Lou Barletta

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge Mr. Paul F. Leonard, Sr., this year's recipient of the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick's Man of the Year award. Mr. Leonard was born and raised in Pittston, and has long been involved in the community. After graduating from Pittston High School, Scranton University, and the McAllister School of Embalming in New York City, and serving in the United States Army, Paul worked for thirty-one years at St. John's/Seton Catholic High School. Paul was the school's athletic director, Physical Education and Business teacher, and coach of the baseball, basketball, and cross country teams. Since 1961 when he joined his father's business, Mr. Leonard has worked as a funeral director. Paul still resides in Pittston with his wife. He has eight children and five grandchildren. Mr. Leonard is not only a member and past President of the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, but he is also an active member of the Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish in Pittston. Paul belongs to the Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, and National Funeral Directors' Associations. Paul is a part of the retired Athletic Directors' Association and the President John F. Kennedy Council #372 Knights of Columbus and its Fourth Degree Assembly. Mr. Leonard is also a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Dupont, the American Legion, Avoca, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Avoca, the Niagara Engine Hose Company, Pittston, the Fox Hill Country Club, the Northeast PA Retirees Golf League, and the Knights of Columbus Bowling League. Mr. Speaker, Leonard has been a lifetime contributing member of our community. He has dedicated his life to serving Pittston and its people. Mr. Speaker, today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Paul F. Leonard, Sr. on being named this year's Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick's Man of the Year.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge Mr. Robert Calpin, this year's recipient of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick's Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Calpin was born in Minooka, PA. He graduated from Scranton Central High School and the University of Scranton. Robert has held positions at GEICO Insurance Company, RCA Picture Tubes, Karibe, Inc. He is currently employed at the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare in Wilkes-Barre, PA in the Nursing Home Division. Robert now resides in Pittston with his wife. They have three children and one grandchild. A member, past President, and current Membership Chairman of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Mr. Calpin currently serves as an officer of President John F. Kennedy Council #372 Knights of Columbus and its Fourth Degree. Robert is also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Wolf Tone Division, the Minooka Notre Dame Club, the Scranton Area Organized Runners, and the PIAA. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Calpin has been an active member of our community. He continues to go above and beyond to serve our area. Mr. Speaker, today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Robert Calpin on receiving this year's Friendly Sons of St. Patrick's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge Mr. Joseph J. Joyce, Jr., this year's recipient of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick's Swingle Award. Mr. Joyce was born in Avoca, PA. He graduated from St. John the Evangelist's High School in Pittston, PA, and Luzerne County Community College in Nanticoke, PA. Joseph also attended Bloomsburg University, majoring in Business Education and Accounting. In 1989, Joseph became licensed in Property and Casualty, Life, Accident, and Health Insurance, and joined his father's business. Joseph is currently the Principal in Joyce Insurance Group, Joyce Haggerty and Bell Insurance, and the Joyce Financial Group, located in Pittston. Joseph resides in Hughestown with his wife of thirty-two years. He has five children and one grandchild. Mr. Joyce is a long-time member and a past President of the Friendly Sons, where he is a Program Chairman. He is a part of St. Mary's R.C. Church, the Jolly Boys Association, the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce, the Knights of Columbus John F. Kennedy Council #372, the Association of the Blind, Miles for Michael, and the Fox Hill Country Club. Joseph is a member of the Pittston YMCA where he was named Volunteer of the Year, and the Avoca Lions Club, where he has served as Secretary to the Board of Directors. Joe has also been named the Sunday Dispatch's Greater Pittston Person of the Year. Mr. Speaker, Joseph has been a stand-out of our community. His service to Northeast Pennsylvania is something to be noted. Mr. Speaker, today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Joseph J. Joyce, Jr. on receiving this year's Friendly Sons of St. Patrick's Swingle Award.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge Mr. Rich Kossuth, this year's Sunday Dispatch 2010 Person of the Year. Rich is a Greater Pittston area resident. A co-owner of Rock Street Music, the drummer in Pittston's local band Flaxy Morgan, and part of the rock duo CNR, Rich has grown up working in Pittston's music scene. He started out as an employee of local music businesses and eventually formed Rock Street Music with his mother and brothers. Through these affiliations, Rich has unselfishly donated his time and efforts to various facets of our community. Mr. Kossuth founded 12/24, a Christmas holiday seasonal band dedicated to raising funds for autism research. In 2010, he volunteered his talents, time, and equipment to over 40 benefits for causes ranging from supporting local recreational groups to helping local heroes in need of assistance in their fights against cancer. Rich has dedicated himself to improving the lives of our children, making appearances as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny at local events, as well as serving as an assistant scout manager. Mr. Kossuth never asks for anything in return. In fact, when Rich was informed he'd be receiving the Person of the Year Award, he promptly named others he felt deserving of recognition before finally graciously accepting the acknowledgement of all he has done to serve the Greater Pittston area. Mr. Speaker, Rich Kossuth is a compassionate, generous humanitarian who truly cares about our community and his fellow citizens. His kindness has touched the lives of countless people. We could never thank Mr. Kossuth enough for the service he provides and the spirit he instills in the Greater Pittston area. He is truly an inspiring individual. Mr. Speaker, today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Kossuth and recognizing his being named the Sunday Dispatch's 2010 Person of the Year.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge Mr. and Mrs. Allan and Ann Rose, this year's recipients of the Joseph Saporito Lifetime of Service Award. Allan and Ann have not only been married for 50 years, but they have been serving our community for just as long. Faithful church goers, Allan and Ann have been largely active in their respective parishes. Allan serves on the Administrative Board, which he has previously chaired, of the United Methodist Church of Pittston and the Board of Methodist Homes. Ann is a member of the Pastoral Advisory Council and Altar & Rosary Society of the Parish Community of St. John the Evangelist in Pittston. Both Allan and Ann credit their love of God for their drive to serve and give back to the community. Allan Rose, a retired administrator at Abington Heights School District, is the chair of Local Development for Wesley Village. He is treasurer and past president of the Chanters of Irem Temple. Allan has been involved in the West Pittston Lions Club, the West Pittston Ambulance Association, the West Pittston Library Board, and the Shrine Club of Greater Wilkes-Barre, of which he is a past president. Ann Rose is a member of the JLW Mountain Laurel Lions Club, where her duties include volunteering at the local VA Hospital once a month. She is also a member and the past secretary of the Lithuanian Women's Club of Wyoming Valley, a volunteer with the Care and Concern Food Pantry and Kids' Kloset, and a member of the Blooms and Bubbles Chapter of the Red Hat Society. Together, Allan and Ann volunteer with Meals on Wheels of Greater Pittston and help at the annual summer bazaar of St. John the Evangelist Church and the United Methodist hoagie sale. They have always supported each other's selfless efforts, and have greatly enjoyed sharing their ability to give to others. Mr. Speaker, Allan and Ann Rose are not only extraordinary individuals, but they are a remarkable couple. Their loving and kind nature has emanated throughout the community. Their altruistic spirit and devotion to our community will never be forgotten, and is enormously appreciated. Mr. Speaker, today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Rose on receiving the Joseph Saporito Lifetime of Service Award and recognizing what an inspiring couple they have become to our community.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. I thank the chairman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge the passage of H.R. 662, the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011. As I heard from my friends and neighbors back home, job creation and rebuilding our economy is the most important issue facing us. Transportation funding means not only construction jobs but also for surveyors, heavy machinists, asphalt companies, grocers, hotels and restaurants. Historically, studies have shown that for every dollar spent on investments in transportation and infrastructure, the gross domestic product grows by $1.59, and for every $1 million spent on highways, 47 jobs are created. Poor roads and congestion are costing my constituents. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials estimates that poor road conditions cost this country $355 billion annually. H.R. 662 is a clean extension that would fund ongoing operations through September 30, 2011. Failing to extend this bill would hurt my district in terms of jobs, safety and costs to my constituents in wasted fuel and lost productivity. The 2011 construction season is just getting under way. Any disruption in funding will delay the construction industry's ability to create jobs and complete much-needed improvement projects. With unemployment in the construction sector at a staggering 22.5 percent, we must pass the extension and put more hardworking Americans back to work. As a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass long-term legislation that will meet our future transportation needs. This extension gives Congress the time and ability to produce a smart, fiscally responsible bill. I urge support of H.R. 662.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, last week I had a chance to gain feedback from my neighbors in Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District, and what I heard should concern us all. From my ``Home to House'' town hall forum to the numerous meetings I held all over the district, my constituents are deeply concerned with the state of our economy and its effect on our communities. Just one week after I submitted an amendment to restore $42 million to the Community Development Fund, I had the chance to get a firsthand look at some of the food banks and after-school programs that benefit from this critical resource. I also had the opportunity to hear from many who share my apprehension about spending reductions to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, LIHEAP. I learned that 3,036 requests for LIHEAP grants were received from Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton in the past 2 months alone. I thank all of those who have made the effort to share their thoughts and concerns with me, and I look forward to receiving more feedback in the future.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Madam Chair, I offer an amendment.

Mr. BARLETTA. Madam Chair, I rise today to voice my concerns with a number of items listed in this continuing resolution. I understand that the time has come for the government to tighten its belt, and I accept the fact that painful decisions must be made in order to get our economy on the right track. However, it is my belief that we have a responsibility to conduct our due diligence before defunding some of our most important programs. For my district in Pennsylvania, that includes a thorough examination of alternatives to any cuts in clean coal technology research. According to the National Mining Association, 52,000 Pennsylvanians are dependent on our coal industry for their jobs, jobs that may be put in danger without an investment in the future. And as the recent events overseas have demonstrated, we no longer have the luxury of time when it comes to our energy independence. While clean coal research will prepare us for the future, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program invests in our most vulnerable. Last year, LIHEAP provided heat to 545,000 families in our country. And with an unemployment rate that's held over 9 percent for 21 consecutive months, we must remember that the cuts we debate here today will have a drastic effect on families who are already struggling to make ends meet. The same can be said for the Community Service Employment for Older Americans. In 2008, this program helped nearly 90,000 older Americans prepare for the next phase of their careers, even assisting in their placement in the workforce. Seniors constitute 16.5 percent of my district's population, and given the current nature of our economy, many of these hardworking men and women will be forced to prepare for changes in their future. As a former mayor, Madam Chair, I understand how important the Community Development Fund is to supporting our local communities. It serves as a critical lifeline to towns, cities, and communities that are already struggling to pay their most basic bills. It also supports revitalization programs in our communities and assists communities that have fallen victim to disasters. And in a similar vein, State and local law enforcement assistance helps to keep our communities and neighborhoods safe. In particular, it supports communities that are forced to incarcerate illegal aliens for extended periods of time as well as programs that strive to protect our borders. Madam Chair, I understand that we are broke, that programs such as those I have listed here today will be forced to bear the brunt of our new economic realities. Yet, I stand here today to reiterate my support of these important programs, and to remind my colleagues to remain ever cognizant of the fact that our cuts are again both necessary and painful. I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Wayne Pisano, Sanofi Pasteur President and CEO, for his service to the vaccine industry and Pennsylvania upon his retirement from the company. A St. John Fisher College biology undergraduate and MBA graduate of the University of Dayton, Ohio, Wayne combines a deep understanding of science as the key to human health, while employing a perceptive knowledge of business strategy and growth through meeting critical public health needs. Wayne has consistently demonstrated a keen ability to understand the movement of the vaccine market and work proactively to position Sanofi Pasteur as both a leader in vaccine production and a role model for partnerships and foresight within the industry. Upon joining Sanofi Pasteur as Vice President, U.S. Marketing in 1997, Wayne quickly established a unique role for Marketing in a historically industrial- and commodity-driven organization. In his Marketing leadership role, he revised the business plan process and introduced product branding, positioning and the concept of core-brand selling arguments, driving significant net sales growth through innovative thinking. As the head of the more than 480-member team, Wayne created a multi-disciplinary team approach within the Marketing and Sales organization, achieving high-level, unprecedented collaboration across the group. Next, as Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations, Wayne collaborated with the Canadian business unit president to develop Canada's first long-term growth strategy, resulting in full restructuring of the marketing and sales group. As Wayne facilitated the transition of the U.S. operations to the new U.S. business unit head, the company continued to exceed budget, experiencing double-digit growth and breaking the $1 billion revenue milestone for the first time in 2003. Within the vaccine industry, Wayne played a key leadership role when routinely administered vaccines were in short supply. In 2002, Wayne presented on behalf of PhARMA to a congressional hearing on fragility of vaccine supply. Backed by a U.S. General Accounting Office report, Wayne eloquently presented the facts regarding the complicated nature of vaccine manufacturing and the economic challenges of vaccine manufacturers, resulting in changes to the national policy on Vaccine Injury Compensation. In 2003, Wayne stepped into the role of Sr. Vice President, Global Commercial Operations, in which he put his talents once again to the company's long-term growth, assuming responsibility for the Strategic Planning function and developing the company's first 10-year strategic plan. In this role, he introduced the franchise concept and implemented the portfolio design to drive the growth strategy. Wayne led the formation of global Commercial Operations, integrating the U.S., Canadian and International business units; Medical Affairs; Pricing & Health Economics; Franchise Management; New Product Marketing and Demand Management groups. In doing so, Wayne moved the Commercial Operations organization of more than 2,000 associates into a cohesive and collaborative team focused on achieving overall corporate goals. For the first time in company history, the organization exceeded 2 billion Euros in sales, with all business units achieving double-digit growth. Understanding the growing importance of the influenza franchise, Wayne drove the development of the long-term global strategy for influenza, resulting in the elevation of several projects within the R&D portfolio and the decision to invest more than 200 million Euros in new and expanded manufacturing facilities. This investment included the production of a second influenza production facility at Sanofi Pasteur's Swiftwater, Pennsylvania campus, which remains the largest influenza vaccine manufacturing facility in the world. Additionally, he drove the global licensing strategy for Fluzone and Vaxigrip influenza vaccines, making them interchangeable in some markets. Wayne advocated and implemented a comprehensive global formulation, filling and packaging strategy to ensure early and timely delivery of influenza vaccine and, years before the onset of the 2009 influenza pandemic, established the Pandemic Planning function placing it at a high level of importance for imminent public health needs. Still looking to the future, Wayne has paved the way for new influenza products to meet unique patient immunization needs, including Sanofi Pasteur's Fluzone High-Dose for those 65 years and older and the upcoming intradermal vaccine technology targeting young adults. Three years ago, Wayne brought his strategic expertise to the role of Sanofi Pasteur President and CEO. Soon afterward, he began replenishing the pipeline through project in-licensing and acquisitions. By the end of 2008, the company, under Wayne's leadership, acquired and fully integrated biotech firm Acambis, adding several phase-II projects--C. difficile and Dengue (Acambis) and Mabs Rabies (Crucell)--and important pre-clinical projects (e.g., pseudomonas aeruginosa Mabs, Intra-dermal influenza, HPV) into the pipeline. That year, he also implemented a pre-emptive effectiveness and efficiency program focused on shifting resources into critical activities to secure the company's long-term growth. In 2009, Wayne further strengthened the company's critical emerging markets position through the acquisition of India's Shantha Biotechnics to provide a high-tech platform of affordable vaccines and a robust pipeline. His leadership saw the expansion of global industrial operations with new vaccine manufacturing facilities in Shenzen (China), Ocoyoacac (Mexico), and solid partnerships across all continents, including Brazil, Russia, Japan, Turkey, Thailand and Algeria. His committed global focus has led to significant steps forward in addressing the gap between developed nations and countries with vast and dire unmet medical needs, setting Sanofi Pasteur apart as a leader truly dedicated to its Vision of preventing suffering or death from any vaccine-preventable disease. At the end of February 2011, after 14 years of service, Wayne Pisano will retire as the chairman and CEO of Sanofi Pasteur. I commend Mr. Pisano for his distinguished career and leadership in the advancement of immunizations and the eradication of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in order to share the feedback that I received from my constituents during my past week in the district. At a town hall meeting on Thursday night, I asked those in attendance to raise their hand if they felt they had a better life than their parents. Nearly everyone raised their hand. But when I asked if they believed that their grandchildren could look forward to a more promising future, not one person raised their hand. Not one person. That is simply unacceptable. While this House has taken positive steps to address the out-of- control spending habits of this government, my constituents strongly feel that the best way to create a brighter future for our children and grandchildren is to cut spending, end government waste, and allow our economy to have the freedom to grow and create jobs. I thank everyone who has shared their thoughts and opinions with me over the past week and month, and I look forward to continuing our constructive dialogue.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of repealing the health care law. I believe everyone should have access to affordable, quality health care. However, the law passed last year does the contrary. It makes health care less affordable; it diminishes the quality of care; it forces seniors out of their Medicare drug coverage, and it prevents small businesses from getting Americans back to work. In my district, we have the highest number of seniors in Pennsylvania, and the $206 billion in cuts in Medicare Advantage will cause 7.5 million seniors to lose their retiree drug coverage by 2016. Small businesses face a $2,000 fine per employee if their plans do not meet a bureaucrat-approved standard. At a time when the unemployment level in my district is over 9 percent, Congress must not discourage job creation by placing mandates and levying penalties on those who will get us back on track towards a more prosperous Nation. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 2.