Robert Brady

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of one of Philadelphia's true rising stars, Deirdre L. Bailey. A graduate of Spelman College and Villanova University School of Law, she was a licensed attorney and a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association. I first met Deirdre shortly after my joining this body. At the time, she was a senior staffer for my good friend and constituent State Representative Dwight Evans. Her responsibilities included handling his appropriations work, with a particular eye to redeveloping the Ogontz/ West Oak Lane community Mr. Evans and I are honored to represent. She was a tireless and forceful advocate for the community. Her assistance was vital to our successful efforts to win Federal funding for the Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation. In 2002, Keystone Mercy/AmeriHealth Mercy Health Plan was able to lure her away from Pennsylvania's capitol in 2002. In her new capacity of Associate Vice President of External Affairs, Deirdre worked with my staff and those of other Members and state officials in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, South Carolina and other states to provide critically needed health insurance for low income and working people. Her knowledge of the health care delivery and insurance systems were of great value to me as I weighed the complex issues surrounding them. Mr. Speaker, Deirdre Bailey might have been content to pursue excellence in her government and corporate careers. Instead, she choose to devote her near limitless energy to serve those less blessed. She worked with dedication and generosity for charitable causes, including the Children's Scholarship Fund, Listen Inc., and the Philadelphia Chapter Black Alliance for Educational Options. She was a contributing author on School Choice: The Option of Success, The State of Black America 2001. She also was a Fellow of the 2001 Next Generation Leadership Program of the Rockefeller Foundation and served as an advisor for the Villanova University Law School Minority Advisor Society. She possessed all the attributes that we all admire in others. There was no limit to what she might have accomplished in this world and we are all worse off for her passing. Mr. Speaker, Deirdre Bailey's light was extinguished on July 6th, giving her just a little more than thirty years to light our lives. Her family, friends, colleagues and community will miss her very much. But, I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing the condolences of the House to her family. I hope that they find comfort in the knowledge that her time on Earth was well spent and that she left the world a better place than the one she found.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Mother Bethel Foundation as it begins its $20,000,000 campaign to preserve and celebrate the Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Situated in my District, Mother Bethel is the first home of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The land on which it sits has been owned by African- Americans longer than any property in the United States. Founded in 1794, Mother Bethel Church is the oldest incorporated African-American church in the country. The foundation has launched an ambitious effort to construct a new facility that will house an expanded Richard Allen museum, an interactive learning center, and archives focused on the story of Richard Allen. The ultimate goal of the Mother Bethel Foundation is to celebrate and affirm what the Church and its founder have meant to generations of Americans. In honoring the established Foundation, one must not forget to honor Mother Bethel's distinguished founder, Richard Allen, for whom the Richard and Sarah Allen Center is named. Richard Allen was a man who overcame tremendous obstacles to foster change for the betterment of African-American people. Born into slavery, Mr. Allen purchased his freedom through an agreement with his master. Rev. Allen eventually responded to a call to preach and became a regular preacher at St. George's Methodist Episcopal Church. Due to segregationist practices at St. George's Church, Rev. Allen founded Mother Bethel Church. While Rev. Allen is best known for founding Mother Bethel Church, he provided more to the African-American community. He was a critical member in the formation of the Free African Society, an organization to offer security and the benefits of association to Philadelphia's free blacks. He also joined with Absalom Jones to organize the Black Legion, a group of 2,500 men who defended Philadelphia against the British during the War of 1812. Mr. Speaker, Philadelphia is America's most historic city. But, Mother Bethel stands out as one of our most cherished sites. It is a privilege to recognize an organization with such an admirable goal. I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending the Mother Bethel Foundation as it begins its campaign this Juneteenth.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a respected member of the Philadelphia community. Mr. Jacob Hoffman is turning 100 years young. Mr. Hoffman, a resident of Brith Shalom House, will celebrate his 100th birthday this July 2, 2003. A retired real estate broker and developer, Mr. Hoffman is well regarded in the real estate community. He served on the Philadelphia Board of Realtors and was a founder of the south Philadelphia Realty Board in 1929. Mr. Hoffman has remained very active in Jewish circles. He received a citation for being a member of B'nai B'rith for over 50 years. He is the oldest board member of Har Zion Temple and is also a member of the Lions Club. Along with his two daughters, three grandchildren, and two great grandchildren, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Mr. Jacob Hoffman during his 100th birthday celebration.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the accomplishments of Kyle Rogachenko, a 14-year-old whose commitment, discipline, and motivation have made him a well-known competitor in the upper echelons of the international sailing community. Mr. Rogachenko, a 9th grader at Methacton High School in Worcester, Pennsylvania, began his sailing career at age 6 at the Toms River Yacht Club in New Jersey. Included on his sailing resume are his participation on two World Teams, three South American Teams, and three North American Teams. Additionally, he was the top American finisher at the 40th annual IOCA World Championship regatta in 2001. For his age group, Mr. Rogachenko is the top young sailor in the United States. Throughout the past few years, Mr. Rogachenko has had an extensive travel schedule that has provided him with many rewarding experiences. He has continually displayed all of the attributes of a true leader. I am proud that this young man hopes to attend the United States Naval Academy upon his completion of high school. It is a privilege to recognize such a fine young man. I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Pennsylvania's own, Kyle Rogachenko.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge Reverend Dr. Thomas J. Ritter, whose contributions to Philadelphia have been multi-faceted and unparalleled. Beyond being a community activist, builder, and leader, Reverend Ritter has served his congregation with the commitment of a dedicated and loving father for 45 years. Reverend Ritter built the Second Macedonia Baptist Church from a small house with six members to a large worship center with over a thousand members with 27 ministries. Reverend Ritter's wide scope of dedication to Philadelphia spans more than the religious spectrum. He has been very instrumental in the development of many of Philadelphia's new major business centers. Reverend Ritter served as the first executive director of the Opportunities Industrialization Center, an organization which has assisted over 75 urban communities throughout the United States and the world. Additionally, he sits on the board of directors of the Philadelphia Martin Luther King Association for Nonviolence, chairs Philadelphia's Human Relations Commission, and has established a community-based volunteer self-help organization called ``Giving of Self Partnership.'' The list of charitable endeavors that Reverend Ritter is involved in are innumerable. It is a privilege to recognize a person whose dedicated leadership has enriched the lives of countless individuals in both my district and the nation. I hope that all of my distinguished colleagues will join me in honoring Reverend Dr. Thomas J. Ritter.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the contributions of a man who has served this country for many years with remarkable dedication and honor. I rise to honor Chief Warrant Officer Charles C. Caulk who is retiring from the United States Army after a phenomenal 43 years of service. It takes a noble man to serve his country. But a man who dedicates 43 years of his life to protecting and serving the ideas that this country was built upon, is a man that few words can describe. Chief Warrant Officer Caulk's contributions to the armed services have left a lasting impact and will be not forgotten. It is a privilege to recognize a person whose leadership and commitment to our nation has enriched the lives of countless individuals. I hope that all of my distinguished colleagues will join me in honoring Chief Warrant Officer Caulk's unwavering dedication to both the citizens of our great nation and citizens around the world. His efforts create a resonating hope in the lives of those who do not enjoy the fruits of freedom and democracy.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. I rise to acknowledge the contributions of Philadelphia's own Sarah and Rubin Herman Chapter of the City of Hope Hospital and Beckman Institute of Research. As this institution celebrates its 40th year, its unwavering commitment to both the community and the medical field remain unparalleled. The Philadelphia chapter is composed of 70 local women, ages 60-85, who have dedicated countless hours of their time to support fund- raising efforts and events. Last year alone, they raised $35,000 to assist doctors and research scientists in their on-going battle to find a cure for various life-threatening diseases. The Sarah and Rubin Herman Chapter of the City of Hope Hospital and Beckman Institute maintain an exemplary level of enthusiasm about and dedication to volunteerism. They stand steadfast in their mission to provide hope for a brighter future for the survivors of life threatening diseases and their families. I hope that all of my distinguished colleagues will join me in recognizing the contribution that has been made to Philadelphia, to Pennsylvania and to our great nation.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the contributions of Philadelphia's own Berean Institute. Celebrating their 104th year, their unwavering commitment has served countless aspiring youth by preparing students for the world of work or continued education. Berean Institute is a nonprofit, state-aided and nonsectarian post- secondary institution providing affordable, high-quality educational, vocational and technological training. It is ``a place to be somebody, where you learn to earn.'' Founded in 1899 by Reverend Dr. Matthew Anderson and his wife Dr. Caroline Still Anderson, Berean continues to provide a solid foundation that assures its students the opportunity to choose a great career and acquire the marketable skills to meet and compete in the ever-changing demands to today's workforce. Mr. Speaker, the Berean Institute remains a beacon of hope to the lives of many brilliant, young minds whose opportunities may not have been paralleled to their potential. I hope that all of my distinguished colleagues will join me in recognizing their contributions to the citizens of Philadelphia, to Pennsylvania and to our great nation.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today with a very heavy heart as the passing of a dear, dear friend of mine and a dear friend of a lot of people, former Congressman Lucien Blackwell. Lucien Blackwell was a Korean decorated war hero. He was a Member of this body. He was a member of the Pennsylvania State Legislature, a member of city council, and he was a very famous labor leader. Lucien Blackwell was a champion for the little people. Two things come to mind when you talk about Lucien Blackwell: He was a warrior, and he had passion. He was a warrior and a fighter for the people who could not fight for themselves, and he spoke for people who could not speak for themselves. Mr. Speaker, in my 18 years as a party chairman for the city of Philadelphia, he was my vice chair. He stood beside me for 18 years, and for 18 years there was never a motion on the floor that he did not make or he did not second. He was without question a man of integrity and a man who will be missed. I was with him the day before he passed. We did our normal politicking and our famous back-room scheming, always to try to help somebody else. I would not be here today if it was not for Lucien Blackwell. When this seat became vacant, the first congressional seat of Pennsylvania, he was going to fill it. He was going to come back and resume his career as a Congressman. And then 2 days prior to submitting the name, he said to me that he met with his family, was having breakfast with his granddaughters and grandsons, and they said to him, Pop-Pop, if you went back to Congress we could not be doing this with you. So he thought better of it. He thought better to stay with his family and not to come back to this body, and that is why I am here. He nominated me, and I took that congressional seat. I feel a little responsible for allowing his family to have him for 5 more years, which is a very short time. Mr. Speaker, the Nation, this body lost a good man. The State of Pennsylvania lost a good man. The city of Philadelphia and the labor movement lost a good man. His family, they lost a loving husband; his loving wife, city council lady Janey Blackwell. His family lost a father, a brother, a grandfather, a great grandfather. And, Mr. Speaker, I lost a good friend. He will never be forgotten, and for sure he can never be replaced.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of Mrs. Maria Louise Brooks Jones, a resident of Philadelphia for more than fifty years. ``Mom Jones'' as she is affectionately called, has been a blessing to many in the great city of brotherly love. She is a wife, mother of nine children, grandmother of twenty-six, great-grandmother of seventeen, and an adopted ``mother'' to a host of children and grandchildren that have claimed her throughout many years. Mom Jones gained some of these ``children'' because encouraging others is her way of life. The people in her community know that they can get assistance from her in the form of prayer, clothing, or shelter. Mrs. Jones joined the church at an early age, and from Richmond, VA via Baltimore, MD joined Second Pilgrim Baptist Church in Philadelphia under the pastorate of the late Rev. R. L. Thomas. At Second Pilgrim Baptist Church, she has actively served as a member of the Combined Mass Choir and held various offices on the Jones Gospel Chorus, Senior Choir, Hospitality Ministry, Nurses Ministry, Widows' Ministry, Youth Supervisor, and the Delaware Valley Hospitality Circle. Mom Jones is an activist and leader in the education of children both in and around her community and church. She worked in the public and private schools of Philadelphia for over fifty years, and remains active in the private sector to this day. As far as she is concerned, she'll help educate children as long as children need to be educated. Mrs. Jones is a true lady, full of grace, honor, and respect. She has lived a life of honor and service. Along with her family, friends, and community, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in wishing Mrs. Jones a happy 77th birthday and commending her on her multiple accomplishments.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the lifelong service of Catherine Harris. A dedicated civil service employee, Mrs. Harris has worked with the City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health for the past 40 years. Mrs. Harris began her exemplary service as a Clerk-Typist in the Pharmacy Department. She eventually went on to become the only Mortality Coder for the entire health department. As a supervisor, she helped other staff learn the methods and principles used to rank importance of the cause of death for statistical purposes. Mrs. Harris retired from the City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health on October 4, 2002. In recognition of her years of service to the Philadelphia community, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues rise to congratulate her on retirement.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the accomplishments of Mr. Bouie Fisher, recipient of the 2002 Laborers' Local Union 332 Outstanding Community Leader Award. It is a privilege to recognize a person whose commitment to family and community has enriched the lives of countless individuals. Mr. Fisher received his first union work permit with Laborers' Local #332 when he began his construction career at the age of 17 in 1944. In both construction and amateur boxing, Mr. Fisher became a mentor and supporter of his coworkers. His success in professional boxing and in labor was propelled by the belief that any good fighter is only as good as the people around him and that a strong team can make the difference between success and failure. Even after leaving the labor field, Bouie Fisher demonstrated loyalty to Local #332 by helping on picket lines and remaining available to assist the labor movement. Mr. Fisher built a record of 13-5 fighting. The strength and support he received and imparted came largely from his wife of 55 years, Peggy, five daughters, three sons, and twelve grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, Bouie Fisher is a model citizen. I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Mr. Fisher for his lifetime of service and dedication to Laborers' Local #332 and Pennsylvania's First Congressional District.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the accomplishments of my friend and brother in the labor movement, Mr. Joseph Rafferty. Mr. Rafferty has been honored by our fellow Philadelphians by receiving the 2002 Laborers' Local Union 332 Outstanding Labor Leader Award. He has earned that honor by providing guidance and direction to Steamfitters' Local 420, the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trade Council as well as other trade councils, the Philadelphia AFL-CIO, and the entire Pennsylvania community. In 1964, Mr. Rafferty entered Steamfitters' Local 420 for a five-year apprentice program. He went on to serve as the Assistant Business Manager, Business Agent, and is now the elected Business Manager. Under Mr. Rafferty's leadership, Local 420 actively aides the community by repairing and replacing piping, boilers, and refrigeration units for non-profit agencies. Local 420 has helped organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House, the Variety Club Camp, and the Scanlon Playground Ice Skating Rink. Married to Frances, Joe's family includes his son Tom, his daughter Michele Quinn and his stepdaughters Eleanor and Aimee Troise. Mr. and Mrs. Rafferty have four grandchildren: Peter, Jake, Casey Leigh, and Chelsea. I am quite sure Joe's entire family is very proud of his numerous accomplishments. It is a privilege to recognize a person whose leadership and commitment to community has enriched the lives of countless individuals. I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Mr. Rafferty for his lifetime of service and dedication to Pennsylvania's First Congressional District.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and congratulate Louis and Josephine Koson on celebrating their 60th Wedding Anniversary this past August 29, 2002. This extraordinary couple embodies true commitment. They possess a love and dedication for each other that is remarkable. Louis and Josephine met and married while Louis was an Air Force Military Police officer during World War II. They went on to have two children: John and Loretta. By way of their children, Louis and Josephine now have one grandchild, Tommy, and two great grandchildren, Sean and Matthew. I am proud to share their story with you. Mr. Speaker, our Nation understands the value of strong families. Louis and Josephine are an example to us all that love endures all things. I hope that my colleagues will join me in recognizing their successful marriage and their 60th Wedding Anniversary.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and congratulate The Reverend Dr. David Paul Neely, Sr., Pastor of Greater Harvest Baptist Church, on the celebration of the anniversary of his 64 years in the ministry commemorating on September 27, 2002. After serving a number of churches throughout the country, Rev. Neely founded the Greater Harvest Baptist Church in 1968. For over 33 years he has Preached the Gospel from the pulpit of this house of worship located in my Congressional District. The Reverend Dr. D. P. Neely was born on May 10, 1922 in Smyrna, South Carolina, to the late Reverend Dr. C. S. Neely and Dora Sanders- Neely. He was the fourteenth of sixteen children and received his primary education in the Smyma, South Carolina public school system. He completed his secondary education at the Jefferson High School in York, South Carolina. At the age of sixteen, Rev. Neely was called to preach the gospel and was ordained six months later by the late Reverend Dr. H. Gray. as Reverend Dr. Neely continued to grow in Christianity, he enrolled in the Hanover Theological Seminary and later in the Martha's Vineyard Theological Seminary. He is the recipient of two Doctor of Divinity Degrees received in 1950 and 1997 respectively. Reverend Neely is one of four family members to be ordained to minister, preach, and teach the Word of God. They include his father the Reverend Dr. C.S. Neely, his brother The Reverend J. O. Neely, both of whom are deceased, and his youngest son, the Reverend S. D. Neely, Sr., currently Pastor of the Enon Baptist Church of Philadelphia. In 1941 Reverend Neely enlisted in the United States Airforce. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1946. As before, during and after his military service, Reverend Neely continued to preach the Word of God and maintain his profession as a Barber. In 1955 Reverend Neely moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and joined the Oakgrove Baptist Church. He later met and married Ms. Cleveland Ann Jowers-Neely. During Reverend Neely's sixty-four years of preaching, he has served numerous congregations including Mount Pisgah in Dallas, North Carolina; First Baptist Church, Mooresville, North Carolina; Trinity Baptist Church, Boston, Massachusetts; Friendship Baptist Church, Peoria, Illinois. On the third Sunday in September, 1968, Reverend Dr. Neely became the founder of The Greater Harvest Baptist Church of Philadelphia. The church was originally located at Sixteenth and Oxford Streets. However, due to a growing membership it only remained at this location for one year. It was then moved to its second home at Broad and Clearfield Streets and the membership continued to grow. Its final home is its current location, 1409-17 West Master Street where it continues to stand as a strong foundation to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. While Reverend Neely's first love remains Jesus Christ, he has great esteem for his profession of over forty years, being a Licensed Barber. Reverend Neely's long time hobby is that of Deep Sea Fisherman. His affiliations include membership in The National Baptist Convention of U.S.A., Inc., The Philadelphia Police Clergy, The Philadelphia Prince Hall Masons, Pennsylvania State Convention, Ministers Conference of Philadelphia, and the Good Friday Night Baptist Association. Mr. Speaker, houses of worship and those that lead them continue to be the backbone of our communities. Reverend Dr. Neely having labored and nurtured in the vineyard for sixty-four years has come to epitomize those values that remain inherent in the strength an character of our citizenry. I hope that my colleagues will join me in recognizing and celebrating the anniversary of The Reverend Dr. D. P. Neely's sixty- four years in the ministry.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the contributions that the Community Action Agency of Delaware County has made to improve the lives of many low income county residents. Since their inception in 1979, this agency has served numerous families and individuals. The Community Action Agency of Delaware County focuses on equipping low income families and individuals with the tools and life skills they need to develop and build their own resources. This goal is achieved through programs focusing on life skills, employment and training, housing, and community development. These programs allow my constituents to gain a sense of self-respect, self-esteem, and a renewed sense of faith in their own abilities. The qualities and skills they develop make it possible for them to lead lives free from dependent relationships with government agencies. The Community Action Agency of Delaware County has been successful in combining public, private, and nonprofit resources to address the needs within the economically disadvantaged community. Through these efforts they have become a major provider of social services and housing in Delaware County. For their work, they have received accolades from the Council of Delaware County. Mr. Speaker, the Community Action Agency of Delaware County is ensuring that true self-sufficiency is possible for everyone in Delaware County. I hope that all my colleagues will join me in recognizing their contributions to Delaware County, to Pennsylvania, and to our great Nation.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of Rev. S. Amos Brackeen 2d, 83, a social activist, and founder of the Philippian Baptist Church, who recently died after providing more than four decades of spiritual and civic leadership in Philadelphia. From the time Rev. Brackeen arrived in our city in 1959 to become pastor of Jones Memorial Baptist Church, he was recognized as a theological activist. In the early 60's he stood on street corners with civil rights leaders and demanded accountability from the Philadelphia Police Department when a white officer shot and killed an African American man suspected of shoplifting. He was appointed by the Mayor to a committee helped to expose racial disparities in the payment of city workers. As a member of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Philadelphia and Vicinity, Rev. Brackeen fought discriminatory practices by city labor unions. He also led the North Philadelphia Human Relations Committee, which sought to improve relations between police and the residents of North Philadelphia. While continuing the fight for equality for African Americans, he also focused on the importance of economic equity. In that regard he became part of an effort that established an African American owned bank in Philadelphia. In 1965, he founded Philippian Baptist Church in the First Congressional District with less than a hundred members. Today, there are 1,500 congregants. However, his theology went beyond America's shores. As treasurer of the Baptist Foreign Missions Bureau, he gathered support from his congregation to help build a church in Nigeria, West Africa and a church and school in Haiti. He also sponsored the establishment of the Philippian Baptist Home Mission for Haitians newly migrated to Philadelphia. While Rev. Brackeen was born in Port Arthur, Texas, the son of the town's first African American physician, his adopted City of Philadelphia has been enriched and spiritually fed by this progressive and dynamic child of God and leader of the faithful. I know my colleagues will join me in expressing my condolences to his loving family and congregation.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. I thank the gentleman from Illinois for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I urge the passage of this bill which honors one of the legends of South Philadelphia, William A Cibotti. I am pleased that the post office at 925 Dickinson Street in Philadelphia, in South Philadelphia, will be known as the William A. Cibotti Post Office Building. Mr. Cibotti was born in Philadelphia, the son of Italian immigrants. A leader in South Philadelphia's civic life for many years, Mr. Cibotti was chosen by his neighbors to serve as an elected magistrate from 1952 to 1966. In that year he was elected Philadelphia city councilman for the Second District in the city of Philadelphia, a position his daughter, Council President Anna Cibotti Verna, continues to hold. Councilman Cibotti received a great many distinctions during his illustrious career, including the decoration of Cavaliere of the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity, conferred by the government of the Italian Republic. Philadelphia lost Councilman Cibotti in 1975, but his legacy lives on as a true servant of the people. As a testimony to that, his daughter, Anna Cibotti Verna, has continued his history of service as the Second District's councilperson and as our council president. I know that she is proud of her father and all he has accomplished. But I also know that he is even prouder of her as he looks down on all that she has achieved. Anna Verna is without question one of the finest, classiest people I know, in or out of government. Hopefully she will continue to serve for many years in that capacity. I would like to thank Chairman Burton and Ranking Member Waxman of the Committee on Government Reform as well as Chairman Weldon and Ranking Member Davis and their staffs for all their hard work on this bill. I again join my colleague in thanking the leadership in the Democratic and the Republican Party for bringing these bills to the floor for passage. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, we have heard the credentials of Herbert Arlene being the first African American State Senator in the State of Pennsylvania, a position that we were all proud that he held. On a personal note, I was elected chairman of the Democratic Party along with him, and he was elected as my Secretary. I served with him for 10 years, and he served with distinction in the city of Philadelphia in the Democratic Party. Senator Arlene was a hands-on politician. He served the community in many ways, including as the leader of the 47th Ward in the city of Philadelphia. Mr. Speaker, Herbert Arlene left behind a loving family, as well as a new generation of leaders in North Philadelphia. Many of my constituents continue to revere Senator Arlene for his importance to Pennsylvania's history. They also recognize him for his emphasis on constituent service, and his love of the city and the commonwealth. It is fitting that we designate the facility at 1299 North 7th Street in Philadelphia as the Herbert Arlene Post Office Building. I thank the gentleman from Indiana (Chairman Burton) and ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman) of the Committee on Government Reform, and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Weldon) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) for all of their hard work on this bill. I urge Members to support this bill.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, today we honor the lion of Zion, Reverend Leon Sullivan, and it is fitting that we name the post office at 6150 North Broad Street in Philadelphia as the Rev. Leon Sullivan Post Office. I have my speech here prepared, and I thank my two colleagues for their heartfelt words, but I would like to add a personal note. I knew the Reverend Leon Sullivan. I knew him well. He is revered in the city of Philadelphia as the Zion Church is on North Broad Street. His spirit lives on with that church. It is as vibrant as can be and is staying as vibrant as it can be with the 6,000 members that are there. I would like to say that a lot of good people are following in his footsteps. They are very, very large footsteps. I like to think that I got a little piece of that. I knew him personally. He was a dear friend. I had a good opportunity to see him not too long before his death. He will surely be missed. I also again thank Chairman Burton and Ranking Member Waxman of the Committee on Government Reform as well as Chairman Weldon and Ranking Member Davis and their staffs for all their hard work on this bill. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a great American and a great labor leader, Ed Coryell. A veteran of the Viet Nam war, Ed joined the Carpenters Union in 1967. He worked his way up from apprentice to the leadership of Local Union 8. After serving as Business Representative and Health and Welfare Board Trustee, he was elected President and Business Manager of the Metropolitan District Council of Carpenters of Philadelphia and Vicinity. He has also served as a Trustee of the Carpenters' International pension fund and serves as President of the Pennsylvania State Council of the union. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Coryell has not limited his activities to our union. He is also a member of the Boards of Philadelphia Independence Blue Cross and the Philadelphia Housing Authority. Our Governor appointed him to Team Pennsylvania, which is charged with bringing jobs to the Keystone state. Ed Coryell built his union into a strong and united body of skilled craftsmen who have changed the skyline and the infrastructure of our city. Over the many contracts he negotiated, he won great improvement in the wages and benefit packages his 10,000 members enjoy. He established the finest training program for Carpenter apprentices and journeymen in the country. Because of Ed and others like him, Philadelphia's unofficial slogan is ``if it's not built Union, it doesn't get built.'' Mr. Speaker, the members and leadership of Unico will be honoring Ed Coryell for his years of service to his union, his city, his state and his nation. I join them in that honor. And I know that my colleagues stand with me as I salute my president, my mentor and my friend, Ed Coryell.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained in my district on May 14, 2002. Had I been present and voting, I would have voted: Yea on Rollcall # 161 Yea on Rollcall # 160 Yea on Rollcall # 159

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my name as a cosponsor of House Resolution 346.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I rise to support the FY03 Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act and appreciate all the hard work my colleagues and my chairman did to produce a bill in support of our national defense. One area of particular concern for me is the Maritime Administration's Title XI Vessel Loan Guarantee Program. I am pleased to see that we have decided to authorize $50 million to continue this valuable program, which sustains our national shipbuilding industrial base by supporting commercial shipbuilding. This is necessary in the face of foreign competition and subsidies and is good for all U.S. shipyards, large and small. In addition, this will also serve to maintain a skilled labor force critical to our defense industrial base. I note that the committee expects that the Maritime Administration will place a priority on providing loan guarantees under the Title XI Ship Loan Guarantee Program for the construction of commercially viable vessels that are militarily useful, such as for highspeed sealift, or that meet specific requirements of Federal law, such as the requirement for double-hull tankers. These types of commercial projects would be the highest priority for continuing this program. There are many laudable projects, including the FastShip project in my congressional district, which should be supported by the Department of Defense and the Department of Transportation. Military useful projects, like FastShip, have always been a key element of the Title XI program. High- speed sealift vessels are particularly important in light of the modern military's need for rapid logistical support. I urge the Maritime Administration to fairly consider these projects for which applications have been filed so that these shipbuilding projects can go forward in our U.S. shipyards and built by our skilled American labor force. The Maritime Administration must consider all both the commercial and the military benefits of these projects by fairly and fully reviewing all available documents on current and future applications. The Maritime Administration is obligated to ensure the strength of our national security through the support of a strong merchant marine. Finally, I would like to thank Chairman Bob Stump for all his years of service to our country and for his hard work on this important bill. It has been an honor to serve with him and I am proud to call him my chairman. I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill and the Title XI vessel loan guarantee authorization.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and congratulate Richard and Mary Hunter on celebrating their 60th Wedding Anniversary this April 10, 2002. This loving couple has lived in my district for over sixty years. I admire their immense devotion to each other. They embody true love and respect for each other. Mary and Richard met at the Philadelphia Frankford Arsenal in my district. Mary worked as an assembly line supervisor while Richard worked as an armorer under her direction. Their love flourished and after two years of courtship they married on April 10, 1942. After 60 years of marriage, Richard believes that Mary is still his supervisor. Shortly after their marriage, Mary continued working at the Armory. Richard went off to serve as a radio technician in World War II and assisted in the liberation of several concentration camps in Germany. Richard and Mary went on to have four children: Rick, Randy, Maryann, and Pat. By way of their children, Richard and Mary now have eleven grandchildren and six great grandchildren with another great grandchild on the way. I am proud to say that they are my constituents and to share their story with you. Richard and Mary are rare and special. They are living examples of endless and long-lasting love. I send them my tributes, my respect and my highest regards. Mr. Speaker, our nation understands the value of strong families. Richard and Mary are an example to us all that love endures all things. I hope that my colleagues will join me in recognizing their successful marriage and their 60 year Anniversary.