Lou Barletta

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to draw your attention to a special event, Engineers Week, taking place from February 21st through the 27th. This honorary week is a time to recognize the hard work of all engineers and the innumerable contributions they have made, especially within my district and state. The scientific skills and specialized knowledge of the engineers in my district have fulfilled my constituents' daily needs and resolved some of the major technological challenges of our time. Often referred to as the stealth profession, engineers have influenced nearly everything around us--even when we may not recognize it. Whether designing efficient urban environments, protecting towns from natural disasters, or making simple tasks more accessible, engineers provide the lifeblood that drives our modern societies. Engineers Week is a formal coalition of more than 70 engineering, education, and cultural societies, with more than 50 corporations and government agencies focused on raising public awareness of engineers' positive contributions to our communities. This week also prompts parents, teachers, and students to consider the importance of a technical education and a high level of math, science and technology literacy, and motivates youth to pursue engineering careers in order to provide a diverse and vigorous engineering workforce. Mr. Speaker, it has been an honor to represent the engineers of my district and their families. I am grateful for their contributions to society and benefit daily from their tireless work. I invite everyone to take this week to thank our nation's engineers for their dedication, to recognize the countless ways they have made our world safer and more efficient, and to encourage the next generation of great engineers in their future endeavors.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Eric Williams Correctional Officer Protection Act. First, let me explain the title of the bill. Eric Williams was a constituent of mine from Nanticoke, a senior correctional officer at the U.S. Prison at Canaan in Waymart, Pennsylvania, which is just outside of my district. On February 25, 2013, that is 3 years ago tomorrow, Eric Williams was working in the prison when he was suddenly attacked by an inmate. The inmate knocked Officer Williams down a flight of steps. He then stabbed him more than 200 times with a homemade shank. That inmate is now charged with first degree murder, first degree murder of a United States corrections officer, and possessing contraband in prison. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Needless to say, at the time of the attack, Officer Williams was unarmed. Now, it makes sense that officers don't carry firearms into areas where inmates could gain access to them, but this bill tells the Bureau of Prisons to supply pepper spray to prison officers or other employees who could be involved in emergency situations with inmates. If Officer Williams had been equipped with pepper spray 3 years ago, he might have been able to defend himself against that cowardly, ambush-style attack, and perhaps he would be alive today. This will give correctional officers that fighting chance that Officer Williams did not have. I have had the privilege of meeting with Eric Williams' parents, Don and Jean. They are now part of an organization called Voices of JOE. The letters of J-O-E stand for Jose Rivera, Osvaldo Albarati, and Eric Williams. They were killed because of their jobs in the correctional system. For them, Mr. Speaker, and all of our correctional officers who risk their lives every day, I urge support of the bill.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Mr. Raymond C. Rinaldi for his innumerable contributions to the constituents of my district and surrounding communities through his work with the Ronald McDonald House of Scranton. As a distinguished attorney in the region, he has consistently exemplified the partnership between private enterprise and community engagement in northeastern Pennsylvania. Admitted to the bar in 1965 and establishing his legal practice in 1972, Raymond has worked tirelessly to establish a firm distinguished by its principles. Through hard work, client loyalty, confidentiality, and strict ethics, Rinaldi & Poveromo, P.C. has become the symbol of client-focused legal services. Raymond's defining contribution to the community began nearly three decades ago when he embarked on a project with consequences no one could have foreseen. After being approached by Albert and Carol Mueller about the idea of opening a local Ronald McDonald House in Scranton, personal experience inspired him to engage in this important undertaking. Raymond and his wife Rosemarie dealt with medical issues after the birth of one of their sons, and encountering firsthand the difficulties parents encounter while seeing their child undergo medical treatment, it was apparent that assisting in the implementation of this project was nothing more than a selfless duty. Providing a ``home-away-from-home'' so families can stay close to their hospitalized children at no cost, the Ronald McDonald House of Scranton has assisted thousands of families in the area with food and lodging while caring for a loved one. Raymond's humble duty turned out to be a lifelong passion as he served on the organization's board of directors for nearly three decades, and continues to provide pro-bono legal services to this day. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Mr. Raymond C. Rinaldi for his continued service to the community, as he has promoted an atmosphere where families can face the weight of medical emergencies together. His selfless dedication has impacted countless lives and I express my deepest gratitude for his service with the hope that Raymond's work will continue to be the gold standard of service to the community.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I honor my constituent, Marine Sergeant Adam C. Schoeller of Boiling Springs, and to express my deepest condolences to his family and friends. On January 14, 2016, Sgt. Schoeller and 11 of his fellow patriots went missing off of the coast of Oahu during a late night training session when the two CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters they were travelling in crashed. These honorable Marines tragically lost their lives while in the line of duty, and the American people are forever grateful for the service they provided to their country. Sgt. Schoeller graduated from Boiling Springs High School in 2008 and enlisted to serve his country with the United States Marine Corps immediately afterward. Deployed during Operation Enduring Freedom, Sgt. Schoeller's leadership and bravery distinguish his outstanding service to our nation, as evidenced by the over 200 people who attended a vigil in his honor held at the Boiling Springs Clock tower and Veterans Memorial. Sgt. Schoeller received various honors such as the Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal--decorations which are indicative of his dedication to our country. Sgt. Schoeller is survived by his wife, Samantha Wickel-Schoeller, whom he recently married on July 4, 2015. Samantha, his father Ralph, his mother Laurie, sister Shannon, and brother Collin were all able to travel to Hawaii through the Semper Fi Fund following this terrible tragedy. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the life and service of Sgt. Adam C. Schoeller, for his selfless heroism and dedication to his family, community, and country.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to draw attention to a great, iconic Catholic church located in my district, one that was vital in my upbringing as a young man. My own Holy Rosary Parish in Hazleton, Pennsylvania is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and it remains a historic landmark within my congressional district, providing generations of people with a place to come together and worship. Like many Catholics in the Hazleton area, I have many fond memories of events centered in and around Holy Rosary. My grandfather was one of the parish founders, and I, myself, took my First Holy Communion there and was confirmed in the church. I am a third-generation member of Holy Rosary, my children are fourth-generation, and my grandchildren are fifth-generation. My personal experiences mirror those of countless others from our area, as we share the overall culture the church provides for the citizens of Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District and beyond. Founded in April of 1916 as a mission church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the church was originally established to serve the Italian immigrants of Hazleton's south side. Since then, the church has continually engaged with the community at large and is regarded as one of the most welcoming organizations in the region. To celebrate the church's 100th Anniversary, the congregation has embraced a theme of remembering the past, celebrating the present, and preserving the future. Actively involved in the community, the Holy Rosary Parish of Hazleton hosts an annual Mass in honor of the Hazleton Fire Department, which includes a September 11th memorial service. The church property includes a 9-11 Memorial and actual steel from the World Trade Center in commemoration of the brave men and women who responded to that day's tragic events. The congregation also routinely engages with their homebound parishioners--whether it is a priest providing Holy Communion, or a youth group member bringing a poinsettia at Christmas time. With an eye to the future, the church is also implementing a collaborative outreach effort with the purpose of providing evening meals and nightly shelter to the community's homeless population during the winter months. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to honor the Holy Rosary Parish of Hazleton, Pennsylvania as it celebrates its 100th anniversary, and I commend its congregation, both past and present, for their tireless efforts to preserve its longstanding legacy.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to help commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Lehigh Carbon Community College. With humble roots in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, the school was founded in 1966 and has expanded to include three modern satellite campuses serving more than 7,500 students in the Lehigh, Carbon, Schuylkill, and surrounding counties. As a student-centered learning institution, Lehigh Carbon Community College exemplifies values that permeate all aspects of the higher education experience. Through practical access to real-world skills, classroom diversity that embodies the human experience, and quality teacher-student contact, Lehigh Carbon Community College offers students the tools they will need to meet the world's most daunting challenges. In January 2005, Lehigh Carbon Community College received a 21st Century Learning Center Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the implementation of the Schools and Homes in Education (SHINE) after school program. This program was designed to address the before and after-school programs available to students in the community. The first full year proved to be a success--86 percent of classroom teachers involved noted significant improvement in homework assignments, and kindergarten children improved an average of 32 percent in letter recognition, number recognition, and sound association. In the spring of 2006, Lehigh Carbon Community College received notice that the program would receive additional funding for expansion into Mahanoy Area and Shenandoah Valley School Districts. This new program was to focus on kindergarten through 5th grade, and has continued to show the value that after-school programs provide when coupled with exceptional leadership and resources. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Lehigh Carbon Community College as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. On behalf of a grateful community, I wish to thank the college and its members for their tireless service to the community and unwavering commitment to accessible education.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 44, I was unavoidably detained in a constituent meeting. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' Personal Explanation

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, today, we are making critical changes to our domestic trade laws to ensure that U.S. companies compete on a level playing field. Manufacturers in my district have suffered a competitive disadvantage from trade cheaters in China and other foreign countries that don't follow the trade rules we already have on the books. Unfortunately, there are companies in China who cheat. American companies cannot compete with products that are subsidized by foreign governments and therefore priced below market value. American companies waste valuable time and legal fees bringing cases against unfairly subsidized products that are dumped into the United States. When American companies win these dumping cases, they deserve to have the penalties enforced. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, American companies have not been competing on a level playing field. Those same trade cheaters that dumped their goods into our U.S. markets are adding insult to injury by evading the duty or penalty. When they ship the product from a country that doesn't have a penalty for dumping, they are skipping out on paying the penalty for cheating in the first place. We need a better referee to level the playing field. We need the penalties to be enforced. That's why I negotiated for the inclusion of the ENFORCE Act in the final Customs Bill and defended their importance throughout this Conference process. This bill will ensure that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) must investigate cases of duty evasion within 300 days. If for some reason CBP begins rubberstamping these decisions, the company can go to a U.S. court to have the case reviewed. These are critical reforms that are necessary to ensure that American companies are on a level playing field. I thank my colleagues and friends Mr. McHenry, Mr. Tiberi, Chairman Brady, Speaker Ryan, Dr. Boustany, Mr. Smith, and the Steel Caucus for working with me on this important reform. Every foreign company wants to sell their goods on American store shelves to American consumers. We must make sure we have the tools we need at the border to prevent foreign trade cheaters from sneaking their goods onto our shelves without paying the appropriate duties. We must protect American manufacturers and American jobs from trade cheaters. Additionally, I urge support for this bill because of critical protections against misguided attempts to use trade agreements to rewrite our domestic immigration laws and environmental regulations. While this bill is not perfect, the permanent improvements to our trade laws and the bans on misuse of trade agreements make it worthy of our support.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, today is a historic day, as we are voting for a five year surface transportation reauthorization bill that provides critical investment to our roads and bridges. This will help keep America competitive and provide certainty to states and communities planning infrastructure projects. However, it is irresponsible that neither the House nor the Senate has worked on serious reforms. We have not adjusted the user fee for our infrastructure in 20 years or considered new, sustainable revenue streams. Instead, we have spent valuable time searching for short term gimmicks. Make no mistake; I am disappointed with the offsets in this bill. We should not be robbing the banks or Customs to pay for our roads and bridges. This is fiscally irresponsible. At some point, we have to say enough is enough. That time has come. We need a long-term, robustly funded bill. We missed an opportunity with this legislation, but we in Congress must work together to continue finding common ground on innovative ideas to ensure the Highway Trust Fund has a sustainable revenue source. We cannot allow our children and grandchildren to pay for the investments we should be making now. As a Conferee, I was happy to work with Chairman Shuster, Ranking Member DeFazio, and my Senate Colleagues on important roadway safety issues, such as preventing heavier trucks from driving on our local roads. This bill fully funds the Highway Safety Improvement Program, which invests in infrastructure like guardrails, rumble strips, and retroreflective signs. While you will never read the headline, ``Rumble strip saves family of four,'' this program saves lives every day and for that reason alone, I urge my colleagues to support this bill today. Additionally, I was pleased to see common-sense provisions that I championed included in the final agreement. For example, I introduced the Local Farm Vehicle Flexibility Act to make sure farm vehicles are not regulated like long haul trucks. Today, this highway bill includes language to prevent farmers from getting tickets for driving from field to field without covering their load. It makes crude oil being transported by freight rail safer and gives first responders more time to react in the unlikely event of a derailment by including top fitting protections for the pressure relief valves. It also includes language that I strongly support to reduce paperwork burdens on concrete truck drivers. I worked with my fellow conferees to encourage the use of U.S. iron and steel in rolling stock frames and car shells. This provision will increase use of U.S. iron and steel in the fabrication of rolling stock frame and car shell components and subcomponents. Finally, many of the policy ideas that I introduced in the Safer Trucks and Buses Act were incorporated in this final version. We must work to make sure we fix the important safety score program so that good decisions can be made on scores that actually represent truck and bus safety records. Investing in infrastructure is good for the economy and good for America. I am happy to vote for this long term bill and look forward to working with my colleagues on policy ideas that could be included in a comprehensive tax reform bill to ensure the Highway Trust Fund has a sustainable funding source.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to support the Every Student Succeeds Act. This bipartisan bill will end the unworkable, one-size-fits all No Child Left Behind Act and give control of our kids' education back to our states, local school districts, teachers, and parents. I have always believed that educational decisions are best left to the people who are closest to the students, and that means moving power out of Washington, D.C. and back into our own communities. It restores state and local control by allowing states to opt out of federal education programs, protecting states' abilities to control their own standards and assessments, and providing school districts with more funding flexibility. It empowers parents by preventing federal interference in private and home schools, promoting school choice by strengthening charter and magnet schools, and allowing funds in eligible school districts to follow students to the schools they actually attend. And, it includes unprecedented restrictions on the Secretary of Education's authority, and prevents the federal government from requiring or coercing states to adopt the Common Core curriculum. Most importantly, it reauthorizes the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program as a separate and directed federal funding stream under Title IV. The 21st CCLC program is the only federal funding source for our nation's afterschool programs, which students and working families across America rely on each and every day. In my district in Pennsylvania, the program provides 49 percent of total funding for SHINE, or ``Schools and Homes In Education,'' a successful afterschool educational program in Carbon and Luzerne counties. I have worked on SHINE for many years back home with my friend, state Senator John Yudichak--a Democrat--because helping our kids succeed should always be a bipartisan cause. And, we have succeeded in making it one today. Afterschool programs like SHINE are known to improve academic achievement, increase school attendance, and engage families in education. They also keep our kids safe resulting in lower incidences of drug-use and violence. Where I'm from in Pennsylvania, this is extremely important. Gangs have become a big and persistent problem in some of our neighborhoods. In the end, this is truly a banner day for the school children of northeastern Pennsylvania and across the country. SHINE and countless other afterschool programs have touched so many families and given kids education opportunities they otherwise would not have had. I know these programs help families and I can assure my constituents that I will continue to advocate and support afterschool programs here in Congress both now and in the future.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Association of Realtors. The association and its members have played a crucial role in helping my constituents realize the American dream of home ownership. Since 1915, the association has been able to support the interests of local realtors in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The organization has enjoyed a distinguished history of real estate brokerages that have grown from sole proprietorships to multiple offices over the course of the past century--a notable feat. The senses of entrepreneurship and dreams shared by all of its realtors have perpetuated a long list of members and have survived to the present day. They truly embody the spirit of American entrepreneurialism, and I am thankful for the services that they provide my constituents on a daily basis. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the Greater Wilkes-Barre Association of Realtors as it celebrates its 100th anniversary, and I look forward to the group's continued success for years to come.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize retiring Berwick Area High School football coach, George Curry, as he concludes a highly successful career. George is the winningest coach in Pennsylvania high school history, and has had a tremendously positive impact on countless student athletes in my district. For the past 46 years, George has embarked on a career underpinned by 450 wins and six Pennsylvania State Championships. He was twice named National Coach of the Year by USA TODAY, and his teams were selected as National Champions by that same newspaper three times. It should also be noted that George was not just interested in procuring a prolific number of wins. Rather, he was focused on the development of his players, both academically and personally. Many of George's players believe that they would never have had access to such world-class educations if they had not counted him as a mentor and coach--and more than 700 of George's players went on to collegiate careers. Further, over 200 landed scholarships to top Division I programs in Pennsylvania and elsewhere. The fact that George would spend hours putting together promotional packages for college recruiters on behalf of players who did not even attend Berwick Area High School is a testament to his utter dedication and commitment to the development of our community's youth, and is a practice that should be commended. It is no secret that George's players have enjoyed tremendous athletic success as a result of his leadership. But still others never played a single down of football beyond high school, and went right into careers, or trades, or into the military, and took with them lessons about life that only George could have instilled in them. They have raised, are raising, or soon will raise families that will become part of the expanding fabric of our community, and for this, we have George to thank. Mr. Speaker, I am immensely proud to help commemorate George Curry's phenomenal career, and am forever grateful for the futures he has shaped, and the lives he has touched. This is the true measure of a great high school football coach and mentor, and I hope that George will celebrate the culmination of an impactful career in the company of his family and friends.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Madam Chairman, I rise today to strongly oppose the amendment. This is bad policy because our local communities cannot afford to spend billions in new damages to our local roads and bridges. As a former mayor, I stand with the mayors, cities, and counties in opposition. When heavy trucks get off the highway to fuel up their tanks or to make their deliveries, they end up on roads and bridges paid for by the counties, the cities, and the States. More than 25 percent of the Nation's bridges are structurally deficient, and a majority of these are locally owned. In Pennsylvania alone, we have over 5,000 structurally deficient bridges. It doesn't matter how many axles are on that truck. Additionally, Madam Chairman, I worked in the construction industry building roads and bridges. A local street only has a few inches of asphalt while the interstates have over a foot of concrete. Our local roads are not designed for the increased damage, and our local communities cannot afford billions in new maintenance costs. This is not just fiscally irresponsible; it is indefensible. It is wrong to force our mayors and county commissioners to subsidize this special perk, a perk that many truck drivers are afraid to take on. This weight increase is strongly opposed by truck drivers and companies. There are serious safety concerns, such as braking problems and increased crash rates. That is why I stand with the troopers, the sheriffs, and the first responders. Please vote ``no'' on this amendment.

Mr. BARLETTA. Madam Chairwoman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BARLETTA. Madam Chairwoman, I am offering an amendment to make the transportation of crude oil by railroads safer. My amendment would require all tank cars moving flammable liquids to be retrofitted with new safety equipment. This is in addition to the strong safety measures included in the Federal Rail Administration's recent tank car rule. The safety measures would place top-fitting protections on the tank car. These top fittings protect the pressure relief valve, which protects the integrity of a tank car. The valve can slowly release the gases in the unlikely event that the tank car is exposed to pressure buildup in a fire as a result of a derailment. This decreases the likelihood of a major incident and provides first responders additional time. The newer tank cars have this type of protection, but the majority of DOT 111 legacy tank cars do not have this enhanced protection. That is about 50 percent of the expected retrofit tank car fleet, making this reform very important. A similar requirement was considered and rejected during the tank car rulemaking process due to cost-benefit concerns. This proposal is a less costly option that is supported by the Association of American Railroads, the American Chemistry Council, the Railway Supply Institute, the American Petroleum Institute, and the Renewable Fuels Association. I am proud to offer this amendment to improve the safety of moving crude oil by rail. This is an issue that is very important to Pennsylvania. I thank Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member DeFazio for working with me on this amendment. I also thank Mr. Lipinski for cosponsoring the amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BARLETTA. Madam Chairwoman, I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3598, the Fusion Center Enhancement Act of 2015. The purpose of this legislation is to clarify and enhance the partnership between the Department of Homeland Security and the National Network of Fusion Centers. The bill amends the existing statute to update the Department's responsibilities for sharing information with State and local law enforcement and other emergency personnel within the National Network of Fusion Centers. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, State and local governments created fusion centers as a way to communicate Federal homeland security information to State and local law enforcement officials as well as to fuse State and locally collected information with Federal intelligence. Congress supported this partnership by mandating that the Office of Intelligence and Analysis within the Department of Homeland Security coordinate and share information with fusion centers. There are now 78 State and locally owned fusion centers across the country. H.R. 3598 amends existing law to improve the relationship and flow of information between the Federal Government and fusion centers. The bill includes language updating the responsibilities of the Department of Homeland Security related to support and coordination within the National Network. This includes improving coordination with other Federal departments to provide better operational intelligence, reducing inefficiencies, and coordinating nationwide suspicious activity reporting. As a member of the Homeland Security Committee and a former mayor, a concern I have heard from law enforcement in my district is a lack of information and coordination from ICE, CBP, and other DHS component agencies. I have seen this problem firsthand and know that more can be done to help our local law enforcement get the support that they need from the Federal Government. This bill is one small step to make that fusion center a better resource for the people who know our communities the best: our local law enforcement officers. The bill includes language to direct DHS to ensure that each component is providing information and personnel to work with the fusion centers. To address the need for better accountability, language is included throughout the bill requiring DHS to coordinate with fusion centers and State Homeland Security advisers in carrying out the assigned responsibilities. Additionally, I added a requirement for the Department to submit a report to Congress on their efforts, including the components, to support fusion centers and specifically report on how they are meeting the requirements set forth in this bill. I want to thank House Intelligence Committee Chairman Nunes, Committee on Homeland Security Chairman McCaul and Ranking Member Thompson, and Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence Chairman King and Ranking Member Higgins for working with me to bring this bill to the floor. The bill went through regular order and received bipartisan support during subcommittee and full committee consideration. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill so we can add important requirements and accountability in how the Department of Homeland Security interacts and shares information with key State and local stakeholders. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Washington, DC, October 28, 2015. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, House Committee on Homeland Security, Ford Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman McCaul: On September 30, 2015, your committee ordered H.R. 3503, the ``Department of Homeland Security Support to Fusion Centers Act of 2015,'' reported. Additionally, on that same day, your committee ordered H.R. 3598, the ``Fusion Center Enhancement Act of 2015,'' reported. As you know, both H.R. 3503 and H.R. 3598 contain provisions within the jurisdiction of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. On the basis of your consultations with the Committee and in order to expedite the House's consideration of both bills, the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence will not assert a jurisdictional claim over either bill by seeking a sequential referral. This courtesy is, however, conditioned on our mutual understanding and agreement that it will in no way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of the Permanent Select Committee with respect to the appointment of conferees or to any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bills or any similar legislation. I would appreciate your response to this letter confirming this understanding and would request that you include a copy of this letter and your response in the committee reports for both bills and in the Congressional Record during their floor consideration. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Sincerely, Devin Nunes, Chairman.

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3598) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to enhance the partnership between the Department of Homeland Security and the National Network of Fusion Centers, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, one of the most critical responsibilities of the Department of Homeland Security is to share threat information with State and local first responders. Fusion centers are a key mechanism for that process. The original requirements directing DHS' responsibilities towards fusion centers were enacted in 2007. In the past 8 years, there have been significant changes to the information- sharing environment and the fusion centers across the country. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 3598 in order to bolster the information-sharing environment within the Department and between the Department and State and local stakeholders. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to help commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Kawneer Company's Bloomsburg plant. The plant is an essential manufacturing center in my district, and provides necessary materials for the construction of a multitude of education facilities, healthcare centers, public buildings, and retail stores across America. With close to 400 employees, the Bloomsburg facility provides work to many of my constituents. Since 1965, the Kawneer Company has enjoyed tremendous success as a crucial manufacturing facility in the heartland of Pennsylvania. The company has helped fuel the inspiration of architects and building teams for more than 100 years, and has continuously implemented new manufacturing capabilities in order to improve efficiency and quality. Alcoa purchased the facility in 1998, and today, Kawneer Company's Bloomsburg plant is an integral part of Alcoa's Global Business and Construction Systems business. Built on the Susquehanna River, the plant has persevered numerous times through devastating floods. Most recently, a flood nearly destroyed the facility, filling the shop floor with over five feet of water. Kawneer employees, in conjunction with Alcoa and the state of Pennsylvania, were able to reinvigorate the plant with new life and used the rebuilding opportunity to learn and grow. The plant's recent incorporation of a flexible robotic line is a symbol of Kawneer's commitment to development, efficiency, and progress. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the Kawneer Company's Bloomsburg plant as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. I am incredibly grateful for the presence of this productive manufacturing facility which continues to bring prosperity and employment opportunities to my constituents. I look forward to the plant's continued success and innovation in the years to come.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 551 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Cumberland County Association of Township Officials. Over the past century, the organization has consistently endeavored to advance the interests of Cumberland County's 18 townships and has diligently served my constituents. First established in 1915, the organization continues to provide an arena for the discussion of issues of local and regional importance. Furthermore, the association serves over 400 township officials in Cumberland County by hosting informational conferences, offering training opportunities, and advocating for its members at the county, state, and federal levels. Most importantly, the organization helps a range of supervisors, managers, secretaries, treasurers, tax collectors, and auditors develop a better understanding of the rights and duties of township officials--an invaluable educational service. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the Cumberland County Association of Township Officials as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. I am incredibly grateful for this community organization that strives every day to ensure the future stability and prosperity of Cumberland County.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, September 24, and Friday, September 25, I was attending a funeral in Pennsylvania and unable to be present for recorded votes. On September 24, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on roll call no. 507, which would designate a post office in Chesterfield, MO, as the Sgt. Zackary M. Fisher Post Office. On September 25, had I been present, I would have voted the following on amendments to H.R. 348, the RAPID Act: ``no'' on roll call no. 508, the Lowenthal amendment, ``yes'' on roll call no. 509, the Grijalva amendment, ``no'' on roll call no. 510, Gallego amendment; ``no'' on roll call no. 511, the Jackson Lee amendment, ``no'' on roll call no. 512, the Dingell amendment, ``no'' on roll call no. 513, the Peters amendment, ``yes'' on roll call no. 514, the Gosar amendment, ``no'' on roll call no. 515, Jackson Lee amendment no. two, ``no'' on roll call no. 516, the Johnson of Georgia amendment, and ``no'' on roll call no. 517, the Democratic Motion to Recommit. I would have proudly voted ``yes'' on roll call no. 518, final passage of H.R. 348, the RAPID Act, offered by my friend and colleague Tom Marino. Since coming to Congress, I have been proud to work with him to reduce burdensome bureaucratic regulations on businesses in Pennsylvania and across the nation. These streamlining provisions will allow shovel ready construction projects to move forward, putting Americans back to work.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to help commemorate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of Rostas Cafe. The restaurant, located in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, is a city landmark and has continually provided my constituents with a fantastic dining and community experience. Rostas Cafe was founded by John ``Kookie'' and Grace Rostas in 1950. The cafe originally opened as a bar, serving only fresh, hot pizza to the public. A true family business, John and Grace's daughter, Alfreda, became involved with her parent's enterprise when she was a teenager. Upon John's retirement, Alfreda and her husband, Tony Calucci, took over the restaurant. Tony's father, Nick, expanded the menu options to include hoagies, sandwiches, sizeable antipastos, and salads. Tragedy struck in March of 1994 when a fire devastated this Hazleton landmark, destroying the entire interior of the restaurant. Its patrons, faced with losing one of their favorite community gathering spots, called upon the restaurant to rebuild as soon as possible. In a miraculous feat, the cafe reopened in June of 1994, bigger and better than ever. Such a quick renovation is testament to the commitment and hard work of Alfreda and Tony Calucci, as well as the importance of the restaurant's role within the Hazleton community. Today, Rostas Cafe remains a Hazleton staple, and Melissa Calucci has joined her parents in adding to the restaurant's success and character. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Rostas Cafe as it celebrates its 65th anniversary. I am incredibly grateful for this community landmark that continues to bring generations of the Hazleton community closer together, and I look forward to the cafe's success over the years to come.