Robert Brady

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from the great State of Pennsylvania, Allyson Schwartz.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. I yield the gentlelady 1 additional minute.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1381) recognizing the National Museum of American Jewish History, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, as the only museum in the Nation dedicated exclusively to exploring and preserving the American Jewish experience.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. I thank the gentleman for his support. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time and urge the passage of this resolution.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, on the occasion of his retirement on May 25, 2010, we rise to thank Mr. Rick Weidemann for his 22 years of distinguished service to the U.S. House of Representatives. Rick has served this great institution as a valued employee of the Clerk of the House for 8 years and House Information Resources (HIR) in the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for 14 years. Rick began his career at the House with the Office of the Clerk in November 1987 as a Data Entry Clerk for the Finance Office. A year later he was promoted to the position of Senior Telecommunications Administrator with the Office of Telecommunications. In June of 1995, Rick joined HIR when the Office of Telecommunications was transferred to the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer. During this time, Rick managed the landlines and wireless requirements of Members, committee, leadership and House support offices. In recent years, Rick has handled the increased workload and challenges of the position brought on by the explosive growth and variety of personal digital assistants (PDAs) and Smart Phones. On behalf of the entire House community, we extend congratulations to Rick for his years of dedication and outstanding contributions to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the Philadelphia Tribune, the oldest, continuously published African American owned newspaper in the nation. For 125 years the Tribune has chronicled the African American story while also being an important part of that story. The Tribune was founded in 1884 by Christopher Perry only 19 years after the end of the U.S. Civil War. Perry, born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1856, moved to Philadelphia at the age of 17, intent on starting a newspaper. He said, ``For my people to make progress, they must have a newspaper through which they can speak against injustice.'' Perry published the first edition of the Tribune Weekly when he was 28. To put the debut of the one-page and one-man operation newspaper in an historical context, that same year African American inventor Lewis Lattimer began working for Thomas Edison, Tuskegee Institute was founded by Booker T. Washington and Harriet Tubman was still alive. After Perry died in 1921, the leadership of the newspaper passed to his son-in-law, E. Washington Rhodes. From 1922 to 1970, Rhodes was at the helm of the newspaper as publisher. An attorney, Rhodes was also an assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District, appointed by President Calvin Coolidge. He was the first Black to be appointed to that position. Additionally, he served as president of the National Bar Association; was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1938; and, was president of the National Publishers Association (NNPA), a national trade organization of African American owned newspapers. Over the past decades, committed to the newspaper's mission as stated by Perry, the Tribune has been led by Eustace Gay, John Saunders, Alfred Morris and Waverly Easley. And today, under the leadership of Chairman Walter Livingston, Jr., and President/CEO Robert Bogle, the Tribune newspaper continues to expand and has been the recipient of numerous national awards including the NNPA's John B. Russwurm Award for ``Best Newspaper in America Award and the A. Phillip Randolph ``Messenger Award.'' President Bogle stresses that after 125 years the mission of the Philadelphia Tribune has not changed very much. ``For 125 years the Tribune has been the voice of those who would have been voiceless.'' And, for that reason today Madam Speaker, I salute the proud history, advocacy and courage of the Philadelphia Tribune. The Tribune is an historic trailblazer whose light continues to lead on the path to justice and equality for the voiceless.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize a great Philadelphian and a great American, Mr. H.F. (Gerry) Lenfest, and to call out specifically his outstanding service to the nation through his unwavering support of the Library of Congress. As he marks his 80th birthday I rise in tribute to a visionary leader who has established a high bar for philanthropists and whose dedication to the nation's library, his city, state and nation are legend. Gerry Lenfest has been Chairman of the James Madison Council, the Library's first-ever national private sector group, since 2007. He was one of the founding members of this remarkable group of philanthropists, and the Council is growing and flourishing under his leadership. The Council helps the Library add to the national collection and share its treasures with the nation and the world. Mr. Lenfest, who has a deep interest in educating today's youth, is the driving force behind the Library's top fundraising priority--to create a much-needed residential scholars center in the nation's capital. He is the lead donor, and is co-chairing the fundraising campaign to provide the emerging generation of researchers and teachers both here and abroad with inexpensive accommodations close to the unequaled reservoir of educational material in the Congress's library. Championing the Residential Scholars Center is the latest of Gerry Lenfest's many benefactions to the nation's library. Since accepting the invitation of Librarian of Congress James H. Billington to join the Madison Council in 1990, Mr. Lenfest and his wife Marguerite have played key roles in the establishment and expansion of the National Digital Library, an authoritative, free Web site that presents 16 million unique and important primary documents of our nation's history and culture to students, teachers, researchers and casual browsers around the world. Gerry and Marguerite have also supported the Library in acquiring a number of unique, historically significant items for the national collection such as the Lafayette map collection and the 1507 Waldseemuller map, the first map of the Western Hemisphere and the first document of any kind to use the name ``America.''. Gerry and Marguerite turn visions into reality not only through their generosity, but also through their engaging personalities. In addition to their enthusiastic support for many varied initiatives at the Library of Congress, the Lenfests have extended their involvement and generosity to more than 168 educational, musical, conservation, health, arts and historic causes in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania, and across the nation. Gerry's philanthropic leadership and presiding skills over cultural institutions in Philadelphia, like his Chairman's role with the Library of Congress, have been major contributions to America--and reminds us of the special role that Philadelphia has played in our nation's history and culture.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor rock- and-roll legend, Philadelphia institution, and my good friend, Jerry Blavat. For 50 years, Jerry has been entertaining audiences in Philadelphia and beyond with his love of music and dedication to good times. Jerry burst onto the Philadelphia music scene as a dancer on the original Bandstand, where he soon became a crowd favorite. He transitioned into radio in 1960, hosting his own rock and roll show, which broadcasted in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. With the nickname ``The Geator with the Heater'', Jerry quickly established himself as a landmark on the Philadelphia airwaves. Today, Jerry continues to host radio shows in a variety of formats that can be heard around the world. In addition to his prominence on Philadelphia radio, Jerry is a well- known cultural icon. Utilizing his prominence in the music scene, Jerry is able to draw attention to a variety of causes. A huge fan of Motown and doo-wop, Jerry continues to showcase the contributions Philadelphia area artists made to rock and roll. In recognition of his outstanding work and contributions to the music world, Jerry was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. Jerry Blavat's long and impressive career showcases his pride in and commitment to his community. Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in celebrating Jerry's 50 years of entertaining others, and honor him for the great work he has done for the people of Philadelphia.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor one of Philadelphia's great athletes, Carlos Bradley, on his induction into the Pennsylvania State Sports Hall of Fame. Throughout his athletic career, Carlos has proven to be not only an extraordinary sportsman, but a man of great character as well. Carlos was an All-American linebacker at Germantown High School in Philadelphia, and he also earned the distinction of being an All- American at Wake Forest University. Carlos then went on to become a successful NFL linebacker, playing for the San Diego Chargers and, later, the Philadelphia Eagles. Carlos now uses his athletic experience to help clients as a personal trainer, where he is one of the most sought after trainers in the country. In addition to having a spectacular athletic career, Carlos has worked to help give back to our youth. As the Executive Vice President of the International Student Athlete Academy, Carlos works to help young athletes realize their true athletic and academic potentials. By working with junior high and high school student athletes, the ISAA helps these students prepare for well rounded lives. Carlos's impressive career shows a long-standing commitment towards promoting the benefits of sport and exercise, and he is well deserving of being inducted into the Pennsylvania State Sports Hall of Fame. Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Carlos Bradley on his induction into the Pennsylvania State Sports Hall of Fame, and thank Carlos for his hard work and dedication to his community.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this resolution authorizes the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for the birthday celebration of King Kamehameha, the first King of Hawaii. This annual celebration honors the first King of Hawaii who successfully unified the islands to establish for the first time a unified Kingdom of Hawaii in 1810. The first King Kamehameha Day was celebrated in Hawaii on June 11, 1872. This State holiday is a celebration of the rich history and the culture of Hawaii. This resolution allows for a Sunday ceremony on June 6, 2010, so it will not disrupt the use of the CVC or tours of the Capitol. I urge Members to support this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Con. Res. 243) authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event to celebrate the birthday of King Kamehameha.

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 to include extraneous matter in the Record on H. Con. Res. 243.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Hawaii and sponsor of this resolution, Ms. Hirono.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, again, I urge all Members to support this important part of the history of Hawaii. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor a true American treasure: Historian and collector Charles L. Blockson. Mr. Blockson is the founder and curator of the Charles L. Blockson Afro- American Collection of rare texts, slave narratives, art and other historically significant artifacts located at Temple University in the First Congressional District. It is one of the largest African American collections of its kind at a major university. Comprised of more than 40,000 items, the Blockson Collection continues to grow through the acquisition of both current and retrospective materials. An estimated 25,000 volumes fill the shelves of the collection and an additional 3,500 volumes are rare books. Another 15,000 items of rare Afro-Americana include pamphlets, slave narratives, antislavery broadsides, signed letters, posters, photographs, sheet music, original phonograph recordings and statues. On March 10, 2010, in recognition of Women's History Month and on the 188th anniversary of the birth of the African American abolitionist Harriet Tubman, I was pleased to honor Mr. Blockson for his donation of his collection of Harriet Tubman artifacts to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). The donated artifacts included a shawl given to Harriet Tubman by England's Queen Victoria, historic photographs and a hymnal signed by Tubman. By making this donation to the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, Mr. Blockson has ensured that this unparalleled collection will be shared with millions of visitors to the museum. Madam Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Mr. Blockson whose donation represents a continuum of a life dedicated to preserving African American history.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove my name as a cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 49.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Deacon Victor M. Bowes. I congratulate Deacon Bowes on the occasion of his 100th birthday and thank him for his long history of service to his community. Born March 10, 1910, Deacon Bowes was born and raised in North Carolina. He moved to Chester, Pennsylvania in 1942 to work as a welder building ships for the defense of his country. He joined the Bethany Baptist Church in Chester three years later, beginning his more than 60-year relationship with the Church. After being ordained a deacon, Deacon Bowes was appointed Chairman of the Board of Deacons on March 7, 1957. He served in this capacity for over 42 years, overseeing incredible progress and developments within his church. In recognition of his service, he was honored in 1999 with the title of Chairman Emeritus for the Board of Deacons. Throughout his tenure at Bethany Baptist Church, Deacon Bowes has worked tirelessly to better his community. He served as church school treasurer for 30 years, taught Sunday School classes, and was a regular teacher of Wednesday Night Bible Study for many years. Deacon Bowes was Chairman of the Building Committee Ministry that oversaw the construction of a new church building. Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Deacon Bowes on the occasion of his 100th birthday, and thank the Deacon for his long history of work and involvement in his community.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. I thank the gentleman from Mississippi. I thank him for his participation on the committee, and I thank the ranking member, Mr. Lungren, for his participation in the committee on this bill. I urge a ``yes'' vote on this bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This bill, introduced by my colleague and ranking member Mr. Lungren of California, would commemorate each State's admission to the Union. The bill directs the Architect of the Capitol to fly each State's flag annually on the anniversary date of the State's admission to the Union over the Capitol, beginning with the first State admitted, the State of Delaware. During markup, the committee by voice vote adopted a perfecting amendment that I offered so that the committee may issue a regulation to provide recognition of the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands by flying the flag of each of these jurisdictions over the Capitol annually on the appropriate date. This amended bill passed through committee by unanimous vote voice and was reported favorably. I urge its passage. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3542) to direct the Architect of the Capitol to fly the flag of a State over the Capitol each year on the anniversary of the date of the State's admission to the Union, as amended.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the remaining time. I strongly support this bill, and I thank my colleagues from Arizona and Michigan for offering it. Not only is it an excellent proposal, but the timing is perfect, as the 2011 appropriations process begins. The annual bill that funds the House usually includes this language, but only if offered in the Appropriations Committee or on the floor, and even then, as legislation, the language is technically subject to a point of order that could block it. Our two colleagues rightly asked, Why should Congress have to enact this provision every year, and why not make it permanent? So with that, I urge an ``aye'' vote. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. I'd now like to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Peters).

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