Robert Brady

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This bill is not a serious or viable attempt to address the debt ceiling issue and is merely another way to avoid dealing with the difficult choices we need to make. We have been here before. We know what happens when we govern with this kick-the-can-down-the-road mentality. The most troubling effect, again, is the constitutionality of this bill is also dangerously unclear. I was not on the floor last week when my colleagues read the Constitution. Maybe they didn't reach the 27th Amendment. I am not a constitutional attorney. I am not an attorney in any way, and I make no apologies for that. But it's real easy: No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators or Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of the Representatives shall have intervened. ``Varying'' is the, again, as my friend did say, operative word. If you aren't getting a paycheck in a month and you're going to wait for 18 months, that's varying. So it could be--and, in my opinion, it is--a constitutional problem. But be that as it may, I do commend the majority for recognizing that Congress must pay its bills, that raising the debt ceiling isn't about spending more money, it's about paying for bills we already incurred. There is widespread, bipartisan acknowledgement of how difficult and serious the fiscal challenges before us have become. However, this proposal is just another attempt to yet again put the discussion off for another day. Madam Speaker, I came here and I saw the sign, ``No Budget, No Pay.'' It probably should say, ``No Budget, Delayed Pay,'' but it sounds better when you say ``No Budget, No Pay.'' That means we may not be getting paid, but we're going to get paid; it will be delayed, but we're going to get paid. Every year in this house we do pass a budget; although, it's a budget that I can't vote for. It's a budget that hurts the middle class, the working class, the want-to-be-working class, and it also hurts the American people's safety net. We know again this year we will pass that budget. So our friends on the other side of the aisle are putting up a No Budget, No Pay quite well knowing that they will probably pass their budget and we probably will get paid. On another thought, as my good friend, Mr. Doyle, from Pittsburgh has said to me, why not no gun control, no pay? Why not no immigration reform, no pay? Why not no DISCLOSE Act, no pay? So, Madam Speaker, in my opinion--and I think in a lot of my colleagues' opinion--it's a gimmick bill. No Budget, No Pay has no teeth. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. How much time do I have remaining, Madam Speaker?

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. It is my pleasure to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Welch).

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. I would like to yield 1 minute to my dear friend from right across the river from me, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews). (Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I would like to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York, Hakeem Jeffries.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 1 minute to the distinguished Democratic leader, Ms. Nancy Pelosi.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York, Mr. Jerry Nadler. (Mr. NADLER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, it's my honor to yield 1\1/ 2\ minutes to the assistant Democratic leader, Mr. Clyburn. (Mr. CLYBURN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. As I have no more speakers, I'm prepared to close and yield myself the balance of my time. I heard the previous speakers on the other side talk about no budget, no pay. It's no budget, delayed pay. They are trying to fool the American people by saying we're not getting paid, which is not true. We are going to be getting paid--which I doubt also--at the end of 18 months. So we're going to get paid. The reason why I doubt that is because every year my colleagues on the other side of the aisle do pass a budget. Do we pass a budget that we can agree with? No. Do they hurt the middle class? Yes. Do they hurt the working class? Yes. Do they take away safety nets? Yes. Do they hurt our veterans? Yes. Without question, I will make a bet with anybody who would like to that there will be a budget passed in this session. When that happens, they will try to put some pressure on the Senate, which can easily pass anything they want to pass, and then that makes this no budget, no pay, no teeth. With that, Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Union League of Philadelphia which will commemorate its Sesquicentennial Celebration on December 27, 2012. This occasion will reflect on the great history and traditions that have helped sustain the League, and have made it one of the great civic institutions in Philadelphia. In late 1862, during some of the darkest and most turbulent days of America's Civil War, a group of patriotic Philadelphians resolved to create an organization to assist President Abraham Lincoln and the North to save the American Union. By early 1863 The Union League of Philadelphia was diligently printing and distributing anti-secession literature, financing military regiments, and devoting its talent and resources to the protection of southern Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia from the menace of invasion. Following the northern victory in April of 1865, the Union League found a new and continuing purpose as it demonstrated its support for Reconstruction legislation and new amendments to the U.S. Constitution, positive political action, and election reform. Into the twentieth century and the present day, the legacy of the Union League includes an outstanding record of 150 years of civic, philanthropic, and cultural activities. Today, its 3,300 members continue to sustain the Union League and its ethos of patriotism and service. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in honoring the Union League of Philadelphia for its 150 years of service to the city of Philadelphia and the Union.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Roberto Marmo for his years of success both politically and professionally in the United States and Italy. For much of his life, Roberto Marmo has enjoyed great success both in politics and his entrepreneurial endeavors. Mr. Marmo's career in politics spans several decades beginning with his time as a provincial councilor of Canelli in the 1980's. In the following decade, Mr. Marmo served the comune of Canelli as Mayor. From 1999 until 2008, he held the position of President of the Province of Asti. Currently, Mr. Marmo is a member of the Chamber of Deputies serving the people of Italy as a member of the Commission on Budget and Treasury. In addition to his political successes, Mr. Marmo is an accomplished entrepreneur in the Piedmont region of Italy. He holds the roles of President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cantina Sociale di Canelli-Cooperative as well as the President of the Cellars of Canelli Winetrading Ltd. After taking over at the Cantina Sociale di Canelli in 2004, a company on the verge of bankruptcy, Mr. Marino has guided the business to a position of financial stability. In recent years, the wine cellar has enjoyed annual profits in excess of =20 million and produced over 14 million bottles. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in honoring Roberto Marmo and thanking him for his years of service in the Republic of Italy and influence in the United States.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Gianluca Arcangioli for his years of dedicated service in defending civil liberty, both domestically and abroad. Mr. Arcangioli has consistently demonstrated both bravery and intelligence in the face of crisis. Born in Naples, Italy, Gianluca received officer training in 1993 and served as an Italian police officer until transferring to Kosovo where he would be awarded a medal for peace keeping. Following his completion in Kosovo, Gianluca Arcangioli moved to the U.S. and served as a police officer at the Consulate General of Italy in the cities of Philadelphia and New York City. Gianluca Arcangioli has displayed his commendable abilities on several occasions, including his effort in handling the Hudson River tragedy in New York on August 8, 2009. Officer Arcangioli was praised for his effort and high standards on a professional and human level as well as his exceptional support given to diplomats, friends, and family of the victims. Most recently, Mr. Arcangioli exhibited his aptitude by diligently dealing with the Hurricane Irene crisis in New York. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Gianluca Arcangioli for his dedication to protecting the lives of many.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lynette M. Brown-Sow for her dedication in the field of healthcare and service to the city of Philadelphia. Lynette is a great example how one can use their expertise to achieve success while also contributing to the community. As Vice President for Marketing and Government Relations at Community College of Philadelphia, a position she has held since 1995, Lynette has engaged communities, businesses, and governments in constructing frameworks that promote progress and prosperity. Her outstanding work was rewarded in 2009 when she was named Communicator of the Year. Lynette has done significant work in the behavioral healthcare field. She serves on the board of Directors of the Consortium, which named its newest service center the Lynette M. Brown center of hope. In 1991, Philadelphia Mayor Edward G. Rendell appointed Lynette Deputy Mayor of Administration. In 2007, Lynette co-chaired Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter's transition team and was appointed as vice-chair of the Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment. Lynette is the founder and chairman of the Hardy Williams Education Fund, a nonprofit organization that provides support for educational endeavors and scholarships for people interested in careers in law, government, or social action; and founder of L.M Brown Management Group, a certified minority/female-owned consultant firm. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in honoring Lynette M. Brown-Sow for her successful endeavors and major contributions to the city of Philadelphia.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, October 10th heralds one century and one year of the Republic of China (ROC). History--and, particularly Chinese history--is filled with many tales of heartbreak, despotism, suffering and despair. But more than a century ago, one man, Dr. Sun Yat-sen had a different vision for a new China. Having spent his formative adolescent years in the U.S. state of Hawaii, Dr. Sun returned to China inspired by the uniquely American ideals of U.S. Presidents Alexander Hamilton and Abraham Lincoln. When given the chance, Dr. Sun would tell anybody who would listen that the crux of President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, ``government of the people, by the people, for the people'', had shaped his own political philosophy, the Three Principles of the People. While implementation of Sun's three principles was often flawed and undermined while the ROC was on mainland China, they eventually took shape--long after his death following the ROC's move to Taiwan in 1949. In 1987, Taiwan lifted its Martial Law Emergency Decree. In 1991, free elections were held for the island's Legislative Yuan. And in 1996, amidst the attempted intimidation of mainland Chinese missiles being lobbed into the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan staged its first free presidential election. Taiwan has since had three more four presidential elections--most recently, this past January with power changing hands once in each direction. Voter participation in Taiwan is among the highest in the world, and its people value and embrace its democracy. With so many government ministers having lived and studied in the United States, the ROC-U.S. connection and shared democratic ideals forged under Dr. Sun are alive and well in Taiwan. I urge all my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Republic of China on its 101 years of principled existence, and on its living example of true democracy.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Command Sergeant Major Otis N. Cuffee. For 37 years, Sergeant Major Cuffee has served in the United States Armed Services and will soon celebrate his retirement after decades of service to our Nation. Sergeant Major Cuffee dedicated 37 years in continuous active duty service to our country. During his tenure in the U.S. Armed Services he served in various leadership positions, from Squad Leader to Sergeant Major. As Sergeant Major, Cuffee extended his expertise to teaching the Basic Airborne Training Course and the NCO Academy Advanced Course. Most recently, he has had the position of a senior enlisted leader at the Defense Logistics Agency. Sergeant Major Cuffee has received numerous personal awards including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service. His relentless dedication was honored with the Meritorious Service Award, Army Commendation Award, Army Achievement, Humanitarian Service Award and Korean Defense Service Medal. Additionally, Sergeant Cuffee has received numerous unit and condition awards. Sergeant Cuffee's long and impressive career showcases his commitment not only to his local community but our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in thanking Command Sergeant Cuffee for his dedication and congratulate him on the occasion of his retirement.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Walter Higgins for his invaluable contribution to the infrastructure of Philadelphia. Since 1986, Walt has transformed several of Philadelphia's vital roadways, enhancing the city's travel efficiency. After graduating Monsignor Bonner High School in 1975, Walt studied Labor-Management Relations and Construction Management at Delaware Community College, Kutztown University, and The George Meany Center for Labor Relations at the National Labor College. Walt was the Traffic Control Coordinator and Foreman for projects such as the Vine Street Expressway Reconstruction, and the 1-95 Center City Access Job. Walt also coordinated logistics with the City of Philadelphia, the Workforce and Penn Dot for several fast track projects. Philadelphians who regularly utilize the Walt Whitman Bridge, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the Patco High Speed Line understand the importance of Walt's work on these projects. Walt has been a member of the Laborers' Local 57 for more than thirty years and presently serves as the local's Business Manager and the Vice President of the Laborers District Council of Philadelphia. He is a trustee on the Laborers District Council Pension and Health and Welfare Benefit Funds and sits on the Board of Directors of the Allied Trades Assistance Program. Aside from managing business, serving councils, and improving Philadelphia's infrastructure, Walt enjoys spending time with his wife Adele, son Tom and his wife Kelly, and his three grandsons. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Walter Higgins and thanking him for his service to the city of Philadelphia.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor C. Kevin Gillespie. Father Gillespie will be inaugurated as the 27th president of Saint Joseph's University on Friday, October 12, 2012. A native of West Philadelphia, Father Gillespie attended St. Margaret's Grade School in Narberth, Monsignor Bonner High School in Drexel Hill, and then Saint Joseph's College in Philadelphia. After earning his bachelor's degree in psychology in 1972, Father Gillespie went on to earn master's degrees in psychology from Duquesne University and in divinity from the Jesuit School of Theology Berkeley. He holds a Ph.D. in pastoral psychology from Boston University. Father Gillespie entered the Society of Jesus in 1975 and later served at Loyola College in Maryland where he became the first director of the master's program in Spiritual and Pastoral Care. There he also founded LOGOS, Loyola Overseas Gestures of Solidarity. Most recently, Father Gillespie was the associate provost for University Centers of Excellence at Loyola University Chicago where he lead five academic centers and in 2011, simultaneously served as interim dean of the School of Social Work. Father Gillespie credits his St. Joseph's education for preparing him to meet the critical issues he faces every day. He has served on the Board of Saint Joseph's since 2006. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in honoring C. Kevin Gillespie for his years of service and congratulate him on his new journey as president of Saint Joseph's University.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Don Tollefson for his years of dedicated journalism in the city of Philadelphia. For almost 40 years, Don Tollefson has represented the essence of sports in the Delaware Valley. Moving to Philadelphia in 1975, Don Tollefson held the position of Sportscaster and Sports Director for Channel 6 News. Don is most notably known for his years of service at Fox 29. Don was the co-host of Good Day Philadelphia for several years and also hosted a variety of sports-related programs including The Ray Rhoades Show and Eagles Game Day Live. More recently, Don has reported preseason games and halftime shows for the Philadelphia Eagles and co-hosts the show Eagles Game Plan. Don Tollefson's contributions to the area stretch further then his journalism. Don is the creator of a non-profit motivational program, One Child Saved, that brings together athletes, entertainers and people in the television industry to talk to disadvantaged children. One Child Saved teaches under-privileged kids the importance of anti-hatred and anti-violence, while motivating the children to pursue careers. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in honoring Don Tollefson and thanking him for his years of service and dedication to the city of Philadelphia.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of legislation to authorize the Library of Congress to accept certain gifts on behalf of the Library. Expanding the Librarian's authority to accept gifts other than money is in the best interests of the Library. Occasionally, the Library is offered gifts that would be beneficial but which the Librarian cannot today accept, such as voluntary personal services or vintage equipment needed to play old movies or audio recordings. Further, the bill authorizes the Librarian to accept gifts of marketable securities for immediate disbursement and other personal property valued at $25,000 or less. In this budgetary era, authority to accept and make good use of such donations will serve the Library well. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I support this bill to allow a candidate for Federal office to designate someone to disburse his or her unspent campaign funds in the event of the candidate's death. Under this bill, a Federal candidate could designate another person by filing the appropriate form with the FEC and could revoke or change the designation at any time. The bill allows the candidate to designate a second individual to carry out the duties and wishes of the candidate, within the limits of the law, should the first designee die or become unable to perform these duties. H.R. 406 further allows candidates to provide instructions for distribution of campaign funds as allowed by law. H.R. 406 is designed to help campaign treasurers facing conflicting State laws in cases where Federal candidates die leaving unspent balances in their campaign treasuries, which happens from time to time. This measure offers a commonsense improvement to the Federal Election Campaign Act to deal with this situation. The House has passed similar legislation before, and I urge our Members to support it again. I pledge to my friend, Mr. Jones from North Carolina, that I will do whatever I can in my power, and I know my chairman will, too, to make sure the Senate does take this up so we can pass it into law. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I urge the House to adopt this resolution which the chairman has accurately described. Members who served in the 107th Congress will recall that in 2001 we authorized new additions of three congressional publications: ``Women in Congress,'' ``Black Americans in Congress,'' and ``Hispanic Americans in Congress.'' The new editions of ``Women in Congress'' and ``Black Americans in Congress'' were distributed to Members, libraries, and others in 2007 pursuant to their respective authorizations. However, in the 11 years since we authorized the new edition of Hispanic Americans in Congress, circumstances have changed, including, I am delighted to say, the election of more Hispanics to serve in this House and the other body. This means the new edition will be larger than estimated, and the cost of printing the same number of copies of Hispanic Americans will likely be larger. As I urge adoption of this resolution, I wish to thank the Clerk, who worked on this revised edition, and the dedicated men and women of the Government Printing Office, who procure the volumes for their fine work. The new editions of ``Women in Congress'' and ``Black Americans in Congress'' are useful, high-quality reference volumes of great value to students, historians, and us. I am certain the new edition of ``Hispanic Americans in Congress'' will similarly be well received when published and distributed in the coming months. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Serrano) for as much time as he may consume.

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

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I also urge support for H.R. 6336, to direct the Joint Committee on the Library to accept the statue of Frederick Douglass and provide for its permanent display in Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center. Often considered the father of the civil rights movement, Frederick Douglass' place in history was earned with deep-seated courage and an unshakable belief in the equality of all human beings. A former slave, Douglass went on to become one of the most prominent figures of the movement to free the slaves. His statue should serve as a reminder to millions of visitors to this great place of both how far we've come and how far we still have to go. Mr. Speaker, I'd also like to thank my chairman, Mr. Lungren, for his patience--this was a long time coming--and his negotiations and for his respect, and also for his unyielding cooperation. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.