Robert Brady

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff) such time as he may consume.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Mr. Schiff be allowed to control the balance of the time on our side.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor my dear friend and City Councilwoman, the Honorable Carol Ann Campbell. Just like the distinguished Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Carol Ann is the scion of a great political family. Her early years at the side of her father, the famous Edgar Campbell, prepared her well for her future leadership role. But it is her inner strength that plays the biggest part in making her who she is. Everyone who knows Carol Campbell knows that she is a force of nature. Her drive and tenacity are matched only by her compassion and her loyalty. She has devoted her life to helping others. Her dedication to her neighbors led to tremendous public investment in her district during her time in City Council. Her advocacy on behalf of the African American community led to election of record numbers of judges and other officials. She has been the confidant of speakers, mayors, and governors and of presidents. And I am proud to say that she is my advisor, my strongest supporter and my best friend. Madam Speaker, there aren't enough hours in the day to list the accomplishments of this great lady. But, I am proud to ask all of my colleagues to join me in saluting her today.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1281, the Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2007. As Chairman of the Committee on House Administration, the committee that has original jurisdiction on matters that relate to Federal elections, I encourage this measure to prevent voter suppression. Over the past 100 years, this body has passed legislation regarding the very sacred franchise, the right to vote, that has significantly increased participation of all Americans across the Nation. No longer is the right to vote only made available for white, male land owners. Women, African-Americans, young people and others have been guaranteed their right to vote through the Constitution and various landmark legislation. Therefore, any attempt to prevent an eligible American from exercising this fundamental right should be met with swift protective action. During the last election cycle, just north of this House in Maryland, fliers were distributed in African-American communities which falsely stated that candidates had been endorsed by their opponent's party and by prominent African-American leaders. Distributing this type of misleading information and intimidating voters through nefarious tactics are direct threats to our democracy that must not be tolerated. Attempts to knowingly communicate false election-related information, with the intent to prevent Americans from exercising their right to vote, will be met with fines and/or imprisonment. The House and the nation should remain committed to ensuring that all eligible Americans have a guarantee that they will be able to exercise their right to vote free from intimidation and false pretenses. I stand in full support of H.R. 1281, the Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2007

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Chairman, I just want to say a few quick things. We had a problem in House Administration when Chairwoman Millender- McDonald passed away. There was a void. But taking over as chairman, I have a great working relationship with my ranking minority member, Mr. Ehlers. I have a great working relationship with the ranking minority member of this subcommittee, Zach Wamp. I also have tremendous respect for and a great working relationship with the chairwoman. We have had some conversations that we did not need to discuss here. I have been assured and am extremely comfortable with the fact that we will be together working out our jurisdictional problems. I thank the gentlewoman for stepping in at a time when it was needed. Again, with my ranking minority member, we have a great relationship. We probably have the best committee in that we get along all the time. We are going to continue to do that. I thank, again, the ranking member. I look forward to working with you, and I have your assurance that we will be doing that. Madam Chairman, I want to express my appreciation for the work of the gentlelady from Florida to craft the FY08 appropriations bill for the Legislative Branch. As we are well aware in the Committee on House Administration, working on this bill may not be very glamorous, but it is essential to keeping the House running. The Committee on Appropriations has done a good job of balancing the many needs of the House--paying our employees, keeping the physical plant running, and operating the various agencies that serve Capitol Hill. I am particularly pleased to see in this bill an additional $5 million toward upgrading the radio systems of the Capitol Police. Establishing a secure communications system for our police force is essential to the security of the Hill. I also appreciate the Committee's commitment of funds for the ``Green the Capitol'' initiative. According to the House Chief Administrative Officer's calculations, we can eventually recoup these costs from savings on our utility bills when we make the House more energy- efficient. I look forward to continuing our strong working relationship in the future. Finally, as Chairman of the Joint Committee on Printing, I urge the Members to reject the amendment by the gentleman from Arizona [Mr. Flake]. It is essential that the Congressional Printing and Binding Appropriation be funded at least at the level recommended by the Appropriations Committee. The Government Printing Office must have enough resources to provide Congress with the printing and digital services fundamental to our legislative process. The congressional printing account has been flat-funded since 2005. As a result, in order to deliver what we require to do our jobs in Congress, GPO has had to reach into its own working capital. When GPO depletes it working capital, it consumes funds otherwise available to keep pace with technology, train employees, even to maintain plant and equipment. GPO receives no salaries-and-expenses appropriation for its printing operations. GPO runs just like a business, and the Congressional Printing and Binding Appropriation is Congress' prepayment for its own orders. As a GPO customer, like many other Federal agencies, Congress has to pay its way and cannot expect GPO to underwrite printing needs, especially as we increase congressional activity in this 110th Congress. If Congress continues to underfund its own printing, GPO will eventually face a financial crisis that we caused, threatening its ability to operate for any of its agency customers. Let's reject the Flake amendment to keep that from happening.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent for the immediate consideration in the House of the resolution (H. Res. 461) dismissing the election contest relating to the office of Representative from the Twenty-fourth Congressional District of Florida.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent for the immediate consideration in the House of the resolution (H. Res. 462) dismissing the election contest relating to the office of Representative from the Fourth Congressional District of Louisiana.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent for the immediate consideration in the House of the resolution (H. Res. 463) dismissing the election contest relating to the office of Representative from the Fifth Congressional District of Florida.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous matter on the four election contest resolutions just considered.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I offer a resolution (H. Res. 478) and I ask unanimous consent for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the concurrent resolution just adopted.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent for the immediate consideration in the House of the resolution (H. Res. 459) dismissing the election contest relating to the office of Representative from the Twenty-first Congressional District of Florida.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Administration be discharged from further consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 164) authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the Senate bill (S. 1537) to authorize the transfer of certain funds from the Senate Gift Shop Revolving Fund to the Senate Employee Child Care Center, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I offer a resolution (H. Res. 460) and ask unanimous consent for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Francis ``Frank'' Johnson's accomplished career and influential musical legacy. Born in 1792 in Philadelphia, Johnson was well known as a professional musician by age 20. Overcoming the barriers of racism, Johnson achieved incredible success even in the face of such racial strife, composing over 300 pieces of music. Further, in a time when professional musicians were a rarity in the United States, Johnson established a career with incredible variety and importance that has had an impact on countless modern musicians. Johnson trained with Richard Wills, the West Point band leader, and quickly mastered many instruments like the keyed bugle. He published his first composition, ``A Collection of New Cotillions,'' in 1818, and soon became one of Philadelphia's premier musicians. Johnson's vast musical accomplishments were noted by author Robert Walsh in 1819, commenting: ``In fine, he is the leader of the band at all balls, public and private; sole director of all serenades, acceptable and unacceptable; inventor-general of cotillions; to which add, a remarkable taste in distorting a sentimental, simple, and beautiful song, into a reel, jig or country-dance.'' It is an honor to recognize a figure who was able to overcome incredible hardships to create a legacy that has affected countless generations. I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Francis Johnson for his renowned musical achievements and lasting influence.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the students of the social science classes of Central High School's 266th graduating class. Under the leadership of teachers William Graham, Michael Horwits, Stanford Levy, Joseph Putro, Reginald Speir, and president Dr. Sheldon Pavel, the students' extensive research and dedication to political education deserves great recognition. As members of the social science class, students gained an understanding of the local political process through the in-depth study of Philadelphia's 2007 mayoral race. Their hard work and dedication culminated in the Power of Student Voices Mayoral Forum, which was entirely student run and moderated. Attended by the major mayoral candidates, the forum provided the students with an opportunity to raise their concerns and speak directly to the candidates themselves. The hard work necessary for the event's success further exemplifies the students' commitment to excellence. It is an honor to recognize a group of students who show such great dedication to the political process. The commitment and outstanding initiative of the students is to be praised, and their excellence deserves great credit. I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending the students of the social science classes of Central High School for their exemplary contribution to the Commonwealth.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, on the occasion of his retirement this month, I rise to thank Mr. Phil Nichols for his long career of outstanding service to the U.S. House of Representatives. Phil Nichols has been an employee of the House for 31 years. During that time, he has earned the respect and admiration of his fellow co- workers. Phil is a person of great character and will leave behind a legacy of professionalism, hard work and dedication to this institution. His list of accomplishments is far too lengthy to include in this tribute. However, one major accomplishment of Phil's was his contribution to the team that upholstered the two chairs used by the Vice President of the United States and the Speaker of the House for every State of the Union speech. Phil's retirement is bittersweet. The House will lose an individual who from day one of his employment made a long term commitment to excellence. His performance has always been exceptional and above and beyond expectations. His legacy will live on in the Chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives as we wish him many wonderful years of happy retirement.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this concurrent resolution.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 128) authorizing the printing of a commemorative document in memory of the late President of the United States, Gerald Rudolph Ford.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleague from Michigan in support of this fitting tribute for our late President Ford. I urge the House to support the resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this resolution provides for the printing of a memorial tribute to honor our late 38th President, Gerald R. Ford. A former minority leader of this House, President Ford died on December 26, 2006, at the age of 93. Our distinguished colleague from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers), who now represents Gerald Ford's former district, introduced this resolution. The measure takes the same form as that passed after President Reagan's death in 2004. I support the gentleman's resolution, and I thank him for sponsoring it. Mr. Speaker, since President Ford's death, Americans have expressed their respect and gratitude for his remarkable career that took him into the Navy during World War II, to this House, to the Vice Presidency, and then to the White House. In the aftermath of the ordeal of Watergate, many consider President Ford, then and now, as the right man at the right time. It is fitting that Congress provide for this customary tribute, and I urge the House to adopt the concurrent resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, as chairman of the Committee on House Administration and of the Joint Committee on Printing, I want my colleagues to note that June 1, 2007, will mark the retirement of C. Michael Bright from Federal service following a dedicated career of 33 years at the Government Printing Office. Mike, as he is known, compiled an exemplary record of service at the GPO that benefited not only GPO's Federal-agency customers, the public seeking access to Government information, but Members and staff of the Congress as well. Mike served most of his career in the GPO's Superintendent of Documents operation, which makes published Federal documents available to the public via sales and through Federal depository libraries nationwide. Beginning as an editor of GPO's sales catalog, he later worked as a marketing specialist for Government documents and then was the principal assistant to the Superintendent of Documents. Among the duties Mike performed from that post during the 1980's was service as GPO liaison to the Books Abroad program, a U.S. Information Agency initiative to expand distribution of Federal Government publications overseas to counter the Soviet Union's distribution of its publications. Mike was a principal in helping to shape GPO's support for electronic information dissemination, later assisting Federal agencies in creating their own electronic information products through GPO, and for a time he served as an assistant to GPO's chief of staff. Most recently, as a congressional relations officer he was trusted by the staffs of the Joint Committee on Printing as well as other Member and committee offices to provide expert advice and assistance on GPO-related matters. In recognition of his accomplishments, over the years Mike earned both the Public Printer's distinguished service and meritorious service awards as well as the thanks of the congressional and agency staffs who worked with him. Madam Speaker, please join the Members of the House Administration Committee and the Joint Committee on Printing in expressing their heartfelt thanks for Mike Bright's career of outstanding service to the Government Printing Office, and in extending their best wishes to Mike and his family--wife Susan and son Andrew--as Mike embarks on the next stage of his life.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, on the occasion of his retirement on May 2, 2007, we rise to thank Mr. David C. Folk for 20 years of distinguished service to the United States House of Representatives. David has served this great institution as a valuable employee for the Chief Administrative Officer. David began his tenure with the United States House of Representatives in May of 1987 as a data communications specialist in the House Information Systems group. David's career at the House is one of consistent and steady contributions while meeting customer requests in voice and data wiring infrastructure. Specifically, David managed the rewiring upgrade of the House side of the Capitol and the Member Offices in all of the House Office Buildings. He also was the Quality Assurance Evaluator on the original House Infrastructure contract and assisted in the development of differing voice systems such as the Member Paging System and the press secretaries systems for the broadcast media organizations. Finally, David managed the first Secure Communications program for the House and grew it from its infancy to where it is today. David has been a key contributor to the CAO efforts on wiring infrastructure. His standard of excellence, dedication to passionate customer service, organizational skills, professionalism and ability to get the job done is well noted by his colleagues. On behalf of the entire House community, we extend congratulations to David for many years of dedication and outstanding contributions to the United States House of Representatives. We wish David many wonderful years in fulfilling his retirement dreams.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the young women of Laurel Highlands High School Cheerleading Squad and their coach Liz Dunham. The young ladies of this squad have accomplished so much not just over the squad school year but over the proceeding years. These accomplished young women have done more for the community of Uniontown, Pennsylvania than they may realize. While not only cheering at 98 games over the past year, the cheerleaders of Laurel Highlands have accomplished so much more. These young ladies have participated and volunteered their time in numerous community activities. They have raised funds and awareness for organizations and charities that include the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Bosom Buddies. The cheerleaders of Laurel Highlands High School have also collected for food banks and helped with the benefit dance for Interfaith Caregivers of Fayette, Inc. Along with their community involvement, the cheerleaders of Laurel Highlands High School have participated and won many titles and the respect of many within the sport. Including, back to back Bituminous Coal Show ``Varsity Over All High Point'' titles, along with JV winning their division, and the 2007 WPXI ``Cheer of the Year'' Contest. The involvement and dedication of these young women could end today and I still would not have enough time to stress the accomplishments of this squad both past and present. I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in commending the athletes of the Laurel Highlands High School Cheerleading Squad in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Their presence has been felt not only throughout the school but throughout the community as well. Best wishes to all of these young ladies in their future endeavors and may the memories this illustrious year last them a lifetime.