Lou Barletta

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to recognize The Standard- Speaker, which is celebrating its 150th Anniversary this year. With a humble beginning in my hometown of Hazleton, The Standard-Speaker has provided generations of my constituents with reliable and current news in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It is hard to imagine what our city would be like without The Standard-Speaker to keep us informed. When I was mayor for more than ten years, the newspaper was always there on my front step in the mornings, and the reporters and editors would be weighing in letting me know how I was doing. Now that I am a member of Congress, The Standard- Speaker is still a good barometer of what is happening at home and what the people are thinking about. The Standard-Speaker has a long and proud history. It was founded in 1866 as The Hazleton Sentinel, and after numerous ownership changes during the late 1800s and early 1900s, the paper was eventually purchased by former Hazleton Treasurer Henry Walser. For a time, there were three publications in Hazleton: The Plain Speaker, the Daily Standard, and The Hazleton Sentinel. After acquiring the Daily Standard in 1917 to create The Standard-Sentinel, Henry Walser and his new partner, John R. Dershuck, combined their efforts to bring The Standard-Sentinel and The Plain Speaker under one roof in 1961. Ownership was eventually consolidated in the hands of Henry's son, Frank, who merged not just the morning and afternoon papers, but also their names, to give rise to the all-day publication, The Standard- Speaker. Staying true to the paper's heritage of family ownership and strategic mergers, in April of 2007, it was announced that the Lynett and Haggerty families of Scranton would purchase the paper. The company already owned The Citizens' Voice in Wilkes-Barre, The Times-Tribune in Scranton, and The Republican & Herald in Pottsville, which made The Standard-Speaker a natural fit for their vision of treating Northeastern Pennsylvania as a single region in which Hazleton occupies a unique spot. Mr. Speaker, for more than a century, The Standard-Speaker has been an integral part of the community in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Generations of families have not only relied on the paper for their daily news, but have been the ones working to produce it. I am incredibly grateful for the work of all the employees that make The Standard-Speaker so special, and I look forward to the paper's continued success and innovation in the years to come.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it's my privilege to recognize Gentex Corporation as The Commonwealth Medical College's 2016 Scholarship Gala Innovation Honoree. Each year The Commonwealth Medical College honors an outstanding individual or group for outstanding innovations in their field. Gentex Corporation's work to provide defense forces, first responders, and industrial personnel with cutting edge solutions exemplifies the pioneering spirit that this award represents. In the late 19th century, Gentex began operations under the name ``Klots Throwing Company,'' and on the advice of their bookkeeper, Marcus Frieder, chose Carbondale, Pennsylvania as their headquarters to employ the wives and daughters of the region's coal miners. In 1932, Marcus and his son, Leonard Frieder, bought and renamed the company General Textile Mills. As a producer of silk cartridge bags during World War I and parachutes during World War II, General Textile Mills was awarded the Army-Navy `E' Award for excellence in wartime production as the nation's largest manufacturer of parachutes at the time. The company's name was then shortened to Gentex in 1958. With rapid advancements in aircraft technology following World War II, the government approached Gentex to utilize the same composite-structure technology used in their parachute boxes for the production of pilot helmets. These hard shell helmets were revolutionary, and, to this day, Gentex continues to design the most technologically advanced personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, first responders, and industrial personnel. The Frieder family was instrumental in guiding the company from its inception at the turn of the century to the global leader it is today. Staying true to their family roots, this fourth-generation company is run by Chairman L. Peter Frieder, Jr. and President L.P. Frieder III. This sense of family does not stop with the company's leadership. Gentex continues to take pride in being an active member in their community and empowering the economic stability of all that make the company so special. Many of my constituents work at Gentex, and when a company can survive both industrial and digital revolutions, it speaks to both the leadership of the employer and quality of employees. L.P. and Peter say the Carbondale facility reminds them every day of where they came from, and this spirit is the inspiration that keeps them committed to the communities they work in. Their work with area charities such as The American Red Cross, Pennsylvania Special Olympics, Ronald McDonald House of Scranton, and Pennsylvania's Adopt- A-Highway Program speaks to their outstanding work, and we are all grateful that a company so committed to its community continues to stay and excel in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, as The Commonwealth Medical College's 2016 Scholarship Gala Innovation Honoree, Gentex Corporation has continually defined what it means to be a leader in their industry. On behalf of my constituents, I thank them for their support of our armed forces and first responders, and look forward to their continued innovation and involvement in our region.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize Sanofi Pasteur as The Commonwealth Medical College's 2016 Scholarship Gala Wellbeing Honoree. Each year The Commonwealth Medical College honors an outstanding individual or group for advancing the wellbeing of citizens within their community, across the state of Pennsylvania, and around the globe. Sanofi Pasteur's work to create vaccines that protect lives against preventable diseases embodies the true spirit of this award, and I commend their continued efforts to be a worldwide leader in human health. Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccine division of Sanofi, a global healthcare leader focused on patients' needs, is the largest company in the world that is entirely dedicated to the production and distribution of vaccines. Providing more than 1 billion doses of vaccines each year, Sanofi Pasteur is able to help protect against 21 infectious diseases and immunize more than 500 million people around the globe. Many of my constituents work at Sanofi Pasteur's U.S. headquarters in Swiftwater, PA, and each and every day they are the ones that strive to create a world where no one suffers or dies from vaccine-preventable diseases. Sanofi Pasteur's impact in Northeastern Pennsylvania goes beyond simply employing 2,500 of the region's most dedicated workers, they also have a strong focus on community engagement. Whether investing more than $1 billion in the region or partnering with VaxServe in the greater Scranton area to donate more than $870,000 to local nonprofits, the company has consistently exemplified the positive impact that a private entity can have on a region's economy and citizens. Mr. Speaker, as The Commonwealth Medical College's 2016 Scholarship Gala Wellbeing Honoree, Sanofi Pasteur continues to promote the welfare of individuals in my district, across our state, and around the globe. I commend Sanofi Pasteur for their efforts to combat preventable diseases through accessible vaccinations, and am grateful that a company exists in Northeastern Pennsylvania that is truly committed to its employees and community.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize Mr. Patrick J. Solano as The Commonwealth Medical College's 2016 Scholarship Gala Service to Community Honoree. Each year the Commonwealth Medical College honors an outstanding individual or group for contributions to their community, and Mr. Solano's extensive record of public service exemplifies the meaning of this award. After graduating from Pittston Township High School, Mr. Solano joined the Army Air Corps and took part in 23 combat missions. Stationed with the 8th U.S. Air Force Heavy Bombardment Group in England, his missions spanned several European nations and included action during the bombing of Berlin in 1944. His exceptional service earned him the Group Presidential Citation, the Air Force Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the European Combat Theatre Medal with two Bronze Stars. Being honored for service to his community reflects Mr. Solano's commitment to the advancement of Pennsylvania's people and resources, and his lifelong public service sets an example for future generations of selfless Pennsylvanians. After serving as a Pittston Township school director, he went on to later advise State Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, as well as two governors, Tom Ridge and Mark Schweiker. His most important contributions came during his role as deputy secretary for Parks and Forests with the former Department of Environmental Resources and as the acting secretary when the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources was created in 1995. Mr. Solano's lifelong dedication to Pennsylvania's state parks and forests will forever be remembered, and in 2013, my district was proud to have Governor Tom Corbett recognize his service by naming the environmental education facility at Frances Slocum State Park, located in Luzerne County, as ``The Patrick J. Solano Environmental Education Center.'' Mr. Speaker, as The Commonwealth Medical College's 2016 Scholarship Gala Service to Community Honoree, Mr. Patrick J. Solano has consistently set an example of excellence that will inspire our state's leaders for generation to come. I wish Mr. Solano, his wife of 62 years, Marie Nocito, their six daughters, eleven grandchildren, and one great grandchild, all the best in their future endeavors, and thank him for the innumerable contributions he has made to the state of Pennsylvania.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Mr. Ron Marchetti, who has been selected as the 2016 UNICO Hazleton Chapter's Columbus Day Outstanding Italian-American of the Year. UNICO, which is Italian for ``one of a kind,'' perfectly describes all that Ron does, and I am grateful for his contributions to my constituents, my hometown, and our community. Founded in 1922, UNICO National is the largest Italian-American service organization in the nation, with the mission of engaging in charitable works, supporting higher education, and performing patriotic deeds. UNICO Hazleton was formed in 1950 as the first chapter in Pennsylvania, and continues to advance the principle of service to community, over service to oneself. Ron graduated from Hazleton High School in 1957, and like so many proud Italian-Americans, joined the family business as a fourth- generation employee. R.L. Marchetti Plumbing still operates to this day and is run by his son, Randy. In 1961, Ron felt a duty to serve his country and enlisted in the U.S. Army at the height of the Cold War. After serving for two years, he returned to Hazleton to continue on in the family business. Ron serves as the president of the Hazleton Plumbers Association, a position he has held for the past 28 years, and also sits on the Hazleton Historical Society board. I've known Ron personally for many years and I can't think of anyone that's had a bigger impact on Hazleton sports throughout the years. Ron started his sports commentary career with two shows on local television, ``Trivia Treats'' and ``Short Shots,'' and to this day fans and former athletes still request copies of these segments. He then went on to be a sports editor for PANORAMA magazine for 25 years. Ron is the former president of the Hazleton Quarterbacks Club and has been actively involved with the Hazleton Area football program for over 25 years. Many in the community still refer to Ron as the heart, soul, and voice of sports in the Hazleton area, and his induction into the Hazleton Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2015, speak to his distinguished contributions. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Mr. Ron Marchetti for his exemplary service to the Italian-American community and the greater Hazleton Area. Ron and his wife, Chris, celebrated their 54th Anniversary this past April, and his four children, Lisa, Robin, Terri, and Randy, and seven grandchildren, can take pride in knowing that his contributions to the Hazleton Area will have a lasting impact for generations to come. I thank Ron for all that he has done for our community and wish him and his family the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to recognize the Borough of Marysville, Pennsylvania, which is celebrating its 150th Anniversary this year. Settled in 1755, it was incorporated as the Borough of Haley in 1866, and then reincorporated as the Borough of Marysville in 1867 by action of Governor Andrew Curtin. This historic town is located in the southern tip of Perry County within my district. The borough is noted for its small town feel where residents stay active in community events and know each other by name. Built on a hill with scenic views of the Susquehanna river, Marysville is well known for its smallmouth bass fishing and attracts fisherman from across the country. Local students attend Susquenita High School, which is named for the Susquehanna and Juniata Rivers that flow through the region. Established as a railroad town hosting the Haley and Marysville Stations, the borough is home to the Rockville Bridge, which is the longest stone-arch railroad bridge in the world. Constructed with native sandstone from quarries in western Pennsylvania, the bridge's 48 arches were built by Italian stone masons and Irish laborers beginning in 1900 and finishing in 1902. The iconic bridge was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and declared a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1979. The bridge is a constant reminder of how important railways were in making Pennsylvania an industrial giant, and the continued role they play in transporting our state's many goods and natural resources. Mr. Speaker, for 150 years, the Borough of Marysville has been an important part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, acting as a key railroad hub for goods to be shipped out across the state and country. I commend all its citizens that make this borough such a special place to live, and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 3937, as amended.

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

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3937) to designate the building utilized as a United States courthouse located at 150 Reade Circle in Greenville, North Carolina, as the ``Judge Randy D. Doub United States Courthouse'', as amended.

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 3937, as amended, would designate the building utilized as a United States courthouse located at 150 Reade Circle in Greenville, North Carolina, as the Judge Randy D. Doub United States Courthouse. I would like to thank the gentlemen from North Carolina, Mr. Jones and Mr. Butterfield, for their leadership on this legislation. Judge Randy D. Doub was in the private practice of law for 26 years in Greenville, North Carolina. From 1985 until 1990, he served on the North Carolina Board of Transportation. In 2006, he was appointed by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals as a United States bankruptcy judge and served as chief judge from 2007 to 2014. Sadly, last year, Judge Doub passed away suddenly. He was a well respected bankruptcy attorney and jurist, which is exemplified by the fact that this bill was sponsored by the entire North Carolina delegation. I think it is fitting to recognize his service to the law and the community by naming this courthouse after him. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones).

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5147) to amend title 40, United States Code, to require that male and female restrooms in public buildings be equipped with baby changing facilities, as amended.

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 5147, as amended.

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5147, as amended, the Bathrooms Accessible in Every Situation Act, or BABIES Act, would require restrooms in certain public buildings be equipped with baby changing stations that are safe and sanitary. Millions of American families visit Federal facilities every day. While the cost of changing stations is small, some Federal buildings open to the public do not have them. This bill would cover those buildings controlled by the General Services Administration that are open for public use. This requirement would not apply to restrooms not publicly accessible, if there are other restrooms nearby with changing stations, or if it would require costly construction or alternations. I reserve the balance of my time.

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

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

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 131) authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to recognize Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg upon the occasion of their 90th anniversary. Since 1926, this multigenerational, family-owned and operated business has been America's largest free-admission park, and continues today as a world-renowned attraction that has stayed true to its family-focused roots for nearly a century. Originally known as ``Peggy's Farm,'' the land that is now Knoebels was passed down from owner to owner until 1828 when Reverend Henry Hartman Knoebel purchased the property for $931. Reverend Knoebel's grandson, Henry, who was commonly known as ``Ole Hen,'' began selling soft drinks and ice cream to the families that would come for picnics on the property. In 1926, Ole Hen added a restaurant, carousel, games, and a pool to officially mark the beginning of Knoebels Amusement Park. Various rides and amusements were added to the park throughout the years to bring the current total to 63, including six roller coasters, two water rides, two miniature railways, a golf course, and several restaurants. I've enjoyed family outings to the park, just like thousands of my constituents and visitors from around the world, and can attest firsthand to the welcoming atmosphere and family-friendly style that has made Knoebels one of America's best amusement parks. With a commitment to the family's overall vision, it is no wonder that Amusement Today and organizations such as American Coaster Enthusiasts and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions have recognized the park with various awards throughout the years. In 2014, the Travel Channel named Knoebels as one of their Top 10 Family Friendly Amusement Parks in the United States. Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to recognize Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg upon the occasion of their 90th anniversary. ``Make new memories the old fashioned way'' is their slogan that is in action every day, and I am confident that the park will be enjoyed by families visiting Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District for years to come. I wish the Knoebels all the best as they continue to operate a resort where families can go to create lasting memories and share in the spirit upon which the property was founded.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to recognize Boyer's Food Markets upon the occasion of their 67th Anniversary. Boyer's is a full service supermarket chain in Northeastern Pennsylvania that provides my constituents with an easy-in easy-out, no hassle experience. Customer service is the foundation of Boyer's success and the employees pride themselves on personal connections, copying the days when local corner stores knew each customer by name and were as much a part of the community as the people they served. In 1949, Harold S. Boyer opened his first corner store in Orwigsburg and since then has expanded the chain to 18 stores across Northeastern Pennsylvania, including locations in Hazleton, Elysburg, Berwick, Lykens, and Mt. Carmel within my congressional district. Their famed ``Red Shirt Service'' takes its name from the red shirt and black pants uniforms that employees wear in order to be visible to shoppers. They pride themselves on providing unique and local service in each store while having the ``friendliest, most helpful, and knowledgeable teammates.'' Such outstanding service speaks not only to the commitment of the employer, but also to the strength of every employee. Whether doing your weekly shopping or planning for a large event, Boyer's has continued to be the trusted store that caters to the customers they serve in each local community. Boyer's is known for engaging with each local community to create lasting bonds. They offer non-profit organizations the opportunity to fundraise by selling hoagies, desserts, and pizzas with no upfront payment and a share of the profits once the items are sold. The Caring/ Sharing Scrip Gift Card Program lets churches and schools purchase gift cards in bulk with a five percent discount that is donated back to the church or school. Boyer's is also committed to helping families eat healthy without spending too much time or money in the process. Their exclusive B-Healthy Kids Program hosts events that are educational and fun with the goal of promoting a balanced diet. Never turning away an opportunity to donate to local school districts and their athletics programs has become a hallmark of Boyer's, and Southern Columbia Area School District is one of the many recipients in my district to have received such generous donations. Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to recognize Boyer's Food Markets upon the occasion of their 67th Anniversary. I wish Boyer's employees and customers all the best as they continue to exemplify the positive relationship between a business and its community.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Mrs. Nativa Wood upon her induction as the president of the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA). Nativa spent 35 years as a court reporter in the Dauphin County Courthouse in my district, serving as the chief court reporter for the last 11 years of her service before retiring in 2015. Through her decades of public service and involvement with various associations and foundations, she has continually set an example of hard work and dedication for all professionals in my district and has helped to inspire the next generation of selfless public servants. Nativa joined the Dauphin County Courthouse in 1977 after graduating from Central Penn College. She has been involved with the Pennsylvania Court Reporters Association since 1983 and was the president from 1990 to 1992. She served as the chair of the National Court Reporters Foundation (NCRF), the charitable arm of the NCRA, which works to educate legal professionals with informational programs and introduce prospective court reporters to the profession. Nativa has also served as the chair of the Council of the Academy of Professional Reporters and the Committee on Professional Ethics. Mrs. Wood also understands that her current endeavors can help leave a lasting legacy for future generations of court reporters. She is a proud member of the NCRF's Legacy Society, which coordinates estate planning so that the NCRF can act as a beneficiary of an individual's will in order to continue giving back to the profession for decades to come. Nativa's commitment to the profession and her community will always be remembered. February 18 has been declared ``Nativa Wood Day'' in Dauphin County in honor of her distinguished career and exemplary professionalism. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to congratulate Mrs. Nativa Wood upon her induction as the president of the National Court Reporters Association. Her husband, Jerry, and son, Patrick, have played an important role in her success and continue to inspire her dedication to the profession. I wish Mrs. Wood the best in her new role and look forward to seeing her continued contributions to court reporters across my district, state, and our nation.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to recognize Procter & Gamble's Mehoopany Plant, and the employees that work there, on the occasion of their 50th anniversary. P&G is a global producer of consumer goods that prides itself on passing down core values and principles to future generations. The Mehoopany plant is an essential part of Northeastern Pennsylvania, employing thousands of my constituents who take pride in being active members of our community. Opened in 1966, P&G's Mehoopany plant has grown to be one of their largest in the world. Driving down Route 87 into Mehoopany, you can't miss the plant sitting on the Susquehanna River. Its sheer size puts their impact into perspective. In stores all across the country, you're seeing products that were made by Mehoopany employees, such as Bounty paper towels, Charmin bathroom tissues, and Pampers diapers. The plant became P&G's first energy self-sufficient facility in 2013 with the construction of two natural gas-fired cogeneration turbines which utilize gas from Marcellus Shale beneath the 1,100-acre property. In 2012, 50 percent of the plant's electrical needs were met using Marcellus gas, and, for the previous 45 years, the Mehoopany plant was the largest electricity and natural gas customer for our local utility companies. P&G's slogan, ``Touching lives, improving life,'' is in use every day as their employees have made community involvement an essential part of their daily operation. In 2015, for the seventh straight year, the plant broke its previous year's fundraising effort by donating over $500,000 to several Northeastern Pennsylvania United Ways. P&G has always been committed to ensuring that its employees have the resources necessary for success, both during and after their careers. That's why it's not surprising that over a quarter of its workforce are third generation employees. For example, P&G Mehoopany Credit Union opened in 1971 to benefit its members with affordable services they pride themselves on providing, where each member is greeted by name when they enter the building. Even after their careers at P&G are over, employees find that groups such as the P&G Mehoopany Retirees Association keep them involved in the community through volunteer projects, while also providing the opportunity to fulfill lifelong dreams by organizing trips around the world with their former coworkers. Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to recognize Procter & Gamble's Mehoopany plant and their generations of employees for five decades of successful operation in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Through a commitment to quality products, employee appreciation, and local engagement, the Mehoopany plant has become a symbol of what can be accomplished when a community- first approach is taken. On behalf of my constituents, I wish the employees of Procter & Gamble's Mehoopany plant the best as they continue to bring prosperity and employment opportunities to my district, and I look forward to the facility's success and innovation in the years to come.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to recognize the employees of the Bemis Company's West Hazleton plant, who, for 50 years, have supplied innovative packing materials that are used to safely transport food. The West Hazleton plant has played an important role in my district over the last five decades, employing over 400 people in the greater Hazleton area. They are an active sponsor of community events and exemplify the strong partnership that can exist between private employers and a local region. The Hazleton plant has operated under several names throughout the years, becoming Bemis in 1993. The company prides itself on promoting a family-friendly environment, and for several families this has been a multi-generational employer. When you go to the grocery store or bakery, you're seeing the work of Hazleton employees--they make the bags for bread, rolls, buns, and bagels for thousands of products. Their Hazleton employees produce approximately 2.5 billion bread bags annually and use their expertise in polymer chemistry to supply the global food supply chain with reliable packaging. I am also honored to recognize Mrs. Emily Logan upon the occasion of her 50th anniversary with Bemis. Such a milestone is increasingly rare in today's society, and this milestone speaks both to the talent of the employee and the work environment of the employer. Bemis also understands the importance of engaging with the broader community to create lasting bonds. The company is a member of the Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, participates in local food drives, supports Relay For Life, and participates in career fairs at Hazleton High School. These community initiatives have created lasting partnerships and continue to provide opportunities for my constituents and all residents in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Bemis Hazleton upon 50 years of operation in my district and hometown. Bemis Hazleton has enjoyed continued success because of their unwavering commitment to their employees and the community in which they operate. This productive manufacturing facility continues to bring prosperity and employment opportunities to my constituents, and I look forward to the facility's continued success and innovation in the years to come.

Mr. BARLETTA

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Ms. Kyla Martin of Paxinos, Pennsylvania as a recipient of the 2016 Congressional Gold Medal Award. She is a 2013 graduate of Shamokin Area High School in my district, and now attends Wilson College where she majors in equine journalism with a minor in communications. Kyla has made a real difference in my district through her volunteer work, and I am confident that she will continue to be a role model for the next generation of leaders in northeastern Pennsylvania. The Congressional Gold Medal Award is presented, regardless of ability or circumstance, to any young person between the ages of 14 and 24. This award is the highest honor that Congress presents to outstanding young individuals and requires participants to set goals in voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition. Kyla showed great perseverance in meeting these criteria and continues to affect the lives of constituents in my district through her extensive charitable work. Kyla completed several hundred volunteer hours to meet the voluntary public service requirement. Through the charity that she co-founded, Angels at Work, Kyla has organized several food and clothing drives to help provide basic necessities to those most in need in northeastern Pennsylvania. She is a coach for her local equestrian vaulting team and used this experience to complete her volunteer work, personal development, and physical fitness requirements. Kyla spent countless hours outside of practice working on her own vaulting skills, and competed nationally at the highest level of any vaulter from Pennsylvania at the time. For the expedition portion of the award, she camped for several nights at a local campground where she was able to familiarize herself with native plant and animal life. These experiences speak directly to Kyla's character and I am confident that she will carry these skills with her as she continues to grow both personally and professionally. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Ms. Kyla Martin for receiving the 2016 Congressional Gold Medal Award. Kyla has consistently demonstrated the devotion necessary to achieve her goals, and countless lives in my district have been impacted by her actions throughout this journey. On behalf of my congressional district, I wish to congratulate Kyla and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. BARLETTA

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

Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment that simply prevents any funding from being used to enter into contracts to purchase fuel or energy for our military installations if that fuel or energy originates from the Russian Federation. Time and again, we have seen Vladimir Putin use Russian energy to assert his political will over the rest of the world. In fact, just a few months ago, the European Union announced that they were seeking alternatives to Russian natural gas imports in order to avoid a repeat of 2006 and 2009, when Russian suppliers cut off the gas shipped through Ukraine, leaving much of Western Europe to succumb to winter's freezing temperatures. I think we can all agree that we don't want our American servicemen and -women to be left out in the cold. To me, this is a commonsense issue. We should not leave our military men and women at the mercy of hostile foreign countries. By ensuring our military does not rely on the Russian Federation to supply the heating and energy needs of our military bases, we can provide certainty and security for the brave individuals protecting our freedom. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.