Lou Barletta

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Mr. Rick Rovegno who is receiving the Exchange Club of Carlisle's prestigious Molly Pitcher Award. I know I will neither be the first, nor the last, to applaud Mr. Rovegno upon his receipt of this well-deserved honor. Chartered by the National Exchange Club in 1949, the Exchange Club of Carlisle gives individuals the opportunity to use their time and talents to benefit their local communities and the country as a whole. The Molly Pitcher Award, which has annually honored citizens for their outstanding service to the Carlisle community since 1969, is named after the revolutionary war heroine who risked her life to bring water to artillerymen under fire. As evidenced by receiving this honor, Mr. Rovegno's charitable endeavors have made a significant impact and improved the lives of many in central Pennsylvania. Throughout his successful career in business and local government, Mr. Rovegno served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Helen H. Stevens Community Mental Health Center, the Greater Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Carlisle Regional Performing Arts Center, in addition to serving as an advisor to the Boy Scouts of America's Explorer Post 189. Mr. Rovegno's devotion to bettering his community is also underscored by his participation in local preservation and renovation efforts, such as maintaining the Carlisle Theatre. Furthermore, Mr. Rovegno and his wife of 36 years established the Rick and Karen Rovegno Trust, which supports local initiatives in education, the arts, libraries, and the environment. Needless to say, Mr. Rovegno's devotion to the betterment of his community continues to improve lives and inspire individuals across the Commonwealth. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Mr. Rovegno for all he has done and continues to do for the Carlisle community and congratulate him on receiving the Molly Pitcher Award.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Ms. Marie Coleman for her many years of service to the U.S. Rail Industry. On January 10, 2018, Marie will have dedicated 50 years of service to several prominent American railroads. With decades of success serving the people of Pennsylvania and Americans across the country, I know I will neither be the first, nor the last, to applaud her distinguished professional accomplishments. Ms. Coleman began her career in 1968 with the Pennsylvania Railroad. Shortly thereafter, she moved to work for Penn Central, where she remained from the time of its founding until April 1976, when, through an Act of Congress, it was included in a merger to form the Consolidated Rail Corporation. There, she served in numerous roles for more than a decade from 1976 to 1998. In the 20 years since, she has served the Norfolk Southern railroad system. A lifelong Pennsylvanian, Ms. Coleman is a proud railroader who has served under 11 different CEOs. Her unwavering dedication throughout her career helped bring an industry back from the brink of extinction to become a powerful catalyst for American economic growth. There is no doubt that Ms. Coleman's service to the U.S. Rail Industry contributed to its success. We can all look to Ms. Marie Coleman as an example of how one person's professional hard work and dedication can not only be a rewarding journey, but also help shape the future of one of America's most important industries. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Ms. Coleman on reaching this incredible milestone in her career and wishing her luck in her continued role at Norfolk Southern

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4667, which includes provisions of my bill, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act. In 2017, 8 percent of the United States population was affected by at least one disaster. This startling statistic highlights the importance of investing in mitigation infrastructure before tragedy strikes. Studies have repeatedly shown that, for every $1 invested up front, we can save between $4 and $8 in avoided recovery costs. My bill would allow us to realize those savings by transforming how we approach disaster spending. It would provide FEMA with the programs, authorities, and resources to help our communities plan for, mitigate against, respond to, and recover from disasters. Every one of our districts, Republicans and Democrats alike, will be impacted by disaster at some point. In 2011, my own district was devastated by flooding from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. People lost everything, and homes and businesses were completely wiped out. I visited with families and employers affected by this tragedy, and it made me realize that we need to do something to help communities build better and smarter before disaster strikes. My bill, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, will do just that. It will save lives, lessen damage, and speed up recovery. I thank Chairman Shuster and my colleagues on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate for their work on this bipartisan and bicameral agreement. Again, I urge swift passage of H.R. 4667.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the Shippensburg University Field Hockey Team for winning the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II National Championship title for the second year in a row. The Shippensburg University Field Hockey Team serves as a beacon of success for Pennsylvania collegiate sports and illustrates the high quality of athletic talent that exists at Shippensburg University. The Shippensburg Raiders have built their program into an athletic powerhouse, winning three of the last five national championships. This year's win was especially impressive as they once again defeated the number-one seated team, the Long Island University Post-Pioneers, with a strong score of 4-1. Upon winning this coveted title for the second consecutive year, the Raiders made university sports history by being the first of the school's teams to successfully defend a national title. These phenomenal athletes serve as an example for not only aspiring female field hockey players, but for all Pennsylvania youths. Their drive, commitment, and talent are a great source of pride for the university and the community at large. I am honored to represent the Shippensburg University Field Hockey Team and take great pride in their remarkable accomplishment and continued success. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Shippensburg University Field Hockey Team and congratulating these athletes on their well-deserved NCAA Division II National Championship Victory.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to congratulate the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet on their invitation to perform during Honors Week as a part of the 40th Annual John F. Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C. The Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, which is headquartered in Carlisle, an area I am proud to represent, is a celebrated leader in the world of dance education. For the past 60 years, the school has provided the young women and men of Pennsylvania access to world-class ballet training. The school's renowned teaching methodology combines innovative educational initiatives, an esteemed faculty, and impressive performance opportunities to ensure a learning environment that promotes the acquisition of life skills crucial to a child's development. The Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet's alumni continually occupy top positions in the leading ballet companies from San Francisco and Miami to New York, London and beyond, spreading the school's mission to inspire, educate, and enrich across the globe. Tonight, the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet will perform a selection of George Balanchine works, including Western Symphony (2nd Movement) and dances from George Balanchine's The Nutcracker, on the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center. This prestigious event provides the school's hardworking students an opportunity to perform in a nationally renowned venue and affirm the school's leadership in the world of dance education. I am honored to represent the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and take great pride in its remarkable success and continued preservation of such a beautiful art form. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and congratulating its students on their performance for the 40th Annual Kennedy Center Honors.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I honor the first responders of the Shavertown Volunteer Fire Department, who are being presented with Medals of Valor for their selfless acts to rescue Iilou Warmouth earlier this year during a terrible house fire. On the night of July 4, 2017, the Shavertown Volunteer Fire Department received reports of a massive fire consuming two homes in the nearby Dallas Borough. After arriving at the scene, the firefighters discovered that Mrs. Warmouth was trapped in one of the burning buildings. Firefighter Keith Rinehimer found Mrs. Warmouth, selflessly running into the flames to save her. During the rescue, his face mask malfunctioned, forcing him to inhale smoke, but he continued to push on. As he helped carry Mrs. Warmouth through the fire, he was forced to remove his gloves to help carry her, receiving severe burns on both hands. Firefighter Ted Sherrill helped Keith Rinehimer move Mrs. Warmouth from the bedroom, through smoke and flames, to the kitchen where they were met by Assistant Chief Erik Sowga, Captain David Rinehimer, and firefighter John Berti. Together, they decided to exit the building through the front door, in order to get Mrs. Warmouth life-saving medical attention as quickly as possible, despite the fact that it was consumed by fire with temperatures reaching 800 degrees. Mrs. Warmouth was taken to the Geisinger Trauma Center immediately for treatment, while Keith Rinehimer was treated for burns on both hands, as well as smoke inhalation, and all other first responders on scene were treated for heat exhaustion. Thankfully, Mrs. Warmouth has made a full recovery and all members of the Shavertown Volunteer Fire Department have already returned to serving their communities. Assistant Chief Erik Sowga, Captain David Rinehimer, and firefighters Keith Rinehimer, Ted Sherrill, and John Berti all went above and beyond the call of duty that Independence Day. Their selfless and courageous acts saved the life of Mrs. Warmouth, and for that they are more than deserving of the Medals of Valor they are being presented with. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring these true American heroes of the Shavertown Volunteer Fire Department.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 1617) to designate the checkpoint of the United States Border Patrol located on United States Highway 77 North in Sarita, Texas, as the ``Javier Vega, Jr. Border Patrol Checkpoint''.

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. 1617.

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

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The Javier Vega, Jr. Memorial Act of 2017 would designate the Border Patrol checkpoint on United States Highway 77 North in Sarita, Texas, as the Javier Vega, Jr. Border Patrol Checkpoint. After serving his country honorably as a United States Marine, Agent Vega joined the United States Border Patrol in 2008. During his time in the United States Border Patrol, he served as a canine handler and was involved in 42 seizures of narcotics and 38 separate cases involving the apprehension of 238 illegal immigrants. He was a man of honor and duty, a man who loved his family, and a man who would give his life in service to his country. On August 3, 2014, in Raymondville, Texas, Agent Vega took his wife, three children, and parents out for a day of fishing. While fishing with his family, two illegal immigrants attempted to rob them. These illegal immigrants had been deported multiple times for various crimes. Law enforcement believed they had conducted a string of similar robberies at the behest of a Mexican cartel. Agent Vega sprung into action to defend his family. While drawing his firearm, Agent Vega was shot in the chest. His father was also shot and wounded. Though his family did everything possible to help, Agent Vega, tragically, passed away. On September 20, 2016, Border Patrol determined that Agent Vega's actions were instinctive as a result of his law enforcement training. He did what law enforcement in America does: he put himself in harm's way. As a result, his death was determined to have been in the line of duty. This bill honors the service of Agent Vega. He made the ultimate sacrifice for his family and his country. Today, the House will name the Border Patrol checkpoint after him where he and his service dog, Goldie, served. Every day, the men and women of the United States Border Patrol put on their uniforms and put their lives on the line to protect America's borders. Tragically, as we see in the case of Agent Vega, even when spending time with family, they may be called to serve. On Sunday, President Trump unveiled immigration enforcement policies that will ensure other families will not have to face the devastating loss of a loved one at the hands of an illegal immigrant. I hope Congress can work together to make those proposals a reality. I believe it is more than fitting to name this checkpoint after Agent Javier Vega, Jr. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, September 28, 2017, I was unable to be present for recorded votes. On September 28, 2017, had I been present, I would have voted ``No'' on rollcall No. 541, the Democratic Motion to Recommit; I would have voted ``Yes'' on rollcall No. 542, H.R. 3823, the Disaster Tax Relief and Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2017; I would have voted ``Yes'' on rollcall No. 543, H.R. 2792, the Control Unlawful Fugitive Felons Act of 2017.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2443) to require an inventory of all facilities certified by the Department of Homeland Security to host infrastructure or systems classified above the Secret level, and for other purposes, as amended.

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

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, today we are advancing another bill to support the men and women who answer the call to keep their neighbors safe. Yesterday we honored the first responders and countless other Americans who were murdered in the September 11 terrorist attacks. We will never forget them, nor their great sacrifices of their families and loved ones. I come from Pennsylvania, which has a proud history of service, from the National Guard to police, to fire houses, to EMTs. Even one of our former Governors, Tom Ridge, was a key player in setting up the Department of Homeland Security. Today, we, in Congress, continue to work to reduce the blind spots that led to 9/11, and ensure our Nation's newest Department is able to get local law enforcement officers the resources that they need to keep our communities safe. Having served as mayor of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, I have long known that it will be the police officer on the streets of Hazleton, Shamokin or Shippensburg, not some analyst in Washington, who will recognize when a member of our community has radicalized or been recruited by a gang or terrorist sect. That is one of the reasons why I worked with the committee to introduce H.R. 2443, the Department of Homeland Security Classified Facility Inventory Act. My bill strengthens information sharing between local, State, and Federal law enforcement by requiring the DHS to maintain an inventory of facilities certified to store information classified above the secret level. This is a follow-up to the Fusion Center Enhancement Act of 2017, which I first introduced last Congress and has successfully passed the committee in the House. I come from a State with three fusion centers: the Pennsylvania Criminal Intelligence Center, known as PaCIC, in Harrisburg; Delaware Valley Intelligence Center in Philadelphia; and Southwestern PA Region 13 Fusion Center in Pittsburgh. This bill is part of my efforts to make the DHS share information with its State and local partners. More and more, State and local officials are now getting the security clearances they need to get important national security information that will help them; however, gaps remain. This bill will ensure that DHS is tracking the specific location of all the Department's secure facilities and make this information available to the appropriate State and local personnel as well as Department employees. To be honest, it is frustrating that this legislation is even needed. Congress and DHS share the same goal of keeping our communities safe. We must make it clear that information needs to be shared to allow for proper oversight both now and in the future. Our State and local law enforcement officials are professionals and leaders of our communities. However, far too often, I have heard complaints that Federal officials do not take local information seriously simply because someone has not been able to obtain a certain security clearance. My legislation will help address this concern. Specifically, this bill requires greater transparency and information sharing on the locations of all facilities certified by DHS to store classified infrastructure or systems above the secret level, commonly known as SCIFs. This will give local law enforcement the tools that they need to protect their communities and our Nation as a whole. Additionally, by requiring DHS to maintain an updated list of all of these facilities, this bill will ensure that the Department does not invest in new facilities in areas already covered, in turn, reducing the chances of wasteful spending. I urge my colleagues to support this measure, which passed the House once already as part of the larger DHS authorization bill in July. I hope that my colleagues in the Senate will realize the critical need for my bill and will act quickly so President Trump can sign it into law. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I once again urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2443, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 69) authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 10 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I honor the life and memory of Paul Koziel, and express my deepest condolences to his colleagues, family, and friends. On August 20, 2017, Officer Koziel passed away suddenly at the young age of 48. He epitomized the definition of public servant, having served as a police officer across several communities in Pennsylvania's 11th District. Over the course of his storied career, Officer Koziel served in Kline Township, West Hazleton, and Allentown. He joined the Allentown force in 2003 and quickly rose through the ranks. In 2012, he advanced to the Criminal Investigations Team, followed by the Crisis Negotiation Team in 2016, and finally, the Lehigh County Insurance Fraud Task Force earlier this year. Officer Koziel's hard work and dedication to public service was rightfully recognized in two Merit Commendations and a Bravery Commendation. Regrettably, Officer Koziel was taken from us too soon. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Susan, his brothers and sisters Mary, Julia, Dorothea, and Michael, as well as his faithful pets, Josey Wales, Lily, Dirty Harry, Julius, Coco, Pixie, Vera, and Gypsy. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the life and memory of Paul Koziel.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to join the residents of Sugar Notch, Pennsylvania in celebrating the borough's 150th Anniversary. The last 150 years have proven transformative for the borough, demonstrating its vitality and strong sense of community. Originally a part of Hanover Township, Sugar Notch first began to develop its independent identity when its early pioneers constructed log homes and harvested maple syrup from local forests. On April 3rd of 1867, Sugar Notch officially became a borough, home to 53 households and a large boarding house. From there, it carved out its place in Luzerne County and in the Commonwealth's history. The construction of railroads helped bring a thriving coal industry to the borough. Several small businesses and schools quickly followed, and, by 1870, Sugar Notch's original population had more than doubled. Over the years, the Sugar Notch community grew and thrived. It contributed not just to Pennsylvania, but also to the entire nation, sending many soldiers to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. In 1948, the borough displayed its dedication to its servicemembers by erecting a memorial bearing the names of local war heroes. It was the first memorial in the U.S. to honor the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and the unveiling of the memorial drew more than 4,000 attendees, as well as former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. This year, the borough of Sugar Notch celebrates its 150th Anniversary, recognizing its long record of history and service. The event will be marked by a reenactment of the dedication of the FDR Memorial, and the publication of a commemorative booklet that will no doubt pass on the borough's story to future generations. I am honored to represent Sugar Notch, Pennsylvania and take great pride in the borough's history, success, and sense of community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the borough of Sugar Notch's 150th Anniversary.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to recognize the Keystone Job Corps on its 50th Anniversary. For the past 50 years, the Keystone Job Corps Center has helped young people in Pennsylvania's 11th District realize their potential through work training and continued education. Keystone, and its dedicated faculty, make it possible for students to find their path forward-- whether that be immediately entering the workforce, or through other higher education opportunities. But Keystone's investment in its students does not stop there. The center teaches students how to be active members of their communities. I witnessed this firsthand when I was Mayor of Hazleton. I saw Keystone students work tirelessly to restore old sidewalks around City Hall. They even took part in a downtown beautification project--designing trash receptacles that are admired to this day. They continue to participate in the United Way's annual Thanksgiving Dinner and volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. In a similar way, the Hazleton area community gives back to Keystone. Keystone has a strong relationship with the Butler Township Police Department--one that has been ongoing for the past five decades. Officers will come to campus to talk to students interested in a career in security, and discuss the rewards of being in law enforcement. Local church leaders will come to the center to give students a chance to talk to someone if something is bothering them. Retired members of the community will drop by to tutor students. I've even been able to provide Keystone students with a unique insight into our nation's political process through internships in my offices here in Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District. Keystone has become a staple in the Hazleton area community--something that is clearly seen in the partnerships it has developed. As someone who grew up in Hazleton, I am eternally grateful for the work the center does on behalf of its students and our community. As a Member of Congress and as the Republican Chair of the Congressional Job Corps Caucus, I commend Keystone and its faculty for working every day to change the course of a young person's life through engagement and education. I congratulate the Keystone Job Corps Center on all it has accomplished in the last 50 years, and I wish its staff, faculty, and students all the best throughout the next 50 years. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Keystone Job Corps on its 50th Anniversary.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to congratulate Major General William E. Rapp on his retirement from the U.S. Army and on his receipt of the Distinguished Service Medal for his 33 years of steadfast service. This exceptional achievement is proof of Major General Rapp's commitment to ensuring our nation's safety and his dedication to educating its military leaders. Over the course of Major General Rapp's notable career, he has been sent on multiple command tours and combat deployments. He has also taken on numerous assignments in critical and joint operations, displaying a wide range of skill and expertise. From 2008 to 2009, he was appointed as the Commander of the Northwestern Division of the Army Corps of Engineers, taking on responsibility for a 5,000-person organization and overseeing vital projects. From there, Major General Rapp moved into the role of 72nd Commandant at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, where he diligently supervised the leadership development and military training of 4,400 members of the U.S. Corps of Cadets. From 2011 to 2012, Major General Rapp courageously served overseas as the Commanding General of the U.S. National Support Element Command in Afghanistan, providing logistical and administrative support to over 190,000 individuals. He continued his service during his next assignment as U.S. Army Chief of Legislative Liaison. In that role, he developed, coordinated, and executed the Army's strategic communication effort with Congress, fostering and strengthening ties between the two bodies. Major General Rapp's dedication to serving his country proved motivational to others, and in June of 2014, he was named the 50th Commandant of the U.S. Army War College and the Commanding General of the Carlisle Barracks. He worked tirelessly to inspire professionalism in students and to instill in them a high level of strategic leadership and reflective thinking. He has become a role model for not only War College faculty and students, but also his own children, who have all pursued military educations and careers. Major General Rapp's career exemplifies the highest levels of service to the nation and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Major General Rapp for all he has sacrificed to serve our country and for all that he has contributed to the Armed Services community. I wish him the very best in his retirement and in all his future endeavors.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to join the town of Nanticoke and the medical community at-large in recognizing Dr. Stanley Dudrick for his many years of selfless medical service and innovative work. Through Dr. Dudrick's passion for surgery and his invention of the total parenteral nutrition (TPN) intravenous feeding method, he has saved millions of lives and earned the distinction of being one the most influential doctors in the world. Raised in Nanticoke, Dr. Dudrick inherited the values and work ethic of his coal mining family. He drew encouragement from those in his community, including his mother's doctors, who inspired him to pursue a higher education in medicine. After graduating from Franklin and Marshall College, he became a research fellow and surgical resident at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. It was there, at the age of 32, that Dr. Dudrick made his historic breakthrough by inventing the revolutionary TPN system in 1967. While his invention revolutionized the medical field, it was just the beginning of Dr. Dudrick's storied career. He went on to become a professor of surgery at UPenn, and helped to launch the University of Texas Medical School's Department of Surgery, becoming its chief of surgery. He also served as chairman of the surgery department at the Pennsylvania Hospital and later at the Yale University School of Medicine. In 2011, Dr. Dudrick returned home with all of this experience and success to give back to the community where his renowned career began. He is currently a professor at Misericordia University in Dallas and at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in Scranton. This month marks 50 years since Dr. Dudrick revolutionized the medical community, and the city of Nanticoke will recognize today as ``Dr. Dudrick Day'' by unveiling a historical marker to be displayed outside of his childhood home. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Dr. Dudrick for his revolutionary contributions to the medical community and his selfless dedication to saving the lives of others.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize my good friend Ed Green for his many years of service to this country, beginning with his time in the U.S. military and continuing thereafter with his many philanthropic endeavors. During World War II, Ed proudly served as a member of the Navy, operating in a largely clandestine capacity. He lived and worked aboard armed Merchant Marine vessels, consistently risking his life to ensure the safety of those at home. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Ed continued his selfless dedication to helping others. He became an active member of the Freeland American Legion Post 473, a group committed to mentoring youth and promoting patriotism, honor, and devotion to service members and veterans within its community. Ed was also involved with the longstanding Veterans of Foreign Wars 5010. He served as Commander of the Military Order of the Cooties Pup Tent 38 in order to help bring smiles to the faces of fellow veterans and residents of the VFW National Home for Children. Ed's service to his community extended to various local philanthropic projects. For 60 years, he placed flags on the headstones of veterans at Vine Street Cemetery, and when the Standard Speaker newspaper ceased printing flags next to the obituaries of veterans, Ed was responsible for having the newspaper reinstate the practice. Additionally, he spent more than 50 years fighting for disability ratings from the Veterans Administration for hearing loss. He took the lead in organizing countless events during the past many decades, including Flag Day, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day celebrations that took place at locations such as the Laurel Mall and Calvary Cemetery. There is no doubt as to the profound impact Ed has had on the lives of those around him. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Ed for all he has sacrificed to serve our country and for all he has contributed to the Hazelton community.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and I rise today in support of Kate's Law and No Sanctuary for Criminals Act. These important bills represent an important step towards keeping Americans safe. Yesterday, I participated in a roundtable discussion at the White House with the President and family members of individuals who were murdered by criminal illegal immigrants. The stories I heard were heartbreaking. Sadly, they are not uncommon. See, when I was mayor of Hazleton, I sat with the victims' families and listened to their stories. These stories have changed my life. Everyone talks about the illegal immigrant, but very seldom do we ever talk about the victims. I sat with the family of Derek Kichline, a 29-year-old Hazleton city man and father of three young children who was murdered by the head of the Latin Kings while working on his pickup truck in his driveway. Derek's killer was arrested and let go in New York City, a sanctuary city. I also talked with the father of Carly Snyder, a beautiful 21-year- old girl who was studying to be a veterinarian. Her father told me that Carly was brutally stabbed 37 times and murdered by her next door neighbor. She had knife wounds on the palms of her hand and knife wounds in her back as she died on the kitchen floor. An illegal immigration and Federal fugitive with a long history of gang violence and drug use killed Carly. Carly's killer was apprehended trying to cross the southern border but was released on $5,000 bond and disappeared into the United States until one day he showed up at Carly Snyder's doorstep. I have never forgotten these stories. I understand that there is nothing that we can do to bring these people back. I know there is nothing we can do to relieve the pain that their families still feel. But by passing these bills, we can prevent these crimes from happening to other families. Let me be clear: violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants are preventable. The illegal immigrant who committed these violent crimes should not have been present in this country and certainly should not have been walking around free. Too many mayors and local governments think that they are above Federal law, and we have a chance to change that today. We can send a clear message to the American people that their government is serious about keeping them safe. I thank the President today for standing up for the victims of these preventable crimes, and I urge all of my colleagues to do the same by voting ``yes'' on these important bills. This is a test of the willingness of Congress to stand for families across this country who have lost loved ones to crimes committed by criminals who had no business being in this country in the first place. It is time that we side with the victims like Derek Kichline, Carly Snyder, and Kate Steinle instead of criminals.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I honor the life and memory of my good friend, L.A. Tarone, and express my deepest condolences to his colleagues, family, and friends. On June 25, 2017, L.A. lost his courageous battle with lung cancer. A well-known reporter, columnist, television host, and radio personality, L.A. was a larger-than-life figure in Hazleton. His loss creates a void that will never be filled. During the span of his storied career, L.A. hosted numerous segments on WYLN-TV, wrote for the Standard Speaker newspaper, and was a popular host on WILK radio. His voice was unmistakable. There was never a time when I talked to L.A. that I did not learn something important. I never met anyone who knew as much about baseball, music, and politics as L.A. Yet, even with his unmatched intelligence and 70's-style attire, he was a humble man, and a true gentleman. At 58, L.A. was taken from us much too soon. He was not only a pillar of news, but also a giant in the Hazleton community. His personality and presence were so big that it felt like he lived long before his time, and I have faith that his impact on those of us in Hazleton will certainly live on long after his death. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the life and memory of L.A. Tarone.