taxpayer dollars. At the direction of Speaker Pelosi, the Committee on House Administration under my chairmanship worked with the office of the CAO to introduce the House statement of disbursements in an online, electronic format. For the first time, constituents, the media and other concerned individuals could review every penny spent by Members, committees and leadership offices. Through the Green the Capitol initiative and with the cooperation of the Architect of the Capitol, we rolled out enhancements designed to increase the energy efficiency of the Capitol Complex, resulting in cost savings. Under the Democratic majority, we put in place requirements that only vehicles meeting lower greenhouse emissions standards were eligible for MRA-funded lease payments. Not only does this have a positive environmental impact, it also reduces fuel costs, since these vehicles are generally more fuel efficient. The cost savings that were introduced were done so responsibly and with a constant eye on ensuring that Members have the resources they need also to be able to serve their constituency. That's ultimately the reason why we are here. I look forward to exploring additional, responsible cost savings opportunities with Chairman Lungren in the spirit of bipartisanship cooperation that we have enjoyed for many years, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. I also would like to thank Mr. Walden for allowing us to participate, myself and Mr. Andrews from New Jersey. I certainly do not want to get you in any kind of trouble here today, but we did have some ideas that happened to fall into and come into implementation of your plan. I know that was just great minds thinking alike. It wasn't that it was our idea that did that. But I am talking especially toward the schedule. I do appreciate that. I appreciate you allowing us to participate in what you have done there and look forward again to working with you in the future. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I urge the adoption of this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. I don't think so, no.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5493, as amended, will grant to the District of Columbia and the five territories of the United States the right to each place one statue honoring a distinguished individual into the National Statuary Hall Collection in the U.S. Capitol. Currently, there are 100 statues in the Collection, with each of the 50 states represented by two statues. The Committee on House Administration had originally reported two bills on this subject. H.R. 5493, by the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia, would have given the District the right to have two statues. H.R. 5711, by the gentleman from American Samoa, would have given American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands one statue each. It became unlikely that these bills could pass the House separately, and there has been continuing controversy about giving the District of Columbia two statues. Therefore, I am supporting this amended legislation in the form recommended by the Ranking Minority Member, Representative Lungren, to grant each jurisdiction one statue. I have become convinced that this is an excellent compromise which will provide an opportunity for all of these jurisdictions to enjoy representation in the National Statuary Hall Collection. Mr. Speaker, no Federal funds would be needed to implement this legislation. All costs of production and placement of the statues would be borne by the District of Columbia and the five territories.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, on the occasion of her retirement September 23, 2010, we rise to thank Ms. Marion Pacic for outstanding service to the U.S. House of Representatives. For the past 35 years Marion has served this great institution as a valued employee of House Information Resources (HIR) within the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Throughout her career with HIR, Marion has held many positions of increasing responsibility. She began her career at the House in November 1975 as an Administrative Assistant for HIR. Marion joined the Digital Equipment Corporation ``Office Automation Project'' as an applications analyst helping to develop user requirements and teaching Member and Committee staff to use software designed to keep track of constituent correspondence, office accounting, personnel management and committee calendar publication. Marion's technical, analytical and communications skills served her well in her efficient management as Deputy Manager of the Member Services Division in 1989. She became Manager of the Technical Support Representatives in 1994 and held that position until accepting the position of Acting-Director of Client Services in 1997. She assumed the position of Manager, HIR Telecommunications in June 1999 and during her tenure of 11 years, wireless service expanded almost ten-fold from 1,700 to over 11, 000 customers in the House. Marion's unending commitment to opening the first wireless kiosk in the House has made wireless support more available to Members and their staff. Her peers and co-workers will miss Marion's professionalism and friendly manner. On behalf of the entire House community, we extend congratulations to Marion for her many years of dedication and outstanding contributions to the U.S. House of Representatives. We wish Marion many wonderful years in fulfilling her retirement dreams.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, on the occasion of her retirement on September 30, 2010, we rise to thank Ms. Lea Fowlie for her 36 years of distinguished service to the United States House of Representatives. Lea has served this great institution as a valued employee of House Information Resources, HIR, within the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, CAO. Lea began serving the House of Representatives on January 7, 1974, as a Junior Computer Terminal Operator in the Bill Status Office, where she responded to as many as 100 telephone inquiries a day about the status of legislation from both the American public and the House community. She was appointed Quality Control Coordinator and contacted House committees, the Senate Bill Clerk, and the White House daily to ensure the accuracy of the data. Lea was selected in the late 1970s as one of the first Service Representatives to inform Congressional offices of emerging computer technologies in the House and was appointed in the early 1980s as an Office Automation Consultant to analyze mail flow in Member offices. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, she served as an Applications Analyst where she assisted in the design, testing, implementation, and support of the House's correspondence management service and several online databases. In the late 1990s, Lea worked to ensure a smooth technology Y2K transition and assisted with the conversion of online services from the mainframe to the Web. Lea's coworkers and clients came to rely on her for her editorial, public speaking, and collaboration skills. She wrote, edited, and produced user documentation for classroom instruction, served as a member of the CAO Communications Team, had an article published in Government Information Quarterly in 1991 as part of a special symposium on legislative information, and served as Editor of the e-CyberCongress Connection Newsletter distributed to House staff. Lea also participated in several Congressional Research Service, CRS, District/State Institutes, delivered the ``History of HIR and Technology'' portion of the HIR CIO Vision briefing: Distinguished Service for a Digital World, and was a primary speaker at two Federal funding workshops in Congressional district offices. Lea was appointed as one of the first classroom trainers for the House of Representatives in the 1970s and returned to the classroom environment three times while at the House. She spent the last 15 years with The House Learning Center instructing Congressional staff in a wide range of desktop software, BlackBerry, Web design, online research, and professional development skills. She consistently received high marks from her students. She was instrumental in the development of job-related training matrices and in forming a partnership with the Congressional Research Service, CRS, to advise staff on how to assist their constituents in finding Federal funds for district projects. Lea was recognized by CAO and HIR leadership for her work in individual and team efforts on the CAO Roll of Honor, as a CAO All Star, with a CAO/HIR ``Pat on the Back'', 107-111th Congressional Transitions Teams, and as a CAO ACE Excellence Award nominee. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) recognized her for her work on the Legislative Information System (LIS) project where she served as the House's representative. She was spotlighted in the January-June 2007 CAO Semi-Annual Report and in the `Trophy Case' on the CAOnline internal web site. Lea received numerous notes and letters of appreciation from Members of Congress, Congressional staff, coworkers, and the public. On behalf of the entire House community, we extend our congratulations to Lea for her many years of dedication and outstanding contributions to the United States House of Representatives. We wish Lea many wonderful years in fulfilling her retirement dreams.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5717 would upgrade the Smithsonian Institution's scientific and educational activities at its unique animal conservation facility, the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute at Front Royal, Virginia. The SCBI, a part of the National Zoo, is renowned worldwide for its work preserving and breeding endangered species, and is a magnet for prominent researchers and students starting careers in related fields. The bill will provide additional modern facilities to conduct programs and house students at the site, and relocate animal holding facilities for endangered red pandas and clouded leopards. H.R. 5717 contains three elements. First, the bill would authorize $1 million in Federal funds in fiscal 2010 which has already been appropriated; $1 million in fiscal 2011; and $3 million in later fiscal years, to plan, design, and construct a facility which would include laboratories and offices to conduct research and educational programs. This aggregate authorization of $5 million constitutes the only Federal funds provided in the bill. The Smithsonian would supply an additional $5 million out of its own privately-raised trust funds to complete the project. The bill would also authorize the Smithsonian Board of Regents to enter into agreements for the provision of housing and dining services to participants in the programs, at no cost to the Smithsonian. George Mason University, located in northern Virginia, plans to use $20 million in state revenue bonds to construct a dormitory and cafeteria facility at the site. There would not be any cost to the Federal government or to the Smithsonian. In October, 2008, the Smithsonian and GMU signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the ``Smithsonian-Mason Global Conservation Studies Program'', and GMU will give course credit to participants. The Smithsonian Institution has frequently entered into cooperative agreements with other institutions, including universities, though this is the first time that it would allow an outside entity to construct a building on property it controls. After 30 years, ownership of the GMU- constructed facilities will pass to the Smithsonian. This no-cost feature makes the project an especially attractive addition to the Smithsonian's infrastructure. Finally, the bill would authorize the Smithsonian to plan, design and construct animal holding and related program facilities at Front Royal, but without any Federal funding. The cost, estimated to be between $1 to 2 million, would be paid for entirely by the Smithsonian's privately-raised trust funds. Mr. Speaker, this legislation was introduced by the three House Members who serve on the Smithsonian Board of Regents--Representatives Becerra, Matsui and Sam Johnson--and by Rep. Wolf of Virginia, in whose district the facility is located. It was considered and reported by voice vote both by the primary committee of jurisdiction, the Committee on House Administration, and by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. I know of no controversy and I urge Members to support H.R. 5717.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of Reverend Canon Charles Poindexter. I would like to congratulate Rev. Poindexter on his recent installation as Rector Emeritus of Saint Luke's Church in Germantown, PA. Reverend Poindexter has spent his entire career dedicated to his community as a clergyman, educator, and civil rights advocate. In 1968, Rev. Charles, then Rector of St. Barnabas Church, merged his black congregation with the local white congregation to form a newly integrated church to serve as a beacon for the community. This was an expression of Rev. Charles' heartfelt belief that when ``Christians decide to unite, race becomes secondary.'' Rev. Poindexter was also committed to the education of the next generation. In 1969 he founded St. Barnabas School to help provide quality education to those who needed it. As Headmaster he promoted the values of education, stewardship, and positive citizenship. Madam Speaker, as Saint Luke's prepares to celebrate its 200th anniversary I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Canon Rev. Poindexter on his new position as Rector Emeritus and thank him for his long service to his community.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, as I did last year, I rise today to congratulate and recognize outstanding employees of the Officers (Clerk of the House, Sergeant at Arms, and Chief Administrative Officer) and Inspector General of the U.S. House of Representatives who have reached the milestone of 25 years of service to the U.S. House of Representatives. Our most important asset in the House is our dedicated employees, and their work, often behind the scenes, is vital in keeping the operations and services of the House running smoothly and efficiently. The employees we recognize today are acknowledged and commended for their hard work, dedication, and support of House Members, their staffs and constituents, and for their contributions day-in and day-out to the overall operations of the House. These employees have a wide range of responsibilities that support the legislative process, assure the security of the institution, and maintain our technology and service infrastructure. They have accomplished a great many things in a wide range of activities, and the House of Representatives and its Members, staff, and the general public, are better served because of them. The individuals we honor today have collectively provided four hundred fifty (450) years of service to the U.S. House of Representatives: Linda Cain, Office of the Clerk; John Clarke, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; Corliss Clemonts-James, Office of the Clerk; Jodi Detwiler, Office of the Clerk; KaSandra R. Greenhow, Office of the Sergeant at Arms; Tina Hanonu, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; Monroe Holliway, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; Dorothy M. Jennings, Office of the Sergeant at Arms; Deborah Jones, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; Steven Kaeser, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; Olga Kornacki, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; Mary O'Brien, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; Beth Pence, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; Robert Ransom, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; Sarah Ricanek, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; Bruce Roland, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; Anthony Scott, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; Linda Rawl Shealy, Office of the Sergeant at Arms. On behalf of the entire House community, I extend congratulations and once again recognize and thank these employees for their commitment to the U.S. House of Representatives as a whole, and to their respective House Officers and Inspector General in particular. Their long hours and hard work are invaluable, and their years of unwavering service, dedication, and commitment to the House set an example for their colleagues and other employees who will follow in their footsteps. I celebrate our honorees, and I am proud to stand before you and the nation on their behalf to recognize the importance of their public service.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2039) to clarify the applicability of the Buy American Act to products purchased for the use of the legislative branch, to prohibit the application of any of the exceptions to the requirements of such act to products bearing a Congressional seal, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous matters on the measure now under consideration.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. On behalf of my committee, I am pleased to bring this bill to the House. This is a very important bill designed to help create more jobs in America. Offered by our colleague, the gentlelady from Ohio, H.R. 2039 extends the requirements of the Buy American Act to the legislative branch of government, including the House of Representatives and the Senate. Several legislative branch agencies already abide by the Buy American Act, including the Government Printing Office, the Library of Congress, and the Architect of the Capitol. But the House and Senate are exempt from the Buy American Act, and it's time for that to change. The House and the Senate buy things, many things: Pencils, pens, paper, envelopes, furniture, furnishings, office machines, and equipment of every kind. You name it. There are no reasons that Buy American requirements should not apply to the Congress as to any other Federal agency. That's what the gentlelady's legislation will accomplish. From my perspective as chairman of the House Administration Committee, H.R. 2039 will provide us with one more tool we can use to prevent the purchase of foreign-made goods when suitable American-made goods are available. Mr. Speaker, this is a good bill. I commend the gentlelady for introducing it, and I urge the House to pass it. Mr. Speaker, I now yield 5 minutes to the sponsor of the bill, the distinguished gentlelady from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur).

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my colleague on the Committee of House Administration, the gentlewoman from California, Susan Davis.