Lou Barletta

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Washington Fire Company No 1. which will celebrate 155 years of service to the Borough of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania and the surrounding counties. The Washington Fire Company is one of the oldest operations of its kind still servicing Cumberland County. Named after our country's first president, the company was formally constituted on February 22nd, 1858. The town hall was used to house equipment and hold meetings until 1860, when a firehouse was built on East Main Street, a facility the Washington Fire Company still uses to this day. The Washington Fire Company has been an important force against many historic fires in the region. Members of their workforce were present at the Thomas Printing fire in 1903, the Grantham Aircraft Engine Works and the Updegraf's Bowling Alley fires in 1956, the Brandtsville Train Wreck in 1963, the Arch Street School fire in 1972, and the fire at Rakestraw's Ice Cream in 1991. They continue to put their lives on the line to protect the people of Cumberland County. Mr. Speaker, for the last 155 years, the Washington Fire Company has acted as an important asset to the citizens of Mechanicsburg and the surrounding counties. Therefore, I commend the personnel who have faithfully worked to protect our community at this fire house.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Madam Speaker, how much time do I have remaining?

Mr. BARLETTA. I yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds.

Mr. BARLETTA. Madam 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. 592.

Mr. BARLETTA. I yield the gentleman an additional minute.

Mr. BARLETTA. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 592) to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to clarify that houses of worship are eligible for certain disaster relief and emergency assistance on terms equal to other eligible private nonprofit facilities, and for other purposes.

Mr. BARLETTA. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. First, I want to acknowledge the work of the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) for his leadership on this bipartisan legislation. Currently, the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, also known as the Stafford Act, provides for assistance to nonprofit organizations to rebuild damaged facilities following a declared disaster. Like other nonprofit organizations, religious-based organizations have seen significant damage to their facilities from disasters. Just last year, for example, we saw facilities owned by both religious and nonreligious organizations alike damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. The administration is interpreting current law to allow some religious nonprofits to receive reconstruction assistance, while others do not. For example, parochial schools and religious hospitals receive funds, while a soup kitchen or a shelter may not, depending on how often it is used for purely religious purposes. H.R. 592 clarifies that facilities owned by religious-based organizations qualify for certain types of disaster assistance. Again, let me thank the gentleman from New Jersey for his efforts on behalf of his constituents to rebuild the storm-ravaged areas of his State. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BARLETTA. Madam Speaker, I wish to yield 7 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), who is the sponsor of this bill.

Mr. BARLETTA. Madam Speaker, I wish to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte), chairman of Judiciary.

Mr. BARLETTA. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith).

Mr. BARLETTA. Madam Speaker, I wish to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Pitts).

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

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Tobyhanna Army Depot, which will celebrate 60 years of service to the Warfighter on February 1, 2013. The Tobyhanna Army Depot is the largest fill-service electronics maintenance facility in the Department of Defense and has served all branches of our Armed Forces since 1953. Today, it is a global enterprise specializing in the repair, upgrade and integration of Command, Control, Computer, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems. It is a leader in the areas of automated test equipment, systems integration and downsizing of electronic systems. The Army has designated Tobyhanna as its ``Center of Industrial and Technical Excellence for C4ISR and Electronics, Avionics, and Missile Guidance and Control''. The Air Force has designated Tobyhanna as its ``Technical Source of Repair for command, control, communications and intelligence systems''. Additionally, the depot has received several Shingo Medallions for Excellence in Manufacturing. The Tobyhanna Army Depot is a crucial component of Pennsylvania's economy, having an estimated annual economic impact of $4.4 billion. It is the largest employer in Northeastern Pennsylvania, providing employment for roughly 5,800 personnel with 130 different job skills. The depot has created 19,300 jobs in the region and posts 300 personnel at ``forward repair activities'' to support our military personnel abroad. On a national scale, the depot has saved American taxpayers $187.1 million since 2002, as a result of their cost-efficient and industrious performance. Mr. Speaker, for the last 60 years, the Tobyhanna Army Depot has acted as an important asset for our military as well as for Pennsylvania and the United States. Therefore, I commend all those personnel--military and civilian--who have faithfully served our community and our country while stationed at this important C4ISR systems center.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in solidarity with our friends in Israel. We've recently seen Hamas, the Palestinian terrorist organization, target Israeli cities with large civilian populations, like Tel Aviv. Since last Wednesday, more than 500 rockets have been fired at Israel generally targeting schools, playgrounds, homes, and other civilian targets. Innocent civilians trying to live in peace are purposely placed in the middle of the violence. This ratchets up the conflict, and brings both sides to the brink of a dangerous confrontation. Israel has the right to defend itself, particularly when its civilian population is directly targeted by Hamas. Americans must stand with Israel as it confronts these terrorists. Mr. Speaker, I condemn the evil actions of Hamas, and I pray for the safety of all innocent civilians caught in the middle of this escalating violence.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Donna E. Palermo, president of the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, who received the Maternal and Family Health Services Rose Tucker Award. Maternal and Family Health Services is a non-profit health and human service organization working to improve the health of Pennsylvania women and children. The Maternal and Family Health Services Rose Tucker Award is named in honor of former Luzerne County Commissioner and long-time employee of Maternal and Family Health Services, Rose Tucker. Ms. Tucker dedicated her life to public service and acted as a health advocate and champion for women, children, and families in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The award is presented to someone who exemplifies those same qualities. Ms. Palermo has had a distinguished career with the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce. She began as an executive secretary in 1988 and continued to move through the ranks 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. In June 2013, she will celebrate 25 years with the chamber. Ms. Palermo has committed years of service to her community. She holds leadership positions on numerous boards including chairman of the Greater Hazleton Area Civic Partnership, chairman of the Luzerne County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and secretary of the Mountain Council of Governments. Ms. Palermo serves the community on additional boards such as Greater Hazleton Partners in Education, Hazleton General Hospital, Leadership Hazleton, Luzerne County Community College Advisory Council, and the YWCA PEARL committee. Ms. Palermo has been a successful leader for the community. She led efforts to form a health insurance and energy program through a partnership of 17 chambers in Northeastern Pennsylvania. She helped to initiate a Farmers Market in downtown Hazleton as well as a Women's Networking committee in partnership with the Hazleton YWCA and Leadership Hazleton. Ms. Palermo was recognized in 2002 as one of the top 25 women in business by the NEPA Business Journal. Having worked with Ms. Palermo on economic development and community service projects in the Hazleton area, I can attest to her integrity and strong sense of community pride. Ms. Palermo approaches each task with enthusiasm and optimism and keeps a level head even when situations become tense. It has been both a pleasure and an honor to work alongside Ms. Palermo on numerous projects in the Hazleton area, and I look forward to working with her on future endeavors. Mr. Speaker, I commend Donna E. Palermo for her years of committed service to her community. It is an honor to recognize her service, and I congratulate her on receiving the Maternal and Family Health Services Rose Tucker Award. I thank Ms. Palermo for all that she does for our community in Northeastern Pennsylvania, and I wish her continued success in the future.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Northeast Counseling Services, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary of service to our community. Northeast Counseling Services, founded on July 1, 1972, is a professional organization dedicated to improving quality of life by providing comprehensive and effective behavioral health services through a caring and responsive partnership with individuals, families, and the community. They serve our community as one of the largest providers of behavioral health services in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Northeast Counseling Services offers a wide range of psychiatric services for children, adolescents, and adults including crisis intervention, intake and evaluation, inpatient and outpatient services, and intensive case management, among others. Northeast Counseling also offers emergency service available twenty-four hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. They have office locations in Nanticoke, Hazleton, and Lehighton. Mr. Speaker, for the past forty years, Northeast Counseling Services has proudly served the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania. I commend the group on its 40th anniversary and wish it continued success.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Paul Gosiewski, James Jesikiewicz, Stephen Krushnowski, Heather Susek, and Alfonso Zangardi for their induction into the Plains Sports Hall of Fame in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Plains Sports Hall of Fame recognizes local athletes who demonstrate a lifelong commitment to athletics and have excelled in sports both during and after high school and college. Mr. Gosiewski graduated from Plains Memorial High School in 1957 where he served as a starting guard for the Red Raiders. After graduation, Mr. Gosiewski served in the United States Marine Corps for 12 years and competed as a member of the Marine Corps wrestling team. Mr. Jesikiewicz graduated from Coughlin High School in 1983 where he was a member of the golf and basketball teams. During his time on the basketball team, James scored 1,069 points and recorded 624 assists for the Crusaders. He was named a Wyoming Valley Conference All Star in 1982 and 1983. Mr. Krushnowski graduated from Coughlin High School in 1990 where he was a varsity letter-winning member of the football, wrestling, and basketball teams. Mr. Krushnowski continued his wrestling career at Mansfield University and was a three-time place finisher in the NCAA Division II national qualifier. Ms. Susek graduated from Coughlin High School in 2007 where she was a member of the soccer, track and field, and field hockey teams. As a member of the Syracuse University field hockey team, Heather was selected to the Big East All Conference Team in 2010 and was named Co- Offensive Player of the Year in 2011. Mr. Zangardi is a graduate of Seton Catholic High School where he participated in golf, basketball, and baseball. As a member of the Plains American Legion baseball team, he received the Rookie of the Year Award in 1995 and the Coach's Award in 1996. Mr. Speaker, today it is with great pleasure that I commend Paul Gosiewski, James Jesikiewicz, Stephen Krushnowski, Heather Susek, and Alfonso Zangardi as they are inducted into the Plains Sports Hall of Fame.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Mr. Marshall S. Jacobson, Esq. and Mrs. April Jacobson, who are being honored by Temple B'nai B'rith for their service to the temple and the community. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson have served as exemplary community leaders. Mr. Jacobson has been affiliated with the Wilkes-Barre law firm of Rosenn, Jenkins, and Greenwald since 1968 and became a partner in 1973. They have three sons and four grandchildren. Mr. Jacobson earned his bachelor's degree in 1959 from the Pennsylvania State University and his law degree from the Dickinson School of Law in 1962. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson first met while they were employed by the Internal Revenue Service in Washington, DC. They married in 1966 and relocated to the Wilkes-Barre area in 1968. Mr. Jacobson has had a distinguished career serving individual, corporate, charitable, and non-profit clients for over 40 years. He is dedicated to his community and has served as a member, officer, and director of numerous organizations including Temple B'nai B'rith, Temple Apartments, United Cerebral Palsy, Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen, and Kiwanis Club of Mountain Top. Furthermore, Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson are both deeply admired for their strong faith and continual devotion to family. Together, they have served our community loyally. Mr. Speaker, today, Mr. Marshall S. Jacobson, Esq. and Mrs. April Jacobson stand as leaders in Northeastern Pennsylvania. I commend them for their years of admirable service to our community and country, and I wish them continued success in the future.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Frank Molinaro IV, Mr. James Warnagiris, Dr. Joseph Bafile, Mr. Richard Hudak, and Mr. Richard Piskel, recipients of the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. This award is presented by the Hazleton Lions Club and given for a person's outstanding service to the club and the community. It is the highest award given in Lionism. 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, and this year, the club will celebrate its 89th anniversary. 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. Mr. Molinaro, Mr. Warnagiris, Dr. Bafile, and Mr. Piskel have all served as president of the Hazleton Lions Club. Mr. Hudak currently serves as first vice president and will begin a term as president in July 2013. All five men are being honored for raising $5,000 over a five-year period for the Lions Clubs International Sight First II Project. Sight First is a Lions initiative to restore sight and prevent blindness around the world. Each of these men also took part in the construction of the Hazleton Lions Pavilion in the Hazle Township Community Park. They have each served our community loyally. Mr. Speaker, today Mr. Frank Molinaro IV, Mr. James Warnagiris, Dr. Joseph Bafile, Mr. Richard Hudak, and Mr. Richard Piskel stand as civic leaders in Northeastern Pennsylvania. I commend them for their years of admirable service to the Hazleton Lions Club, our community and country, and I wish them continued success in the future.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Joseph D. Cerullo who received the Outstanding Italian American of 2012 award from the Hazleton Chapter of UNICO National. Founded on October 10, 1992, UNICO National is the largest Italian-American service organization in the United States. As a native of Hazleton, I have known Joe and his family for many years. Joe graduated from Hazleton Senior High School in 1965 and started working at PPL Co. at the Hauto Steam Electric Station. Not long after, Joe decided to dedicate his life to the safety of our great Nation by enlisting in the U.S. Navy. His naval career took him many places including San Francisco, CA; Key West, FL; and even Cuba. In June of 1970, Joe was honorably discharged from the Navy and returned to Pennsylvania. Joe knows what it takes to run a successful business. In 1978, along with three other individuals, he cofounded Micrographics International, Inc. In 2003, Joe's partners at IMF offered him an opportunity of a lifetime--a buyout. This allowed him to retire young and spend more time with his family and friends, most importantly, his grandchildren, Julian and Gianna. In addition to his work as a small business owner, Joe has always been committed to community service for the betterment of Hazleton, the Commonwealth, and our country. Joe has served as the elected president and devoted his time to several local clubs such as Mountain City Lions, Kiwanis Club of Hazleton, Valley Country Club, and the Hazleton Chapter of UNICO. Currently, he serves as the District Director (PA-1) of UNICO National and is a member of the Board of Trustees for UNICO National. Overall, it is an honor to recognize Joe and his involvement in an organization that has given so much back to the community. I have had the esteemed privilege of attending many UNICO events in my congressional district, including pig roasts and charity events. I look forward to seeing how Joe will make a positive mark on Italian- Americans across the Nation and, specifically, those of the 11th District of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I commend Joseph D. Cerullo for his years of committed service to the Hazleton Chapter of UNICO National and his readiness to serve the needs of Italian-Americans across our Nation and in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the parishioners of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, who are celebrating the church's 150th anniversary. In 1862, several members of the first German congregation in Hazleton established a separate church to identify themselves as distinctly Lutheran. On September 25, 1862, the cornerstone was dedicated, and the Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church began its mission of glorifying God. The church faced many challenges throughout the years, from adjusting to our nation's customs and general society to growing its congregation. In the late 1800s, parishioners of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church recognized the importance of helping parishioners assimilate into the community and culture, so the English language was introduced at worship services. By 1903, parishioners formed their first English Sunday School and demonstrated a strong commitment to a Christian education for all ages. As the number of the church's devoted parishioners grew, the congregation built a new church and, most importantly, a new Sunday school. The buildings, which still stand today, were dedicated on November 2, 1930. Today, the dedicated parishioners of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church continue the virtuous work started by their forefathers 150 years ago. To help the people in their community, the church has partnered with Seeds of Hope, a nonprofit organization that assists families in crisis, and the Salvation Army. Through these organizations, this church's parishioners help maintain a food pantry, provide services such as property cleanup to promote a safe environment for children, and donate to the Salvation Army's food and clothing drives. The present church is the result of faithfulness to the teachings, customs, and traditions of the Lutheran church. With the guidance of their present pastor, Reverend Wayne Lupole, the church welcomes all families as they seek to explore the rich Christian faith. Mr. Speaker, I offer my most sincere congratulations and deepest respect to the parishioners of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, and I wish them many years of successful, faithful future service.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. When disaster strikes around the world, America is always the first to help, and I'm proud of that. I'm proud of our country. I'm proud that when countries need help, we're there. But when disasters strike right here at home, I do believe that we should help Americans first, and we don't know when or where the next disaster will occur. It could be tonight, could be tomorrow, could be next week. But let's make sure, before we leave here today, that we tell our neighbors and friends back home and around this great Nation that, in their greatest time of need, their country will be there for them. With all the devastation and destruction that happened from last year's flood, I saw the greatness of America. I saw neighbors helping neighbors. I saw strangers helping people. I saw students helping the elderly. I saw what makes this country great, and I saw the American people come together. It's time that this Congress comes together. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Just over a year ago, the people of the 11th Congressional District of Pennsylvania endured some of the worst flooding that we have ever experienced. In the aftermath of both a hurricane and a tropical storm, the Susquehanna River and streams flowing into it surged out of their banks, washing out homes and businesses and roads and bridges. I spent days traveling across my district consoling my constituents. I was with them as they had to throw out photo albums, their children's toys, their clothing, their furniture, their lives' possessions. I stood on muddy porches and cried with my constituents. Time after time they asked me how the Federal Government was going to help them recover. Time after time, business owners asked me if the Federal Government was able to provide low-interest loans so they could rebuild, reopen, and bring back their workers. Time after time, I would tell them the government of the United States was going to offer them loans at a 6 percent interest rate. That's right, 6 percent. A 6 percent loan isn't going to help a business owner rebuild and reopen, and the hardworking people of northeastern Pennsylvania knew that. A 6 percent loan isn't going to help a family rebuild a flooded home. I was embarrassed to tell the mothers and fathers and grandmothers and grandfathers and business owners of my district that the Federal Government, through the Small Business Administration, was going to give them a 6 percent loan to help them get back on their feet. I was even more embarrassed--and even shocked--when I started looking at our budget for foreign disaster relief. This government gave $215 million of flood relief to Pakistan. And what rate do we charge foreign countries when we rebuild their infrastructure? Zero percent. We don't charge foreign countries any interest. The taxpayer money they receive from the United States is a giveaway. But this government was going to charge American homeowners and American business owners 6 percent interest on loans they were going to use to rebuild. Now, the United States of America is one of the most generous, compassionate countries when it comes to providing global aid. When disaster strikes anywhere in the world, the United States is the first country to help them rebuild. But when disaster strikes right here in our own country, we need to start rebuilding here first. Let's help Americans first. We must restore American lives, save American businesses, and protect American jobs. Now, I know hundreds of my colleagues have had similar conversations with their constituents after they experienced natural disasters in their districts. Since the start of the 112th Congress, communities in over 200 congressional districts in 46 States have been flooded by a tropical storm or a hurricane, burned by wildfire, crippled by a snowstorm, or destroyed by a tornado, resulting in a disaster declaration by the President. Constituents across the country have heard the same news--the Federal Government can provide help in the form of a high-interest loan. Fortunately, this is something that we can fix. I introduced the Disaster Loan Fairness Act of 2012, which would dramatically change the way the SBA provides disaster recovery loans. This bill would lower the interest rate for borrowers with no credit available elsewhere to one- half of the prevailing rate, and it would cap the interest rate at 4 percent. For those who can get credit elsewhere, this bill would lower the interest rate to three-quarters of the prevailing rate, again, capping the maximum interest rate at 4 percent. The Disaster Loan Fairness Act is retroactive to January 1, 2011. This means the SBA is required to refund excess interest payments for disaster loans made since this date. Homeowners and business owners who took out these loans will receive refunds for their excess interest payments. To offset the direct spending, this bill terminates the use of public taxpayer funds for political party conventions in the elections occurring after 2012. Simply put, this bill prioritizes disaster victims over the subsidizing of political party conventions. We are literally putting the American people ahead of politics. This bill will provide serious, substantial, necessary help to the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have endured horrible loss during natural disasters. It will provide relief to the millions of Americans who will suffer loss in future disasters. I ask my colleagues to support the Disaster Loan Fairness Act of 2012, H.R. 6296, and provide relief for so many Americans that need that help. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers and I am prepared to close. I reserve the balance of my time.

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