Lou Barletta

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6296) to amend the Small Business Act to provide the interest rate for certain disaster related loans, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. BARLETTA. I yield the gentleman 1 additional minute.

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Marino).

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize September as Craniofacial Acceptance Month. Today, there are approximately 100,000 babies born in the United States each year with a craniofacial disorder affecting the head, neck, extremities, and/or organs. It can be caused by a birth defect, disease or trauma. In many cases, reconstructive surgery can correct these problems early, often while the children are still infants. Additionally, over the past 30 years, the medical community has made great strides in improving the quality of life for those affected by this disorder. Craniofacial disorders not only take a physical, mental, and social toll on the individual, but on family and friends as well. Being accepted by others is a natural human desire, but it's not always easy for children born with these facial disfigurements to fit in, especially in school and social settings. Craniofacial Acceptance Month encourages individuals and organizations to promote awareness and acceptance in their community and support programs and services available to individuals with facial differences. We must always remember there is a heart beyond each face. Mr. Speaker, I commend the organizations, such as Children's Craniofacial Association, and the American citizens who have aided those affected by a craniofacial disorder.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to remember the one-year anniversary of the devastation communities in my district faced when Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee brought an epic 500-year flood to the Susquehanna River. In September 2011, when the creeks and rivers first started rising, I immediately returned to Northeastern Pennsylvania to help my constituents. I witnessed firsthand the devastation and destruction caused by this historic flooding. Over the past year, I spent time surveying the damage to our communities, our homes, and our regional economy. I met with people who lost everything: their jobs as local businesses closed; their homes; and their prized possessions and treasured keepsakes, which were destroyed and gone forever. I met with small business owners who didn't know if they would be able to reopen their doors. I met with local officials who didn't know how their towns would afford to repair their streets and keep their police officers, firefighters, and emergency responders working extra hours. Despite all of this devastation, the citizens of Pennsylvania's 11th District rose above their own needs, though great, and thought of others. I saw neighbors open their homes and wallets to care for flood victims. I met volunteers who spent their evenings and weekends cleaning up senior citizens' basements. I witnessed our community's citizens coming together with hope and determination to repair the destruction from the flood. Even with the enormous strength of our combined efforts, I realized that our Federal Government must provide a better response to natural disasters. In Washington, I have been working to improve the assistance the Federal Government provides natural disaster victims. For the past year, I have aimed to lower the Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan interest rates for all Americans who have been the unfortunate victims of natural disasters. On September 23, 2011, I introduced H.R. 3042, the Disaster Loan Fairness Act of 2011. On August 2, 2012, I revised my original legislation and introduced H.R. 6296, the Disaster Loan Fairness Act of 2012. This measure allows for SBA loans at a discounted market-based interest rate for homeowners and small business owners who were hit by flooding or other natural disasters and in which the president has declared a major disaster. Critically, the interest rate can never be greater than 4 percent, which will make a tremendous difference to those seeking to rebuild their homes and restart their lives. Most importantly, this bill will restore American lives, save American businesses, and protect American jobs. Mr. Speaker, over the past year, I have seen the very best of humanity in Northeastern Pennsylvania in these people who lost everything. I commend those citizens who have helped their family, friends, neighbors, and strangers in this time of need. Rest assured, I will never forget the devastation caused by the flooding after Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, and I will continue to support improved federal natural disaster assistance.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor David M. Donnini who will be sworn in as President of UNICO National in August 2012. Founded on October 10, 1922, UNICO National is the largest Italian-American service organization in the United States. During its outstanding history, the group has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help countless people and numerous charities. Mr. Donnini, a former Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania resident, joined the Wilkes-Barre Chapter of UNICO National in 2001. He was exceptionally active in committee work within the chapter and held numerous positions including treasurer and first elected vice president. In 2005, he relocated to Redondo Beach, California, and continued to dedicate his time to UNICO National by joining the Los Angeles Chapter. Due to his hard work, a year later, he was elected chapter president and served in this role from 2007 to 2008. To further aid the community, he founded the annual Italian Festival and Bocce Ball tournament in Hawthorne, California, to benefit the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research. It is an honor to recognize Mr. Donnini and his involvement in an organization that has given so much to the community. I have had the esteemed privilege of attending many UNICO events in my congressional district, including pig roasts and charity events, and proudly witnessed the positive impact the group's efforts have made in my community. I congratulate Mr. Donnini on this major accomplishment and look forward to seeing how his leadership impacts Italian-Americans and the thousands of people who benefit from this fine organization. Mr. Speaker, I commend David M. Donnini for his years of committed service to 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 today to honor former Pennsylvania Governor William Warren Scranton on the occasion of his 95th birthday. Born July 19, 1917, in Madison, Conn., William Scranton comes from a long line of public servants, business leaders and philanthropists in northeastern Pennsylvania. The city of Scranton--where his ancestors established companies and served as elected officials--was named in honor of his family. Governor Scranton and his wife, the former Mary Lowe Chamberlin, recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. The couple raised four children including William Worthington Scranton, who went on to serve as Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania. After graduating from Yale University in 1939, Governor Scranton enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps where he served as a pilot during World War II, flying combat supplies to North Africa. After he graduated from Yale Law School, he returned to Scranton, launched a successful legal career and began to make his mark on the community through many civic endeavors. One of his pet projects was turning the Community Chest, forerunner to the United Way, into a countywide organization in Lackawanna County. His esteemed public service began in 1959 when he was appointed special assistant to the U.S. Secretary of State by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. A year later he beat the political odds and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 10th District in a win that President John F. Kennedy called ``the political miracle of 1960.'' As a freshman member, he emerged as a crusader for the civil rights movement and worked tirelessly for his constituents. He served only one term in Congress because he answered his party's call once again: In 1962 Republican leaders across the Commonwealth urged him to run for governor. He won the 1962 gubernatorial race, defeating then-Philadelphia Mayor Richardson Dilworth. During his four years in office, Governor Scranton advocated for a strong educational system, continued industrial development in the United States and abroad, and for fiscal responsibility. Numerous programs were launched under the Scranton administration as the new governor set out to tackle the nation's second-highest unemployment rate, poorly managed state funds, and the decline of the rail, coal and textile industries. He founded a state student loan program for education, instituted the community college system and increased the number of vocational-technical schools. When he left the Governor's mansion in 1967, Pennsylvania's unemployment rate was below the national average and among the lowest of all states. He pared the expanding welfare rolls by more than 100,000 while creating jobs for those Pennsylvanians. The Scranton years turned Pennsylvania into one of the most progressive states in the nation: It boasted the biggest highway construction program to date; the creation of the state Department of Community Affairs, first of its kind in the nation; and an assistance program for victims of ``Black Lung'' disease, the model for the federal program. After that successful first term, Governor Scranton decided to leave the public arena and spend more time with Mary and their children. It was in those post-gubernatorial years that William Scranton dedicated so much of his time, effort and wealth to the community. He served as a delegate to the Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention from 1967 to 1968 and helped bring the law of the Keystone State into the 20th Century. Author James A. Michener, also a delegate to the Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention, credited the success of the convention to ``the sagacious leadership given by Bill Scranton, as fine a politician as I would ever know.'' Governor Scranton held leadership positions in many community organizations including the Boys Club of Scranton, the University of Scranton's President's Council, the Scranton Chamber of Commerce, and the Geisinger Health System. Gov. and Mrs. Scranton donated Marworth, their spacious stone estate in the Scranton area, to Geisinger for the establishment of a residential alcohol and chemical addiction treatment center. After turning down several proposals to run again for public office, Governor Scranton accepted the appointment of his old fraternity brother, President Gerald Ford, in 1976 to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. His ability to promote diplomacy and genuine interest in human rights earned him favor with many nations and promoted a positive world view of the United States. As a native Pennsylvanian and an elected official who knows all too well how difficult the world of politics and public service can be, I applaud Governor Scranton for his unwavering integrity, and his ability to bridge gaps and find common-sense solutions to pressing problems. Kingman Brewster, the former president of Yale University, best described Gov. Scranton when he said: ``A man for all seasons and for all people.'' Mr. Speaker, today, in the winter of his life, Governor Scranton still embodies the traits, ideals, and values which many of us strive to achieve, and I am honored to congratulate him on his many years of dedicated civic service to the community of northeastern Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth, and the country.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the L.J. Ferdinand Hazleton Group of the Men of Malvern who will be attending its 72nd annual retreat at the Malvern Retreat House on July 20, 2012. The L.J. Ferdinand Hazleton Group began in 1941, when nine men from Hazleton, Pennsylvania, traveled from Hazleton to Malvern, Pennsylvania, to seek spiritual guidance and inspiration. Founded in 1912, the Malvern Retreat House is the largest and second oldest Catholic retreat house in the United States. This year, the Malvern Retreat House celebrates its 100th year anniversary. For the last one hundred years, the Malvern Retreat House has been a place of reflection and sanctuary for over one million men and women from all fifty states and abroad. As a Catholic, it is an honor to recognize the L.J. Ferdinand Hazleton Group of the Men of Malvern, an organization that has given so much back to the community. On a personal note, I have had the esteemed privilege of attending the annual Malvern Retreat a number of times in the past. Mr. Speaker, I commend the L.J. Ferdinand Hazleton Group of the Men of Malvern for all they do for Northeastern Pennsylvania and I congratulate the Malvern Retreat House on celebrating its one hundred years of dedicated service to our country and its citizens.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor former Pennsylvania Governor William Warren Scranton on the occasion of his 95th birthday. Governor Scranton comes from a long line of statesmen and his family founded the Northeastern Pennsylvania city of Scranton. After graduating from Yale University in 1939, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps just before World War II. Although he did not see combat, he served honorably and remained active in the U.S. Air Force Reserves for two decades. Governor Scranton's public service began in the 1950s, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed him as a special assistant to the U.S. Secretary of State in 1959. After a little over a year, Governor Scranton was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Pennsylvania's 10th District. As a freshman member, he fought tirelessly for his constituents and fostered bipartisan support for the common good. In 1962, he successfully ran for Governor of Pennsylvania, defeating then Philadelphia Mayor Richardson Dilworth. During his four years in office, Governor Scranton advocated for a strong education system, continued industrial development in the United States and abroad, and fiscally responsible policy. In 1966, Governor Scranton vowed to never run for public office again, but his service to the community did not end. From 1967 to 1968, Governor Scranton attended the Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention and helped write a new constitution for the state. Additionally, he continued his public service through leadership positions with several civic organizations including; director of the Boys Club of Scranton, vice president of the University of Scranton's President's Council, director of the Scranton Chamber of Commerce, and vice president of the board of directors for Geisinger Memorial Hospital. After turning down several proposals to run again for public office, Governor Scranton accepted an appointment from President Gerald Ford in 1976 to serve as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations. His ability to promote diplomacy and genuine interest in human rights earned him favor with many nations and promoted a positive world view of the United States. Mr. Speaker, today, Governor Scranton embodies the traits, ideals, and values which many of us strive to achieve today, and I am honored to congratulate him on his many years of dedicated civic service to the community of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth, and the country.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, 2 weeks ago, two new words were added to the American immigration policy: ``Prosecutorial discretion.'' Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano recently ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to not deport certain classes of aliens who are in the country illegally. Instead, these illegal aliens will be given 2-year work permits that can be renewed indefinitely. The reason Secretary Napolitano and President Obama have given the American people for this de facto amnesty program is prosecutorial discretion. The Secretary and the President claim that the Department of Homeland Security personnel can use their discretion to decide what individuals they can and cannot deport. But in Federal immigration law, this discretion does not exist. Congress took it away from the executive branch in 1996 when it passed the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act. The law requires, and I will repeat that, this law requires immigration officials to address illegal aliens when they become aware that they are in the country illegally. It clearly spells out the actions that must be taken by Federal officials. In fact, according to one of the Nation's leading experts on immigration, Congress, frustrated at the time because the Clinton administration was using it to let thousands of illegal aliens remain in the United States, wrote the law to remove that discretion. In other words, the discretion that President Obama and Secretary Napolitano claim they use no longer exists because Congress deliberately eliminated it in 1996. By stating they still have it, President Obama and Secretary Napolitano are actually ordering Federal immigration officials to break the law. Since the executive branch is citing a privilege that no longer exists in ordering Federal immigration officials to break the 1996 immigration act which was passed by Congress and signed into law, today, I'm calling on the Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees to hold hearings to investigate the legality of this decision to use so- called ``prosecutorial discretion.'' Just this week we heard from the United States Supreme Court that because the Federal Government writes immigration laws, State laws must work in harmony with the Federal Government. In striking down part of Arizona's S.B. 1070, the High Court's majority said that Federal law shall be the supreme law of the land when laws do not work in harmony with the Federal scheme or when Federal law is explicit. Well, in this case, the law is very clear: there is no prosecutorial discretion. Now, Mr. Speaker, my district in Pennsylvania has one of the highest unemployment rates in the State, and our country is still reeling from one of the worst recessions we have ever faced. The Department of Homeland Security's unlawful action could have grave consequences on our labor force and on our economy, both at the local and national levels. Additionally, allowing individuals with forged documents to remain in this country could pose a serious threat to our homeland security. Let me also state that I am troubled by the expansion of the authority of the President that he believes he has. In the past, President Obama clearly stated he had to follow existing immigration laws. During a town hall meeting with Univision in March 2011, he said: America is a Nation of laws, which means I, as the President, am obligated to enforce the law. I don't have a choice about that. During that same town hall meeting, President Obama also said: There are enough laws on the books by Congress that are very clear in terms of how we have to enforce our immigration system, that for me to simply, through executive order, ignore those congressional mandates would not conform with my appropriate role as President. So what changed? In the last 15 months, did Congress grant the President new powers? I don't remember doing that. Fifteen months ago, President Obama said he can't ignore congressional mandates. But suddenly, 2 weeks ago, he can? Again, I ask, what changed? I'm concerned President Obama overstepped his constitutional authority in this case, just as he did in claiming executive privilege in Operation Fast and Furious. That's why these two committees must hold formal hearings and investigate this claim of discretion and the unilateral rewriting of Federal immigration policy.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Tobyhanna Army Depot, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary on June 23, 2012. In the summer of 1912, the Army arrived in Tobyhanna, PA and established a temporary artillery training camp under Major Charles P. Summerall, Commander of the 3rd Field Artillery at Fort Myer, Virginia. Based on the camp's success, Congress authorized the Army to purchase land to create a permanent camp in 1913. Since then, it has been a military testing facility, a prisoner-of-war camp, and, since 1953, an Army facility that repairs communications equipment for all branches of the military. Today, Tobyhanna Army Depot is the largest full-service electronics maintenance facility in the U.S. Department of Defense. With a regional economic impact of an estimated $4.4 billion and more than 5,400 employees, Tobyharma Army Depot is Northeastern Pennsylvania's largest employer. Its presence alone creates 19,300 regional jobs. In addition, Tobyhanna Army Depot employs an additional 300 personnel who permanently work at ``forward repair activities,'' supporting our military personnel around the globe. Tobyhanna Army Depot is the Department of Defense's recognized leader in the areas of automated test equipment, systems integration and downsizing of electronics systems. The Army has designated Tobyhanna as its Center of Industrial and Technical Excellence for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (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. Mr. Speaker, for the last 100 years, the Tobyhanna Army Depot has been an incredible asset for Northeastern 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 the Tobyhanna Army Depot.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Tobyhanna Army Depot, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary on June 23, 2012. in the summer of 1912, the Army arrived in Tobyhanna, PA and established a temporary artillery training camp under Major Charles P. Summerall, Commander of the 3rd Field Artillery at Fort Myer, Virginia. Based on the camp's success, Congress authorized the Army to purchase land to create a permanent camp in 1913. Since then, it has been a military testing facility, a prisoner-of-war camp, and, since 1953, an Army facility that repairs communications equipment for all branches of the military. Today, Tobyhanna Army Depot is the largest full-service electronics maintenance facility within the U.S. Department of Defense. With a regional economic impact of an estimated $4.4 billion, Tobyhanna is northeastern Pennsylvania's largest employer with more than 5,400 employees. In addition, Tobyhanna Army Depot employs an additional 300 personnel who permanently work at Forward Repair Activities and its presence alone creates 19,300 regional jobs. Mr. Speaker, for the last 100 years, the Tobyhanna Army Depot has proudly served the citizens of Northeastern Pennsylvania and the United States. Therefore, I commend the Tobyhanna Army Depot and all those personnel who have faithfully served their community and the country.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BARLETTA. Thank you. Again, to sum this up, I was a mayor of a small town in Pennsylvania, and when the problem of illegal immigration hit my city, I came here to ask for help because our small budget couldn't help defend the people in my community. And when I came here and I talked to many experts, when I left here what I got was a nice coffee mug, a lapel pin, a pat on the back, and a Good luck, Mayor. I finally decided after a 29-year-old city man was shot between the eyes by an illegal alien who had been arrested eight times before he came to my city, I said enough was enough. I had to protect the people in my community. And what happened was I was sued, and I was told that, We will bankrupt your city if you continue to fight. But yet we have mayors across the country who are going to pick and choose what laws they want to defend. We're not asking for some crazy new law. We're asking mayors to defend the laws that they took an oath of office that they would defend. And that's what this bill would do. We should not reward those who are openly defying Federal laws that this Congress had passed.

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, every day we're in session, we create new laws. Some affect spending, some protect our citizens and country, some honor those who have fallen. All are important, all carry the same weight, and all are Federal laws. But there are some elected officials in the United States who believe that they can pick and choose the laws they follow. In 1996, Congress passed and the President signed the bipartisan Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act. This law says very clearly that no local government entity or official may prohibit or in any way restrict any government entity or official from sending to or receiving from Immigration and Customs Enforcement information regarding the citizenship or immigration status of any individual. Every day in cities across America, elected officials break that law and millions of illegal aliens benefit from the lack of enforcement. They benefit by taking jobs from American citizens and legal immigrants. They benefit by using taxpayer-funded benefits. Some of our communities not only ignore the law, but many communities across our Nation willfully violate Federal law by encouraging illegal aliens to live in their cities, saying that they will be safe from Federal Government's reach. Mind you, the Federal Government is not asking these cities to do anything extraordinary. The government is not asking cities to implement a radical new law. The Federal Government is merely asking these cities to obey the law, a law that has been on the books for 16 years. This is what the American people want. According to a recent poll, an overwhelming majority of Americans want the Department of Justice to uphold the law and take legal action against cities that break existing Federal immigration law. But, once again, in the area of illegal immigration control, the Federal Government fails to act. Instead, we send billions of tax dollars to these communities. That's why my colleagues and I rise to offer this amendment this evening. This amendment will prevent Federal funds from being given to cities and towns that do not follow Federal immigration law. This amendment will uphold existing Federal law. It will discourage the creation of a confusing national patchwork where some cities uphold the law and other cities willfully ignore it. This amendment makes sense. It will keep us safe, and it cuts down on waste, fraud and abuse. I strongly encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart on the passing of former Pennsylvania State Senator Charles D. Lemmond, Jr., who represented the people of the 20th District in Northeastern Pennsylvania for more than two decades. A native son of Hazleton, born on the anniversary of Ben Franklin's birthday to Charles D. and Ruth Zierdt Lemmond, Charlie grew up in Forty Fort, Luzerne County. He graduated as the president of his senior class. Charlie served in the United States Army in occupied Italy. Using the GI Bill, Charlie majored in Government at Harvard College. While there, he excelled as the principal trumpet player in the Harvard Band. He graduated from Harvard in 1952, then went to the University of Pennsylvania's School of Law. He practiced law for a quarter of a century, serving as the solicitor for several Northeastern Pennsylvania municipalities and as first assistant district attorney of Luzerne County. In 1980, he was appointed as a Judge of the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas by former Governor Dick Thornburgh. Presiding over Orphans' Court, Charlie used his knowledge of the law and an even hand to affect the lives of those who came before him. In 1985, Charlie was elected as the senator representing Pennsylvania's 20th District, and he began a quest that would consume his 20 plus years in office--improving the quality of state government and of the judicial system. As chairman of the State Senate Government Committee and as vice chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Charlie focused on election reform, governmental ethics, and the penal system. As a member of the Criminal Justice Commission and the Reapportionment Task Force of the National Conference of State Legislatures, Charlie pursued good government and an improved judicial system. Charlie worked to secure the rights of abused children, to modify the workmen's compensation laws to make Pennsylvania more business-friendly, and to protect the tax-exempt status of charitable organizations. There was virtually no area of life that Charlie did not touch, from finance and budgets, to military and veterans' affairs, to education. From 1985 until 2006, Charlie served the people of the 20th District--and of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania--with integrity, honor, and dignity. Charlie served his constituents equally, without regard for their political affiliation. For his first few terms, Charlie had no opposition in either the primary or general elections, something that speaks to his character and his abilities. Charlie was often referred to by his colleagues as ``The Gentleman of the Senate.'' Indeed, in early 2000, when Charlie received an honorary doctorate degree from Wilkes University, Charlie was described as ``a man of unblemished integrity and broad popularity, a political leader with virtually no antagonists.'' But Charlie's selfless service extended far beyond the chambers of the Pennsylvania Senate. He served on numerous committees and boards of directors for community and charitable organizations. He was a life member of Wyoming Seminary's Board of Trustees, and an advisory board member of both the Salvation Army and the Penn State University Wilkes- Barre Campus. He was a lay leader of the First United Methodist Church of Wilkes-Barre, and over a period of years served in many leadership roles in the Wyoming Conference of the United Methodist Church. For more than 30 years, Charlie's family and the Naylor-Murphy family hosted a special annual tradition in Northeastern Pennsylvania--the Naylor/Lemmond Memorial Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Volunteers-- including members of Charlie's family who had returned home--helped serve that free dinner, which brought holiday warmth and cheer to thousands of area residents who needed it. Family was extremely important to Charlie Lemmond. He met his wife, Barbara, shortly after he finished law school. Together, they raised four children: Charles, John, Judith, and David. Today, they survive him and mourn his passing, as do his brother, George; four grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Mr. Speaker, Senator Charles Darwin Lemmond, Jr., represented the highest standard of public service. He stands as an example of professionalism, commitment, dedication, integrity, and honor to other elected officials at all levels of government. He leaves behind a proud legacy, and his impact on Northeastern Pennsylvania and the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will be felt for many years to come.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate D. Darell Dones, Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), who will receive a doctorate degree in Biodefense Terrorism from George Mason University tonight, May 17, 2012. For 23 years, SSA Dones has worked with the FBI. Seven years ago, he was assigned to the Behavioral Science Unit (BSU). As a criminal behaviorist, SSA Dones provides a criminal and behavioral consultation of extreme violent offenders to requesting law enforcement agencies. He is also responsible for teaching basic and advanced investigative techniques and courses concerning Psychosocial Behavior, Mindset, and Intelligence of Violent Street and Prison Gangs, Applied Psychology, and Violent Criminal Analysis. Most recently, SSA Dones participated in a series of seminars titled ``Operation Gang Up,'' in my district with me and Pennsylvania State Senator John Yudichak. SSA Dones plays a critical role in this community-led, anti-gang initiative. SSA Dones' research interests include psychosocial behavior of radical extremists and violent criminals, including U.S.-based street and prison gangs. The dissertation for his doctorate degree broadly hypothesizes whether or not foreign terrorist groups are attempting to radicalize U.S. gangs into using weapons of mass destruction against American citizens and targets. SSA Dones' efforts are aimed at providing a more accurate account of the psychosocial mindset, behavior, and causation of violent criminal groups. Mr. Speaker, I commend Supervisory Special Agent D. Darell Dones for his service to our community, and for his many years of service to our country and its continued safety.

Mr. LOU BARLETTA

Mr. LOU BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Jeannine Lesante Mazurkiwecz, who will be recognized with the 2012 Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce Athena Award. Each year, the Athena Award is presented to a Greater Hazleton businesswoman for outstanding professional achievement. Jeannine's selfless dedication to her career and community makes her an ideal recipient of this award. Jeannine graduated from King's College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications. Upon completion of an unpaid internship at WBRE, a regional television station, she declined a full-time job to invest her time and talents in her local, family-owned television news station, Greater Hazleton's First Local News 13/Sam-Son Productions. Since News 13's founding in 1994, Jeannine has worked in a variety of positions. Recently, Jeannine was promoted into administration. Through her various responsibilities, Jeannine has led her team at News 13 to the top of news and information coverage. Jeannine is also active within the community, from teaching classes at King's College to assisting all types of organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Hazleton Blind Association. Additionally, she is the co-founder of the Making a Difference Foundation and currently holds the position of Assistant Director of Corporate Relations with Professionals Organized & Working to Enrich the Region (POWER) of Hazleton. Furthermore, Jeannine finds time to mentor students at the McCann School of Business and Technology and has been a volunteer to local brownie troops. Mr. Speaker, Jeannine is truly a pillar of her community in the Greater Hazleton Area. I commend Jeannine for her many years of committed service to the community and our country.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Marisha Lozada as a Gold Medal recipient of the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards of 2012 for her painting titled Woman with Black. The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is the largest, longest-running scholarship and recognition program for creative teens. Awards are presented annually by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, a nonprofit organization headquartered in New York. This year, the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards program received 200,000 submissions from students in public, private and home schools across America. Of the 200,000 submissions, 60,000 students received regional recognition and 1,600 received national medals. Mr. Speaker, the arts are an important part of America's cultural fabric, and student creativity should always be encouraged. Therefore, I congratulate Marisha Lozada for her passion and dedication to the arts, which is evident in her accomplishment.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Hanover Township Police Department, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary on May 14, 2012. Hanover Township was founded in 1770 by Captain Lazarus Stewart who fought for Connecticut against the Pennsylvanians in the Wyoming Valley. For his services, Captain Stewart and his company of forty men were granted the tract of land which became Hanover Township. Captain Stewart named the town after his hometown of Hanover in Dauphin County. In the 1820's, coal was discovered and by 1838, mining became a leading industry in the area. However, prior to the 1900's Hanover Township had very little in the way of municipal services. Therefore in 1912, the Hanover Township Commissioners established a paid police force to secure the safety of persons and property within Hanover Township. The first force consisted of six officers and was led by Police Chief James H. Campbell. Today, there are fourteen officers, eight cruisers and a K 9 unit which provide for the safety of Hanover Township residents under the leadership of Police Chief Albert Walker. Mr. Speaker, for the last 100 years, the Hanover Township Police Department has proudly served the citizens of Hanover, Pennsylvania. Therefore, I commend all those officers who have dedicated their lives to protecting their community and to all those who have gone on to their eternal rest.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. I wish I didn't have to stand here tonight in strong support of this amendment, but the simple fact is that the Federal Government's lack of action made us do this. The Federal Government, through its deliberate inaction for at least the last 15 years, has created this problem, the problem of unchecked illegal immigration. From the border States to the heartland, from our largest cities to our smallest boroughs, every American has seen the impact of illegal immigration. An underground workforce that takes away jobs from American citizens and our legal immigrants, overcrowded classrooms that make it harder for children to learn, health care systems forced to the brink of bankruptcy because of unreimbursed costs, victims of crimes committed by people who should not even be in the United States. Local municipal leaders called out to the Federal Government and asked for help. I know because I was one of them. I saw serious problems in my hometown back in 2005. I came here to Washington to ask for help, and Washington turned its back on me and my citizens. Higher up, State officials across America called out to the Federal Government. They cried out for enforcement of existing immigration laws. They asked for tougher border security. Elected officials at all levels--sheriffs, mayors, Governors, county commissioners, city councilmen, State representatives--all asked for Federal help. What have they received? More words, more empty promises, more inflated statistics. So States acted on their own. They acted to protect their citizens. They acted to protect their budgets. They acted to uphold their constitutional duty to the people that they serve. Most importantly, they enacted laws that work in harmony within the existing Federal framework to slow the effects of illegal immigration. Let me repeat that. They enacted laws that work in harmony within the existing Federal framework. In fact, just about a year ago, across the street from this building, the United States Supreme Court said that the State of Arizona has the right to impose penalties on businesses that knowingly hire illegal aliens. In upholding that Legal Arizona Workers Act, the Supreme Court ruled there is a high threshold for striking down a State law on the grounds that it conflicts with a Federal law. As they take effect, these laws are working exactly as intended, within the federally allowed framework. Illegal immigration is slowing. Illegal aliens are self-deporting. And what has been the Federal Government's response? To file more lawsuits, more taxpayer-funded lawsuits that attempt to punish States for upholding and working within Federal laws. So the Federal Government creates the illegal immigration problem through decades of inaction, lax enforcement, and looking the other way. States step in to protect the jobs of their residents, the balance of their budgets, and the safety of their residents. Then the Federal Government turns around and sues the States, sues the States, and they use taxpayer dollars to do it. It's ridiculous. It's unfair. Instead of using tax dollars to sue States, the Department of Justice and other branches in this government should start focusing on enforcing existing immigration laws. And until they do, the Department of Justice should not receive one Federal tax dollar to sue States. That's what this amendment does, and I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes.'' I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Chair, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate William Digiglio who scored a one hundred percent on the 2012 National Financial Capabilities Challenge. The National Financial Capabilities Challenge is annually administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of Education. The challenge is designed to increase the financial knowledge and capability of high school students across the United States. This year, 80,024 students took the test and Pennsylvania had the highest number of participating schools and educators. In addition, Pennsylvania had the highest number of students who scored in the top 20th percentile in the nation and ranked as the fourth highest state with students who scored a one hundred percent on the test. Mr. Speaker, financial capability empowers individuals to make informed choices, avoid pitfalls and take other actions to improve their present and long-term financial well-being. Today, I commend William Digiglio for his hard work and dedication to taking control of his financial future, which is evident in his accomplishment.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Jacob Gulla who scored a one hundred percent on the 2012 National Financial Capabilities Challenge. The National Financial Capabilities Challenge is annually administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of Education. The challenge is designed to increase the financial knowledge and capability of high school students across the United States. This year, 80,024 students took the test and Pennsylvania had the highest number of participating schools and educators. In addition, Pennsylvania had the highest number of students who scored in the top 20th percentile in the nation and ranked as the fourth highest state with students who scored a one hundred percent on the test. Mr. Speaker, financial capability empowers individuals to make informed choices, avoid pitfalls, know where to go for help, and take other actions to improve their present and long-term financial well- being. Today, I commend Jacob Gulla for his hard work and dedication to taking control of his financial future, which is evident in his accomplishment.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Hanover Township Police Department, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary on May 14, 2012. Hanover Township was founded in 1770 by Captain Lazarus Stewart who fought for Connecticut against the Pennsylvanians in the Wyoming Valley. For his services, Captain Stewart and his company of 40 men were granted the tract of land which became Hanover Township. Captain Stewart named the town after his hometown of Hanover in Dauphin County. In the 1820's, coal was discovered and by 1838, mining became a leading industry in the area. However, prior to the 1900's Hanover Township had very little in the way of municipal services. Therefore in 1912, the Hanover Township Commissioners established a paid police force to secure the safety of persons and property within Hanover Township. The first force consisted of six officers and was led by Police Chief James H. Campbell. Today, there are fourteen officers, eight cruisers and a K 9 unit which provide for the safety of Hanover Township residents under the leadership of Police Chief Albert Walker. Mr. Speaker, for the last 100 years, the Hanover Township Police Department has proudly served the citizens of Hazleton, Pennsylvania. Therefore, I commend all those officers who have dedicated their lives to protecting their community and to all those who have gone on to their eternal rest.