Lou Barletta

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleagues on both sides. There are very few times when you have a vote here that is unanimous, and it is for a simple reason. It is that everyone here understands and appreciates what these men and women in our communities are willing to do to make the community safe. You know, as a mayor, I have come to appreciate the volunteer firefighters more than I could ever imagine. Many times, I have watched them stand out in the middle of a road with a boot, trying to raise money so that they could buy gear or equipment or get more training. The volunteers ask very little of their community compared to what they are willing to give, and that is the ultimate sacrifice. They are willing to give their lives for people that they don't even know. They are willing to walk into a burning fire. I can remember one night, our local fire department in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, they ran in, and they came out with a little baby whose life they saved. And I also remember a day when they couldn't save a life and how it affected every one of those men and women as if it were their own child. They have a lot to worry about, and what they shouldn't worry about is where they are going to get money to provide health insurance or pay a fine. I am sure this was an unintended consequence, and we here recognize that. So again, I want to thank the chairman and my colleagues for standing with me and saluting the real American heroes, the men and women who volunteer to save us, our first responders.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Joe Bressi for his recent induction into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. Mr. Bressi has had a long and successful career as an athletic coach, where he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to lead his teams to victory. His career highlights include: Ten seasons as the head coach of the Bishop McDevitt High School girls basketball program, finishing with a 238-40 record, eight conference titles, five District 3 titles, and appearances in two state championships. Eight years with the Bloomsburg University women's basketball program, where he finished with a 175-47 record and led the team to seven PSAC East titles, one PSAC playoff title, and four NCAA Division II tournaments. During the 1988-1989 season, his team became the first NCAA Division II women's team to go undefeated. Six years with the Lycoming College men's basketball program, where the team had a record of 97-53 and reached the NCAA Division III tournament twice. For his hard work and dedication, Mr. Bressi was inducted into the Pennsylvania Basketball Hall of Fame, two regional chapters of Pennsylvania's Sports Hall of Fame, and the Hall of Fame at East Stroudsburg where he attended college. During his time at Lycoming, he received the Middle Atlantic Conference Coach of the Year award twice. He also coached three Freedom Conference Players of the Year, two rookies of the year, and nine all-conference picks. In 2000, Mr. Bressi left Lycoming College to become the director of athletics for Central Dauphin High School, where he worked for 11 years. Mr. Bressi retired, but shortly returned to coaching in 2013 as the head girl's basketball coach at Bishop McDevitt High School. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Bressi has shown outstanding athletic achievement and coaching ability, leading his teams over 500 victories. Therefore, I commend him on his induction into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Richard ``Dick'' Knoebel for his induction into the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Hall of Fame, which honors legends and pioneers for their significant contributions to the growth and development of the attractions industry. Mr. Knoebel's parents founded Knoebel's Amusement Park in Elysburg, Pennsylvania in 1926, and as a result, he grew up surrounded by the attractions industry. As an adult, Mr. Knoebel pursued his passion for amusement parks, becoming president of the Pennsylvania Amusement Parks Association in 1971. In 1984, he was a key player in the development and adoption of the Pennsylvania Ride Inspection Act. Since 1988, Mr. Knoebel has served as the president of the family business. In this role, he has shown a strong dedication to preserving and restoring vintage rides including ``The Phoenix'' roller coaster from Texas and ``The Twister'' from Colorado, both of which currently operate at Knoebel's. He has also constructed first-of-their-kind attractions such as a flume ride with wood supports and the ``Flying Turns,'' the only wooden bobsled-style roller coaster in existence which was modeled after a ride from the 1930s. Mr. Knoebel has been an active IAAPA volunteer and has made many significant contributions to the organization, including serving as a member of the Board of Directions from 1999 to 2002. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of Dick Knoebel's induction into the IAAPA Hall of Fame, I commend him and thank him for all of his hard work and lasting contributions to the attractions industry, and I wish him well in his future endeavors.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Motor Transportation Company as they celebrate their 100th anniversary. The Motor Transportation Company, founded in 1914 by Leon Dotter, began with a mail route from Lehighton to Stroudsburg. Leon also hauled coal from the Harwood Mines to bins in the Hazleton Steam Heating Co. and transported coal miners throughout local coal mining villages. Following the economic devastation of the Depression and the decline of the coal industry, Herman Dotter, a veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps, shifted the company's focus to school busing while still ensuring residents of the Hazleton area had access to first-class transportation. In 1959, Motor Transportation achieved national recognition by winning Fleet Owner Magazine's color design award, no doubt due in part to the company's signature ``orange wheels.'' In 1978, Herman developed Hazleton Area Transit, providing service from Hazleton to the surrounding areas, and he also promoted tourism into the region's historic coal mining area. Currently, third generation Lee Dotter and Lori Dotter Yanuzzi run the company and maintain the organization's commitment to providing quality service, mainly focusing on tourism. Mr. Speaker, on the 100th anniversary of its founding, I thank all of the members of the Motor Transportation Company, past and present, for their hard work and continued efforts to provide quality transportation services and tours for the people of Northeast Pennsylvania, and I wish the organization many more years of successful service.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5759. This bill simply says that the President cannot issue blanket amnesty. This legislation also contains language that is similar to my own bill, the Defense of Legal Workers Act, H.R. 5761. It states clearly that illegal immigrants who are granted executive amnesty are not authorized to work in the United States. When we talk about illegal immigration, we always hear about what we should do to help the illegal immigrants. Well, what about the American workers? Who is going to stand up for them? There is a toxic intersection of this executive amnesty and the Affordable Care Act. Under the ACA, employers with 50 or more workers will have to provide health insurance or pay a $3,000 fine. But under the President's amnesty, illegal immigrants are exempt from the ACA. That means with their new work permits, illegal immigrants will be $3,000 cheaper to hire. That will drive companies to hire illegal immigrants instead of legal American workers--or worse yet, get rid of American workers in exchange for cheaper replacements. This bill is a small step, but I will vote for any bill that stops executive amnesty and that includes stopping the funding and supporting my own bill that protects American workers. Let's remember that we have been put in this position by a President who campaigned on a slogan of ``yes we can'' but governs under the philosophy of ``because I want to.''

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, this week I was not able to vote because I was home recuperating from surgery to remove plaque from my right carotid artery. I missed the following roll call votes: 516, 517, 518, and 519. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on roll call 516, the Government Reports Elimination Act (H.R. 4194); ``aye'' on roll call 517, the rule (H. Res. 748) to proceed to the measure to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline; ``nay'' on roll call 518, the motion to recommit with instructions for H.R. 5682; and ``aye'' on roll call 519, final passage of H.R. 5682, the bill to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline. I am a cosponsor of H.R. 5682 and strongly support its passage, as construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline means jobs, specifically in the Pennsylvania manufacturing industry.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Calvin L. Johnson, Sr. as he completes his time as the Worthy Grand Joshua, of the Most Ancient Grand Court, Heroines of Jericho, Inc., Prince Hall PHA of Pennsylvania. The Prince Hall Freemasonry is a collection of predominately African American jurisdictions in North America with a rich history dating back to before the Revolutionary War. In the 1700s, upon receiving rejection by over a dozen colonial Freemasonries, a freed slave by the name of Prince Hall, along with fourteen other freed slaves, created a chapter through the Grand Lodge of England, the original source of Freemasonry. The position of Worthy Grand Joshua is one of the highest honors within the Prince Hall Freemasonry. During the past two years, Mr. Johnson's duties have involved a demanding schedule of visits to many lodges throughout the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and participation in countless ceremonies and events. A lifelong resident of Pennsylvania, Mr. Johnson was born in Harrisburg and spent his formative years in Steelton. He graduated from Steelton-Highspire High. After completing high school, Mr. Johnson entered the U.S. Army and was able to retire as a Chief Warrant Officer 3, as a Criminal Investigator for the Department of the Army. His career after the military includes working for the Department of Environmental Resources, the Office of the Attorney, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Most recently, after four years as a Security Investigator, Mr. Johnson left to pursue part-time work as a private investigator, constable, and tax preparer. It is during this time that he became the Worthy Grand Joshua, of the Most Ancient Grand Court, Heroines of Jericho, Inc., PHA. He has served in this capacity for two years, performing his duties professionally and never without a smile. Outside of his current role as Worthy Grand Joshua, Mr. Johnson also serves on the Executive Board of Steelton Youth in Action (S.Y.I.A.) as the Financial Secretary. Even with his many commitments, he finds time in his schedule to drive a school bus for Steelton-Highspire, McDevitt, and Central Dauphin students. George Washington, a notable Mason, once shared: ``To enlarge the sphere of social happiness is worthy of the benevolent design of a Masonic institution; and it is most fervently to be wished, that the conduct of every member of the fraternity, as well as those publications, that discover the principles which actuate them, may tend to convince mankind that the grand object of Masonry is to promote the happiness of the human race.'' Mr. Speaker, upon the completion of his duties as Worthy Grand Joshua, I thank Mr. Johnson for all that he has done for our area and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Pasco L. Schiavo, who has been selected as the 2014 UNICO Hazleton, Pennsylvania Chapter's Italian American of the Year. A lifelong resident of Hazleton, Mr. Schiavo served our country honorably as a first lieutenant in the United States Army Reserves. In 1962, after completing his military service, he established a law practice in Hazleton and began teaching at the local Penn State Hazleton Campus. Mr. Schiavo generously donated not only his time, but also his financial support to the school, establishing multiple scholarships in memory of his parents. Along with his commitment to higher education and learning, Mr. Schiavo has held many leadership positions in the community. He served as Assistant District Attorney of Luzerne County, was President of the County Commission on Economic Opportunity, and was appointed to the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Additionally, he served as solicitor for the Hazleton Area School District, Hazleton Housing Authority, Hazle Township Municipality, and the Hazleton City Authority. He continues to give back to the community through his support of the Hazleton Public Library, Hazleton Kiwanis, the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, and the Serento Gardens Drug and Alcohol Services. He has taught at and held many leadership roles at Penn State Hazleton. The plaque on the side of Pasco L. Schiavo Hall says it all: ``A lawyer, author, educator, community leader, and philanthropist. The only title missing is Proud Italian American.'' Mr. Speaker, for his exemplary service to the Italian American community and the greater Hazleton Area, I commend and thank Mr. Schiavo and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize and remember the life of former Hazleton Mayor John Ford, a well known member of the community. Mayor Ford passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2014 after a long and distinguished career of public and civil service. Prior to serving as mayor of Hazleton, Mayor Ford was the founder and owner of John Ford Trucking and the Hazleton Standard Fuel Co., a small company that continues to service the Hazleton area to this day. Beyond his role as a small business owner, Mayor Ford was very active in the area. He was a member of the Hazleton Elks, West Hazleton Lions, and was on the board of numerous charitable organizations. Mayor Ford continued to serve on multiple committees at the local, state, and federal level after completing his term as mayor. During his tenure as mayor from 1986-1987, Mayor Ford saw the city of Hazleton change from a commission form of mayor to a strong mayor form, finishing his last two years of government as a member of the city council from 1988-1989. He is remembered by all who knew him as a hard working and generous man committed to making Hazleton a better city. My sincerest condolences go out to his wife Rose, who survives him, as well as his sisters Marie and Ida, brother Robert, and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I support the McKeon Amendment to the Continuing Resolution. As a nation, we have faced many threats to our national security over the 238 years of our existence. But the danger presented by the Islamic State may be unique in its hostility, raw hatred, and dedication to eliminating the United States from existence. Less than a week ago, we observed the anniversary of the devastating attacks of September 11, 2001. Then, as today, we are reminded of the true nature of this enemy. They will attack at will, without provocation, and without regard for the lives of any innocent people who stand in their way. In fact, the more innocent the lives they take, the better--for their purposes. I am pleased that President Obama has finally acknowledged the threat the Islamic State presents to our national security. Not content with wreaking havoc in their own corner of the Middle East, these terrorists have conquered territory, beheaded innocent Americans, forged allegiances with al Qaeda, threatened to strike us at home, and pledged to raise their flag over the White House. They are a muscular and growing menace that must be dispatched. After our briefings on the situation in the region and the President's proposed strategic outline, I will be supporting his efforts on behalf of the nation. But I do so with some reservations. With what we know now, this is not a perfect plan by any means, and I trust the President will listen to the counsel of his military advisers. American military strength will be evident in powerful air strikes, but on the ground, we will be relying on a fighting force trained quickly by American personnel. These are not seasoned fighters. These are just regular people--doctors, pharmacists, plumbers, or laborers. They are not soldiers, although very shortly we will be asking them to be. These rookie ground forces will be entering into what the President has called an anti-terrorism operation, which is, in reality, a war. The administration and its representatives have been reluctant to use that word, but when our enemies have declared war on this country, there is no other terminology that is appropriate. And it will be a two-front war--on one side they will be fighting in Syria, and on the other, in Iraq. This will not be an easy fight, and I pray that they meet with more success than their military qualifications and experience suggests they might. Another issue that I find troubling is that we do not know exactly who we will be assisting. While we trust and depend on their courage and determination in defeating what we perceive to be our common enemy, we truly do not know what their core loyalties are. This is a situation that will require constant monitoring. The international coalition the president says he is assembling will be key, as other countries will be called upon to fund much of the effort, and, we hope, ground troops. Though the president has pledged significant air strikes, I find it hard to believe that many nations will be convinced to enter into the conflict with full commitment, while our own president has made it clear that the United States has firmly defined limits on what it will and will not do. That is another concern that I have--that the President has broadcast to the world, and the enemy, exactly what will not be in his war plan. In the end, the President is the Commander in Chief, though I believe it is right that Congress vote on matters as important as this. The bottom line for me, Mr. Speaker, is that today we are all Americans. We are not Republicans or Democrats. Throughout our history, presidents from different political parties have come to Congress asking for our blessing for moving forward with armed conflict. With what I know now, and with the chance to continually examine this endeavor, I am prepared to give my consent. That is why, despite my reservations and my concerns about the effectiveness of the somewhat vague strategy the president has outlined, I will be supporting the amendment to the Continuing Resolution. We must present a united front. It is vital that we show the world that all of us, as Americans, are together in fighting this common enemy. Absolutely essential in gaining my support for the amendment is the requirement that the administration provide detailed and regular reports on the effectiveness and status of the ongoing training and equipping efforts. We must know that what we are doing is having the intended effect. Mr. Speaker, this is not a perfect plan. And I worry that moving forward in such a way can be described as somewhat less than a full effort to defeat an evil that has pledged to exterminate us. But sitting by and doing nothing was never an option. While we take this vote, I am reminded that even with the most careful planning, any armed conflict is inherently perilous for the men and women in our military. My thoughts and prayers go with them and their families as they head toward danger. I urge my colleagues to support the McKeon Amendment.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the bill. For 4 decades, the Clean Water Act has worked as a strong partnership between the Federal Government and the States. This bill protects that partnership against the proposed rule from the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers. I have heard from many of my constituents that this rule would force them to prove that large mud puddles and ditches on their property are not federally regulated waters. However, the new definition of Federal waters is so vague that it is impossible to know what standards you will need to prove. This rule will cost my constituents time, money, and jobs. Mr. Chairman, I support this bill because sometimes a mud puddle is just a mud puddle.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Raymond Sipple on his retirement from the Bucks Township Board of Supervisors after 30 years of dedicated service. Mr. Sipple was first elected to the Buck Township Board of Supervisors in 1980 and became chairman in January of 2000, a position he held until his retirement this past June. He is known as an honest man with a deep love for his community. A lifelong resident of our area, he worked tirelessly to ensure that the hard earned money of his constituents was spent wisely, going so far as to never vote to raise taxes. Even though his dear wife Betty, who passed in 2012, is not here to mark this milestone with him, I know he is excited to enjoy his retirement with his children, Frankie, Joey, Jimmy, Ann Marie, and Kathleen, 14 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, for thirty years of exemplary civil service to the citizens of Bucks Township, I thank Mr. Sipple and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Linglestown Fire Company as they celebrate their 80th anniversary. The Linglestown Fire Company was officially founded in 1934 after a local barn caught fire during the month of February. However, attempts to create a fire company for the area date back to the mid 1700s, at which time Linglestown was established as the third oldest community in Dauphin County. While the company began with simple technology and resources, it has continued to undergo many changes in an effort to better improve service for the people of Linglestown and the surrounding areas. The Linglestown Fire Company is currently staffed by 52 active firefighters, as well as dozens of wildland firefighters, emergency medical technicians, fire police, and other members who provide support. These brave men and women repeatedly put their lives on the line to keep the people of Linglestown safe. Mr. Speaker, on the 80th anniversary of its founding, I thank all of the members of the Linglestown Fire Company, past and present, for their continued efforts to protect the citizens of Linglestown and Dauphin County, and wish the organization many more years of successful service.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation to empower governors and local elected officials to control whether or not the federal government can place unaccompanied minors, who have illegally entered the country, into their communities. For the last several months, the United States' southern border with Mexico has been flooded by illegal immigrants, many of them whom are unaccompanied minors. Throughout my time in Congress, I have been a leading voice in arguing for securing our borders. I have also opposed amnesty for illegal immigrants who are already here. And I have fought for a biometric exit system to make sure that we know exactly who has entered the United States on a visa, and who has not returned home as they were supposed to. More than 60 thousand so-called ``unaccompanied minors'' have arrived at our southern border, mostly from the Central American countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. This is a 10-fold increase in unaccompanied minors crossing the border since 2011. We have heard a lot of excuses for why they have come here in violation of our immigration laws. We have been told that they are fleeing violence in their home countries, but there has not been any substantial increase in violence there. So it must be something else. What has changed is that the Obama administration implemented its DACA policy--Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals--in 2012. This policy tells people that, so long as they make it to this country safely, they won't be asked to leave. The president has put out the welcome mat for residents of other countries, and told them that our immigration laws will not be enforced. I went down to the border, near McAllen, Texas, and saw the situation with my own eyes. Some of the individual cases I heard were heartbreaking. But when I talked to the Border Patrol agents, they told me a different story. Many of the ``unaccompanied minors'' are in fact arriving with members of their families, or they are seeking to meet up with members of their families who are already here illegally. In addition, over three fourths of them are males, between the ages of 14 and 17. And many of them are affiliated with violent, criminal gangs, or are being recruited for gang membership right there at the border. And many of them carry communicable diseases. And, the administration has begun to transport thousands of these illegal immigrants to communities all across the country. That's where the problems in our own backyard begin. Just a couple of months ago, I learned from city officials in Hazleton, my hometown, that they had been contacted by a non-profit group, the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, about housing some of the minors at a location right across the street from my district office. That's how I found out--because the organization had called the city. The federal government didn't tell anyone about the plan: not the Governor, not the Department of Public Welfare, not Luzerne County. When I made the information public, residents of Hazleton rightly expressed their concerns, and the plan was dropped. But we learned an important lesson in that episode: the federal government is working with organizations across the country to place unaccompanied minors in various communities . . . without telling anyone in the state or locality that they are doing so. As of July 31st, we know that at least 456 unaccompanied minor illegal immigrants have been released to sponsors in Pennsylvania. The shelters and facilities--according to the best information available right now--are in Mechanicsburg, Womelsdorf, Bethlehem, Montgomery County, and Philadelphia. There could be others, and there could be plans--right now--being made to house more . . . all without telling state or local governments. This must stop. So today I am introducing legislation that will give state and local governments a heads-up when such plans are in the works. My ``Unaccompanied Alien Children Transparency Act'' is very straightforward. It truly will empower states--governors of states--and local governments by providing them with all of the information they need to make an informed decision about relocation plans, and giving them an opportunity to either approve or reject those plans. First, it will require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, also known as HHS, to provide detailed information regarding the pending relocation of unaccompanied minors. The Secretary will have to inform state and local elected officials of the locations and durations of any housing contracts awarded, and also provide an assessment of the costs associated with and potential impact on education, health, and public safety. The Secretary must also certify to state and local officials that the unaccompanied minors have undergone health screenings, including vaccinations, and that they pose no public health threat. Additionally, the Secretary must certify that the unaccompanied minors and the individuals who will take custody of them have undergone background checks and pose no public safety threat. Not only should states and localities know about these relocation plans, they ought to know what impact the unaccompanied minors will have on the community. Who exactly are they, and what kind of background screenings have been done? If they will be educated locally in public schools, how much is that going to cost? These are important questions that any community would ask. The legislation will also require HHS to provide a 30-day notice and comment period for states and localities to review any proposed contract and accompanying certifications of health and public safety background checks. At the conclusion of the 30-day comment period, HHS will have to hold a public hearing within 10 days and provide a representative to address community concerns or questions. At the end of the initial comment period, the governor of the state in question must decide whether to affirm the contract within seven days. If the governor does not affirm the contract, it is effectively vetoed. If the governor does affirm the contract, then the county commissioners for that jurisdiction will have seven additional days in which to object to the contract. If a majority of the county commissioners do not affirm the contract, then it is again effectively vetoed. The people in my home city of Hazleton found out about the plans to bring unaccompanied minors into our community, and they made their voices heard. It's only fair that Americans everywhere have the same opportunity, through their elected officials at the local and state level. Last week I held a press conference in Hazleton to announce my intention to introduce this legislation, and I was joined by our Chief of Police, Frank DeAndrea, and the Superintendent of Hazleton Area Public Schools, Dr. Frank Antonelli. Dr. Antonelli told me that this school year, four teenagers--part of the wave of the so-called ``unaccompanied minors''--came forward to enroll in the Hazleton school system. They are all males, ranging in age from 14 to 17. Two of them have had no formal education at all in their entire lives. Dr. Antonelli is still trying to find out the educational background for the other two. Take one for an example. He is 17-years-old, has no education whatsoever, and speaks not a word of English. How, Mr. Speaker, is a local school division expected to deal with this new student? What grade does he go into? And since we know that there are as many as 14 distinct dialects of Spanish spoken in some Central American countries, how exactly are the schools expected to communicate with him? This is a problem that the federal government has dropped on the doorsteps of localities around the country. This bill is especially important right now, because we have seen the federal government act in secrecy. The administration has denied ``right to know'' requests from various organizations, and refuses to disclose exactly where the children are being transported. This is from a president who promised to be transparent. Unfortunately, this legislation is necessary to make sure that our states and localities know exactly what the federal government is doing right in their own backyards. Now, I'm a father and grandfather, and I have seen the conditions of some of the people who have come to the southern border. I have compassion for their situations. But I also believe that the responsibility for them should rest largely on the countries that they came from. This should not be America's problem alone. And it certainly shouldn't be the problem of states and localities, which are right now being kept in the dark about the movements of illegal immigrants. Mr. Speaker, the failure of the federal government to do its job in enforcing immigration laws should not become a growing burden on the folks back home.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H. Con. Res. 103) 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, Hamas, which was designated as a terrorist organization by the United States under President Bill Clinton, has a history of using schools, hospitals, and civilian areas as staging grounds and launch sites for their attacks against Israel. They have also built a network of tunnels under those locations to facilitate the movement of soldiers and weapons for use against Israel. When Israel responds to these attacks by specifically targeting the missile launchers, Hamas uses human shields--many times children--as propaganda tools. The civilized world should be horrified at such tactics by Hamas and condemn them absolutely. Just recently, I cosponsored a resolution that reaffirms Israel's right to defend itself, and I would note that they have shown incredible restraint in fighting back. They give ample warning prior to an attack, advising all innocent parties to flee. In truth, if Israel were as indiscriminate as Hamas and used all the military might at their disposal, Gaza would be a smoking wasteland within hours. That this has not happened is testament to Israel's care in targeting only areas that have been used as attack launch points. The United States must speak with one voice on this issue and stand with our strong ally Israel.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, we have learned that radical militants-- the Islamic State terror group ISIS--are systematically targeting Christians in Iraq. Ten years ago, there were 60,000 Christians in the city of Mosul. Today there are none. Through violence, slaughter, and intimidation, the Christians have been murdered or driven out of the city--simply because they are Christians. In a civilized world, we cannot let this stand. The United States of America cannot and should not try to solve every world problem. But when we withdraw completely, we leave a vacuum of leadership--and bad people will do bad things if given the opportunity. I join with my colleagues in condemning these atrocious actions.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I recognize Master Sergeant Rodney T. Erickson for 30 years of exemplary service in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. MSgt. Erickson joined the Air National Guard on July 20, 1984, and for the past 30 years has admirably served his community, the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the United States of America. Throughout his career, he has received countless medals and awards honoring him such as the Air Force achievement medal, the Meritorious Unit Award, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the National Defense Service Medal. He has also been the recipient of numerous Pennsylvania awards including the Pennsylvania Commendation Medal, the Pennsylvania Governors Unit Citation, the Pennsylvania 20 Year Service Medal, and the Pennsylvania General Thomas J. Stewart Medal. MSgt. Erickson began his career as a member of the Propulsion Section, during which he was deployed overseas for multiple operations including Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon his promotion to become a Master Sergeant and supervisor of the Propulsion Section, he masterfully guided the group through a transitional phase of changing aircraft while many members of the unit were being deployed. Despite the limited manpower, through his leadership and example, the transition was successful and a highly trained workforce was able to maintain unit efficiency. Joining MSgt. Erickson in celebrating his retirement is his wife Dorothy and his children. Mr. Speaker, MSgt. Rodney T. Erickson has been described as representing the very best of our citizen soldiers. I congratulate him and his family on his retirement from the Pennsylvania Air National Guard and thank him for his service to the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation that will keep our highway trust fund solvent until we agree on a long-term solution. If we fail to act, the money to fund surface transportation projects will soon run dry. That could result in the stoppage of more than 7,000 projects. We would lose countless jobs across the country, and in my home State of Pennsylvania as well. I have always supported a highway bill of a least 5 years or more, but in the absence of one, I support this proposal to give us time to work out a longer-term funding solution. We need a plan that will meet our transportation needs while also providing contractors and builders the guidance they need to invest in equipment and employees. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this important piece of legislation.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Lehighton Band of Lehighton, Pennsylvania as the organization celebrates 150 seasons of performances. Founded in 1864, the Lehighton Band has provided live music to the people of Carbon County and its surrounding communities for over a century. The Lehighton Band is comprised of approximately fifty members of the community with ages ranging from 16 to 80 years old. The group performs multiple concerts a year, including a spring concert to kick off each new season, a concert to celebrate Christmas, and several performances each summer in Weatherly and Lehighton that feature musical programs highlighting pieces from a variety of periods and styles. The Lehighton Band also makes itself available for performances at picnics, reunions, and other community engagements. Through the generosity and support of local professionals, businesses, and individuals with a strong love and appreciation for music and the arts, the band has continued to perform at no cost to the public, selflessly donating their time and talents for the enjoyment of others. I know that I speak on the behalf of the Carbon County community when I say that the Lehighton Band is a source of pride for not the residents, but also for the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, as they celebrate 150 seasons of performances, I would like to thank the Lehighton Band for their musical contributions and wish them many more successful years to come.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate Martha Herron on the occasion of her retirement as Regional Director of the PPL Corporation. In her remarkable 47 year career with PPL, Ms. Herron has had a profound impact on both the company, and the greater Hazleton community through her assiduous service and leadership. Initially unable to afford college, Ms. Herron worked at a textile factory and saved money so that she could enroll in business school, eventually earning a certificate that ultimately helped her get her first job in 1967 as a clerk at PPL, then known as the Pennsylvania Power and Light Co. Through hard work and dedication, she rose through the ranks to become the regional affairs director in 1995, a position she has held to this day. When Ms. Herron began her career, she found a professional environment that was not sympathetic to females with few women available to serve as mentors. The decision to fill this void lead Ms. Herron to begin her legacy of helping other women develop professionally by providing the needed resources to foster growth and development. She challenged and successfully changed PPL's policy of requiring expecting mothers to resign and then reapply, and also served as a founding member of the PPL Women's Network, a group dedicated to assisting developing women in a competitive work environment in order to reach their highest potential. As a result of her efforts, Ms. Herron received the Woman of the Year Award by Soroptimist International, was named on the list of ``Who's Who of American Women,'' and was recognized as one of Pennsylvania's ``50 Best Women in Business.'' As well as helping women throughout the Hazleton area, Ms. Herron has volunteered countless hours and resources to multiple organizations such as the Community Area New Development Organization (CAN DO), the Greater Hazleton United Way, the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, and Volunteers of America. In her role with PPL, Ms. Herron has had the opportunity to work with colleagues throughout the 29 counties that PPL served. Through that exposure, she was able to bring back ideas and programs to Hazleton, creating groups such as Leadership Hazleton, an organization modeled after Leadership Wilkes-Barre and dedicated to training volunteers to serve area nonprofits. I can personally attest to Ms. Herron's dedication to bettering Hazleton. During my time as mayor of Hazleton, Ms. Herron was always a willing and helpful resource to my office. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of her retirement, I commend Martha Herron for her years of service to PPL and to our community. I know that she looks forward to spending time with her family and friends, including her husband, Terrance, her son and his wife, Terry and Kelly, and her grandsons TJ and Jack. I thank her for all that she has done and continues to do for Northeastern Pennsylvania and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Madam Chair, I speak today in support of H.R. 4660, the Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2015. Though we are not voting on a perfect piece of legislation, which rarely is the case, I will enthusiastically support this measure because I believe it accomplishes a number of goals that are very important to me and my constituents back home in the 11th District of Pennsylvania. As was highlighted in a recent lengthy story in the New York Times, my home town of Hazleton is just like many cities of its size across the country--it is home to a persistent and growing heroin problem. And just recently, Pennsylvania's attorney general teamed up with a variety of law enforcement agencies to run Operation Rising Star, which was aimed at cracking down on the illegal drug trade. That's why I am pleased that the bill recognizes the recent surge in heroin use, overdose deaths, and trafficking, and encourages the Drug Enforcement Agency to increase its use of task forces to address the increasing heroin epidemic. And, Madam Chair, as we all know, where there are illegal drugs, there will be gangs. I've been working closely on a bipartisan approach to gangs in my district, with Democratic State Senator John Yudichak, through a program called ``Operation Gang-Up,'' which seeks to educate parents, educators, students, and communities about the dangers of gangs, warning signs of gang activity, and prevention techniques. At my request this bill, in addition to funding the FBI's Safe Streets Task Forces and the National Gang Intelligence Center, allocates $10 million for regional task forces. In this way, Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies can continue to do the important work of attacking gangs where they live and grow, and protect our children and neighborhoods. And speaking of protecting our neighborhoods and public safety, I think it's worth noting that this bill calls on the Department of Justice to investigate discretionary enforcement decisions of the Department of Homeland Security. This is particularly relevant given the recent news that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency had released more than 36,000 illegal immigrant inmates who had been found guilty of a total of almost 88,000 crimes. Those crimes included 116 homicides, 43 counts of voluntary manslaughter, and one classified as 'homicide-willful kill-public official-gun.' We should know more about why dangerous criminals have been released into our neighborhoods. Reforming immigration laws has been the center of a lot of talk in Washington these days, and most of that has to do with the millions of illegal immigrants who are already present. One part of that discussion that is usually left out is how local governments must deal with illegal immigrants who are arrested and incarcerated in local jails and prisons. Just this March, the Times Leader newspaper of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania reported that my home county, Luzerne County, housed 184 illegal immigrants in the county's correctional facility last year, costing taxpayers more than $1.7 million. The county was reimbursed through the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program--not the full amount, mind you, but about $130,000. Unfortunately, the President's budget proposal would entirely zero out that funding, leaving localities like Luzerne County stuck with the whole bill for locking up illegal immigrants who had broken the law. Let us remember that these are illegal immigrants who would not be around to break the law in our communities if the Federal Government were doing its job enforcing our borders and immigration laws in the first place. Also at my request, this CJS bill restores that funding, and in fact increases it by $30 million, to a total of $210 million. This is by no means a full reimbursement, but it is an improvement, and it is certainly better than the President's proposal to defund the program altogether. Madam Chair, the CJS appropriations bill also places greater emphasis on programs that protect women from violence and exploitation. It contains $425.5 million for Violence Against Women Prevention and Prosecution programs, representing an increase above existing funding and an amount above the President's request. We will also build on efforts to combat sex trafficking by providing a landmark increase in Victims of Trafficking grants of four times the President's requested amount. All U.S. Attorneys will have to participate in an anti- trafficking task force, and the Department of Justice will be required to continue collecting evidence of 'honor violence' against women in this country. There are a great many items to be pleased with in this funding bill, Madam Chair. I have mentioned but a few of them, but there are many others with which I agree--increased emphasis on STEM Education, the continued prohibition against the transfer or release of Guantanamo Bay detainees to the United States, dedication to Lyme Disease research, and youth mentoring programs. The bill contains $51.2 billion in funding by prioritizing programs and spending, and saves more than $398 million over the enacted fiscal year 2014 level. I urge passage of the bill.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Pastor Joe Catani of Dubois, Pennsylvania for 50 years of service to his community. Pastor Catani has served as the pastor for three different churches over the span of his fifty year career. From 1971-1997, he served at the Jonestown Bible Church, followed by The Grace Fellowship Church in Wilkes Barre (1997-1999), and finally, the Bressler Bible Church (1999- 2014). In addition to his work with the church, he has volunteered as a chaplain for rest homes and has served on mission agency boards. Pastor Catani's efforts have enriched his community, and his selfless service has touched thousands of people, in the states and abroad. Mr. Speaker, for over 50 years of exemplary pastoral service, I commend Pastor Catani and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Business Women's Forum which is celebrating 20 years of supporting female professionals in South Central Pennsylvania. Since its founding in 1994, the Business Women's Forum has brought together businesswomen and leaders from the South Central region of Pennsylvania for a one day event where they can meet with and learn from other women with a variety of backgrounds and organizations. Today, in partnership with more than nine Central Pennsylvania Chambers of Commerce, it is the largest one-day professional development and tradeshow event in the Central Pennsylvania region. By offering women with opportunities to develop their professional skills and plan for the future, the Business Women's Forum provides an invaluable resource to the businesswomen of South Central Pennsylvania and to the economic vitality of the region. Mr. Speaker, for their efforts in creating a strong workforce of skilled and developed businesswomen, I thank the Business Women's Forum for their contributions to our state and congratulate them on reaching the momentous milestone of their 20th anniversary.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Madam Chair, I rise in support of the Graves Amendment to the National Defense Authorization bill. My home state of Pennsylvania is proud of its National Guard--the fourth largest in the country and part of the fabric of our community. We need the Guard--particularly in times of disaster. After Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in 2011, many of our citizens simply would not have made it without the help of our National Guard. I support ensuring that the National Guard is appropriately protected in any force restructuring.