Lou Barletta

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Duane G. Duncan of Carlisle, Pennsylvania who was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame this year. Mr. Duncan became an active participant in 4-H at the age of 12 and continued to contribute to the organization while attending college at Penn State University. After graduating from Penn State in 1958, he worked in Adams County as an Assistant County Agent where he continued to collaborate with 4-H. In 1967, Mr. Duncan was promoted to Cumberland County Extension Director. He continued to work with 4-H horse and dairy programs until retiring in 2003 after 45 years of service. Throughout his many years with 4-H, Mr. Duncan has demonstrated leadership and dedication to both the organization and his community. He served as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Junior Dairy Show from 1972 to 1991 and was honored for his lifetime commitment at the 50th annual show in 2005. In 1974, he established the position of Superintendent of the All American Dairy Show 4-H and FFA Youth Dairy Forum, and he continues to fulfill those duties to this day. Additionally, he has served as treasurer of the PA 4-H Horse Program Development Committee since 1980, is on the Board of Directors of Therapeutic Riding Association of Cumberland County for handicapped children, and is a liaison to the Carlisle Rotary Club. Mr. Speaker, for his outstanding service to both 4-H and the Carlisle community, I commend Mr. Duane G. Duncan and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Holy Name Jets Pony Football Team from Dauphin County, Pennsylvania for winning the 2013 CFA Super Bowl Championship. On Sunday, November 10, 2013 the players of the Holy Name Jets Pony Football Team were crowned the CFA Super Bowl Champions after defeating the Red Land Patriots 22-0. The CFA Football League consists of 30 football associations in Dauphin, Cumberland, Juniata, Perry, Adams, and York Counties. Led by Head Coach Tim Madden and Assistant Coaches Sean Fasick, Joe Mosey, Buck Nye, Dave Madeira, George Connor and Dean Shields, the Jets, made up of local middle school students, finished the regular season with an 8-1 record. Before their win in the Super Bowl, Holy Name defeated both the Paxton Panthers and the Harrisburg Broncos in play-off games. Mr. Speaker, for their victory in the CFA Super Bowl Championship, I congratulate the coaches and players of the Holy Name Jets Pony Football Team and commend them for their hard work and dedication.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Past President Kristen Irene Molinaro of the Hazleton, Pennsylvania Lions Club. Ms. Molinaro served as president of the Hazleton Lions Club from 2011 to 2013. Since its founding, the Hazleton Lions Club has been extremely active within the community, completing numerous projects and making donations in support of many other organizations. In her time as president, the club donated $1,000 for a security camera in Hazleton and $5,000 to Lions International for Campaign Sight First. Other donations were made to a local Boy Scout troop, the Lions Beacon Lodge, Rails to Trails tree planting and the All American Girl Softball League. For her hard work Ms. Molarino was awarded the District 14W Lion of the Year 2012/2013. Mr. Speaker, for her devotion to the Hazleton Lions Club and the improvement of our community, I commend Past President Kristen Irene Molinaro.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Hazleton Lions Club which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. Since 1917, Lions Clubs have offered people the opportunity to give something back to their communities. On October 23, 1923, the Hazleton Lions Club was formed by its Charter President Roy D. Snyder, making it the 20th oldest Lions Club in Pennsylvania. Since its founding, the Hazleton Lions Club has been extremely active within the community, completing numerous projects and making donations in support of many other organizations. These volunteer service projects include the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Project, Red Cross Disaster Response Team, Nescopeck State Park Project, Can-Do Board of Directors, Greater Hazleton Area Fun Fest and the American Cancer Society. Recipients of the club's donations range from national organizations such as the United Rehabilitation Services and Catholic Social Services, to local groups such as Hazleton Little League and the Hazleton Integration Project. The members of this club continue to find ways to give back and improve their community. Mr. Speaker, for 90 years the Hazleton Lions Club has been a vital asset to the city of Hazleton, Pennsylvania. 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 to honor Hoyt Library in the Borough of Kingston, Pennsylvania which is celebrating its 85th anniversary this year. In January 1928, the Borough of Kingston opened the first free lending library on the West Side of the Susquehanna River. The building was donated to the town by Frank Weston Hoyt who recognized the need for a community library. Throughout its existence, the facility has been updated to meet the needs of the citizens of Kingston. In 1987, an addition was built to house much of the collection. Tragedy struck in February 2007, when the roof of that addition collapsed in a heavy snowstorm, and a large portion of the Library's collection was destroyed. In October 2009, a new two story addition was opened. Today, Hoyt Library continues to be an important part of the Kingston landscape. Mr. Speaker, for 85 years Hoyt Library has served as an important site to the citizens of the Borough of Kingston, Pennsylvania. Therefore, I commend those individuals who have dedicated their time to working and learning at this community asset.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Monica Barletta, longtime parishioner of the Holy Rosary Church in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. Monica Barletta has been a member of the Holy Rosary Church for over 70 years, joining in 1943 to receive her First Communion. She and her late husband Fred Barletta Sr. have been instrumental in every major project undertaken by Holy Rosary Parish. Mrs. Barletta has been a member and officer of the Christian Woman's Society for over 50 years, and has served as a lector for nearly 25 years. Additionally, she was an active member of the committee which initiated the annual Holy Rosary Bazaar in 1978 and she held the position of Bazaar chairperson. She was one of the founders of the church's annual Mother's Day Carnation Sales that support the Pennsylvanians for Human Life organization, an effort which has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the local pro-life movement over the past 30 years. She is also currently a member of the Holy Rosary Parish Council. Mr. Speaker, for her dedicated work at the Holy Rosary Church in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, I commend Monica Barletta.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Northmoreland Township Volunteer Fire Company of Dallas, Pennsylvania. Northmoreland Township Volunteer Fire Company was chartered in 1981 in order to provide fire protection to the local community which had long relied on other jurisdictions for this important undertaking. Township supervisors decided that the company would rely solely on fundraising and other sources of income rather than on taxpayer dollars, a decision which still stands to this day. Today, Northmoreland Township Volunteer Fire Company has over 70 members, including more than 40 volunteers who actively respond to calls. The additional members are responsible for important functions including fundraising, accounting, and other day to day business operations. Since its founding, the company has been active in updating their equipment and training procedures to ensure they are leaders in fire protection. The members of this company continue to risk their own lives to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents of Northmoreland Township. Mr. Speaker, since 1981 members of the Northmoreland Township Volunteer Fire Company have proudly protected their community from fire and other disasters. Therefore, I commend all those personnel who have faithfully served at this fire house and congratulate them on the dedication of their newest building addition and acquisition of a new ladder truck.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 185) to designate the United States courthouse located at 101 East Pecan Street in Sherman, Texas, as the ``Paul Brown United States Courthouse''.

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 185 would designate the United States courthouse located at 101 East Pecan Street in Sherman, Texas, as the Paul Brown United States Courthouse. During World War II, Judge Paul Brown enlisted in the United States Navy. In 1950, he graduated from the University of Texas School of Law and started a law practice in Sherman, Texas. In 1953, he served as an assistant United States attorney for the Eastern District of Texas and later as the United States attorney. In 1985, he was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to serve as district judge for the Eastern District of Texas. He served as a district judge and then as a senior district judge until his death in 2012. I want to thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall) for his leadership on this legislation. I think it is fitting to honor the service of Judge Brown to this Nation by naming this courthouse after him. I support passage of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall).

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

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.R. 185.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Benito A. Tranguch, an outstanding member of the UNICO Hazleton, Pennsylvania Chapter. A lifelong resident of the area, Mr. Tranguch served as the president of the UNICO Hazleton Chapter from 2002-2005. UNICO is the largest Italian American organization in the United States. Members seek to improve their communities by providing assistance to area and national charities through fundraisers and donations. Additionally, they strive to honor and educate others about their Italian culture and ethnic heritage. Mr. Tranguch's commitment to the community does not end with his service to UNICO. He is an active member of the Men of Malvern, the Hazleton Quarterback Club, Hazleton Community Concerts, Hazleton Gourmet, and the Queen of Heaven Church, where he serves on the Financial Committee and as an usher. He supports the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), the Committee to Help Handicapped Infants and Parents Succeed (CHHIPS) and the United Rehabilitation Services (URS). Mr. Tranguch was also awarded V.I.P. of the year from the Helping Hands Society. Mr. Speaker, for his dedicated service to both his Italian heritage and our community, I commend Benito A. Tranguch, an outstanding member of the UNICO Hazleton, Pennsylvania Chapter.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Army Ranger Sergeant Patrick C. Hawkins from Carlisle, Pennsylvania who was killed in action on October 6, 2013 in Afghanistan. Sgt. Hawkins was on his fourth tour in Afghanistan and serving as a rifleman, gun team leader and Ranger team leader when he was killed by an Improvised Explosive Device in Kandahar Province. He was tending to another wounded Army Ranger when he died. Sgt. Hawkins graduated from Carlisle High School in 2007 and went on to spend three years studying culinary arts part-time at Harrisburg Area Community College before enlisting in 2010. He is survived by his wife Brittanie, of Lansing, Kansas, and his parents, Roy and Sheila Hawkins, of Carlisle. Mr. Speaker, Sgt. Hawkins was clearly following part of the Army Ranger creed which says ``I will never leave a fallen comrade'' when he gave his life for our country. Therefore, for his dedicated service and sacrifice to protect our great Nation, I commend Army Ranger Sergeant Patrick C. Hawkins.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Greater Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, which celebrated its 100th anniversary on October 10, 2013. Founded in 1751, the borough of Carlisle is a historic community in south-central Pennsylvania. The Greater Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1913 and serves to encourage economic growth and stability throughout the area. The Chamber takes on many roles vital to the prosperity of the borough including helping start and grow local businesses, planning and hosting networking and professional development events, and assisting tourists in exploring the town. They continue to be an important asset to this growing community. Mr. Speaker, for 100 years the Greater Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce has been a catalyst for economic growth in Carlisle, 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 to honor a fallen soldier from my district, and I urge the passage of a bill later today to ensure that death benefits still flow to the families of our military heroes despite the government shutdown. Army Ranger Sergeant Patrick C. Hawkins, from Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was killed this past Sunday by an IED. Sergeant Hawkins was on his fourth tour in Afghanistan and was serving as a rifleman, a gun team leader, and a Ranger team leader when he was killed. Fittingly, he was tending to another wounded Ranger when he was killed. Sergeant Hawkins was clearly following part of the Army Ranger creed, which says: I will never leave a fallen comrade. Mr. Speaker, we should take that advice as well here in this body and not leave behind Sergeant Hawkins' wife, Brittanie, of Lansing, Kansas, or his parents, Roy and Sheila Hawkins, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Here in the House, we thought we had taken care of this problem by passing our Pay Our Military Act soon after the shutdown occurred; but, apparently, the Pentagon wants to have more explicit guidance on their ability to provide the death benefits to military families. So let it be said loudly and clearly here in the House of Representatives: we will never leave a fallen comrade. I urge my colleagues to pass the bill to make sure that the $100,000 gratuity is paid to cover final costs for Sergeant Hawkins and for all of our other brave men and women in service and that loved ones left behind receive what they are entitled to. I hope that the Senate follows suit and that the President signs it into law so that there is no further delay. May God bless Sergeant Patrick C. Hawkins and all others like him who defend our freedoms every day.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Kevin O'Donnell for 40 years of service with CAN DO, Inc. in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. Mr. O'Donnell joined CAN DO in 1973 as assistant director. CAN DO, Inc. is a private, non-profit industrial/economic development corporation serving Greater Hazleton in Northeastern, Pennsylvania. Mr. O'Donnell quickly rose through the ranks of this organization, becoming a project manager for the area's first synthetic fuels plant in 1974 and in 1984, becoming director of the organization. In 1995, that title changed to president, the position he has held since that day. Under Mr. O'Donnell's leadership, CAN DO received the Arthur D. Little Environmental Excellence in Economic Development Award in 1993, the U.S. Green Building Council's Energy and Environmental Design Award in 2006, and the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association's ``Large Agency of the Year'' title in 2007. A native of Greater Hazleton, Mr. O'Donnell's success extends beyond his work with CAN DO. In 1984, he was selected by the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association (PEDA) as the first-ever ``Developer of the Year.'' In 2006, he was awarded the Ben Franklin Innovation Award ``Special Achievement'' for his contribution to the creation of the Great Valley Technology Alliance (GVTA). In 2009, Mr. O'Donnell was inducted into Northeast Pennsylvania's Business Hall of Fame for his numerous achievements and contributions to Greater Hazleton and Northeast Pennsylvania. Locally, he has received numerous awards for his work as a former officer and member of several educational institutions and community and civic groups. Mr. Speaker, for 40 years Kevin O'Donnell has served as an integral member of CAN DO, Inc., bringing thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars to the Greater Hazleton economy. Therefore, I commend him for his service to the economic development of Pennsylvania's 11th District.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the borough of Weatherly, Pennsylvania, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary on October 6, 2013. Weatherly is located in Carbon County and lies between the Broad and Spring mountains on the banks of Hazle Creek. Originally called Black Creek, the town's name was changed to Weatherly in 1848 when a local clock-maker, David Weatherly, made an agreement with town officials that he would build a clock for the town if the area adopted his last name. While the name change was made, the town never received the clock they were promised. In 1863, Weatherly split from Lausanne Township to become its own borough. Today, Weatherly boasts over 2,500 residents. Mr. Speaker, for 150 years the borough of Weatherly has been an integral part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and our great nation. Therefore, I commend all those citizens who have lived and worked in this beautiful and historic area.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Alcoa Inc., which is celebrating 125 years in the aluminum industry this year. Alcoa was originally founded as the Pittsburgh Reduction Company in 1888 by Charles Martin Hall. Mr. Hall discovered a way to produce aluminum through electrolysis, sparking the modern aluminum industry both here and abroad. Starting with their creation of the first prototype aluminum tea kettle, they have been behind major milestones in fields ranging from aerospace to consumer electronics. Today, Alcoa remains one of the most admired metals companies in the world, employing approximately 61,000 people in 30 countries. They are the leading global producer of primary aluminum and fabricated aluminum, as well as the largest miner of bauxite and refiner of alumina. The company's innovations have led to the creation of products such as the world's lightest planes and most fuel efficient cars. Mr. Speaker, for 125 years Alcoa Inc. has served to create innovative and sustainable solutions in the aluminum field. Therefore, I commend all the personnel who have worked at this industry leader.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Richard Luthcke on his retirement from the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department. Mr. Luthcke served with the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department for 23 years, retiring in February 2013. For 10 of those years, he was a detective in the homicide department, helping to find justice for murder victims and answers for their families and friends. Before working for the department, Mr. Luthcke served in the United States Navy for four years. Presently, he works for the Stroud Area Regional Police Department as a homicide detective on cold case murders in Monroe County. Mr. Speaker, for 23 years Mr. Luthcke served to protect the Pocono Mountain community from danger and find justice for victims of homicide. Therefore, I commend Richard Luthcke on his retirement from the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. BARLETTA. I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, as a former mayor for 11 years, I had the opportunity to work with some great people in law enforcement, not only in our city government but also those in the FBI, and I know all too well the difficult job that these men and women do to keep us safe, especially Mr. Resnick, who dedicated his life to fighting terrorism. I don't believe we need to look very far to see how vitally important it is as we try to keep Americans safe from terrorism right here at home. Mr. Resnick not only loved his job, but he loved his country, so I think it is very fitting that we honor all of those unsung heroes who go to work each day, never expecting to see their names in the headlines or in a story. They are the men and women who go to work and make sure that we have the freedoms that we have here in America. Naming a courthouse is not a small thing, and naming a building is not a small thing, nor is just the dedication of a good American who did all he could. Even during illness, even during a time when most would quit and stop, he continued to work because of his love for his family and his country. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 3096 would designate the building occupied by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Vienna, Virginia, as the ``Michael D. Resnick Terrorist Screening Center.'' Supervisory Special Agent Michael Resnick dedicated his 20 years of service with the FBI to protecting our Nation. He demonstrated his dedication to protecting us all from terrorism as he continued to work while fighting pancreatic cancer. Sadly, he passed away in 2011. I think that it is more than fitting to name the FBI's Terrorist Screening Center after him. I support the passage of this legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.