Mark Critz

Mr. CRITZ

Mr. CRITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Kevin Harriger, a native of southwestern Pennsylvania, for being named Executive Director for agriculture inspection programs at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP), Office of Field Operations. In his new capacity, he is responsible for overseeing USCBP's efforts to protect America's agricultural resources against the threats posed by domestic and foreign plant pests and diseases. Mr. Harriger is uniquely qualified to take on this role, as ensuring the safety of naturally-cultivated consumer products has been the principal cause of his career. Prior to assuming his current position, Mr. Harriger was the Deputy Executive Director for CBP's office of Agriculture Operational Oversight. As such, he was responsible for ensuring that USCP's agricultural inspection policies were being implemented smoothly and consistently. The skillfulness with which he executed the duties of this job are in large part a product of the experience he gained while working for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), both as a Regional Director in Raleigh and as a Special Assistant to the Deputy Administrator for APHIS-PPQ in Conyers, Ga. While with APHIS, he honed his knowledge of both agricultural policy and plant pathology. His expertise in both of these areas is a testament to his intelligence and dedication to his craft. While I am deeply impressed by his ability to understand and analyze esoteric scientific subjects and public policy, I am even more impressed by the passion he has shown for using this ability to promote the greater good. All of us should use our talents for such selfless purposes. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Kevin Harriger on this appointment and thank him for his many years of public service.

Mr. CRITZ

Mr. CRITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the women of the Altar and Rosary Society of the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel in Loretto, Pennsylvania for bringing comfort and solace to the members of our military stationed abroad during the holiday season over the last 25 years. In the spirit of giving that defines this magical time of year, these selfless women provide assistance to the Support Our Troops military mail campaign in the lead up to Christmas. This campaign sends letters of support and gratitude to our troops overseas in an attempt to bridge the oceans and continents that separate them from their loved ones. Dolly Haird, Barb Bender, Maggie Biter, Mae Karabinos, Lucy Mock and the rest of the women of the of the Altar and Rosary Society at St. Michael the Archangel gather thousands of Christmas cards from individuals, families, schools and churches starting in October and send them to Fort Bragg in December, where they are sorted and sent to military bases overseas. This year alone, these women gathered over 21,000 holiday greetings. Their ability to motivate so many members of the various communities of southwestern Pennsylvania to express their support for our troops stationed abroad is a testament to the strength and infectiousness of their altruism. The women of the Altar and Rosary society have received a number of awards for their service. They have also enlisted a number of local veterans' organizations in their efforts, illustrating the great appreciation retired servicemen and women have for their efforts. The men and women of our armed forces who are stationed overseas spend the holidays away from their families so that we do not have to. No one appreciates this fact more than the women of the Altar and Rosary Society. The work that they do to support our troops clearly illustrates their abiding belief in the importance of sacrifice for the greater good. Mr. Speaker, as we prepare to begin the New Year, all of us should resolve to emulate the kindness and generosity these women have demonstrated in their efforts to bring smiles to the faces of our men and women in uniform. I want to congratulate them on 25 years of fruitful service.

Mr. CRITZ

Mr. CRITZ. Mr. Speaker, over the past several weeks, we have heard a lot of rhetoric about how this House has passed so many jobs bills that are sitting in the Senate waiting for action. But I want to talk about one bill that actually passed the Senate, and it is waiting in the House for action, and that is going after countries that manipulate their currency, of which China is the largest violator. The bill has been sitting in committee since February with no Republican action. A discharge petition has sat at this desk for the last 5 months with no Republican action. It remains just 30 signatures shy of forcing action on Chinese currency manipulation, which estimates show could create 1.5 million jobs in this country. So I want to urge the citizens of this country to call their Republican Congressmen to urge this Republican House that as they open their presents over this holiday season and they open those boxes and find those little tags that say ``made in China,'' call your Republican Congressman, call this Republican House, and say thank you, thank you for putting party before country. Tell them, put country before party. Don't put China's economy before the United States'.

Mr. CRITZ

Mr. CRITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize two individuals, Craig J. Rolish and Thomas W. Haberkorn, who have devoted themselves to ensuring prosperous futures for the military veterans of southwestern Pennsylvania. Back in 1993, Mr. Rolish and Mr. Haberkorn helped to establish Veterans' Community Initiatives (VCI), an organization dedicated to finding employment for the men and women who have returned home from serving our nation in uniform. Since then, VCI has served nearly 5,500 clients and made approximately 4,000 job placements. The willingness of these men to devote the last 18 years of their lives to serving the needs of veterans is a testament to their appreciation for causes greater than themselves. Mr. Rolish is currently the Vice President/Treasurer of VCI. Having served in the Air Force in Vietnam, Mr. Rolish was forced to personally confront the challenges a returning soldier must face in trying to reintegrate into society. While he could have easily devoted the years following his service to ensuring his own wellbeing, he instead chose to continue to work to improve the communities of southwestern Pennsylvania. Upon returning to Johnstown, Mr. Rolish put his financial expertise to good use, collaborating with Fannie Mae to help a number of individuals and small businesses rebuild after the devastating Johnstown flood of 1977. He also served as the CEO of the non-profit NORCAM, helping that organization to become one of the preeminent drivers of economic development in the region. For Mr. Rolish, public service is a passion He has served on a number of volnnteer boards-and commissions, including the Highland Sewer & Water Authority and the Johnstown Area Regional Industry, and has been an effective fundraiser for causes close to my own heart. He is personally responsible for accumulating over $100,000 for St. Jude's Hospital and over $180,000 in private donations for a memorial statue of my mentor in public service, the late Congressman John P. Murtha. In recognition of his beneficence and selflessness, Mr. Rolish was honored with the Chapel of Four Chaplains Legion of Honor award in 2002. This honor is given by the Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation to outstanding individuals who embody the spirit of giving. Thomas Haberkorn, VCI's Vice President/Secretary, has also devoted his life to serving the people, businesses and non-profits of southwestern Pennsylvania. Like Mr. Rolish, Mr. Haberkorn served his country in the Air Force in Vietnam and continued to serve the public welfare upon returning home. He has served as an East Hills Kiwanis Board member, as well as a member of Johnstown Professional Networking. He has also been active with a number of charities, including the Special Olympics and the Salvation Army. Mr. Haberkorn's true legacy is his commitment to veterans. He began providing support to those who have served us in combat long before helping to establish VCI. Mr. Haberkorn has been very active with Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) for many years. He is the founder and current president of VVA Chapter 364, as well as the District Director of the VVA Pennsylvania State Council. In addition to working with VVA, Mr. Haberkorn has also done a great deal to support the local VFW, American Legion, and Conemaugh Valley Veterans. Like Mr. Rolish, he has been honored with the Chapel of Four Chaplains Legion of Honor award in recognition of his outstanding public service efforts over many years. Mr. Speaker, in all of the time I have spent engaging with local community leaders, I have rarely, if ever, encountered two men with stronger character than Craig J. Rolish and Thomas W. Haberkorn. Their fortitude and unwavering commitment to public service--and in particular to serving the needs of combat veterans--deserve our gratitude and appreciation. I am proud to represent them in Congress.

Mr. CRITZ

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

Mr. CRITZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Trade is critical to the growth of small business. A quarter of a million U.S. companies export to foreign markets, the large majority of them small and medium-sized enterprises that employ 500 or fewer workers. In fact, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, more than 230,000 small and medium enterprises now account for nearly 30 percent of U.S. merchandise exports. The number of such companies exporting has more than doubled since 1992 and, according to SBA, 96 percent of the world's customers live outside the U.S., representing two-thirds of the world's purchasing power. Given this critical role, we need to make sure trade agreements assist small businesses. Trade agreements should help reduce redtape and increase transparency, but too often small businesses lack the resources and foreign business partners available to large companies to navigate through opaque customs and legal systems to reach their customers. Numerous fees and other nontariff barriers that can be no more than a nuisance to large multinationals can be deal-breakers for small companies. Trade agreements must streamline rules, reduce nontariff barriers, and provide arbitration procedures so that even small U.S. exporters can successfully participate in foreign markets. Trade agreements must also open up opportunities for small U.S. exporters to compete for foreign government contracts. U.S. companies should be given a fair shake at the important government procurement market in these foreign countries. Such agreements can help to lower the threshold at which contracts must be put out for competitive bid ensuring that even small U.S. companies can be part of the process. Some of those contracts for roads, schools, clinics, distance learning, and medical equipment, for example, can be ideally suited to smaller U.S. companies. My amendment makes sure that small businesses are not forgotten when trade agreements are implemented. It requires that agencies' regulatory flexibility analyses assess the cumulative impact of any rule stemming from the implementation of a free trade agreement. Doing so will make certain that small firms' voices are part of the process in these important deliberations. Being part of the process will enable small firms to benefit from trade agreements and use them as a means to access foreign markets and customers. I urge Members to vote ``yes'' on this amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CRITZ. I urge a ``yes'' vote on my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CRITZ

Mr. CRITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the distinguished public service careers of six retiring officers within the Department of Agriculture's Office of Rural Development, RD. These individuals have worked diligently and effectively over many years to promote economic prosperity and safe living in the various rural communities throughout southwestern Pennsylvania. Lambert Rosenbaum, Virginia Stump, Cindy Brandt, Barbara McMillen, Susan O'Donnell, and Mary Ellen Polosky have made clear through the quality of their work at RD that they see a place for rural areas in America's future. These individuals will leave a lasting legacy; their belief in the promise of rural America will surely live on in those who have had the privilege to work with them and manifest itself in all that RD does for the individuals, communities, and businesses of southwestern Pennsylvania for years to come. Public service has been a calling for each of the six outgoing officials at USDA Rural Development. Lambert Rosenbaum, the outgoing Area Director for the Butler and Westmoreland Area Offices, boasts a 31 year career at USDA. In addition to his civil service, Mr. Rosenbaum served three years of active duty in the Army, during which he served a combat tour in Vietnam and earned the prestigious Bronze Star. He has also served in the Army Reserves for 42 years. Most recently, Mr. Rosenbaum's reserve service took him to Kuwait, where he earned the Meritorious Service Medal. His devotion to the public welfare has clearly made an impression on his children, as two of his sons have served in the Iraq War. Virginia Stump, a Team Leader and Area Specialist, will leave RD after 30 years of civil service. She has worked extensively on the Water Waste Program, which furnishes rural communities with the means to install sanitary sewers. She has also helped to market several rural development programs, including the Value Added program and the Renewable Energy programs. Ms. Stump is married and has one daughter, as well as twin grandchildren. Cindy Brant, a Loan Specialist, also has over thirty years of experience in civil service. She began her career with USDA in 1979 as a Comprehensive Employment and Training Act, CETA, Trainee. A year later, she became an Assistant County Supervisor, working out of the Somerset Office until its closure in 2007. While in the Somerset Office, she worked extensively on the Direct Housing Program, helping numerous low-income individuals to purchase homes in rural areas. Upon leaving Somerset, she moved on to the Greensburg Area Office and took on the additional roles of Guaranteed Housing Program Specialist and Multi-Family Housing Program Specialist. In recognition of her outstanding service, Cindy received USDA's Unsung Hero Award in 2009. In her 28 years with USDA, Barbara McMillen, an Area Specialist, has worked on a number of different projects, including those that provide housing loans and loans to farmers and ranchers who are having difficulty obtaining commercial credit. Over the last seventeen years, she has worked ardently to help 51,450 households and businesses to obtain $331 million dollars in loan and grant funds for public water and sewer service. Susan O'Donnell, also an Area Specialist, has been with USDA since 1977 and has done extensive work in the business, multi-family housing and community facility programs across six counties. She is extremely passionate about public service, and plans to continue to working to promote the welfare of others through volunteer work upon retirement. Having performed over 36 years of Federal service, Mary Ellen Polosky has set a laudable example for current and aspiring public servants. While with USDA, she has worked mainly in the Housing Division. She has served in her current capacity for the last 9 years, during which time she has helped numerous individuals living in rural areas to procure loans for home purchases and improvements. Mr. Speaker, I have had the privilege of working closely with these individuals while serving as the District Director for the late Congressman John Murtha, and can attest that they embody the highest order of integrity and proficiency. We should all be grateful that such exemplary individuals chose to engage full-bore in the effort to secure a prosperous future for rural America. Their work has given hope to countless individuals and businesses in southwestern Pennsylvania. All of us in the Federal Government should attempt to emulate their commendable public service in our own careers.

Mr. CRITZ

Mr. CRITZ. I thank the gentleman from Florida for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I had prepared remarks that I was going to talk about to defeat this previous question so that we could bring the Chinese currency manipulation bill to the floor. But we've been talking about this on a weekly basis. We've been talking about this on the floor of the House on a weekly basis. And I think back to 10 months ago when Speaker Boehner made the statement that the House works best when it's allowed to work its will. This same bill passed the House last year overwhelmingly. A similar bill passed the Senate earlier this year overwhelmingly. This bill has broad bipartisan support. Sixty-two Republicans are cosponsors of this bill. Four months ago, I brought a discharge petition, which is now just 30 signatures shy of forcing this bill to the floor. It needs Republican help. I'm imploring the Speaker to bring this bill to the floor of the House. This is so important. As Congressman Levin said earlier, we're talking about jobs. I did a telephone town hall last evening. The topic of discussion was jobs. Everyone wants to know when are we going to put our heads together and work to get this country back to work? Milling jobs. Manufacturing jobs. This is an issue that everyone knows about and everyone can agree on. We just want to level the playing field. This is giving this country the teeth it needs to go after countries such as China that manipulate their currency and hurt American manufacturing companies. This is about locking arms with the American public and moving forward. So I urge those Republicans, those 62 that are on H.R. 639, anyone can see those names, anyone can call and say, you need to support this bill. You need to support the discharge petition, get on it, let's talk about this. You can't hide behind the Speaker any longer. We're going to continue this fight day in and day out, week in and week out. I urge defeat of the previous question so that we can talk about jobs for the American people.

Mr. CRITZ

Mr. CRITZ. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I think the ranking member of Ways and Means really hit what the point of this is; that this is not against the two bills that are the underlying bills for this rule, but this is about jobs. And you know, in this body, many times we think about, what does a poll say? What does this poll say? Well, regardless of what the polls say, when I go home everyone in my congressional district is talking about jobs, is talking about the economy. I was thrilled to hear that these two bills flew through the process, introduced in September and now we're debating them on the floor. What I can tell you, though, is that the Chinese currency bill, H.R. 639, the currency manipulation bill, was proposed in February of this year. I've heard comments like ``bipartisan,'' and ``let the House work its will.'' Well, this bill enjoyed tremendous bipartisan support last year, 348-79, with 99 Republicans voting for it. Reintroduced this year. It's interesting; in this body many times we do things and then complain about things that go to the Senate, and it doesn't happen in the Senate. Well, here's a bill, actually a stronger version of this bill, that passed the Senate 63-35. It's the House, it's the House leadership, it's the Republican leadership in this House that is denying the Chinese manipulation bill coming to the floor. Let the House work its will. This is about jobs. As the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin) mentioned, estimates are 1 million to 1.5 million jobs, 1.5 percent of GDP. It's something that we should all be passionate about. This is about standing up for the American people. This is about standing up for the American manufacturers. The Speaker said this could be dangerous. Well, let me tell you something. Ask folks in the tire industry, ask folks in the steel tubing industry who've watched Chinese unfair trade practices put them in jeopardy and put their people out of work. This is something about, you have to stand up, you have to take a stand. Sixty-two Republicans are cosponsors of this bill. I urge defeat of the previous question. It does not defeat the underlying bill so that we can talk about jobs and this bill, H.R. 639.

Mr. CRITZ

Mr. CRITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a faithful patriot, skilled counselor and educator, devoted public servant and good friend of mine for reaching a notable life milestone. On October 17, John ``Jack'' E. Frank, a valued member of my Congressional staff, will turn 80 years old. Having known Jack for many years, I can attest that he is a man of the highest character. He has spent nearly his entire life serving causes greater than himself. After serving his country admirably in the Navy in the 1950s, Jack earned a Bachelor's degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Master's degree from Westminster College and a Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University. He has used his education to foster the development of countless young men and women in Pennsylvania and to serve the interests of the citizens of Pennsylvania's twelfth Congressional District. Jack began his teaching career at Sharpsville Junior High School while working toward his Master's degree. Following this experience, he took a job as a counselor at Yorktown High School. It was there that he met his beloved wife Jeannette, with whom he has two children, Jeffrey and Janelle, and four grandchildren, Effie, Vivian, Sophia and Elsie. Jack spent the majority of his teaching career at his alma mater, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, serving as the Assistant Dean of Men and a veterans/career counselor. Between his work at IUP and his active participation in the local Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW, Jack became a staunch advocate and friend of our nation's proud military veterans. In recognition of his 25 years of devoted service to IUP, he received the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Distinguished Alumni Award in 2006. Following his distinguished career in education, Jack embarked on an equally distinguished career in public service. He capably served the late Congressman John Murtha for ten years before coming to work for me following my election in 2010. I hired Jack for his inimitable wisdom, kindness and experience. No one could be a more passionate and skilled liaison to the people of Pennsylvania's twelfth Congressional District than Jack. Mr. Speaker, Jack is a great man. While he could easily be ``retired'' and enjoying the fruits of his distinguished career, Jack instead continues to serve the public and the greater good. I strive every day to emulate the selflessness and devotion to the wellbeing of others that are the hallmarks of his character. Happy 80th birthday Jack, and thank you for your service.

Mr. CRITZ

Mr. CRITZ. Madam Speaker, I would like to insert into the Record a letter from the United Steelworkers in opposition to the Korea free trade agreement. United Steelworkers, June 20, 2011. Re oppose the free trade agreements with Korea, Panama and Colombia U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Senator/Representative: On behalf of the 1.2 million active and retired members of the United Steelworkers (USW) I write to urge you to vigorously oppose the Free Trade Agreements with Korea, Panama and Colombia. These three FTA's will undermine our economic recovery, further decimate American manufacturing and jobs and deepen the economic insecurity and devastation faced by workers across the country. International trade and the consequences of accelerated globalization are matters of long-standing and deep concern to the USW, as an overwhelming portion of our members work in import-sensitive manufacturing sectors and all too often have lost their jobs due to bad trade deals and unfair and predatory trade practices. Promises made by administrations past and present touting the benefits of free trade have simply not materialized for America's manufacturing workers. This is clearly reflected in the nation's massive trade deficit--a deficit fueled by trade deals that grease the path for greater and greater out-sourcing and off-shoring of jobs and capacity--and every bit as dangerous as our federal deficit. The results of ``free trade'' deals are all too clear: In the last decade alone six million manufacturing jobs and 55,000 plants have been lost. Multinational companies easily set up operations overseas and export back to the U.S. market. Numbers tell the story. New Department of Commerce data show that large U.S. multinational companies cut their workforces in the U.S. by 2.9 million during the 2000s while increasing employment overseas by 2.4 million. This continues even as workers and families wrestle with a tepid and uncertain economic recovery that is generating insufficient job growth with millions still unemployed or underemployed. It's no wonder--our trade policies encourage job growth overseas. Trade deals force working Americans to assume all the risk and encourage big multinationals to reap all the rewards. USW members have sacrificed enough. We oppose these trade deals because they do not adequately address the changing nature of trade and accelerating globalization. They are based on the failed NAFTA model. We need to update and reform our nation's trade policies, not simply continue on the present course. The following comments provide an overview of our objections to these three agreements. They touch upon only some of the issues which undermine our nation's interests. US-Korea Free Trade Agreement. The Steelworkers have spent considerable time and effort analyzing the proposed FTA and engaged in a substantive and extensive dialogue with the Administration and leaders on the Hill regarding the FTA's provisions. Regrettably, the US- Korea FTA (KORUS) will undermine America's economic interests and lead to higher trade deficits and greater job loss. While the focus of the Obama Administration's activities relating to KORUS was on improving the provisions relating to trade in autos, their efforts came up short for the vastly larger US auto supply chain. The final provisions allow for a vehicle to be eligible for the preferences of KORUS with only 35% of the content, by value, coming from the signatory countries. So, a Korean vehicle, to be eligible for duty-free treatment entry into the U.S., could have almost 2/3rds of its content, by value, coming from another country--like China. And, KORUS gives automakers the discretion to choose among three different methods to calculate content allowing them to choose whichever method is best for them, not for job retention or creation. Americans want the term ``Made in USA'' to mean something. Indeed, the Federal Trade Commission's standard for Made in USA is that ``all or virtually all'' of the content should be of U.S. origin. The KORUS will accelerate the off-shoring and outsourcing of auto parts production, jeopardizing not only the jobs of the 350,000 Steelworkers that make products that can be used in the auto supply chain, but those of other workers across the country. These provisions alone make the FTA fundamentally flawed, but, there are other problems that will cause serious economic consequences with the KORUS: It will jeopardize jobs across the economy. The Economic Policy Institute estimates that KORUS will cause the loss of 159,000 jobs; It will increase the trade deficit in seven high-paying sectors, according to the International Trade Commission; It undermines our trade laws by allowing for the diversion of dumped or subsidized components to be shipped to the U.S. from third countries. The agreement lacks sufficient safeguards to address this serious problem and provides new procedures that could advantage Korean producers. It does not include provisions to ensure reciprocal market access--the Korean market is one of the toughest markets in the world for foreign products to compete in. Tariffs are often buttressed by a labyrinth of non-tariff barriers that will continue to impede our exports. It fails to address Korea's ongoing currency manipulation. It fails to include a comprehensive and annual review mechanism that will allow for comprehensive oversight of the workings of the FTA to ensure that the provisions that are adopted, and fully and faithfully enforced. It largely leaves to the private sector the job of demanding compliance, rather than an ongoing review mechanism that identifies and addresses problems before the injury is inflicted on our workers, farmers and businesses. U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement The U.S.-Panama FTA is not an economically meaningful agreement in terms of providing a robust market for U.S. exports and job creation. But, its flawed provisions continue to expand the existing trade model that has proven to undermine our economic and employment interests. Thus, it further jeopardizes our economic recovery and expands an unacceptable trading framework. Among the reasons the U.S. Panama FTA should be rejected are: It fails to provide significant economic opportunities to promote our economic recovery and job creation; It fails to reform the existing FTA approach to investment allowing for Panamanian investors to challenge many of our most important health, safety, environmental and other laws; It fails to ensure adequate provision of labor rights despite recent changes adopted by the Panamanian government; It does not do enough to address Panama's historic role as a tax haven or center for narco-trafficking. US-Colombia Free Trade Agreement The U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement puts in jeopardy America's moral leadership by sacrificing the lives and livelihoods; the worker and human rights of the Colombian people at the altar of free trade. Trade has the power to lift people up and to advance America's values--it also has the power to entrench the status quo. In Colombia, the status quo has made that country the most dangerous place in the world to be a union member. Indeed, as the ITUC concluded in its most recent, 2011 world survey of anti-union violence, Colombia, in the words of the ITUC, continues ``to maintain the lead in a grim record of murder and repression of workers involved in trade union activities.'' Moreover, the Colombian government continues to fail miserably at effectively prosecuting those responsible for anti-union violence. Thus, impunity for anti-union killings remains at 96%, while impunity for other forms of anti-union violence remains at an incredible 99.8%. Colombia should not be rewarded with a trade agreement until it has a proven track record of bringing to justice those who have perpetrated crimes against union activists and has adopted and enforced workers' rights throughout the country. In recent weeks,--since the Action Plan was announced between our two countries--violence against union activists and worker repression has continued unabated. And, while the Action Plan purports to improve Colombia's existing framework of laws and regulations, there is no reason to believe that these changes will have any real positive impact on workers. The US is giving away the one tool it has to effect change in Colombia, by voting to pass the agreement before there is time to see if the Santos Administration will live up to its commitments under the Action Plan. Only time, and additional improvements in the operation of their laws and judicial system and the enforcement of their labor laws, will position Colombia as an appropriate free trade agreement partner. Among the reasons that the US-Colombia FTA should be rejected are: Violence against union leaders and activists continues; Colombia has not developed a sufficient investigatory and judicial infrastructure to bring the perpetrators of this violence to justice; Significant opportunities exist for employers to deny workers their most basic organizing rights. Employers can continue to use cooperatives, temporary contracts and other means to thwart union organizing and the ability of workers to exert their rights; The Action Plan is not part of the FTA and, as a result, Colombia's adherence to its terms may be subject to the discretion of this and future Administrations. The provisions of the Action Plan need not only to be given time to be fully and faithfully implemented but must be subject to specific mechanisms and commitments to ensure that they will be effective--now and in the future; The FTA, through its agricultural provisions and its encouragement of further corporate exploitation of Colombian land, will only accelerate internal displacement in Colombia which just overtook the Sudan as the country with the largest internally displaced population (over 5 million) in the world. America's economic recovery is still tenuous. We face a significant jobs and trade deficit which will only deepen if these agreements were to pass. And, indeed, passage of the Colombia agreement will create a moral leadership deficit-- where America's promotion of internationally-recognized workers' rights is put in jeopardy. At any time, but certainly at this time, these three agreements should be rejected. The American people, in increasing numbers, reject the approach our policymakers have taken on the trade issue. They will remember, at the next election, those who stood by their side and those who put their jobs, their families and their communities at risk. Sincerely, Leo W. Gerard, International President.

Mr. CRITZ. Madam Speaker, I would like to insert into the Record a letter from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union in opposition to the Korea free trade agreement. International Longshore & Warehouse Union, San Francisco, CA, Dec. 13, 2010. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, House of Representatives, Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Madam Speaker: President Obama has reached a trade agreement with South Korea. That agreement must now be submitted for Congressional ratification. We anticipate that the President will aggressively shepherd this pact through Congress. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) represents approximately 14,000 full time dockworkers and 14,000 part time dockworkers on the West Coast of the United States and in Hawaii and Alaska. Our members are in the business of moving cargo. By all accounts, the Korea-United States Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) will increase trade between South Korea and the United States, which will result in an increase in cargo movement between the two countries. An increase in cargo movement is good for dockworkers. However, this fact alone is insufficient to overcome the vast deficiencies of the KORUS FTA. The KORUS FTA will cost jobs, lower environmental, labor, food and product quality standards, and empower corporations from the United States and South Korea to challenge public interests in both countries. The labor standards provision of the agreement only provides that each country enforce its own laws to adhere to the core labor standards identified by the International Labor Organization. The United States and South Korea's laws and enforcement in this area are completely inadequate and must be amended prior to the implementation of the agreement. Labor supported President Obama and numerous other democratic candidates two years ago. In exchange for this support, we were promised a return to policies and practices that maintain, restore, and strengthen the middle class and working people across the United States. For two years, we have watched campaign promises be broken, one after the other, on this relentless march down the road of business as usual. Now, despite his campaign promise that he would only support trade agreements that ``put workers first,'' the President is pushing a trade agreement, the largest since the NAFTA debacle, that undeniably puts workers in South Korea and the United States in jeopardy. On December 10, 2010, the International Executive Board of the ILWU voted unanimously to oppose the KORUS FTA. The ILWU will not support trade policy that exacerbates inequities, awards special rights to foreign investors, allows banks to practice the same disastrous policies that resulted in the current economic downturn, opens domestic environmental laws to foreign challenge, increases the trade deficit, and costs jobs. We urge Congress to support the Trade Reform, Accountability, Development and Employment (TRADE) Act, which outlines a way forward to a new trade and globalization agenda that would be better for labor, the environment, the economy, consumers, and our trade partners. If my letter serves but one purpose, let it be to communicate this basic message: we have had it. Today, we join the growing chorus of labor unions who oppose the KORUS FTA. We also ask that our representatives in the Democratic Party stand up, discard meaningless oration, and remind us, with action, what the Democratic Party stands for because we have forgotten. The Democratic Party needs to reject the KORUS FTA and stop taking its base for granted. Sincerely, Robert McEllrath, International President.

Mr. CRITZ

Mr. CRITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding scholar for being honored by his peers with an internationally coveted award for excellence in the field of social psychology. Krzysztof Kaniasty, a psychology professor at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, received the Stress and Anxiety Research Society (STAR) Lifetime Career Achievement Award during the 32nd annual STAR Conference held recently in Munster Germany. Each year, STAR presents this award to one of its members who has contributed an original and impactful body of work to one or more of the psychology sub-fields of stress, coping, emotions and health. Dr. Kaniasty received a Master of Arts in Clinical psychology from Adam Mickiewicz University in Poland in 1981 and a Ph.D. in Social/ Community Psychology from the University of Louisville in 1991. Since completing his Doctoral work, he has had over 50 articles published in respected professional journals and has been invited to speak about his work at over 150 different international conferences and meetings. In addition to receiving STAR's lifetime achievement honor, he has been given awards for his work by both the Polish government and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Kaniasty rose to prominence in his field by producing research that provides valuable insight into the psychological impact of natural disasters and criminal victimization. His ability to write and speak prolifically on the complex social dynamics and psychological processes that characterize populations that have experienced a traumatic event is a testament to his skillfulness as a scholar. It pleases me greatly that Dr. Kaniasty's scholastic efforts have been officially recognized by a professional society as reputable as STAR. I expect that his research from this point forward will be as edifying as it has been over the first 30 years of his distinguished career.

Mr. CRITZ

Mr. CRITZ. I appreciate the gentleman from Michigan for yielding, and I thank him for his leadership on this important issue. ``As the Chamber closest to the people, the House works best when it is allowed to work its will.'' Those aren't my words. They're a direct quote of Speaker Boehner. Since China's 2001 entry into the World Trade Organization, we have lost nearly 3 million manufacturing jobs, and our overall trade deficit with China has grown to over $237 billion. Our manufacturers are hurting. The American people are hurting. We were sent here to lead. Here is our chance. We're talking about creating over 2 million American jobs and reducing our annual trade deficit by over $70 billion. The Speaker warns of a ``trade war.'' You want to talk about a trade war? Ask the workers in industries like steel tubing, tires, and solar panels who have lost their jobs because of China's unfair trade practices. At some point, we have to stand up and do what is right for the American people. You gain respect through strength. This is our moment of truth. This bill has broad bipartisan support. We must send a strong message the United States will not stand idly by while foreign currency manipulators destroy American manufacturing jobs. It's time to stand up and be leaders for the American people and defend their interests over all others. At any rate, Madam Speaker, it's time to stop being part of the problem and become part of the solution. Lead, follow, or get out of the way, and as the Speaker said, ``Let the House work its will.'' I urge my colleagues to stand up for America, to level the playing field with China. Support this motion to recommit.

Mr. CRITZ

Mr. CRITZ. I thank the gentleman from Maine for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Korea free trade agreement. I represent a manufacturing district, and we need trade policies that put American workers first. I've seen firsthand the negative effects that trade agreements have had on our manufacturing sector. And this one is estimated to displace 159,000 jobs and increase our trade deficit with Korea by $16.7 billion. Every trade dollar we lose as a result of an international marketplace rigged against us is one more blow to our effort to climb out of debt and get our economy moving again. We can prevent the outsourcing and offshoring of American jobs and the ballooning of our trade deficit simply by basing trade agreements on a level playing field and rebuilding our manufacturing strength. In order to accomplish this, we must oppose agreements like this one that are founded on policies that have a record of failure. With an unemployment rate currently hovering around 9 percent and an 11 million job shortfall, we simply cannot afford another trade agreement that increases the deficit and drives more Americans out of work. Please join me in opposing the Korea free trade agreement, as all our workers and businesses deserve to know that we are standing up for them in the global marketplace.

Mr. CRITZ

Mr. CRITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jerry Dick, the Company President of the Cherry Hill Township Fire Company for his fifty years of active service to the department, the community, and its citizens. Mr. Dick has played a vital role in the fire company from the beginning. In 1951, when Jerry was just 11-years-old, he accompanied his father to city meetings on the construction of the community's new firehouse. He participated in laying the actual brick for the building that the Cherry Hill Township Fire Company is housed in today. Four years later at the young age of fifteen, Jerry joined the fire company as a volunteer. Except for a brief stint away from Pennsylvania in the 1960s, Mr. Dick has served his community at the firehouse since 1954. During the Johnstown Flood of 1977, Jerry proved himself to be a true hero. While the rivers and creeks surged through the area, a family got trapped in their home, unable to reach higher ground. Jerry, along with firefighter Bob Zack, stretched a ladder across a large stream of water and extricated three children from the home. After getting them to safety, the water rushing through the area became more treacherous. Jerry made the decision that he and Bob could not safely traverse the waters to get back to safety. Both firefighters used a rope to tie themselves around a utility pole and remained in the danger zone for over nine hours. Not until the morning could they safely remove themselves from harm's way. Jerry Dick is only the second member of the fire company to achieve such an amazing long-standing tenure of service. In his fifty years, Jerry Dick has shown true determination, strength, and character with the Cherry Hill Township Fire Company. Mr. Speaker, once again I would like to congratulate and honor Jerry Dick on his fifty years of service and to wish him well as he continues to serve the community.

Mr. CRITZ

Mr. CRITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary fortitude and abiding generosity of two sets of parents of fallen heroes. John and Mary Anne Cox lost their son, Army Specialist Gregory Cox, in Iraq in September of 2004. Less than 2 years later, in February of 2006, Jim and Paulette Phillips lost their son, Marine Lance Corporal Steven Phillips, in the same war. In the face of such horrific personal loss, the parents of Army Specialist Cox and Lance Corporal Phillips chose neither to languish in their own sadness, nor make their own emotional convalescence the focus of their lives. Instead, in the spirit of the selflessness of their courageous sons, they chose to create an event devoted to enriching the lives of others. The event, the annual Heroes Run/Walk, will take place for the fifth time this Saturday, September 17, 2011, at Green Cove Yacht Club in Millsboro, Pennsylvania. The majority of the proceeds from the event will benefit the memorial funds that have been established to honor the sacrifices of Specialist Cox and Lance Corporal Phillips. Specialist Cox's fund provides support to graduates of Greene County High Schools entering the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) or intending to pursue a field of study that will lead to a career in public service. Lance Corporal Phillips' fund provides support to the computer-aided technology drafting program at Greene County Career and Technology Center. Part of the proceeds from the Heroes Run/Walk will also be used to fund the transportation of veterans living in Greene County who are receiving treatment at the Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System. Last year, the race's over 400 registrants raised in excess of $15,000. Sponsors and organizers of the event expect a strong turnout again this Saturday, and are eager to once more honor the memory of Specialist Cox and Lance Corporal Phillips. The Heroes Run/Walk is a testament to its founders, John and Mary Anne Cox, and Jim and Paulette Phillips, and demonstrates their capacity to turn tragedy into an amazing gift for others. They deserve both our support and appreciation.

Mr. CRITZ

Mr. CRITZ. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed from the list of cosponsors of H.R. 451.

Mr. CRITZ

Mr. CRITZ. Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote on the Motion to Recommit and Final Passage of H.R. 2354, the Energy and Water Appropriations Act of 2012. I would have voted ``aye'' on the Motion to Recommit, and ``no'' on Final Passage.

Mr. CRITZ

Mr. CRITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an individual who exemplifies a successful small businessperson in our country, Joseph Santelli, who was recently honored, by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The week of May 16-20, 2011 was the 48th Annual National Small Business Week. This is a time when the President of the United States and the country as a whole recognizes and honors the contribution that small businesses are making to our nation. Small businesses are the engines of growth and innovation, and Mr. Santelli, who was honored by the Small Business Administration of Western Pennsylvania, is truly moving his small businesses towards greatness. Mr. Santelli took the honor of being the 2011 local and state Small Business Person of the Year in Pennsylvania. Mr. Joseph Santelli is the President of Santelli Tempered Glass, located in Monessen, PA. He was involved in the glass and window industry for many years prior to selling tempered glass himself. For fifteen years prior he sold tempering furnaces to companies so they could make the glass. With an ambition to grow his business and some help from outside investors, Mr. Santelli ventured into the manufacturing of tempered glass. With his investment in the business, Mr. Santelli set up the first tempered glass outfit of its kind east of the Mississippi River. As his business became more successful, Mr. Santelli was able to buy out his business partner and expand his operation to factories in the states of Indiana and Florida. Through his exploration of tempered glass, he has helped change the lives of residents throughout Pennsylvania and the United States. This type of tempered glass won't shatter if it is broken and greatly reduces injury in case of an accident. Recognizing that success bears responsibility, he has given back to the community by donating tempered glass for Habitat for Humanity projects and to ABC-TV's ``Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.'' In this tough economic time, small businesses are creating jobs, innovative products, and services people need. They are the engine of economic growth. Mr. Santelli epitomizes intuitive and responsible business practices in this country. Mr. Speaker, I would once again like to honor Mr. Santelli for his extraordinary work and commitment as a small business owner.

Mr. CRITZ

Mr. CRITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an individual who exemplifies a young, ambitious entrepreneur, Chris Sidick, who was recently honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Mr. Chris Sidick is the sole managing member of C-Side Sports Academy, LLC, located in Washington County, PA. This young entrepreneur began playing minor league baseball after college and was left with no income during the off season. With the encouragement of a fan, Mr. Sidick began training young players when he wasn't playing during the summer. Using his parents' garage and a $700 investment in a batting cage he started his own training business. Mr. Sidick soon took his business from a few kids to almost fifty. He had to move the facility out of his parents' garage and rent a space that cost him $1,000 per month. Realizing that this investment was just the beginning, Mr. Sidick solicited the University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center to assist him in developing a business plan and renting a larger space. Utilizing a credit line, bargaining power, ingenuity, and hard work, Mr. Sidick was able to create a new 13,000 square foot facility to train young athletes. This exceptional space became quickly utilized by many colleges, high schools, and youth teams. While his business practices were extremely successful, Mr. Sidick wanted more for his company. He wanted to offer greater space and services to the young athletes. This is why he reformulated his business plan to get a $1 million bank loan and build a brand new facility. Mr. Sidick has been able to transform his initial $700 investment in his parents' garage into a soon-to-be completed 27,000 square foot facility that will house a full-size baseball infield and a half-dozen batting cages. The building will also offer additional sports such as football, soccer, and laser tag. His accomplishments have landed him the local and regional Young Entrepreneur of the Year award from the Small Business Administration. It is the keen mind of young people like Mr. Sidick that we can rely on to keep our economy going. He saw a need for a service, and utilized his specific skill set to fill that void. Even in this tough economic time, Mr. Sidick has been able to keep his business thriving. It is the passion for what he does and the energy he puts in his business that makes it successful. Mr. Speaker, I would once again like to honor Mr. Sidick--a true young entrepreneur and small business owner who has pursued an idea that helps so many of our young people.

Mr. CRITZ

Mr. CRITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Eileen Melvin, a crafty business woman in Johnstown, PA who was recently honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration. In 2008, Ms. Melvin joined the board of directors of United Metal Fabricators, a producer of exam room equipment for the healthcare market. Her roots in the company lie much deeperm as her father had worked as a legal advisor to the company 20 years earlier. In transitioning to UMF, Ms. Melvin saw an organization that held onto the ideals of good craftsmanship, but failed to keep pace with the technological and manufacturing advances of the day. She saw potential for a strong company in a global market that was craving quality American made healthcare goods. With her ascension to board president and CEO in 2009, Ms. Melvin worked to introduce technological advances into processing and sales, while still maintaining the quality craftsmanship and workforce UMF is known for. She has also worked to introduce UMF products around the world. Throughout her tenure on the board, UMF has seen a 62 percent increase in their exports. Ms. Melvin's immense exporting in Saudi Arabia has also led to her participating in a Trade Mission to the country. UMF products are now being utilized in hospitals around the world. Ms. Melvin helped a struggling company become a major exporter in the Johnstown region. For her accomplishments, she has been recognized as the Small Business Administration's local and Region III Exporter of the Year. Mr. Speaker, once again I would like to honor Ms. Melvin and her contributions to America's share in the global economic market.

Mr. CRITZ

Mr. CRITZ. I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. CRITZ. Mr. Chairman, right now, as we discuss the NDIC once again, I am concerned for the folks who are working at the NDIC, doing the great work, and am worried about them as their work and their jobs are, again, turned into a political football. As the gentleman from Arizona has said, this is obviously not the first time that he has offered amendments or has offered legislation to close the NDIC. I am a reasonable human being, and at the vote that he referenced earlier this year, I sent Mr. Flake a note on February 22, asking him for the information that he was just citing. I want to do good things for this country, and if there had been duplicative functions and if the NDIC had not been doing the job that they tell me, I wanted to see that information. I did not receive any response to that February 22 information, so I then had my staff do research. I found that some of the information being referenced was from a GAO report from April 1993. Some of the personal testimonies against the NDIC were from a gentleman who was fired and from another man who hadn't worked there for 16 years. I then quantified/qualified what NDIC does, and noted that they are the only strategic drug threat assessment organization in the country. Many times, they're compared to the El Paso Intelligence Center, EPIC, which does tactical, ``tactical'' meaning that they have a 24-hour watch system that is prepared to respond quickly to requests from law enforcement. Many times, they're talked about as the ``fusion centers.'' Well, the fusion centers are operational. They support multi-jurisdictional investigations. The NDIC is the only strategic drug intelligence center in the country. They offer strategic drug threat assessments, money laundering reporting, issue-based intelligence reports, support to the intelligence community and senior policymakers. They also have a product called DOMEX, Document and Media Exploitation Support. What's interesting is that the prior amendment talked about the borders of Arizona and how important it was to secure them. DOMEX and the NDIC also have operations in Arizona, and according to the Phoenix DEA, they are doing an incredible job assisting and enhancing the Strike Force investigations being conducted here in Arizona. The Arizona Attorney General's Office recently sent a letter to NDIC, stating, ``I wish to take this opportunity to express the appreciation of this office for all of the work NDIC has done in connection with the investigation of money laundering.'' Now, when talking about money laundering and the work the NDIC is doing, the money that is made illicitly through drugs also finds its way into illicit activity and terrorism as well, so the NDIC serves as the center where all the information comes in. They produce the reports and then ship them out to all the agencies. They eliminate redundancy. That's their whole mission. In fact, on March 31 of this year, Donna Bucella, Assistant Commissioner of Office of Intelligence and Operations Coordination, testified before a Senate committee, and cited NDIC's participation in a weekly briefing, which includes over 290 participants, talking about the illicit drug trafficking across the world. They produce eight analytical mapping products each week that are a key centerpiece of the briefings in the teleconference. In their budget request, the Department of Justice says that the NDIC ``facilitates the development of sound strategies, initiatives, policies, and regulations to counter threats, and promotes effective, intelligence-driven decision-making in support of the Attorney General's priorities.'' The NDIC is not duplicative. They've proven it time and time again. It is time we stopped rehashing information from the mid-1990s to eliminate this center. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler), a member of the Judiciary Committee.