Lou Barletta

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Charles L. Neubert of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, for his faithful and dedicated service to the United States of America through turbulent times. Charles Neubert was serving in the National Guard in the State of Washington when he decided to transfer to active duty in 1941. He was assigned to the 16th Truck Company, Quartermaster Corps. At the time, Charles Neubert was only 20 years old. He was stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Mr. Neubert was working in the motor pool during the surprise military attack conducted by the Imperial Japanese Navy on the morning of December 7, 1941. Mr. Neubert watched helplessly as 353 Japanese fighters and bombers launched their assault on the naval base. When he recalls this day, Charles Neubert can remember thinking that the planes just kept coming and coming. More than 2,400 American lives were lost on that day, and almost 1,300 were injured. Charles Neubert continued to serve his country in the 357th and the 356th Truck Companies on both Pearl Island and on Tinian in the Marianas Islands. Charles Neubert would be discharged from active duty in the Army in June 1945, just a few months before the end of the war. He would join the Naval Reserves in 1950, and he served aboard the USS Douglas H Fox (DD779) for 15 months during the Korean War. He was discharged in 1953. Mr. Speaker, Charles L. Neubert, who only a few months ago celebrated his 90th birthday, is a fine example of the faithful and dedicated men and women that make up our armed forces. His selfless actions, and those of his generation, should forever be remembered and cherished by a grateful nation.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Wallace L. Boyle Jr. of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, for his faithful and dedicated service to the United States of America through turbulent times. Wallace Boyle joined the Army Air Corps in 1940. At that time, there was no draft, so an enlistee could choose where he wanted to be stationed. Mr. Boyle selected Hawaii as his duty station, and he was sent to Wheeler Air Field. This put him about 24 miles from Pearl Harbor on the morning of December 7, 1941. The Japanese flew over and attacked Wheeler Air Field on the way to the naval base. The Japanese attack on Wheeler destroyed two-thirds of the aircraft at the field. On that morning, Wallace Boyle was in the mess hall. He was just handed a plate of pancakes when the first bomb struck. Mr. Boyle ran outside and began helping his wounded comrades. More than 2,400 American lives were lost on that day, and almost 1,300 were injured. During World War II, Mr. Boyle served at Andover Airfield in England, in France, in Belgium, and in Germany. He was discharged from the Army in 1945. Mr. Speaker, Wallace L. Boyle Jr., who is only months away from his 90th birthday, is a fine example of the faithful and dedicated men and women that make up our Armed Forces. His selfless actions, and those of his generation, should forever be remembered and cherished by a grateful Nation.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. I thank the gentleman from Texas for those kind remarks. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to honor the life and remember the sacrifice of Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Joshua D. Miller of Pittston. Trooper Miller was shot and killed on June 7, 2009, while attempting to apprehend a kidnapper who took a 9-year-old boy from his mother at gunpoint and fled. As he and his partner were trying to apprehend the suspect, Trooper Miller was shot in the upper chest and in the leg. While they returned fire, another State trooper and a local law enforcement officer were able to smash the window in the kidnapper's vehicle, grab the 9-year-old boy and carry him to safety. Trooper Miller was flown to a hospital, but he died from his wounds. Josh was born on June 13, 1974, a son of Walter Miller of Pittston and Peggy Miller of Plymouth. Josh graduated from Pittston Area High School, class of 1992. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1993, serving honorably and achieving the rank of corporal before his discharge. Upon separation from active duty, Josh worked at the Monroe County Correctional Facility. He enrolled at Lackawanna Junior College and attended the Act 120 course. Upon graduation, Josh joined the Tunkhannock Borough Police Department in 1999. He worked there until September of 2002, when he joined the Pennsylvania State Police. Trooper Miller first worked at the Bethlehem barracks, then at the Swiftwater barracks in Monroe County. While there, he was selected to be a member of an elite unit that conducted aggressive patrols. Trooper Miller took pride in training new troopers and hoped to instill his work ethic in them. In 2001, Josh met his wife, Angela, and they were married in October of 2005. He had three daughters: Justine, Breana, and Joslyn. After his death, thousands attended his viewing. More than 1,700 law enforcement officers from across the country attended his funeral. During the service, then-Governor Ed Rendell awarded Trooper Miller a posthumous Medal of Honor. On the day he was shot and killed in the line of duty, Trooper Miller sent an email to a colleague. In it he wrote, ``I will not let anything happen to my brothers on my watch.'' After years of dedicated service as a U.S. Marine, as a law enforcement officer, and as a Pennsylvania State Police trooper, Trooper Miller ended his final watch on June 7, 2009. He died while saving a boy from a kidnapper with a gun. He died serving his community, his commonwealth, and his country. That is why I encourage you to support H.R. 2415 and name the United States Postal Service facility at 11 Dock Street, Pittston, Pennsylvania, the ``Trooper Joshua D. Miller Post Office Building.''

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 819 I was inadvertently detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Leo P. Vergnetti, the 2011 honoree at the American Cancer Society Ball of Hope in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on October 28, 2011. Mr. Vergnetti has been a dedicated supporter of the American Cancer Society for decades. This is a charity that has been very close to his heart since his beloved wife, Carol, passed away due to cancer in 1984. Mr. Vergnetti turned this tragic event in his life into a reason to champion cancer research. His efforts have raised significant funds to support cancer services in his home region of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Mr. Vergnetti's work with children has enabled many suffering with cancer to attend Camp Can-Do. This is a camp for children who are receiving cancer treatment. The ability to attend this camp and interact with other children going through the same trials and tribulations is empowering. Mr. Vergnetti has raised money to give several children this life-affirming experience and escape the stress of the disease that they are fighting. Not only is Mr. Vergnetti a former chairman of the American Cancer Society's Board of Ambassadors, but he is also the founder. At a time when 1.4 million new cancer cases are expected in this country during the next year, having a group of community leaders gathering ideas for advancing the ACS's mission is pivotal. As a philanthropist, Mr. Vergnetti has been a pivotal part of securing funding for many other charities including the Wyoming Children's Association, the Scranton Relay for Life Committee, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Mr. Speaker, it is fitting that the American Cancer Society honors a man who has donated so much of his time and effort to such a worthy cause. I am certain that his hard work and dedication will not end here. Fighting for those enduring cancer and furthering research to help find a cure are close to Leo Vergnetti's heart, and it is my pleasure to acknowledge all of his efforts here today.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Jo-Ann Yannuzzi for a career filled with professionalism and passion. Mrs. Yannuzzi has displayed a spectacular work ethic in both business and the community. Throughout her career, she has been known as a proprietor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. For those reasons, and for her service to the community, she is being recognized as the Humanitarian of the Year by the Mountain City Lions Club in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. A Hazleton native, Mrs. Yannuzzi was one of the first four women inducted into the Hazleton Rotary Club in 1992. She also spent many years with the YWCA, serving as its president as well as on its Board of Directors. In 1999, she received the YWCA Pearl Award for Business and Industry. In 1994, Mrs. Yannuzzi received the Athena Award from the Greater Hazelton Chamber of Commerce for her outstanding professional achievement as an area businesswoman. Mrs. Yannuzzi knows what it takes to run a successful business. With her husband, she has owned and operated Job Johnny, and she was an associate in Yannuzzi Inc. and Amity Oil. From 1991 to 1995, she was the sole proprietor of Hazleton Floral Design, where her responsibilities included making financial transactions and decisions. She served in various directorships in organizations such as the Committee to Help Handicapped Infants Parents Succeed (CHHIPS) and the FunFest Committee. But Mrs. Yannuzzi is likely best known for her work at the American Cancer Society. She joined the American Cancer Society in 1997, and four years later became the Community Income Development representative for Greater Hazleton. She has coordinated numerous events for the society in Mount Pocono, Wilkes-Barre, and Nanticoke. Since 1985, she has co-chaired Daffodil Days and other fundraisers for the national level of the society in an attempt to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Mr. Speaker, I commend Jo-Ann Yannuzzi for her many years of dedicated service. She has shown great purpose in her career and in her passions, and I hope she continues to make the world a better place.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Kevin Gryboski for his lifetime of outstanding athleticism, and on his acceptance into the Plains Sports Hall of Fame in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Mr. Gryboski is a graduate of Bishop Hoban High School and Wilkes University. He began his baseball career in Plains with a Little League championship in 1984. He was also selected first-team All-State and top pitcher in the state in 1992 while playing for the Plains American Legion Baseball team. While at Bishop Hoban, Mr. Gryboski showed his talents on the field, as he was named an all-star in 1990 and 1991, and he also played basketball for the Argents. Mr. Gryboski continued to show his talents during his time at Wilkes University, where he participated in both baseball and basketball. On the mound, he was named pitcher for the 1994 Middle Atlantic Conference championship team. To this day, he holds the Colonels' all-time record for complete games, and he has been inducted into the Wilkes University Athletic Hall of Fame. Mr. Gryboski is an inspiration to many student-athletes because he showed the importance of education. In 1994, he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds, but he deferred signing so he could finish earning his degree. He had truly ended up with the best of both worlds, as in 1995 he had his degree and signed with the Seattle Mariners, where he played until 2001. He was traded to the Atlanta Braves in 2002. His career also took him to the Texas Rangers, the Washington Nationals, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and finally to the San Francisco Giants in 2008 before he retired after a shoulder injury. He pitched in 190 regular- season games and 13 post-season games, and he helped the Braves win a National League East championship. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to commend Mr. Kevin Gryboski, and speak for the members of his hometown in appreciation of his gifts and abilities.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Brian Gryboski for the recognition of his athletic ability as he is accepted into the Plains Sports Hall of Fame in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Mr. Gryboski began his sports career as a pitcher and shortstop in the Plains Little League and as a running back and linebacker with the Plains Yankee football team. In 1989, his final year in the Plains Little League, he threw a no-hitter against Pittston, and he and his team would go on to win the District 16 Little League championship. While attending Bishop Hoban High School, Mr. Gryboski was a two-year starter for the Argents basketball team when they won two District 2 championships. In 1994, the team reached the state quarterfinals. Also in 1994, Mr. Gryboski was named the McGrane Tournament Most Valuable Player. In 1995, he was a Wyoming Valley Conference All-Star, and he was the leading scorer in the conference. While at Wilkes University, Mr. Gryboski played in a record-setting 116 games for the Colonels through his four years. During his stretch at Wilkes, the team earned an impressive 99 wins with just 17 losses. He was a three-year starter, and he was team captain as a senior. Mr. Gryboski's teams accumulated four Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Freedom League Championships, three MAC conference titles, and trips to the NCAA Division III ``Elite Eight'' in 1996, ``Final Four'' in 1998, and ``Sweet 16'' in 1999. Individually, Mr. Gryboski was selected to the All-Eastern College Athletic Conference Third Team in 1997-1998. He left a legacy at Wilkes University, where he is ranked in the Top 20 in all-time scoring with 1,120 points, and he is in the Top 10 in rebounding, free throws attempted, and free throws made. Mr. Speaker, as a fantastic baseball and basketball player, Mr. Brian Gryboski, left his mark on numerous sports teams, and he will be honored by being inducted into the Plains Sports Hall of Fame.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Erin M. Treaster for her performance on the basketball court and soccer field, and as she is accepted into the Plains Sports Hall of Fame in Northeastern Pennsylvania. A graduate of Bishop Hoban High School, Ms. Treaster was a four-year starter on both the soccer and basketball teams. In both sports she excelled, as she was selected as an all conference performer. She was also selected as the most valuable player of the Wyoming Valley Soccer Conference, and she was selected to the All-State Soccer team. While attending college at Bloomsburg University, Ms. Treaster was a four-year starter for the Huskies in both basketball and soccer. In soccer, she was selected to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) second team from 1995 through 1998, a regional All-American in 1996 and 1997, and ranks as the 10th overall soccer assist leader in Bloomsburg University history. In basketball, Ms. Treater's performance was equally impressive. She was selected All-Conference PSAC East Rookie of the Year in 1995-1996. With 456 assists, she is the all-time leader in the school's history, and the eighth all-time leader in steals with 202. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to officially congratulate Ms. Erin M. Treaster for all of her accomplishments, and especially her induction into the Plains Sports Hall of Fame.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor John Baranski for his performance as an athlete, coach, and mentor, and on his acceptance into the Plains Sports Hall of Fame in Northeastern Pennsylvania. John Baranski, who was better known as Jack, is a graduate of Coughlin High School. At Coughlin, he played tackle on both offense and defense for the Crusaders, and was part of their 1985 and 1986 Wyoming Valley Conference Championship teams. In 1987, Mr. Baranski was selected by the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader newspaper as a first-team All-Conference tackle. Because of his stellar performance in the Wyoming Valley West High School game, he was awarded the Outstanding Senior Athlete Award from the Coughlin Booster Club and the Red Pendergrass Award. Also as a senior, Mr. Baranski played in the UNICO All-Star Game. Mr. Baranski's playing career may be over, but his knowledge and skills are present in the student-athletes he has coached over the years. He coached at Coughlin from 1992 through 1999, and now he is the offensive coordinator for the Spartans of Wyoming Valley West. During his career as a coach, his teams have combined for seven District 2 AAAA championships and five Wyoming Valley Conference championships. He has also served as president of the Ed/Stark Little League in 2009, and of the West Side Little League in 2010 and 2011. Mr. Speaker, John ``Jack'' Baranski, a product of Plains youth football and basketball, has certainly proven himself worthy of being called a ``Hall of Famer'' through his years of outstanding performance as a player and coach.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Rita Lacey of Close the Loop, for her excellent work as an entrepreneur. Ms. Lacey has managed to merge business and the phrase ``Reduce, Reuse, Recycle'' through her business, Close the Loop LLC. Close the Loop LLC began in 2000. Ms. Lacey started a new venture with no background in sales or accounting. Its aim was to help United States manufacturers of recycled products build the demand for their products made from recycled materials. By 2008, Close the Loop had shipped more than 7 million pounds of rubber mulch and more than 130,000 pounds of plastic fencing. In 2009, a time of economic downturn led Ms. Lacey's company to get more socially involved in the community. Close the Loop organized free community events such as ``Give and Take Days,'' during which community members donated items they no longer needed and took items they could use. Ms. Lacey has passed her business knowledge to others by offering free workshops and classes at Careerlink in Tannersville and the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce. She shows unemployed and underemployed people how they can start their own business while on a limited budget. I commend Ms. Lacey for all she has done as an entrepreneur and a philanthropist. Mr. Speaker, I applaud the efforts that Rita Lacey has made. It is citizens such as Ms. Lacey that make Northeastern Pennsylvania a wonderful place to live and work. In these struggling times, it is wonderful to see all of the positive work Ms. Lacey is doing to promote her community.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Marie Page, president of Marie Page Cleaning Services, for her entrepreneurial spirit. Ms. Page started her business in residential cleaning and janitorial service in 1989. She proved herself as a legitimate business owner through hard work and determination. Marie Page Cleaning Services LLC is certified by the State of Pennsylvania as a woman-owned business enterprise. Ms. Page's company is affiliated with the not-for-profit organization, Cleaning for a Reason, through which Marie Page Cleaning Services provides free cleaning for women undergoing cancer treatment-- something we should note during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Ms. Page shows her good heart as a business owner as she still offers compensation to her employees but donates the supplies and services. Marie Page has made her presence known as a businesswoman as well as her community efforts. It is for these reasons that I commend her. Mr. Speaker, I applaud the efforts of this woman and her enterprising spirit in the face of adversity and in a difficult business climate. It is citizens such as Marie Page that make Northeastern Pennsylvania a wonderful place to live and work. As a former small business owner, I understand the concerns of starting a business, and Ms. Page has turned her startup company into a successful and philanthropic organization that I am sure has a very bright future.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Gerry Gryboski for his performance as an athlete, coach, and role model, and on his acceptance into the Plains Sports Hall of Fame in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Gerry is a graduate of Sacred Heart High School, where he participated in basketball and baseball. He posted a 4-0 record as a pitcher in the 1962 Catholic League Championship, and he led the team with a .484 batting average. Mr. Gryboski was invited to tryouts for both the Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies; however, he ended up serving his country in the United States Army from 1963 to 1966. Mr. Gryboski coached Biddy league as well as seventh and eighth grade basketball. He also coached Little and Teener league baseball for eleven years, from 1980 to 1991. He also contributed two All-Star sons to the Wyoming Valley Conference, Kevin and Brian. Mr. Speaker, Gerry Gryboski must surely be proud of the spectacular athletes he has coached and raised, as well as of his career and the teams he has coached. It is with great pleasure that I commend him as he is accepted into the Plains Sports Hall of Fame.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Frank Ciampi, Jr., an outstanding Italian-American, for his 56 years of dedicated service in UNICO, the Italian-American service organization. Born and raised in West Pittston, Luzerne County, Mr. Ciampi moved to Hazleton to begin his career as president/owner of International Printing Company. Prior to this, Mr. Ciampi served his country in the Korean Conflict from 1950 to 1953. In 2006, he had retired after serving as president/owner of his company for 50 years. Mr. Ciampi has been active in many organizations. Since 1958, he was a proud member of the Hazelton chapter of UNICO. During his many years in the Italian-American organization, he has served as its president as head of the ``Lick-A-Pop'' committee. He played an instrumental role in raising money for the first dialysis machine in Hazleton and for the Salvation Army. Mr. Ciampi was recently named the recipient of the prestigious Presidential Citation from UNICO President Andre DiMino. He was also honored by the Italian American Association of Luzerne County with the Career Achievement Award for his efforts to improve his community. Mr. Ciampi is not new to lasting relationships. In addition to his 56 years as part of UNICO, he recently celebrated 58 years with his wife, Ann Marie. His efforts and contributions coincide with his reputation as a family man; he has four children and seven grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, Frank Ciampi, Jr., has contributed much to the community and to UNICO in time, effort, and financial support over the course of his long and dedicated membership. He is to be commended, and his legacy should not be forgotten.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, on September 7, 8, and 9, the Susquehanna River and some of its tributaries, swollen by the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee, overflowed their banks. This happened shortly after northeastern Pennsylvania was soaked by Hurricane Irene, which brought local rivers and creeks to their banks. So when Tropical Storm Lee moved in over my district, the results were catastrophic. In some communities, the floodwaters came quickly. Creeks raged out of control. Homes were swept off their foundations and toppled into muddy pits. Roads were washed away. In other communities, the water rose more slowly, but it did no less damage. I was there in the town of Duryea, Pennsylvania, when the Lackawanna River topped the small levee and began flooding homes. It was like watching someone fill an aquarium, although this was much, much more destructive. I spent many days in September traveling across my district to see firsthand the devastation caused by this flooding. It's hard to describe exactly what it looks like. Think of everything you have on the first floor of your home--your couch, reclining chairs, your refrigerator, your stove, your dishwasher, your television. Maybe you have a bedroom on the first floor--your mattress, your dresser. Then think of everything you have in your basement--a washer, a drier, your furnace, your hot water heater, your winter clothing. Now imagine all of that on the sidewalk ready for a dumpster because it is soaked with river water. It's dirty with river mud. And it's contaminated by whatever else flowed into the river when the water rose. But go beyond these possessions. Think of photographs on your walls and on your end tables. Think of your children's toys in the basement. Think of the mementos, family treasures handed down to you by your parents and your grandparents. Now imagine all of that on the sidewalk, too. But it's not just your house. It's your neighbor's house next door and the house across the street, and all of those houses up and down your street. Imagine entire neighborhoods--block after block of destruction. And imagine the smell of it--wet fabric, spoiled food, spilled fuel oil, raw sewage, and mud. Mud 2 feet deep in basements and covering lawns and filling swimming pools. That is what I experienced. That is what my constituents experienced. It's what they're continuing to cope with as they try to rebuild. I will never forget standing in a ruined living room with a woman in West Nanticoke. Most of her belongings were piled on the street in front of her home. She wept as she told me that both her husband and son died in the last 6 months. During this flooding, she lost almost everything she owned. Think about that. She lost her husband. She lost her son. She lost most of her belongings. She lost her home. All in 6 months. The loss is just incredible. I've seen children console their parents, saying, Mommy, don't cry. In Shickshinny, a mother pointed to a leather jacket and remembered the first time her daughter wore it. She broke down as she told me she hoped her grandchild would wear it some day. It, too, was ruined and had to be thrown away. An old black-and-white photograph of a woman sat on a pile of belongings in front of a home in West Pittston. The surface of the photo was covered in muddy streaks as the owner tried to save it. But she couldn't save it from the mud. It had to be thrown away. Another memory lost. In Bloomsburg, a family stayed in their home to try to move their possessions to an upper floor, but Fishing Creek rose too quickly. The house next to theirs was knocked from its foundation. Water started gushing through their front windows as they called for help. They had to be saved by a helicopter. The woman there told me that she could never live in that home again. A woman near Orangeville cried as she told me her neighbor's house, carried by the same raging creek, smashed into hers, demolishing a lifetime of memories. An elderly man in Duryea broke down as he told me how much time and money he put into making his house a home for his family only to see it all ruined by high water. In Exeter, borough officials made a gut-wrenching decision. They hauled in 200 truckloads of dirt and created a makeshift dyke right down the middle of a residential street. Several dozen homes were saved, but dozens more were ruined. Scenes like these were repeated hundreds, thousands of times in town after town in northeastern Pennsylvania. If all of these damaged homes and businesses were in one city, it would make the evening news every day. But the damage sustained by my constituents is spread out over miles of the Susquehanna River basin. The scope of this damage goes far beyond what the local and State governments can fix on their own. The Federal Government must step in. Mr. Speaker, I ask, What are we going to do to make these people's lives whole again? Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency have told my constituents what they will receive for their losses. It's about what it costs for an American family to buy a decent car nowadays. That's for all of their furniture. That's for all of their clothes, for all of their treasured belongings. For many of my constituents, it's not nearly enough. I remember standing in front of one family's home which had river water flowing more than a foot deep up on its second floor. Most of this family's possessions were piled on to the sidewalk. Some were dripping wet. The mother looked at her children's toys ruined by the flood. She pointed to one little toy and said, How can the government put a price on that? My son played with that. Those are memories. How can you put a price on that? She's right. We cannot put a price tag on memories. But the Federal Government can and should do more for our neighbors. I know that in these budget-conscious times we worry about offsets to increases in any other spending. I also know we can find some duplicative program, some excessive spending, some additional funding somewhere in the vast Federal budget and provide more help for flood victims. The United States of America is one of the most generous and compassionate countries when it comes to providing global aid. This government has no problem sending money overseas to build roads, bridges, hospitals, and schools in foreign countries. When disaster strikes anywhere in the world, the United States is the first country to help rebuild. But now that a disaster occurred right here in our own backyard, we need to start rebuilding here first. Let's help Americans first. We must restore American lives, save American businesses, and protect American jobs. At a time when we're so focused on creating jobs and helping businesses, the United States Small Businesses Administration will offer disaster recovery loans at 6 percent--that's right, 6 percent--and that rate is if the business owners can get credit elsewhere. That is not acceptable. I talked to dozens of business owners in Luzerne and Columbia Counties who have lost everything: their shops, their inventories, their fixtures, and their equipment. A small business owner in Jenkins Township said he's not sure he can recover after suffering more than $7 million in flood losses. He doesn't know if he's going to rebuild and reopen or maybe close his doors forever. I don't know any business owner in my district who thinks a 6 percent government disaster recovery loan will help them get back on their feet. My district has one of the highest unemployment rates in the State and a rate higher than the national average. The people of the Eleventh District in northeastern Pennsylvania need their jobs. We can't afford for these businesses to close. For the SBA to offer a ridiculously high interest rate in the name of disaster relief to these business owners is downright insulting. What rate do we charge foreign countries when we rebuild their infrastructure? The answer is zero. We don't charge foreign countries any interest. The money they receive from the United States is a giveaway. This government gave 215 million interest-free dollars for flood relief to Pakistan, a country that harbored Osama bin Laden, and it's charging American homeowners and American business owners interest rates on loans they're using to rebuild. That's wrong. We must take a serious look at how the interest rate for SBA disaster recovery loans are calculated. That's why I introduced the Disaster Loan Fairness Act of 2011, H.R. 3042. This bill would set the interest rate for all recovery loans--home disaster loans, business physical disaster loans, and economic injury disaster loans--at 1 percent for the life of the loan up to 30 years. The rate would be effective for Presidentially declared major disasters, and the 1 percent interest rate is retained merely to pay administrative costs for the program. This bill would not cause the government to spend any additional money. It would mean the Federal Government takes in less in interest from disaster recovery loans. But can anyone honestly say that providing disaster recovery loans for American homeowners and American businesses should be a moneymaking operation? I strongly encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 3042, the Disaster Loan Forgiveness Act. Give Americans a low interest rate and help them recover. While my neighbors in northeastern Pennsylvania recover and rebuild, they're also asking what steps are being taken to protect them in the future. This is the role of the Federal Government. We must make sure disaster of this scale does not happen to these people again. First, the Army Corps of Engineers must complete a comprehensive study of the Susquehanna River basin in my district. After the flooding caused by Hurricane Agnes in 1972, the Corps built massive levees to protect the most populated areas of the Eleventh District. Those levees protected thousands of homes and businesses. But many people believe they also funneled walls of floodwater into unprotected areas upriver and downriver. Some of those residents were told they didn't need to buy flood insurance because they don't live in a floodplain. As these people struggle to rebuild their lives today, they want to know if the floodplain has changed. My constituents deserve to know what role, if any, these new flood walls played during this event. What is known is that some communities were devastated because they lacked adequate flood protection. For 40 years, the town of Bloomsburg has been asking for flood protection. There is a plan to provide it, but the Corps of Engineers will not fund it because it does not meet an arbitrary benefit-to-cost ratio, the BCR. Now, because of the lack of adequate flood protection in Bloomsburg, 1,000 jobs are on the verge of being lost. Two of Columbia County's largest employers sit in the floodplain. When Fishing Creek and the Susquehanna River flood, these employers not only have to shut down production, but they also have to move equipment. That costs them hundreds of thousands of dollars. During this flood event, more than 6 feet of water poured through their shops, destroying equipment and inventory. At a time when we're talking about how to create jobs, we're not doing enough to protect these. What is the negative benefit-to-cost ratio of the Bloomsburg Flood Protection project if we lose these jobs? What happens to this town, this county, and my district if we lose 1,000 jobs? That's just one component to the Bloomsburg project. This year, about one-third of the buildings in that town were flooded, one-third of an entire town. Worse, the Bloomsburg Fair--one of the largest economic drivers for the town, the county, and dozens of community and charity groups--had to be canceled for the first time since the Civil War due to the epic flooding. What happened to Bloomsburg could have been prevented. The Federal Government dropped the ball. It failed to protect homes and businesses. We need to make sure that it doesn't happen again, not to Bloomsburg, and not to other communities along the Susquehanna that need protection. Sadly, for some of the people I've spoken with, flood protection will come too late. Some of my constituents have told me that they will not move back into their homes. The great flood of 2011 was just the latest in a long line of floods that they've had to endure. They're tired of picking up the pieces of their shattered lives. Some in fact were in the process of being bought out by the government when this flood hit. Now they're in limbo, unsure of whether to accept Federal aid or if accepting help would jeopardize their pending buyouts. This Congress needs to look at the buyout process. I fear it is too confusing, it takes too long, and it discourages people from trying to receive the help they need. Mr. Speaker, over the last several weeks, I have seen terrible destruction and hardship endured by my constituents. But I've also seen tremendous good, as neighbors help stricken neighbors, community groups banded together, charities mobilized quickly and effectively. In Plymouth Township, I met Red Cross volunteers from Michigan who made the trip to northeastern Pennsylvania to help people that they had never met. In Bloomsburg, I visited AGAPE, a local ministry that provided flood victims with everything from cleanup buckets to hot meals. Church groups, scout troops, college clubs, sports teams, people from all across northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond came together to support each other. The recent flood was a terrible disaster, but it also brought out the best in our people. As I was driving through West Pittston, a small borough that was absolutely devastated by flooding, I saw a sign on a front porch: ``The Valley with a Heart. Thank You.'' My constituents were knocked down, but not out. The people of northeastern Pennsylvania are strong and resilient, but they need help from the Federal Government; and the Federal Government needs to help them. If they get that help, my neighbors will come back stronger and better than before. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Patricia Stella, owner and operator of thirteen McDonald's restaurants, for a lifetime of achievement that is the result of passion and a belief in lifelong learning. Patricia Stella, aided by both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in education, pursued a teaching career in both the Abington Heights School District in Pennsylvania and in Wheaton, Illinois. After her parents had opened their second McDonald's restaurant, Ms. Stella resigned from her teaching position to join the family business. By the age of 30, Patricia Stella was one of the youngest owner/operators in the restaurant franchise's history. Instilling a winning combination of enthusiasm for education and lifelong learning in her employees, Ms. Stella has made her mark within the McDonald's franchise. She was awarded McDonald's Women Operator Network Shining Star Award and McDonald's Leadership Eagle Award. In addition, she has received the highest award presented to a McDonald's owner/operator, the Golden Arch Award. As a successful business owner, Ms. Stella followed in her family's tradition of giving back to the communities that give so much to her. She currently serves as a board member for the Volunteers of America, an executive on the board of directors at the Pittston Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the board of directors for the Ronald McDonald House of Scranton. As a result of her service in the Volunteers of America, she was awarded the Spirit of Youth Award. Previously, Ms. Stella shared her experience with organizations such as the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry and the American Red Cross, as well as serving as the vice president of the Penn's Woods Girl Scout Council. Mr. Speaker, it has been almost 40 years since Patricia and Frank Colletti had purchased their first McDonald's franchise. Their daughter Patricia has demonstrated her diligence and drive to keep her family's dreams alive. I commend her for all she has brought to our community and its residents.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Reverend Paul A. McDonnell, Oblate of St. Joseph, for his lifelong dedication to serving his church and his community. Father McDonnell began his spiritual journey immediately after graduating from Wyoming Area High School by entering the Oblates of St. Joseph Seminary in Laflin, Pennsylvania. During his time as a seminarian, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. After spending five years in Rome, Italy, Father McDonnell returned to the United States with a bachelor's degree in sacred theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) and a master's degree in pastoral theology at the Lateran University. Upon his return, he was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in his home parish of St. Anthony of Padua, Exeter, by former Auxiliary Bishop of Scranton Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo. Father McDonnell has served the Pennsylvania Province of the Oblates of St. Joseph Congregation as assistant pastor; pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Pittston; and the provincial superior of the Our Lady of Sorrows Province. Presently, he serves as the provincial vicar and secretary, as well as the North American representative at the Congregation's Rome headquarters. Father McDonnell's service extends past his work in the Oblates of St. Joseph. He serves as Chaplin to UNICO and to the Ancient Order of Hibernians. McDonnell's community involvement is clearly evident is as he was named the honorary chairman of the 2011 capitol campaign of the YMCA, and he holds positions on the boards of the Wesley Village Nursing Facility and the Earthly Angels Autism Foundation. Mr. Speaker, on this day I would like to applaud the Reverend Paul A. McDonnell for his 20 years of serving parishes within the Diocese of Scranton and extending his hand to all of humanity. He is deserving of the honor of being named the Italian-American Association's 2011 Person of the Year.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Mr. Charles R. Hoynowski for his exemplary service to our country and state. Mr. Hoynowski served honorably in the United States Naval Reserve from 1961 to 1967. In that time, Mr. Hoynowski was injured while serving in Cuba during the Cuban crisis. Additionally, Mr. Hoynowski earned the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Navy ``E'' Ribbon, and the Navy Reserve Meritorious Service Medal. It is because of the service of veterans like Charles Hoynowski that all Americans have the freedoms that we enjoy today. After leaving the service, Mr. Hoynowski went on to have a distinguished 20-year career as a Pennsylvania State Trooper. In 1991, Mr. Hoynowski retired from the Pennsylvania State Police, but his commitment to public service, and especially veterans, did not end. Mr. Hoynowski has always fought for the rights of veterans. He believes that the United States must honor all living veterans so they can enjoy the fruits of the liberties they defended. In 2005, Mr. Hoynowski opened a $400,000 log cabin veterans' club on Blackman Street in Wilkes-Barre. He also erected a monument to honor all of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and to honor all veterans. Today, Mr. Hoynowski continues to fight for the rights of veterans in Northeastern Pennsylvania by educating local veterans on what government benefits they are entitled to, and by contacting local elected officials to advocate on behalf of veterans. Americans like Charles Hoynowski are the reason why the United States of America continues to be the greatest country in the world. Mr. Speaker, I recognize Mr. Charles R. Hoynowski for his service to the United States of America, and to his fellow veterans. He has played an integral role in ensuring that our community's veterans are given the recognition and benefits they deserve.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Keith C. Naylor for his 36 years of dedicated service at the VA Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Mr. Naylor began his career in 1975 as a kinesiotherapist at the VAMC. Shortly thereafter, Naylor worked with his fellow therapists to develop the Wheelchair Olympics at the VAMC. Mr. Naylor would be selected to coach the VAMC Wilkes-Barre Wheelchair Olympics team in San Diego in 1995. A Certified Diabetes Educator, Mr. Naylor was assigned to the orthopedic clinic of Physical Therapy department, where he developed the diabetic exercise and education program at the VAMC in Wilkes- Barre. He was also assigned to the orthopedic and neurological clinics of the Physical Medicine Department, as well as to the psychiatric and substance abuse clinics. Mr. Naylor has gone above and beyond during his career, obtaining many acknowledgements and awards. He has been recognized on more than one occasion for his performance at the VAMC because he contributed to the mission of his department by substantially exceeding performance requirements. In 1980 he assisted in the Vietnam Outreach program and improved the lives of many Vietnam veterans by encouraging them to use the VAMC to serve their needs. In 1987, Naylor was named Employee of the Year for his work with the employee exercise program. Mr. Naylor gained praise as he became the M.O.V.E. Coordinator in 1993. He used his knowledge and skills to help overweight and obese veterans manage their weight through nutrition and exercise for eight years. Mr. Speaker, Keith C. Naylor has used his 36 years at the VA Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre to not only provide for his family, but to improve the overall quality of life of our country's veterans. He used his personality, skills, and compassion to help those who need it, and has been an asset to the VA Medical Center. As he steps down from his post, he will certainly be missed by all who have worked with or been served by him.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. James and Mrs. Mary Lou Burne, who will be recognized with the fifth Monsignor McGowan Cornerstone Award for their exemplary community service. The selfless dedication to the service of others makes the Burnes the ideal recipients of an award that highlights the legacy of a truly great individual, Monsignor Andrew J. McGowan. Dr. James and Mary Lou Burne have dedicated countless hours over the span of several decades to ensuring that those in their community who are less fortunate are able to have a meal. They have accomplished this through the creation of the Family-To-Family Food Basket Program in 1986. To date, this program has helped provide meals to more than 300,000 people. The Burne Family truly loves its hometown, the City of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This is where they have raised their four children, James Burne III, Dr. Mark Burne, Mary Burne, and Matthew Burne. It was an easy decision for Dr. James and Mary Lou Burne to give back to the community that helped to give them so much. Dr. Burne is a member of the Scranton Chapter of UNICO National, The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, and the Kiwanis Club. Mrs. Burne is currently vice president of The Friends of the Poor and vice president of Lackawanna Pro Bono, Inc., and was the founder and director of the local Special Olympics. Mr. Speaker, Dr. James and Mary Lou Burne are truly pillars of their community in Scranton. I commend them for their decades of committed service to their faith, their community, and their country. They will surely carry on the spirit of Monsignor McGowan throughout this year and the future.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Catholic Church, who will celebrate its 100th anniversary on October 22, 2011. Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Catholic Church has been serving the community of Nanticoke, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, since it was started in October 1911 by 11 families of Carpatho-Rusyn settlers from Poland and Slovakia. St. John the Baptist Orthodox Catholic Church has been helping form the youth of Hanover and Nanticoke through its extensive youth ministry. The church ensures that children understand the value of assisting not only those in their parish, but also those in their communities, their country and the world. These youth work with the elderly at senior living homes, send school supplies to children across the world who otherwise would not have any, and have been cleaning up their parish to make more space for their activities. Creating an environment where children can learn how to selflessly give to others and celebrate their faith is important, and I applaud the church's efforts. Providing ministry to the aged is also a priority of Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Catholic Church. Because elderly who live in senior citizen homes cannot always maintain an active spiritual life inside a church, Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Catholic Church brings its ministry to the seniors, enriching their lives and providing community outreach. Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Catholic Church has a very involved and dedicated parish membership. Since its inception, parishioners have been critical in the advancement of the church. Mr. Speaker, today, Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Catholic Church stands as a pillar of faith in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania. I commend them for their 100 years of committed service to their faith, their community, and their country.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Sam Lesante, Sr., the CEO of Sam-Son Productions, for his continued dedication to charitable causes throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. A philanthropist, Lesante has been a pivotal part of securing funding for charities such as the United Way, Hazleton Blind Association, URS, and many others. Sam Lesante has been shining the television spotlight on these worthy causes for more than 30 years. Having chaired many telethons for research related organizations including the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation and the Children's Miracle Network, he developed a sense for how to best portray the true needs of these groups. Sixteen years ago Lesante began his own production company, Sam-Son Productions. Through ``The Sam Lesante Show'' and other programs, he has continued to bring much-needed attention to lesser-known--and therefore lesser-funded-- local charities, in addition to the larger foundations. Today, Sam Lesante is furthering his efforts once again by partnering with the Hazleton Standard-Speaker to host Media Night in Hazleton. The focus of Media Night is to bring awareness to local organizations that are working to make the Hazleton Area and its surroundings a better place to call home. It is because of the tireless efforts of people like Sam Lesante that charities are able to thrive in an otherwise struggling economy. He has a special way of bringing out the best of an organization and making people excited about it.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to acknowledge Raymond S. Angeli, President of Lackawanna College, for his outstanding service to both his community as well as the students he has tirelessly represented since 1994. President Angeli's departure from Lackawanna College will surely be a loss for not only the College, but for all who matriculate there. President Angeli is no stranger to serving both his community and his country. Prior to his position at Lackawanna College, he was a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army. He has also served as a representative to the Southwest Asia Working Group in the Pentagon, Deputy Director of U.S. army Personnel in Sattiip, Thailand, a Department of Defense Inspector General, and Secretary of the Department of Community Affairs of Pennsylvania under Governor Robert Casey. Lackawanna College has seen unprecedented growth under the helm of President Angeli. The College moved to their current Scranton location in 1996. This move made the College more accessible to students as well as providing the space for a plethora of academic opportunities. To this campus, President Angeli has also seen the addition of a theater, a student center and dormitories. Lackawanna College did not stop expanding; President Angeli's legacy includes the New Milford location as well as the expansion of the Lake Region campus. Mr. Speaker, I recognize Lackawanna College President Raymond S. Angeli or his promotion of educational priorities in Northeastern Pennsylvania. He has truly played an integral role in ensuring that this community's youth has the tools to have successful futures.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the service that Father Richard G. Ghezzi has provided to the Catholic Church throughout his 25 years in the Roman Catholic priesthood. Father Ghezzi has dedicated his life to the mission of the Catholic Church and, through the execution of those ideals, has benefitted Northeastern Pennsylvania in numerous ways. After graduating from Pennsylvania State University and working for his family business, Richard Ghezzi received his calling to join the priesthood. In 1978, he began preparations and earned his Masters in Divinity from Mary Immaculate Seminary. He was ordained on August 30, 1986 and began his work in the Catholic Church in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Throughout his service, Father Ghezzi has supported the parishioners of Our Lady of Grace parish in Hazleton, Sacred Heart of Jesus parish in Peckville, St. Thomas Aquinas parish in Archbald, St. Ann parish in Bentley Creek, St. Joseph parish in St. Joseph, and St. Ann parish in Tobyhanna. Currently, Father Ghezzi is serving as chaplain of the Little Flower Manor Nursing Home and St. Therese Residence in Wilkes-Barre. Mr. Speaker, I commend the vital role this true leader has taken on shaping the religious landscape of so many communities. Father Ghezzi has humbly served for twenty-five years, throughout which he has certainly touched many lives and left a lasting impact on the parish's he has helped to build.