Lou Barletta

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to congratulate Mr. Christopher L. Borton upon his retirement after a rewarding 40-year career in engineering. A lifelong resident of Luzerne County and graduate of Central Catholic High School and Pennsylvania State University, Mr. Borton has dedicated his career to dutifully serving his community, and the Commonwealth as a whole. Since founding Borton-Lawson in 1988, Mr. Borton has worked tirelessly with his colleagues to build this architecture and engineering company into a successful 170-person operation through ``thoughtful leadership.'' Borton-Lawson began initially as Borton Engineering Associates, Inc., with the intent of solely providing civil engineering services, but quickly added structural engineering to the company's portfolio through a partnership with Thomas Lawson later that year. From there, Borton- Lawson continued to grow and eventually expanded into a full-service engineering and architecture design firm by 2000. In addition to his duties as CEO of Borton-Lawson, Mr. Borton serves as both a state and national director for the American Council of Engineering Companies. He is also a leader within numerous community and professional organizations, including the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance Business Finance Corp, of which he is treasurer, and Misercordia University, where he serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Borton has served in several philanthropic roles, such as Chairman of the United Way of Wyoming Valley. Further, prior to starting at Borton-Lawson, Mr. Borton was an integral part of the flood recovery efforts throughout Wilkes-Barre and Johnston, PA, as well as Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. Borton and his wife of 38 years, Karen, who met on a flood recovery cleanup trip in 1972, have passed on this caring mindset to their three children, Karl, Kate and Sarah. Mr. Borton's career is truly an inspiration to all young engineers and a reminder of the attainability of the American dream through hard work. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Mr. Borton for all that he has done for the Luzerne County and Pennsylvania communities and congratulate him on this new chapter in his life.

Mr. BARLETTA

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

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers).

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5294, the Treating Barriers to Prosperity Act, positions the Appalachian Regional Commission, or ARC, to better serve communities across Appalachia that struggle with the ongoing opioid crisis. In 2015, there were 5,594 overdose deaths in Appalachia, a drug- related death rate 65 percent higher than the national average. Sixty- nine percent of those deaths were a result of opioid abuse. The majority of the lives lost were individuals between the ages of 25 and 44, people who were in their prime working years. In my home State of Pennsylvania, the statistics are striking. The Drug Enforcement Administration reported that more than 4,600 Pennsylvanians died in 2016 from drug overdoses, with thousands more affected by addiction. This is an increase of 37 percent from 2015, with opioids accounting for 85 percent of the overdoses. These troubling statistics make it clear that the opioid crisis is not only destroying lives, it has created a significant challenge to workforce and economic development throughout Appalachia. In distressed communities like many in Appalachia, economic development programs must adapt and become real partners in addressing this crisis. One approach is ensuring our economic development agencies have the clear authorities they need. H.R. 5294 clarifies that ARC funds may be used to facilitate best practices among the Appalachian States and support programs designed to reduce the harm of opioids to the workforce and economic growth. The bill also clarifies funds can be used specifically to attract and retain healthcare businesses and workers. This is critical, as it will focus on both job creation and, at the same time, provide much needed access to healthcare services for those struggling with addiction. Finally, the bill recognizes that in many areas of Appalachia, infrastructure, such as broadband, must be developed to support these businesses and innovations like telemedicine. I want to thank the gentlewoman from Nevada for cosponsoring this important legislation with me, along with the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers) for his leadership on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill and take an important step in combating a national epidemic. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 5294.

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5294) to amend title 40, United States Code, to address the impact of drug abuse on economic development in Appalachia, and for other purposes.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 263.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the life and legacy of Seaman 1st Class Edward Slapikas, who has finally come home to rest almost 80 years after his heroic passing. Seaman Slapikas was tragically killed in action at the age of 24 while serving aboard the USS Oklahoma. He was one of 429 crewmen who perished on December 7, 1941 during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Seaman Slapikas was interred in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, where his name was marked as ``unidentified'' on the Walls of the Missing. Now, 77 years later, Seaman Slapikas' remains have been identified thanks to the combined efforts of the Defense Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Accounting Agency (DPPA) and Seaman Slapikas' surviving family members. Since 2015, the DPPA has provided closure to over 120 families of fallen servicemen killed aboard the USS Oklahoma. The return of Seaman Slapikas marks a momentous occasion, not only for the Slapikas family, but also for the community of Wanamie, Pennsylvania. The bravery of Seaman Slapikas was commemorated through the establishment of the American Legion Post 971, named for Seaman Slapikas and Petty Officer Keith Jeffries, a fellow serviceman who perished aboard the USS Arizona during the same attack. Seaman Slapikas' niece, Ms. Leona Hotko, plans to ensure that her ``favorite uncle'' is laid to rest near his childhood home in St. Mary's Cemetery in Wanamie. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the heroic life of Seaman 1st Class Edward Slapikas, and posthumously thanking him for his service to our great nation.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, which is celebrating 30 years of providing exceptional educational and recreational experiences for residents and visitors of Pennsylvania. The unique and rich history of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, which spans Luzerne, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton, and Bucks Counties, includes pioneering railroads, steel production, and coal mining and distribution. The corridor boasts 165 miles of mountain-lined trails, in addition to various canals, rivers and, and picturesque towns. Through the preservation of historic railways and landscape, the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor pays tribute to this region's role as an early leader of industrial innovation and a shining example of our nation's natural resources. Since Congress established the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor in 1988, the dedicated members of this organization have tirelessly worked to maintain and build on the progress of this landmark area, which encompasses nine Historic Landmarks, six National Recreation Trails, and two National Natural Landmarks. With the support of the National Park Service, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resource, the William Penn Foundation, countless volunteers and like-minded partner organizations, generations of Americans have and will continue to be able to connect with their heritage. Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking all those organizations and individuals who have dedicated their time and effort over the lasts 30 years to make the Delaware and Lehigh Heritage Corridor the success it is today.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, as National Building Safety Month comes to a close, I would like to recognize the men and women of the International Code Council who have dedicated their livelihoods to ensuring the safety of Americans both in their homes and workplaces. Each year, in observance of Building Safety Month, Americans are asked to consider projects to improve building safety at home and in their communities, and to acknowledge the essential services provided to all of us by local and state building departments and federal agencies in protecting life and property. Building Safety Month, which is sponsored by the International Code Council, reminds the public of the important role safety codes and code officials play in creating and sustaining safe communities. ``Building Codes Save Lives,'' the theme for Building Safety Month 2018, encourages all Americans to raise awareness of the importance of building safety. The International Codes, the most widely adopted building safety and fire prevention codes in the nations, are used by most U.S. cities, counties, and by all 50 states. These modern building safety codes also include safeguards to protect the public from natural disasters, such as hurricanes, snowstorms, tornadoes, wildland fires, and earthquakes. Similarly, in the U.S. House of Representatives, we have made major strides in promoting pre-disaster mitigation. In particular, I am proud to say that my bill, H.R. 4460, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, was included in H.R. 4, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which passed the House on April 27, 2018. The measures in this bill will help our communities better prepare for and respond to disasters of all kind, in keeping with the mission of National Building Safety Month. Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking the International Code Council for their work to highlight National Building Safety Month.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, today, once again, we are going to debate what we need to do to stop these senseless attacks on our schools. Our schools are a place of memories. Think about it. We can all, every one of us, recite stories of when we were in elementary school. We all know stories about friends or things that happened in junior high school and in high school. Our life's memories are filled back in those schooldays, those memories. The children today, the kids today, have different memories of school. No child in America should go to school afraid, and no parent in America should worry about their children, if they are going to come home safely, when they send them to school. As I stand here right now, outside these doors there are armed guards with machine guns, guard dogs, metal detectors to keep us safe. But today, once again, children will go to school across America and sit like sitting ducks in a classroom. When a crazed madman attacked my colleagues and friends at baseball practice, our response was instant. It was immediate. Democrats and Republicans, we all agreed we need more security for Congress, we need more money to secure our offices, to secure our staff to make sure they are safe. We even found money to provide security for us at home. People move pretty fast here when it is about themselves and their families. Why do we think that our lives are more important than the lives of any parent's child in America? Why do we think we are more important that we can find security for ourselves so quickly? We should take every metal detector in this building and send it to some school tomorrow until we find the money to secure our schools like we did for ourselves. I read an article where root canals and colonoscopies have a higher approval rating than Congress. Maybe the American people will think differently if we put our kids before Congress.

Mr. BARLETTA

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

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

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 113 authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the annual Greater Washington Soap Box Derby in June. The mission of the Soap Box Derby is to build knowledge and character in our children and to teach them fair and honest competition. This American tradition, started in 1934, encourages kids to be creative and teaches them problem-solving and engineering skills. I am pleased this tradition continues, including in my home State of Pennsylvania. Winners from this local competition will join winners of other races in competing at the world championship in Akron, Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this resolution, and 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 H. Con. Res. 113.

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 113) authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby.

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

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, this week, the House took another crucial step to ensure our nation's corrections officers, who risk their lives every day to keep us safe, are also able to protect themselves and their families. I am proud to cosponsor H.R. 613, the Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Correctional Officer Self-Protection Act, which directs the Bureau of Prisons to provide secure locations at federal prison facilities for corrections officers to store personal firearms so that officers can protect themselves during their commute to and from work. I hope the Senate will act quickly so President Trump can sign this bill into law and ensure no family has to suffer the way Lieutenant Albarati's has. The passage of this legislation, which is part of the larger commemoration of National Police Week, is especially important to me as five years ago, one of my constituents, Senior Correctional Officer Eric Williams, was brutally murdered by convicted gang assassin Jessie Con-ui while he was on duty at the United States Prison at Canaan. Officer Williams was unarmed and outnumbered during his shift, which left him to the mercy of the inmates around him. During his patrol, he was ambushed by Con-ui, knocked down a flight of steps, then brutally stabbed more than 200 times with a homemade shank. I have had the privilege of working with Officer Williams' parents, Don and Jean, who are tireless advocates for our nation's corrections officers. Today, they help lead an organization called ``Voices of JOE,''--the letters of J-O-E standing for Jose Rivera, Osvaldo Albarati, and Eric Williams, who were all killed because of their jobs in our correctional system. ``Voices of JOE'' is an advocacy group comprised of corrections officers, first responders, administrators, union personnel, and family members. This group is a staunch advocate that gives a voice to the men and women on the front lines protecting communities around the country. Together with Don, Jean, and ``Voices of JOE,'' we were able to get the Eric Williams Correctional Officer Protection Act signed into law in March 2016. This bill supplies pepper spray to federal prison officers or employees who may respond to emergencies with inmates. I am proud that Eric's legacy lives on through the thousands of men and women who will now be able to defend themselves while they are at work. Con-ui, a member of the violent New Mexican Mafia gang, was already serving a life sentence prior to murdering Officer Williams. Federal law provides for the penalty of death in the most severe crimes, including those involving the vicious murder of law enforcement officers and prison guards. However, despite a federal jury finding him guilty of the brutal murder of Officer Williams, Con-ui received essentially no additional punishment because one juror out of twelve would not vote for a death penalty sentence. To right this wrong, Congressman Tom Marino and I worked with the Williams family to introduce H.R. 4493, Eric's Law. This legislation aims to deliver justice to victims and their families in federal death penalty cases by permitting prosecutors to impanel a second jury for sentencing if the first jury fails to reach a unanimous sentencing decision. As we commemorate National Police Week, we recognize men like Officer Eric Williams and families like Don and Jean Williams, and we thank them for their sacrifices. For them, Mr. Speaker, and for all of our correctional officers who risk their lives every day, the House must continue to act on bills like H.R. 613 that will ensure these brave men and women have the tools they need to keep themselves and their communities safe.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to join the brave men and women of Troop N, headquartered in my hometown of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, in recognizing the 113th anniversary of the Pennsylvania State Police. Created by an act of legislation signed into law by Governor Samuel Pennypacker on May 2, 1905, the Pennsylvania State Police was the first uniformed police organization of its kind in the country. During the Great Anthracite Strike of 1902, violence disrupted the peace and safety of seven counties, causing a nationwide coal shortage that forced President Teddy Roosevelt to intervene. In the aftermath of strike, it was decided that peace and order should be maintained by responsible officers employed by the public. The State Police quickly became vital in Pennsylvania, controlling mob violence, patrolling farms, protecting wildlife, and tracking down criminals, and later served as a model for other police forces across the country. Originally limited to 228 men, the Pennsylvania State Police Department now includes nearly 5,000 sworn officers and 2,000 civilian members, and is dedicated to criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, and other public safety services across the Commonwealth. These brave men and women put their lives on the line each and every day to keep our families and communities safe. This risk is not without sacrifice. Since its founding, 98 officers have died in the line of duty while serving the Pennsylvania State Police. Let us take a moment to honor them, and to thank them for their sacrifice to maintain the safety of our communities. As we reflect on the past 113 years of this police force, and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in its service, I also want to thank the selfless and courageous officers who are currently serving. With National Police Week fast approaching, it is only right that we recognize all that our nation's law enforcement officers do to keep us safe. The protection they provide is something no one should take for granted, and I am forever grateful for their service. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the 113th anniversary of the Pennsylvania State Police.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Mr. Kenneth L. Tuckey, who is receiving the Cumberland County Friends of Scouting Award. I know I will be neither the first, nor the last, to applaud Mr. Tuckey for this well-deserved honor. The Friends of Scouting Award is given to individuals who have shown exceptional support for their local Boy Scouts of America programs. Cumberland County's division of Boy Scouts has chosen Mr. Tuckey as their honoree this year for his outstanding community service and his ambassadorship for the Boy Scouts. A lifelong resident of South Central Pennsylvania, Mr. Tuckey has long been a pillar of the Carlisle community. Throughout his storied career, he has helped his community both economically and through countless volunteer ventures. Mr. Tuckey owns and operates Tuckey Mechanical Services, Inc., Tuckey Metal Fabricators, Inc., and Tuckey Restorations, Inc. , and has led each of these companies to success. For instance, Tuckey Mechanical Services, Inc., just celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. He and his wife, Marsha, have two sons, Matthew and Nathan, who also work in the family businesses. Through his work, Mr. Tuckey has been integral in the revitalization and historic preservation of downtown Carlisle. Additionally, Mr. Tuckey contributes to his community as Board Chairman of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Pinnacle- Carlisle's Board of Directors, and serves on many other non-profit boards, such as the Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation, the Cumberland County Industrial Development Authority, and the Pennsylvania State Workforce Investment Board. I believe we can all take a cue from Mr. Tuckey's inspiring story and his personal motto of ``service above self,'' as a guiding principle. This award is proof that hard work and quality service do not go unnoticed, and that a positive impact on the region is widely recognized. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Mr. Tuckey for all he has done and continues to do for the Carlisle community and congratulate him on receiving the Cumberland County Friends of Scouting Award.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 4, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which includes provisions of my bill, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act. Unfortunately, this is the second time my bill has been considered on the House floor, because our colleagues on the other side of the Capitol refuse to take up these critical reforms. I find the failure to move in the Senate puzzling, especially given that many of those individuals represent States struggling to recover from recent disasters. In fact, in 2017, 8 percent of the United States population was affected by at least one disaster. This statistic highlights the importance of investing in mitigation infrastructure before tragedy strikes, which is exactly what my bill would do. Studies have repeatedly shown that for every $1 invested upfront, we can save $4 to $8 in avoidant recovery costs. My bill would allow us to realize those savings by transforming how we approach disaster spending. It would provide FEMA with the tools to help our communities plan for, mitigate against, respond to, and recover from disasters. Both Republicans and Democrats in this Chamber already recognize the critical need for these reforms. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act passed out of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee by voice vote, and in December passed on the House floor. It is my hope that, this time, our colleagues in the Senate would stop playing politics with peoples' lives and will act quickly to send this bill to the President's desk. I know just how important disaster assistance is, because in 2011, my own district was devastated by flooding from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. I visited with families and employers affected by this tragedy, and it made be realize we need to do something to help communities build better and smarter before disaster strikes. My bill will do just that. Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Shuster and my House colleagues for their continued commitment to making resiliency a priority. Mr. Chair, I also thank the chairman for including language I offered with my friend from Missouri (Mr. Graves) in a manager's amendment. Our amendment would create a new grant program for airport infrastructure investment. I believe it is critical we invest in our airports, which are some of the largest economic drivers in the country. We have an obligation to ensure that this entire system, including everything from large hubs to regional airports, is maintained and improved to better serve the American people. While I was disappointed that our original committee-adopted amendment to increase funding levels for the Airport Improvement Program was not included in the final bill, I am hopeful that this grant will give airports a new infrastructure tool in their toolbox. Mr. Chair, I urge passage of H.R. 4.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to help commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the modern Jewish State of Israel. As I reflect on Israel's 70 years of independent and democratic governance, I am reminded of the strength and resilience of the Israeli people. Israel's statehood was hard-fought and long overdue. Israel's story has long been admired by the United States, with generations of Americans having advocated on behalf of the Jewish people's aspiration to return to their beloved homeland, including Presidents like George Washington, John Adams, and Abraham Lincoln. President Truman forged a valuable and everlasting relationship between our two nations when he made the United States the first country to officially recognize Israel as an independent state. Since then, the United States has been proud to stand with Israel and her people not just as allies, but also as friends. Since its rebirth in 1948, Israel has proven itself to be a beacon of democracy and economic progress in the Middle East. Despite fierce opposition and unjust violence, Israel continues to succeed as a global power where the Jewish people have a formidable seat on the world stage. To express the unbreakable bond between the modem State of Israel and its ancient nationalism rooted in biblical times, the 70th anniversary official logo combines the number 70, a modern design of the Star of David, and the word Israel as written by a scribe in a Torah scroll. Together, these images bridge the extensive history of Israel, from the days of King David's reign to the nation's modern sovereignty. I am honored to congratulate Israel on reaching this milestone, and consider it a privilege to work toward our nations' common interests in the United States House of Representatives. Mr. Speaker, please join me in commemorating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the modern Jewish State of Israel.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure be discharged from further consideration of House Concurrent Resolution 115, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that it may be in order at any time on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, for the Speaker to declare a recess, subject to the call of the Chair, for the purpose of receiving in joint meeting His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to join the residents of Carbon County, Pennsylvania in celebrating the county's 175th anniversary of its incorporation. The last 175 years have proven transformative for the county, demonstrating its vitality and strong sense of community. Located in the northeastern comer of the state, approximately 90 miles west of New York City and 90 miles northeast of Philadelphia, Carbon County covers over 500 square miles and is known for its scenic mountains and rivers. It truly carved out its place in the Commonwealth's history when it became the home of the first railroad in America built on a large scale, called the Switchback. Construction of the Switchback railroad helped bring a thriving coal industry to Pennsylvania, which in turn brought businesses, schools, and a growing population to the region. While the Switchback railroad was retired in the 1920s, Carbon County still attracts thousands of visitors each year due to its attractive rural landscape that is rich in heritage and history. With the northern and eastern portions of the county being part of the Pocono Mountain region, and over two thirds of the county being State Game Land and State Park Land, there is no shortage of families and businesses attracted to Carbon County's quality of life. I am truly honored to represent this county in Pennsylvania and take great pride in its history, success, and sense of community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the 175th anniversary of the incorporation of Carbon County.