Lou Barletta

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of WRRDA and thank Chairman Shuster and subcommittee Chairman Gibbs for their leadership. Critically for my district, WRRDA helps with flood risk management. It increases the roles of the private sector and local communities, and it creates opportunities for public-private partnerships. WRRDA accommodates the expansion of the Panama Canal so markets far from the coastline, such as Carlisle, Pennsylvania, or Hazleton, can develop the economic engines of inland ports to support increased freight.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Kevin O'Donnell who is receiving the 2014 Greater Hazleton Friends of Scouting Distinguished Citizen of the Year award. Mr. O'Donnell is the president of CAN DO, Inc. which is a private, non-profit industrial/economic development corporation serving the Greater Hazleton area in Northeastern Pennsylvania. He began his career with CAN DO in 1973 as assistant director, and in 1984, was named director, a title that was changed to president in 1995 and one that he continues to hold today. The Greater Hazleton Friends of Scouting Distinguished Citizen award recognizes individuals who set a positive example for others and demonstrate selfless concern and care for their communities. For the past 40 years, through his work with CAN DO and other efforts, Mr. O'Donnell has attracted regional, national, and global companies to do business in Northeastern Pennsylvania, which in turn has created thousands of jobs and produced hundreds of millions of dollars for the local economy. In addition to his most recent award, Mr. O'Donnell has been recognized countless times for his selfless contributions to the community. In 1984, he was the first individual ever named, ``Developer of the Year'' by the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association. In 2006, he received the Ben Franklin Innovation Award ``Special Achievement'' for contributions to the Great Valley Technology Alliance, and in 2009, he was inducted into the Northeast Pennsylvania's Business Hall of Fame. Mr. O'Donnell has also been recognized for his work as a former officer and member of several local educational institutions and community and civic groups. He currently is on the board for the Wiltsie Center for the Performing Arts and serves as a member of the Hazleton Civic Partnership Advisory Committee. In addition, he is a member of the Hazleton Rotary Club. Mr. Speaker, Mr. O'Donnell has made countless contributions to improving life for residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Therefore, I commend him for his hard work and congratulate him on receiving the 2014 Distinguished Citizen of the Year award from the Greater Hazleton Friends of Scouting.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the brave men and women from Pennsylvania's 11th district who served our country during World War II and the Korean War. Today, many of Central Pennsylvania's veterans have travelled to Washington, DC to view the monuments erected in their honor and pay respects to the soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice and are laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. In WWII and the Korean War, these individuals fought courageously and valiantly against enemy forces to protect the freedoms of not only Americans, but also people throughout the world. It is important that we continue to ensure that these American heroes receive the honor and respect that they deserve. This trip demonstrates that we as a state and as a country will never forget the debt we owe those who have worn our nation's uniform. Mr. Speaker, the men and women who served in our nation's armed forces provided an invaluable service to sustain our country's freedom. Therefore, I thank these individuals and their families for their sacrifice and commend them for their dedication to preserving our American way of life.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Sandy and Marcia Cohen, who are being honored at the 2014 Susquehanna Tzedakah Society Dinner for their selfless dedication to the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Jewish community. Mr. and Mrs. Cohen, both Harrisburg natives, are well known throughout our community for their selfless devotion to Jewish philanthropies and activities. Mr. Cohen, CEO of Cohen Produce Marketing, and Mrs. Cohen, a pharmacist at Holy Spirit Hospital, each credit their parents for instilling a strong sense of devotion to helping the Jewish community in any way possible. In their many years of service, the Cohens have always accepted requests for their assistance and in doing so have set a high standard of excellence for others to emulate. Not unmindful of providing for future generations, the Cohens made sure to encourage a strong dedication to tzedakah in their four children, no doubt ensuring their legacy will inspire and benefit many members of the community for years to come. Mr. Speaker, tonight as the Harrisburg community honors the Cohens at the 2014 Susquehanna Tzedakah Society Dinner, I join in commending them for their outstanding commitment to bettering the Jewish community and thank them and their family for their selfless dedication.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Morton and Alyce Spector who are being honored at the 2014 Susquehanna Tzedakah Society Dinner for their devotion to bettering the Jewish community of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Spector have committed their lives to improving the community for their friends and neighbors. Mrs. Spector, a former teacher and executive director of the National Kidney Foundation of Central PA, and Mr. Spector, a founder of D&H Distributors and current co-owner of Design Kitchens and Appliances, have worked with dozens of boards and organizations across the Harrisburg region and are known by all for their ``can do'' attitude and willingness to lend a hand whenever it's needed. The Spectors credit their parents as their role models, instilling in them the importance of charitable efforts from an early age. Today, they themselves have become role models and are credited with raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Jewish community. Mr. Speaker, tonight as the Harrisburg community honors the Spectors at the 2014 Susquehanna Tzedakah Society Dinner, I join in thanking them for their outstanding commitment to bettering the Jewish community, and I commend them and their families for their hard work and dedication.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Margaret M. Ladonis of Drums, Pennsylvania who is turning 100 years old on April 15, 2014. Mrs. Ladonis was born on a farm in Dorchester County, Wisconsin on April 15, 1914. During World War II, she supported the war effort by manufacturing torpedoes in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She eventually moved to Berwick, Pennsylvania and opened Ladonis Appliance Store with her husband, Alex Ladonis, in 1946. Mrs. Ladonis assisted in the operation of this store for many years until retiring in 1978. Throughout her time in Pennsylvania, Margaret has been an active member of the local community, volunteering with Girl Scout and Cub Scout troops, St. Mary's Church, Berwick Hospital, and the Red Cross. She was also a member of the former Daughters of Isabella and the National Council of Catholic Women at St. Mary's. Today, she enjoys visiting with her four children and six grandchildren, reading, and solving jigsaw puzzles. Mr. Speaker, as she turns 100, I wish Margaret Ladonis a happy and healthy birthday.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Donna E. Palermo on her retirement from the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce after 26 years of exceptional service. Ms. Palermo began working for the Chamber as an executive secretary in 1988 and continued to move through the ranks of the organization, serving as an administrative assistant, vice president, and interim president. In May 2001, she became the first woman in the Chamber's 120-year history to serve as president, a position she held for 13 years. Beyond her work with the Chamber, Ms. Palermo is an active member of the Hazleton community, serving in numerous leadership roles including President of the Northeastern Chamber of Commerce Services Organization, Chair of the Luzerne County Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Chair of the Greater Hazleton Area Civic Partnership. She is also a member of the Greater Hazleton Health Alliance (now Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton), Leadership Hazleton, Lackawanna/Luzerne County Metropolitan Planning Organization, and CAN BE. In addition to her involvement with many of the areas organizations and charities, she has undertaken several special projects, including an effort to bring back a health insurance program for the Chamber. As a result of her collaborative efforts, this health insurance program has grown beyond the Greater Hazleton Chamber to 17 additional Northeast Pennsylvania Chambers of Commerce. Mr. Speaker, having had the pleasure to work with Ms. Palermo on many projects centered on community service and economic development, I can attest to her integrity and strong sense of community pride. Therefore, I commend Donna E. Palermo for her years of committed service to her community and the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, and I wish her continued success in the future.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Harrisburg Regional Chamber of Commerce in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary on April 16, 2014. Founded in the late 1800s, the Chamber was originally known as the Harrisburg Board of Trade. In 1913, it was agreed that the organization should be incorporated as a Chamber of Commerce, and in 1914, it was officially given this designation. Although the name has changed, Harrisburg Regional Chamber of Commerce has stayed true to its mission, acting as a catalyst for policy change, job creation, and business growth throughout Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties. The Chamber continues to serve as an important asset in Southeastern Pennsylvania, spurring economic development throughout the community. Mr. Speaker, for 100 years the Harrisburg Regional Chamber of Commerce has served as a catalyst for economic growth in Harrisburg, PA. Therefore, I commend all those who have served to improve their community as part of this important organization.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleagues, Rep. Jim Gerlach (PA-6) and Rep. Bill Shuster (PA-9), to congratulate the players and coaches of the 2013 Dickinson College Red Devils Men's Lacrosse Team of Carlisle, Pennsylvania on their incredible season which was capped by their advancement to the ``Elite Eight'' in the 2013 NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament. The 2013 Dickinson Red Devils captured the Centennial Conference Championship for a third consecutive season en route to their appearance in the quarterfinals of the NCAA National Championship Tournament. The team was led by First-team All-American, Division III Long Pole Midfielder of the Year and Iroquois Award winner for Outstanding Player of the Year, Brandon Palladino; First-team All- American and Lt. Col. J.I. Turnbull Award winner, Brian Cannon; and First-team All-Americans Matt Cherry and Peter Zouck. Slay Sudah was named Third-team All-American and Greg Hanley and Parker Waldron received honorable mention recognition. The Red Devils' 2013 roster included: Reid Barger, Nick Baxter, Christian Beitel, Matt Brinc--kerhoff, Greg Castro, Chris Clementi, Reiley Crosby, Eric Dircks, Draper Donley, Collin Farrell, Kobi Frankel, Nolan Funchion, Brian Gleason, Youssef Gorgi, Patrick Haig, Mattison Hamilton, D.J. Henderson, Rob Kendall, Greg Kirchner, Marek Laco, Dave Largey, Kevin Leary, Nick Leon, Chris Menard, Carter Moore, Andrew Morgan, Palmer Murray, Jack O'Connor, Brett Parker, Graham Parsons, Max Pawk, Chris Pianko, Mike Reid, Sam Rosenburgh, Reed Salmons, Andrew Salvitti, Will Scott, Mike Serpa, Nick Shepherd, Greg Shildkrout, Michael Smith, Ace Sudah, Will Trevenen, and Tyler White. The Red Devils were ably led by Head Coach David Webster, Assistant Coaches Tim Marshall and Pat March, Statisticians Emily David and Rachel Moore, Athletic Trainer Adam Richmond with dedicated administrative support by College Athletic Director Dr. Les Poolman. Mr. Speaker, in light of their outstanding accomplishments and noteworthy season, we ask that our colleagues join us today in recognizing the players and coaches of the Dickinson College Red Devils Men's Lacrosse Team of Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Chair, I will vote for the budget proposal framework put forth by Chairman Paul Ryan. I vote to reaffirm my support for the principles behind the bipartisan Ryan Murray budget agreement; For efforts to simplify our nation's tax code to make it simpler and fairer for all involved; For repeal of the president's misguided and unworkable health care law; For efforts to reign in the president's wasteful spending proposals and burdensome regulations, which are preventing our economy from reaching its full potential; For efforts to ensure that our men and women in uniform have the support they need; For efforts to responsibly reduce our $17 trillion plus debt, which is a national security concern; And for efforts to balance our nation's budget--the President's budget proposal never achieves balance. Mr. Chair, I will vote for efforts to reform our entitlement programs to ensure that they are preserved and protected for future generations. This budget proposal is a thoughtful document that forces the Congress to face reality--these programs, which are on autopilot, are simply unsustainable in their current form. And we must reform these programs because they consume roughly two thirds of our nation's spending. We must preserve our ability to quickly respond to any crisis, foreign or domestic, while still ensuring we have the ability to make the needed investments that will spur economic private industry growth and ingenuity. Just like the bipartisan Ryan Murray budget agreement, I do not agree with every line in this budget framework, and I will work to improve any future legislation that may be considered as a result of its adoption. But I do agree that we have a duty to offer ideas in the public sphere. I will vote yes because our fiscal challenges are real, and they must be addressed.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Union Fire Company which is celebrating 225 years of service to the Borough of Carlisle, Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas. The Union Fire Company was formed in October 1788 after a fire destroyed several local homes. The company formally organized on April 6, 1789 and received their first engine soon after. Since that time, they have been an important force against many historic fires in the region and have been instrumental in keeping the residents of Carlisle safe. In 1931, the company entered into rural service, a move which earned them the title of the busiest firehouse in Cumberland County. Over the past 225 years, Union Fire Company has taken on an integral function within the community, extending their role to include hosting festivals and participating in parades. Throughout history, many of the brave men working for Union Fire Company have pursued the call to serve and protect beyond the local level. Members of the organization served and sometimes sacrificed their lives in the Civil War and World War I and II. Today, members of the fire house continue to put their own safety at risk to assure that the people of Cumberland County are protected from destructive fires and other disasters. Mr. Speaker, for the last 225 years, the Union Fire Company has served as an important asset to the citizens of Carlisle and the surrounding areas. Therefore, I commend the personnel who have faithfully worked to protect and defend our community at this fire house.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Penbrook Leo Club which is celebrating five years of service to the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania community. Penbrook Leo Club was chartered in 2009 as a way for teenagers in Harrisburg to serve their community through volunteerism. Since that time, the members of this organization have engaged in many projects to improve the local area. They have helped beautify Harrisburg by adopting a mile of the Capital Area Greenbelt, participating in park and street cleaning, and maintaining a Memorial Garden at the community park. Members actively engage with local residents by visiting nursing homes, assisting with holiday parades and dinners, and participating in events such as National Night Out. The club has also raised money for organizations such as Diabetes Education and Research, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Lions Clubs International Foundation, and the Northeast Pennsylvania Lions Eye. Today, the 20 current members of this club continue to find ways to improve lives for the residents of South Central Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, for the last five years, the Penbrook Leo Club has served as an invaluable asset to the Harrisburg community. Therefore, I commend all the members of this organization that have devoted their time and energy to bettering their community.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. The gentleman from Maryland may be interested to know that, in our markup of this resolution, two of our committee members mentioned that they were proud soap box derby champions--Mr. Nolan of Minnesota and Mr. Williams of Texas. They also joked that, today, they now stand on a soap box here in Congress. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BARLETTA. I have no other speakers.

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 extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 88.

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 88) authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby.

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, in closing, this has been a proud tradition across the Nation, including in Pennsylvania. In fact, in 1975, 11-year-old Karren Stead of Lower Bucks County, Pennsylvania, became the first girl to win the All-American Soap Box Derby. Again, I would like to thank the minority whip for giving us an opportunity each year to highlight this event and its importance. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H. Con. Res. 88 authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the annual Greater Washington Soap Box Derby in June. I want to thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) for introducing this resolution. He has been a longtime supporter of this event and of the children involved each year. This event occurs annually on the Capitol Grounds. The Soap Box Derby encourages children to show off their dedication, work, and creativity as they compete for trophies. The winners of each division are qualified to compete in the National All-American Soap Box Derby held in Ohio. I support the passage of this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BARLETTA

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

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. H. Con. Res. 92 authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition. I am pleased to be the sponsor of this resolution along with the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Carson). These events are held each year as part of Police Week to honor the men and women who sacrifice their lives in the line of duty. This year, over 110 Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers will be honored for their ultimate sacrifice--giving their lives in the line of duty to protect us. Three of these officers are from Pennsylvania, including one from my district, Correctional Officer Eric Williams of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania. Officer Williams was beaten and stabbed to death by an inmate in Federal prison in Wayne County. These officers put their lives on the line every day, doing a hard job that protects law-abiding citizens from violent criminals. Officer Williams' sacrifice and the sacrifices of those like him should not be forgotten. I support the passage of this resolution. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 92) authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition.

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 to include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 92.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Helen A. Rizzo of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania who is turning 100 years old on March 21, 2014. Mrs. Rizzo was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania on March 21, 1914. She worked as a seamstress and married Daniel G. Rizzo. Mrs. Rizzo has two children, Carmen and Marian, as well as five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, as she turns 100, I wish Helen Rizzo a happy and health birthday.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Stephanie Jallen of Harding, Pennsylvania who represented the United States in the women's alpine skiing competition in the 2014 Winter Paralympics in Sochi, Russia. Stephanie is one of about 60 people worldwide born with a rare condition called Congenital Hemidysplasia Ichthyosis Limb Defect (CHILD) syndrome that leaves the left side of the body underdeveloped. At the age of nine, she attended the Camelback Adaptive Ski Camp in Tannersville, Pennsylvania and fell in love with the sport. Despite her instructor's attempts to put her in a bi-ski, Stephanie insisted on learning to ski standing up. She continued to work with the Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports and quickly became an accomplished skier. Stephanie has received many accolades for her achievements in alpine skiing. In 2011, she was named to the U.S. Paralympics Alpine National Team at the age of 15. Since then, she has taken home numerous first, second and third place medals in contests ranging from national championships to world cups. During the 2014 Winter Paralympics, she won two bronze medals, one in the Women's Super Combined (standing), and one in the Women's Super-G (standing). Despite her intense training schedule, Stephanie remains a true scholar athlete. She is currently a senior at Wyoming Area Secondary Center. After graduating this year, she will attend Kings College in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, Stephanie Jallen has demonstrated tremendous grit and determination in pursuing her Paralympic dreams. Therefore, I commend her for her hard work and achievements as part of the United States Paralympic alpine skiing team, and I wish her the best in her future endeavors.