Robert Brady

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the entire House of Representatives, today I pay tribute to Mr. Rodric J. Myers, Director of House Garages and Parking Security with the Sergeant at Arms. Rod has served this institution with distinction for over 40 years, as an officer with U.S. Capitol Police and with the Office of the Sergeant at Arms. On June 14, 2013, Mr. Myers will retire from the House of Representatives. His capable guidance, trusted mentorship, and steady leadership have been invaluable assets not only to his staff and colleagues, but to every Congressional office. A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Rod Myers joined the U.S. Capitol Police in June 1972. He began as a uniform patrol officer eventually working his way to an Administrative Specialist for the Capitol Division. Rod was responsible for nearly 100 officers, the daily roster assignment of those officers, all while still working active policing assignments outside of his administrative duties. His 29 years of service were marked by a remarkable attention to detail, devotion to the institution, and professionalism of the highest order. During Rod's tenure with the U.S. Capitol Police he had the distinct honor of working ten Presidential Inaugurations, 40 State of the Union addresses, and countless special events in between. Over the years, he met numerous dignitaries and heads of state, but as a loyal Dallas Cowboys fan, those meetings paled in comparison to greeting the Super Bowl Champions. As the U.S. Capitol Police administrative specialist, he knew this assignment needed his personal attention. On July 9, 2001, Rod was appointed Director of House Garages and Parking Security with the Sergeant-at-Arms. Over the last 11 years, he has worked tirelessly to strengthen parking procedures to enhance the safety and security of Members and staff Coordinating with the U.S. Capitol Police and the Office of the Attending Physician, Rod created comprehensive on-going training programs for all Garages and Parking Security staff, ensuring the House is prepared for any eventuality. His involvement in continuity and contingency planning with the Sergeant at Arms has been invaluable. He worked closely with the Committee on House Administration over the years, and will be sorely missed by our Members and Staff Rod Myers' deep and profound commitment to this institution is second to none. From the tragedy of September 11, to the anthrax scare, to an unprecedented earthquake, his gentle nature projected a sense of calm and assurance to all who encountered him. His leadership by example and ability to motivate are benchmarks in a long and distinguished career. Please join me in commending the outstanding service of Mr. Rodric J. Myers, to the Congress of the United States and congratulating him on his retirement. We wish you well in all your future endeavors.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute today for Colin Langan, a 2013 award recipient of the Teamsters Local 830 Scholarship Fund. Over the past 37 years, this important fund has awarded scholarships totaling over $2.7 million to talented young adults throughout our community. Because of the hard work of the members of Teamsters Local 830 and the employers of these members, students like Colin are able to make higher education possible. Colin's father, Thomas Langan, works in the Delivery Department of Canada Dry. I greatly admire Colin's hard work at Central Bucks High School South and his aspirations to study pre-med. With his work ethic, I am sure Colin will achieve his dream of one day becoming an Orthopedic Doctor. I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues help me in honoring Colin Langan and his commitment to his community and studies that enabled him to become a 2013 award recipient of the Teamsters Local 830 Scholarship Fund.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute today for Christina Arasim, a 2013 award recipient of the Teamsters Local 830 Scholarship Fund. Over the past 37 years, this important fund has awarded scholarships totaling over $2.7 million to talented young adults throughout our community. Because of the hard work of the members of Teamsters Local 830 and the employers of these members, students like Christina are able to make higher education possible. Christina's father, David Arasim, works in the Delivery Department of Meenan Oil Company. I greatly admire Christina's hard work at Pennsbury High School and her aspirations to study earth & mineral sciences. With her work ethic, I am sure Christina will be successful in whatever career she chooses. I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues help me in honoring Christina Arasim and her commitment to her community and studies that enabled her to become a 2013 award recipient of the Teamsters Local 830 Scholarship Fund.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute today for Lindsey Gibbs, a 2013 award recipient of the Teamsters Local 830 Scholarship Fund. Over the past 37 years, this important fund has awarded scholarships totaling over $2.7 million to talented young adults throughout our community. Because of the hard work of the members of Teamsters Local 830 and the employers of these members, students like Lindsey are able to make higher education possible. Lindsey's father, Christopher Gibbs, works in the Operations Department of PBC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I greatly admire Lindsey's hard work at Little Flower High School and her aspirations to study health administration and pre-law. With her work ethic, I am sure Lindsey will achieve her dream of one day becoming a lawyer. I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues help me in honoring Lindsey Gibbs for her commitment to her community and studies that enabled her to become a 2013 award recipient of the Teamsters Local 830 Scholarship Fund.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute today for Gabrielle Bamberski, a 2013 award recipient of the Teamsters Local 830 Scholarship Fund. Over the past 37 years, this important fund has awarded scholarships totaling over $2.7 million dollars to talented young adults throughout our community. Because of the hard work of the members of Teamsters Local 830 and the employers of these members, students like Gabrielle are able to make higher education possible. Gabrielle's father, Joseph Bamberski, works in the Delivery Department of Canada Dry. I greatly admire Gabrielle's hard work at Archbishop Ryan High School and her aspirations to study forensic psychology. With her work ethic, I am sure Gabrielle will be successful in whatever career she chooses. I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues help me in honoring Gabrielle Bamberski and her commitment to her community and studies that enabled her to become a 2013 award recipient of the Teamsters Local 830 Scholarship Fund.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute today for Jacquelyn Bamberski, a 2013 award recipient of the Teamsters Local 830 Scholarship Fund. Over the past 37 years, this important fund has awarded scholarships totaling over $2.7 million dollars to talented young adults throughout our community. Because of the hard work of the members of Teamsters Local 830 and the employers of these members, students like Jacquelyn are able to make higher education possible. Jacquelyn's father, Joseph Bamberski, works in the Delivery Department of Canada Dry. I greatly admire Jacquelyn's hard work at Archbishop Ryan High School and her aspirations to study biology. With her work ethic, I am sure Jacquelyn will achieve her dream of getting her Physical Therapy Doctorate. I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues help me in honoring Jacquelyn Bamberski and her commitment to her community and studies that enabled her to become a 2013 award recipient of the Teamsters Local 830 Scholarship Fund.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute today for Taylor Donia, the 2013 award recipient of the Louis P. Mattucci Memorial Scholarship. Over the past 37 years, the Teamsters Local 830 Scholarship fund has awarded scholarships totaling over $2.7 million dollars to talented young adults throughout our community. Because of the hard work of the members of Teamsters Local 830 and the employers of these members, students like Taylor are able to make higher education possible. Taylor's father, Joseph Donia, is a truck driver for American B & D. I greatly admire Taylor's hard work at Seneca High School. With her work ethic, I am sure Taylor will achieve her dream of one day becoming a Physician's Assistant. I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues help me in honoring Taylor Donia and her commitment to her community and studies that enabled her to become the 2013 award recipient of the Louis P. Mattucci Memorial Scholarship.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute today for Daniel Gindhart, a 2013 award recipient of the Teamsters Local 830 Scholarship Fund. Over the past 37 years, this important fund has awarded scholarships totaling over $2.7 million to talented young adults throughout our community. Because of the hard work of the members of Teamsters Local 830 and the employers of these members, students like Daniel are able to make higher education possible. Daniel's father, Daniel Gindhart Sr., works in the Warehouse Department of PBC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I greatly admire Daniel's hard work at Triton Regional High School and his aspirations to study accounting. With his work ethic, I am sure Daniel will achieve his dream of one day becoming a Certified Public Accountant. I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues help me in honoring Daniel Gindhart and his commitment to his community and studies that enabled him to become a 2013 award recipient of the Teamsters Local 830 Scholarship Fund.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute today for Brandi Zieminski, a 2013 award recipient of the Teamsters Local 830 Scholarship Fund. Over the past 37 years, this important fund has awarded scholarships totaling over $2.7 million to talented young adults throughout our community. Because of the hard work of the members of Teamsters Local 830 and the employers of these members, students like Brandi are able to make higher education possible. Brandi's father, Theodore Zieminski, works in the Facilities Department of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I greatly admire Brandi's hard work at Archbishop Ryan High School and her aspirations to study secondary education. With her work ethic, I am sure Brandi will achieve her dream of one day becoming a high school teacher. I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues help me in honoring Brandi Zieminski and her commitment to her community and studies that enabled her to become a 2013 award recipient of the Teamsters Local 830 Scholarship Fund.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute today for Richy Masciarelli, a 2013 award recipient of the Teamsters Local 830 Scholarship Fund. Over the past 37 years, this important fund has awarded scholarships totaling over $2.7 million to talented young adults throughout our community. Because of the hard work of the members of Teamsters Local 830 and the employers of these members, students like Richy are able to make higher education possible. Richy's father, Richard Masciarelli, works in the Maintenance Department of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. I greatly admire Colin's hard work at Pottstown High School and his aspirations to study business management and health & occupation. With his work ethic, I am sure Richy will be successful in whatever career he chooses. I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues help me in honoring Richy Masciarelli and his commitment to his community and studies that enabled him to become a 2013 award recipient of the Teamsters Local 830 Scholarship Fund.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a great Philadelphian whom we mourn today. Joe Mahoney, Jr. was a man that everyone called a friend. As Executive Vice President of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Joe was the face of Philadelphia business. He was an eloquent and passionate advocate for the entire business community. But small business was his special love. He and his best friend, his bride Pat, owned a small business themselves. He personally understood the joys and challenges of building and maintaining an enterprise. There are many adjectives you can use when you talk about Joe. Smart, dedicated, energetic, diplomatic, charming, and knowledgeable are just a few. But the fact that he and Pat were true partners in every sense tells you all that you really need to know. They worked together in support of our region, their alma mater, St. Joseph's University, and in support of local charity. That's the kind of guy Joe was. Joe was especially gifted in the field of government relations. He worked equally well with Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. He was at home in the Halls of Congress, the State Legislature, and City Hall. He understood and respected both the executive and legislative branches, as well as business, labor, and the non-profit centers. He worked as well in New Jersey and Delaware as he did in Pennsylvania. He was liked and respected in all of the region's counties. Joe understood how all the pieces fit together to form the complex mosaic that is the Delaware Valley. His life made that mosaic more beautiful. His loss leaves it less so. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to say that I knew Joe. I'm even more honored to say that Joe knew me. He was a friend to all. We all grieve his passing, even as we celebrate his life. I am sure that all of my colleagues join me in expressing our condolences to his family.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Lana Felton-Ghee, a constituent of Pennsylvania's 1st District, for her 66th birthday. Born, raised and educated in Philadelphia, Lana is well known for her successes in business and politics. Graduating from Temple University, Ms. Felton-Ghee led a longtime, high profile career in marketing and public relations. She established her own business in 1995, Lana Felton-Ghee Associates, Inc., and took on challenging projects in our area and throughout the country. Her expertise was recognized nationally, and she became a key consultant on campaigns for figures such as Mayor Ed Rendell and President Bill Clinton. Throughout her busy and successful career, Ms. Felton-Ghee also made time for a fulfilling family life and is a proud mother of four and grandmother of ten. I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues help me in honoring Ms. Felton-Ghee and her birthday. Ms. Felton-Ghee is the epitome of a life-long Philadelphian and a model citizen. We can all learn something from her fortitude and her commitment to her career, her city and her family. She has been known to say that ``there is no place like Philadelphia,'' but Philadelphia would not be nearly as bright a place without her vibrant and dedicated personality.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Investigator Francesco Z. McBride, a constituent of my district, who has been chosen to receive the distinguished honor of the Amtrak Police Department's Officer of the Year for 2012 for his numerous and significant contributions to the department. A resident of Sharon Hill, Investigator McBride joined the Amtrak Police Department (APD) in 2001 initially as an Officer, and is now an Investigator in Amtrak's Mid-Atlantic Division. He is a member of the APD Pipe and Drum Unit. Investigator McBride's exemplary service has resulted in arrests in cases that have a combined monetary value of approximately $325,000. These cases include copper wire theft in Baltimore that has resulted in damage and serious disruptions to train operations; recovering Amtrak- owned tools and equipment from burglar's barn; and tracking down the culprits of the theft of copper materials in Philadelphia. These are just a few examples of Investigator McBride's invaluable work that has earned him the distinction of Amtrak Police Officer of the Year. I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues help me in honoring the Officer of the Year, Investigator McBride, for his admirable work with Amtrak.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Lana Felton-Ghee, a constituent of Pennsylvania's 1st District, for her upcoming 66th birthday on April 8th. Born, raised and educated in Philadelphia, Lana is well known for her successes in business and politics. Graduating from Temple University, Ms. Felton-Ghee led a longtime, high profile career in marketing and public relations. She established her own business in 1995, Lana Felton-Ghee Associates, Inc., and took on challenging projects in our area and throughout the country. Her expertise was recognized nationally, and she became a key consultant on campaigns for figures such as Mayor Ed Rendell and President Bill Clinton. Throughout her busy and successful career, Ms. Felton-Ghee also made time for a fulfilling family life and is a proud mother of four and grandmother of ten. I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues help me in honoring Ms. Felton-Ghee and her birthday. Ms. Felton-Ghee is the epitome of a life-long Philadelphian and a model citizen. We can all learn something from her fortitude and her commitment to her career, her city and her family. She has been known to say that ``there is no place like Philadelphia,'' but Philadelphia would not be nearly as bright a place without her vibrant and dedicated personality.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I agree with the majority that this election contest should be dismissed and that it stands before us without merit. The Contestant notified the House that he should be the winner of the election not based on the finding of any solid evidence but based on rumors, conjecture and hearsay. Contestant also raises accusations of misconduct by law enforcement and election officials without proof. The Contestant does not support any of his arguments with specific creditable evidence. Based on this, I am voting to grant the Contestee relief by disposing of this contest. My only regret is that the House was not able to dismiss this frivolous contest earlier in the 113th Congress.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his work on the committee. I am pleased he is managing this bill today. It's good for the next generation of Members to learn the procedures of the floor this way--putting them right in the line of fire. I would also like to thank the chairman for how she handled our marathon hearings. I've had her job and know how difficult it is to be juggling the schedules of all our fellow Members and of our fellow chairmen and ranking members. Mr. Speaker, I rise, though, in opposition to this resolution. We have cut committee funding for the last 3 years. We are past the point of cutting what we want, and we are now into cutting what we need--our ability to attract and retain expert staff. I asked the same question to every ranking member and every chairman who came in front of us. I asked them, if they're into cutting their personnel, whether or not they've thought in their own minds if it would hurt them in the jobs that they could do and in the jobs they do for the American people on those committees. Every man and woman said it would be an issue for them, that they would have a problem. Again, we cut in 2012 and gave people positions at lower salaries. These people, without question, make double, triple, four times the amount of money they can in the public sector. They're dedicated--they're dedicated people--but sometimes dedication doesn't pay the bills that they do acquire and that they do have. Their main concern was keeping people on their staffs who had institutional knowledge, people who had the knowledge of how this House works. As you all know, when you first get here, it can be a quagmire-- you don't understand what's happening; it moves too fast--but these men and women who are here for many years, they do know that, and they keep this train running. To hurt them and not be able to retain them would be a major, major disservice with just the institutional knowledge that they have. Again, I get it. I understand the cutting. I understand we've got to cut some other people, but if we cut these staff members--the people who have been here--and try to attract other people who can do the jobs that our committee staffs do, I think that it would be hurting the American people. We need to defeat this resolution and give the committees the appropriate resources that they need to do their basic work and to do what the people sent us here to do.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Philadelphia's own, Bernard ``The Executioner'' Hopkins. On March 10, 2013, Bernard became the oldest boxer to win a major title. A champion both in and out of the ring, Bernard is among Philadelphia sports' greatest icons. Breaking his own record from two years earlier, Bernard beat 30 year old Tavoris Cloud for the IBF light heavyweight championship. At 48 years old, Bernard proved that age is just a number as he out moved his opponent, something he has done many times before. After the fight he said, ``Tonight was one of the bigger fights of my career.'' Bernard has been a champion for a long time--he won the Pennsylvania Junior Olympics at age nine. He is among some of boxing's greatest like Sugar Ray Robinson, Carlos Monzon, and Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Oscar De La Hoya once said that Hopkins is ``one of the great talents we've had in this generation.'' His latest win is his 53rd professional win, 32 of which came by knockout. This is also not the first record Bernard has shattered. His record of 20 successful title defenses has been unbreakable since he reached the milestone in 2005. Bernard is not just a champion in the ring but a champion to Philadelphia, the city he always called home. He works tirelessly with the city's youth to help them get on and stay on the straight and narrow. He is a husband and a father and great American. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues join me in honoring a great champion, and an even greater person, Bernard Hopkins.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Shen Yun Performing Arts' upcoming visit to the tri-state area and the company's significant contributions to the advancement of the arts in the Philadelphia area. Reviving the essence of 5000 years of Chinese culture, Shen Yun is a world-class dance company that has performed in cities across the United States and abroad. The company's performers practice the Falun Dafa spiritual discipline and are hosted by local Falun Dafa Associations around the world. Founded in 2006, Shen Yun has graced many of the world's greatest stages in its short tenure, including Lincoln Center in New York City, The Kennedy Center in D.C., Royal Festival Hall in London, and Le Palais de Congres in Paris. Philadelphia has been blessed with a vibrant and active Chinese community, one that has been bettered through the contributions of Shen Yun. I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues help me in honoring Shen Yun and their upcoming trip to the Philadelphia area. I am thrilled that my community will be able to enjoy the beauty of this dance company in the upcoming months.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, the unveiling of the new statue of Rosa Parks in Statuary Hall marks an historic moment. No American man or woman has stood taller than Rosa Parks when she refused to stand and move to the back of a legally segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. The first full-sized statue of an African American to be approved and funded by Congress since 1873 honors the actions of this humble Black woman which triggered the Montgomery bus boycott. The boycott ultimately led to the U.S. Supreme Court's 1956 decision declaring segregation on municipal buses unconstitutional. As Chairman of the Committee on House Administration, it was my honor to shepherd the process through Congress and to manage passage of the enabling legislation which was written and introduced by introduced by former Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. It was humbling for me, and my colleagues, to make decisions that would help shape and preserve her legacy including working with Architect of the Capitol on selecting the final design. The artists captured her quiet dignity, and hallmark strength. She'll forever appear as steady and unmovable as the rock she sits upon. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the work of Congressman Jackson who brought the need for this statute and the need to name Emancipation Hall to the House's attention. I was moved by the statement that Mr. Jackson prepared to deliver today. The Unveiling of Rosa Park's Statue in Statuary Hall--Speech Prepared by Jackson Before He Went on Medical Leave, June 10, 2012

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to thank Chairman Miller and her staff for working in a bipartisan fashion on this legislation. As the chairman mentioned, we created this competition so Members can help promote STEM education in a way that has a direct impact on their constituents. It is this very type of learning that will be essential to continue revitalizing our Nation's economy. The time and energy we invest now in advancing STEM education will only strengthen our Nation's economic posture in the future. This competition is one small way to do that. I look forward to continuing to work with the chairman as we develop regulations for this program and implement this competition. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 2 minutes to the gentlelady from California, Anna Eshoo.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews). (Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller).

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Yes, I'd just like to also deviate, for a moment or two, on our issue here. Tomorrow we will be honoring Rosa Parks with a statue. And as our Chairman Miller can start to understand, being the chairman of the committee, we won't get an opportunity to say anything, but it is our committee that had this happen. I would like to thank Mr. Lungren, the former chairman and ranking member of our committee. Because of that we will be honoring Rosa Parks in Statuary Hall tomorrow, which we would not, again, have a chance to say that. I would like to thank, also, Jesse Jackson. Without his efforts every single day, every week, pushing to have that statue done, we would not be in that Hall tomorrow honoring her. So I need to give credit where credit belongs, and I appreciate the moment to be able to say that. Again, I wish to thank the chair for her cooperation on this bill. I look forward to working with her as we implement the program's regulations. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Helen Agnes Weaver, a constituent of my district, who celebrated her 101st birthday on August 1, 2012. A native of Philadelphia, Mrs. Weaver is devoted to her community and family. She is the proud mother of two children, the grandmother of seven grandchildren, and the great-grandmother of twenty-three great grandchildren, and the great-great-grandmother of seventeen great- great-grandchildren. I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues help me in honoring the significant occasion of Mrs. Weaver's 101st birthday. Mrs. Weaver is the epitome of a life-long Philadelphian and a model citizen. We can all learn something from her fortitude and her commitment to her city and family. She will remain an inspiration for many generations to come.