Matt Cartwright

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, we have cause for bipartisan celebration. The USMCA trade deal was signed into law yesterday. I want to congratulate the Democratic House negotiating team and thank them for their hard work for the better part of a year to make this a better deal. Heading the push to lower drug prices and strip out a massive giveaway to Big Pharma were Representatives Earl Blumenauer and Jan Schakowsky. Representatives Jimmy Gomez and Mike Thompson handled the negotiation to strengthen labor rights in the deal, and they got it to where they earned an AFL-CIO endorsement. Representatives Susan Bonamici and John Larson improved protections for clean air and clean water in the deal. And Representatives Terri Sewell and Rosa DeLauro strengthened the all-important enforcement provisions in this deal. While we can't fix NAFTA overnight, this is a good start, and it will help our farmers and manufacturers create jobs. So I am glad we came together and passed this deal.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Congregation Beth Israel on the 170th anniversary of its founding. Congregation Beth Israel, a Reform synagogue located in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. It is one of the oldest synagogues in the United States still housing its original congregation. As immigrants from across Europe made their way to the United States in the mid-19th century, a group of German Jews settled in the Pocono Mountains in Northeastern Pennsylvania, drawn by the prospect of employment with the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company. In the fall of 1849, a small group from that wave of settlers saw the need for a Jewish congregation in the recently-formed community of Honesdale. Together they formed the first Jewish congregation in the area-- Congregation Beth Israel. Its beginning was humble; the group met in one of the member's homes to worship in the Orthodox tradition using a borrowed Torah. The Congregation continued to grow and flourish under its first spiritual leader, Rabbi Kutner. In 1850, the congregation drafted a constitution, purchased its own Torah, Shofar, and Megillah, and started a cemetery that is still in use. By 1854, the Congregation had its own Hebrew school. In 1856, the Congregation dedicated its Colonial meeting-house style building. Despite its early reputation as the smallest synagogue in the United States, the building went on to undergo several renovations and restorations over its impressive history, including the addition of gothic style stained glass windows, a sanctuary decorated with a chandelier and Tiffany globe sconces, and an annex. Between 1880 and 1890, the Jewish population in Honesdale declined, leaving the Congregation unable to maintain a full-time local rabbi after 1891. Congregation Beth Israel persisted in the face of these challenges and adapted to meet the changing needs of their community. The Congregation, which began as Orthodox, began to transform to reflect the German Reform or Classical Reform Tradition. The 1930s and 1940s saw an increase of Eastern European Jews, and the Congregation began to change from Classical Reform to a more mainstream Reform congregation. Today, under the direction of Rabbi Elliott Kleinman and President Liza Roos Lucy, Congregation Beth Israel remains a thriving center for Jewish life in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Congregation continues to support a religious school, host a variety of Jewish cultural events for the community, and celebrate many B'nai Mitzvah and weddings each year. They embrace a diverse and dynamic membership with members who can trace their lineage to the early founders of the synagogue and many others who have found and joined the community in the last 15 years. As a member of the Union of Reform Judaism, they are proud of their ability to embrace the changing world around them and welcome progressive values while upholding the spirit and teachings of the faith. It is an honor to recognize Congregation Beth Israel on their 170th anniversary. May the Congregation continue to build on this impressive legacy of worship and community.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, don't let anybody tell you that all we do here in the House of Representatives is investigate the White House. We have passed 275-plus bipartisan bills for the good of the people. For hardworking families, we have passed legislation to increase wages and protect pensions. For American women, we have passed legislation to promote personal security and ensure equal pay for equal work. For American communities, we have passed legislation to improve public safety by strengthening background checks. And for our American veterans, we have passed legislation to improve transition assistance and access to mental healthcare. Rather than govern, Senate Republicans have chosen to play politics. This Congress, they have refused to consider more than 275 House-passed bipartisan bills. Those are bills that have Republican support sitting on the desk of the Senate leader not being passed. Madam Speaker, I remind Senate Republicans: Do your job. Let's govern wisely and get these bills passed.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, over 7 million American men, women, and children depend on insulin to keep themselves alive; but, between 2012 and 2016, the price of insulin nearly doubled, forcing many of these Americans to ration this lifesaving drug. It is unacceptable. What we hear over and over again from big pharmaceutical companies is that these price hikes are necessary to pay for new research. But insulin isn't new. The first patent for insulin came out in 1923-- almost 100 years ago. The simple truth is that the drug companies keep hiking their prices on us because they can get away with it. As a result, Americans are made to suffer and make impossible sacrifices while the same drugs get sold in foreign countries for much cheaper. That is why I am proud to support the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, smart legislation which would allow Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices for American citizens.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, Congress exists to serve the American people by passing legislation that will protect their rights and promote their welfare. Since January of this year, House Democrats have been vigorously legislating for the people and have passed more than 200 bills--200 bills--bills to secure a living wage for American workers, bills to protect pensions and fight discrimination in the workplace, bills to expand access to healthcare and lower the cost of prescription drugs. We have passed bills to safeguard our elections, the bedrock of our democracy, from both foreign and domestic interference. In contrast, the Republican-controlled Senate has offered little but obstruction and inaction. Their leader proudly calls himself the ``grim reaper'' for laying waste to our 200 bills. So, I rise today to implore Senate lawmakers: Do your job. Take up these House-passed measures and start serving the American people.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to say this: Americans are suffering from extortionate, skyrocketing drug prices, and this is unacceptable. Between 2013 and 2016, 67 percent of Americans who had to file for bankruptcy did so because of enormous medical expenses. That is unacceptable. Last year, in my home State of Pennsylvania alone, one in four individuals had to forgo medical care so they could pay their rent or put food on the table. That is not a choice we can, in good conscience, allow them to have to make. It is unacceptable. I am, therefore, proud to announce my support of the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, H.R. 3, landmark legislation which takes bold strides to lower prescription drug prices for all Americans. On behalf of the families who demand and deserve drug pricing reform, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure swift passage of this landmark, critical legislation.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Freeland American Legion Post No. 473 on the 100th anniversary of its founding. The Freeland American Legion Post No. 473 is a highly respected veterans' organization located in Northeastern Pennsylvania. In its 100 years, the Post has overcome many obstacles, but, through the determination and dedication of its members, it has withstood the test of time and flourished. In December 1919, Freeland American Legion Post No. 473 received its chatter from the national American Legion organization. The first members were men who served the U.S. during World War I as soldiers or in a naval capacity and received an honorable discharge. In fall 1920, the first Commander, John Rugens, presided over the decision to name the Post ``Freeland Post'' in honor of the 400 Freeland, Pennsylvania men who enlisted to serve during World War I. The early years of Freeland American Legion Post No. 473 saw low membership, but, under the leadership of Commander R.R. Oberrender and Commander Thomas Welshko, the post persevered and eventually grew into the thriving organization it is today. In 1924, the first Legion Home was purchased, though it would not be the last. Through the late 1920s into the 1930s, Freeland American Legion Post No. 473 moved its Legion Home to several different locations before finally relocating in 2000 to its permanent home at 532 Centre Street in Freeland. Throughout its 100-year history, the Post has been a pivotal force within the community. Freeland's Semi-Centennial Celebration was sponsored by Freeland American Legion Post No. 473, and its members served on several of the event's planning committees. The Post oversaw the planting of a memorial grove around Freeland High School with name plates on each tree recognizing service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The Legion Auxiliary was eventually organized, first under temporary Chairlady Mrs. R.L. Seitzinger, and then Mrs. A.A. Redelin was elected to inaugurally lead the Auxiliary. In September 1928, Freeland American Legion Post No. 473 Drum and Bugle Corps was organized with thirty men participating, and, by 1930, the group would be recognized as one of the leading Bugle Corps in the country. Today, Freeland American Legion Post 473 is very active and well- respected in the community. The Post now also encompasses the American Legion Riders, who help raise funds for children's hospitals, schools, veterans' homes, severely wounded servicemembers, and scholarships. On September 28, 2019, the Post donated $1,200 to the District 12 VA Canteen Fund, and, recently, the Legion Riders had their 14th Emilio Ranieri Run, which is an annual event that benefits the daughter of one of their members. It is an honor to recognize the Freeland American Legion Post No. 473 on its 100th anniversary. This is a remarkable achievement, and I wish the organization much continued success in the future.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Martin C. Penetar, who received the Columbus Day Association of Lackawanna County's Italian American Man of the Year Award along with his brother, Attorney Daniel L. Penetar. The brothers continue the legacy of their father, the late Judge Daniel L. Penetar, Sr., who was president of the association in 1959 and Man of the Year in 1976. Martin and Daniel were honored on Sunday, October 13, 2019 during the organization's annual dinner honoring the voyage of Christopher Columbus. Martin received his bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Scranton, and he then went on to the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine to complete his medical education. He started his medical career in 1988 as the chief intern at the Shenango Valley Medical Center in Hermitage, Pennsylvania. He then served as chief resident from 1989 to 1991 at the Wyoming Valley Family Practice and as an emergency room physician from 1990 to 1993 at the Nesbitt Memorial Hospital and Mercy Hospital Scranton. Currently, he operates a family practice in Clarks Summit with partners Dr. Philip Boccagno and Dr. Dominic Ruggiero. Martin is also the team doctor for the AAA baseball Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. As a preceptor, Martin has given personal instruction, training, and supervision to nurse practitioner students, medical students, and young physicians from the University of Scranton, Allied Medical Tech, and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is also on the clinical faculty of the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Martin is a member of the American Board of Family Practice, American Academy of Family Practice, Lackawanna County Medical Society, Pennsylvania Medical Society, American Medical Association, and American Academy of Family Physicians. His community involvement includes the Columbus Day Association, UNICO Scranton Chapter, Victor Alfieri Club, and volunteering for the pizza fritta stand at the St. Joseph's Festival for 30 years. Martin is married to Dr. Barbara Penetar, and they have three children, Julianna, Elisa, and Christopher. It is an honor to recognize Martin as he is named the Italian American Man of the Year by the Columbus Day Association of Lackawanna County. May he continue to honorably represent and support the Italian American community for many years to come.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Attorney Daniel L. Penetar, Jr., who received the Columbus Day Association of Lackawanna County's Italian American Man of the Year Award along with his brother, Dr. Martin C. Penetar. The brothers continue the legacy of their father, the late Judge Daniel L. Penetar, Sr., who was president of the association in 1959 and Man of the Year in 1976. Daniel and Martin were honored Sunday, October 13, 2019 during the organization's annual dinner honoring the voyage of Christopher Columbus. Daniel is a 1972 graduate of Scranton Preparatory School, and he earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of Scranton in 1976. In 1979, Daniel completed his juris doctorate at Duquesne University School of Law. Daniel has found continual success in his legal career since it began in 1979. He is admitted to practice before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, the Lackawanna Court of Common Pleas, and the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and he is a member of the American Bar Association, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and the Lackawanna Bar Association. He is the owner of the Gazda and Penetar Law Firm, and he is the solicitor for the Taylor and Scranton Zoning Boards, as well as the Lackawanna County Sheriffs Office, Real Estate Division. He has served as the Special Solicitor for Lackawanna Tax Claim Bureau for Judicial Sales since 2008. Daniel is the chairman for the Board of Viewers of Lackawanna County and a Title Agent for Old Republic National Title Insurance Company. In recognition of his impressive legal career, the Lackwanna Bar Association awarded him the President's Award in 2015 and the Exemplary Service Award in 2019. In addition to his impressive legal career, Daniel has been very active in his community. He served as the president for the Columbus Day Association in 1988, Family Services of Lackawanna County in 1989, and the Monroe Softball League from 1980 to 2001. From 1984 to 1994, Daniel served as the treasurer for the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association of Wrestling Officials. He is also a member of the UNICO Scranton Chapter and Victor Alfieri Club. Daniel has been married to Michele Germain for 38 years. He is the proud father of two children, Cristina and Daniel III. It is an honor to recognize Daniel as he is named the Italian American Man of the Year by the Columbus Day Association of Lackawanna County. May he continue to honorably represent and support the Italian American community for many years to come.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rabbi Samuel Sandhaus for his service to his community. Rabbi Sandhaus has dedicated his life to the service of his country and his fellow citizens, and will be honored for his contributions and achievements on Sunday, October 27, 2019. Rabbi Sandhaus earned a bachelor's degree in economics and ordination, as well as a master's in Bible studies, from Yeshiva University. He also earned an MBA in finance and management from Boston University, and postgraduate certificates in health service administration and gerontology from Marywood University. Answering the call to serve his country in 1971, he served as a chaplain in the United States Army until 1979, and he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters. After his time in the Army, Rabbi Sandhaus was licensed as a nursing home administrator by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He was then named the Assistant Executive Director of the Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania in 1979, beginning his four-decade career with the organization. He served as Associate Director from 1981-1983 before being named the Executive Director in 1983. During his tenure, the Jewish Home became a leader in provisional long-term care in the region. Under his thoughtful direction and leadership, Jewish Home purchased 20 acres of land in Clarks Summit to build Elan Gardens, a personal care facility. Rabbi Sandhaus retired from the organization in 2019. Rabbi Sandhaus' colleagues have often sought his professional opinion and experience. He served as the co-chair of the Quality Assurance Committee for the Association of Jewish Aging Services; president of Sigma Phi Omega; president of both the National Gerontology Academic and the Professional Honor Society's Scranton Chapter; and in various other capacities for the Association of Jewish Aging Services. He also offered his expertise as a management consultant for Elan Gardens. Rabbi Sandhaus has been an active leader in his community. He served as community co-chair and chair of the United Jewish Campaign; director of the Scranton Hebrew Jewish Day School; director of both the Scranton Counseling Center and the United Way of Lackawanna; chaplain for the Sandy Weissberger/Leon Kaplan Post 165 Jewish War Veterans; an instructor at Marywood University School of Continuing Education; and secretary/treasurer of Webster Towers Senior High-Rise. It is an honor to recognize Rabbi Sandhaus for his contributions to the Jewish community and elder care services in Northeastern Pennsylvania. His professional career and personal endeavors have enriched the lives of many, and I hope his spirit of serving his fellow citizens inspires many generations to come.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Greater Wilkes-Barre Labor Council on its 125th Anniversary. Since 1894, the Labor Council has been a force of good in the Wyoming Valley, championing the rights and interests of workers in the area. The milestone will be celebrated along with the 120th anniversary of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council at a special event on Saturday, September 28, 2019. In the early evening of September 28, 1894, John Casey and Daniel Shovlin of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union, Pat O'Neil and John Gibbon of the Stone Cutters Union, Amos Ayers of the Carpenters Union, and David Grover of the Painters Union met in a stone-cutting yard on South Main Street in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania before seeking shelter from the rain under the South Street Bridge. These visionary men discussed forming a central labor union to unite laborers from across the city to fight for fair wages, safe working conditions, and equitable treatment from their employers. It was under that bridge that the Wilkes-Barre Central Labor Union was born. By 1899, 118 local unions counted themselves as members of the Wilkes-Barre Central Labor Union, and as many as 300 delegates regularly attended meetings. To accommodate their ever-growing membership, John Casey (who would go on to represent the region in the U.S. House as a pro-labor legislator) and John Mullery created the Building Trades Council as a subcommittee of the Central Labor Union. The Union supported historic movements such as the 1900 and the 1902 anthracite strikes where they assisted John Marshall in organizing the United Mine Workers of America. Throughout the 20th Century, the Council supported movements large and small in the region to reflect the best interests of workers across a variety of industries. In the mid-1950s, the Wilkes-Barre Central Labor Union became officially known as the Labor Council. Today, the Labor Council operates out of a former church in Wilkes- Barre. There are 47 locals affiliated with the Greater Wilkes-Barre Labor Council, representing both private and public sector occupations. The Council holds an annual Labor Day festival in Kirby Park and continues to support community-wide charitable campaigns. It is an honor to recognize the Greater Wilkes-Barre Labor Council on its 125th Anniversary. Its hard work and dedication to protecting the rights of workers in Northeastern Pennsylvania has been remarkable. I wish its leaders and members the best as they continue to advocate on behalf of our workers for years to come.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 120th Anniversary of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council. The Trades Council was originally formed as a subcommittee of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Labor Council in 1899, following the rapid growth of unionization of workers in the area. The milestone will be celebrated along with the 125th anniversary of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Labor Council at a special event on Saturday, September 28, 2019. In 1899, five years after its formation, the Wilkes-Barre Central Labor Council was thriving. Three hundred delegates representing 118 local unions were attending meetings regularly to discuss important issues such as securing higher wages and better working conditions for laborers in the Wyoming Valley. Leaders John Casey (a pro-labor Representative who served seven terms representing Northeastern Pennsylvania in the U.S. House) and John Mullery saw the need for additional structure within the Labor Council and created the Building Trades Council as a subcommittee. Throughout its 120-year history, the Trades Council has worked tirelessly to advocate for the rights and interests of workers throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. The organization has not only benefited workers but has also given support to many community causes, projects, and programs that serve everyone in our community. It is an honor to recognize the important work done by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council. These trades have always been vital to our region's economy and will continue to be so in the future. I wish the leaders and members of the Council the best as they continue to support workers in the building trades by standing up for better wages, safer working conditions, modernized job training, and additional family-sustaining job opportunities for our workforce.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman from Rhode Island for yielding. Madam Chair, we have heard the stories, and we will continue to hear them, of all of the employees and the consumers who have been tricked into giving away their constitutional right to a jury trial to have their rights enforced. It doesn't really matter all the constitutional rights you have or all the statutory rights that you have; if you don't have a right to enforce these in court, all of your rights are washed away. So when consumers and employees get tricked into signing away their right to go to court, all of their rights are washed away. We have heard the stories. And I wanted to add to the list the story of Barbara Jones-Davis, who is 98 years old. She had glaucoma and dementia. She was in a nursing home in northwest Philadelphia. They let her wander. In violation of all their own policies, she wandered outside. She wandered outside for more than 20 minutes. She went over a 15-foot precipice and fell to her death with a broken skull. Her family got forced into arbitration. The nursing home didn't admit responsibility. They forced her into one of these secret and rigged arbitrations. These things are unconstitutional. They take away your right to go to court. This is a constitutional right that our Founding Fathers fought and died for: that we would be able to resolve our disputes in court, in open court, fairly chosen, not one of these secret and rigged proceedings that is mandatory. It is forced because people got tricked into them. Madam Chair, let's all vote for the FAIR Act and restore our American constitutional rights.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I want to talk a little bit today about accountability. Accountability is something we teach our children. Let me burden you with a short story. About 20 years ago, I am sitting in my kitchen. I think it was a Saturday morning. My son, Mattie, who is 4 years old, was in the middle of the kitchen floor and dropped a plate. It landed at his feet. He was wearing shoes. He looked up at me, I looked at him, and he said to me, Dad, I didn't do it. Well, it is a funny story and it is cute, but the point is that you teach your children about accountability. You teach them to accept responsibility, to make things right that they have done wrong, and to move on with their lives. My wife, Marion, and I have two boys, and we like to say we have done a marvelous job teaching them about accountability and taking proper responsibility. But there is a poison in this country. There is a pestilence that has been occurring for at least a couple of generations. I want to say it started with the Watergate era back in the seventies, when people didn't want to take accountability and they didn't want to take responsibility. You heard phrases come up like ``plausible deniability.'' And then we went on into the corporate world and we had the Enron scandal. Rather than taking accountability and responsibility, standing up and admitting what they did and making it right, no, what did they do? They were shredding the documents as fast as they could shred them. It is routine in this country now for people in positions of power and responsibility to say, ``mistakes were made,'' not ``I messed up.'' ``Mistakes were made.'' It is a pestilence in this country to deny accountability and responsibility. It is unacceptable. The question is: What do we do to bring back accountability to the American culture? Well, the FAIR Act makes a big step in that direction. It invalidates forced arbitration clauses: the ones that show up in the boiler plate of the contracts that consumers sign with every agreement we have with a big corporation. It shows up in the fine print. And if you take the time to read it, it is not debatable, it is not negotiable. You have to sign it or else you have to not get the contract, not get the account. Mr. Speaker, if you look at those contracts, it makes you waive your constitutional right, as Congresswoman Torres just said. We have a constitutional right to go to court to settle our disputes. Our Founding Fathers and people in the American Revolution fought and died for that constitutional right. Mr. Speaker, with the stroke of a pen, you are allowed to give this away, even though it is in the fine print. Instead, you have to go to a rigged and secret arbitration process that the corporations control and usually win. It also means you can't band together with other claimants. Think of what that means, Mr. Speaker. It means if you have an account with a big corporation and they decided to charge an extra $500 for the year, even though that is in violation of the contract, and it may be in violation of State law, who is going to bring a case for $500? A lawyer won't take that case. These clauses prohibit banding together in class actions and doing the cases together. What does the upshot of that mean? It means that these corporations that do it act with impunity. They are immunized from accountability. They can do anything that they want without having to account for it in court. This is a license to steal. It is wrong, and it goes against the American ideal of responsibility and accountability, what we try to teach our children. This is not something that really applies to small businesses. It applies to big corporations. Eighty-one out of the Fortune 100 corporations use these forced arbitration clauses, and almost nobody goes to arbitration under them. Take Amazon Prime, for example. They have 101 million subscribers to Amazon Prime. In the last 5 years, there have been only 15 arbitrations. That is because it just doesn't make sense. The economics don't work. If you can't band together and do it as a class action, then it doesn't work. Class actions keep American corporations accountable and responsible. That is why we don't want to shut them down. My friend from across the aisle, the gentlewoman from Arizona, just said that this bill shuts some people out of the justice system and that it is an important option. It is not an option. That is the point of this bill. It is mandatory. It is forced. They don't have a choice. They go into a secret and rigged system. Vote for the FAIR Act. I thank the gentlewoman, Mrs. Torres, for yielding.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete and Northeastern Pennsylvania native, Robert Barbieri. This year, Bob was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame at the 35th annual dinner on August 11, 2019 for his distinct athletic achievements in the sport of football. Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought recognition to the state of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors. Bob started his athletic career at Old Forge High School where he was All-Scholastic in football and basketball. Bob played as an offensive lineman, linebacker, and place kicker, once converting 21 straight placements. After high school, Bob continued playing football at The George Washington University. He was a starting offensive lineman and linebacker from his sophomore year on. During his time at GW, Bob was asked to play in the North-South College All-Star game. When his college playing days were over, Bob first tried out for the Baltimore Colts. He then moved back to Northeastern Pennsylvania to pursue his passion in a different way. Bob coached the Pittston High School football team where he was highly regarded. During his coaching career from 1966 to 1998, he had a record of 159 wins, 100 losses, and 4 ties. His Patriots won 5 Wyoming Valley Conference A Division Championships and tied for one Eastern Conference Championship with Shikellamy in 1967. The 1967 team was undefeated, with a 10-0 record during the season before facing Shikellamy in a hard-fought championship game that ended in a scoreless tie. Bob was a two-time Coach of the Year (1974 and 1981), and he also coached the UNICO team twice (1970 and 1985). While at Pittston Area, he also coached girls' basketball, boys' basketball, junior high basketball, swimming, and junior high track. For his outstanding efforts and career, the athletic field house located in Charlie Tippi Stadium was named the Robert ``Bob'' Barbieri Field House in 2014. It is an honor to recognize Bob on his induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May his story and athletic career serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving for excellence.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA Executive Director Jim Thomas. Jim received the 2019 Community Service Award from the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame at the 35th annual dinner on August 11, 2019 for his leadership and service to the greater Wilkes-Barre area. Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the state of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors. Throughout his career, Jim has been dedicated to serving the Luzerne County community in a variety of roles. Following graduation from the Pennsylvania State University, University Park with a Bachelor of Science in Parks and Recreation, Jim immediately put his knowledge to action by serving as the Seasonal YMCA Summer Camp Director for Camp Kresge in White Haven, Pennsylvania. Later, Jim became the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA Youth Director. He established a local indoor premier soccer program with more than two-thousand participants, while also working with the Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources to start a YMCA program located in a state park. From June 1986 to April 1994, Jim served as the Wilkes-Barre YMCA Program Executive, where he was responsible for membership and program development. Since May 1994, Jim has served as the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA Executive Director, successfully spearheading numerous campaigns and raising millions of dollars to improve facilities of the Wilkes- Barre YMCA and to offer access opportunities to low income families. He also led effort to construct five new facilities at Camp Kresge and rebuild existing infrastructure to improve the camp for future generations. Jim is also a member of numerous associations and societies, including the Pennsylvania Recreation and Parks Society, the Pennsylvania State University Recreation and Parks Society, the Kiwanis Club of Wilkes-Barre, the Riverfront Parks Association, the Downtown Business Association, and the State Public Policy Committee. It is an honor to join with the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in recognizing Jim's lifetime of effort. May his hard work and dedication to the community continue to have a lasting impact on the greater Wilkes-Barre area.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Angeline ``Angie'' Nanni for her critical role in the once highly classified Venona Project breaking encrypted Soviet communications. Angie, with her unparalleled gift for numbers and analytical thinking, dedicated her career to breaking codes to maintain the safety and security of the United States during the Cold War. Born August 2, 1918 in the small town of Blairsville, PA, Angie was expected to work in her sisters' beauty salon. Not passionate about being a beautician, she ran the business side of the shop. However, during the end of WWII, Angie and her sisters set off to Washington, D.C. to help with the war effort. Once the war was over, Angie decided to stay near the capital. When the opportunity to take an exam for a government job arose, she decided to take it. Angie, one of the only non-college educated women taking the coded exam, not only passed with flying colors, but also was the first person to finish the exam. Her natural affinity for numbers allowed her to strip down the codes and extract the pertinent information. Angie joined the female-dominated coalition of cryptanalysts based in Arlington, Virginia post. Described as a ``needle-in-a-haystack ability,'' Angie's job was to match messages coming from two distinct channels, accessing vital information from what were thought to be unbreakable Soviet codes. During the era of McCarthyism and blind accusations, there was a secret group of women who held more confidential knowledge than any branch of government so close to their chests that not even their family members knew the details of their jobs. Angie worked for the Venona Project until it ended in 1980. At her retirement party, nobody knew from what job she was retiring. Due to her hard work, in addition to the other members of the Venona Project, many encrypted messaged from the KGB were able to be deciphered. Some of the most notable codes Angie helped break were names for many prominent players of the era, including President Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, The Manhattan Project, Julius Rosenberg, and Washington, D.C. It is a great honor to recognize Angie Nanni for her service to our nation throughout her life. May she inspire others to recognize their true potential to make a difference in the world.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete Joseph Anthony Karcutskie. This year, Joe was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame on August 11, 2019 for his impressive athletic achievements in the sport of football. Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the state of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors. While at Wyoming Area High School, Joe was a three-year starter in football, team captain, All-Conference, All-Scholastic, and All-Region on defense during his junior year. During his senior year, he was All- Conference and All-Scholastic on offense, defense, and as a punter. This awe-inspiring athlete led his team in the number of tackles, sacks, and in punting average. Joe's high school career was incredibly impressive, but it was only the beginning. He continued his education at Brown University where he started every collegiate game as middle linebacker. During his junior year, he was named All-American. Still rising to fame, he was voted team captain during his senior year and was voted All-Ivy League in 1995, 1996, and 1997. During the same year, he was also voted All-New England. Joe still holds the Brown record for tackles in a season with 137, and he also holds the Brown record for tackles in a career with 404. Joe was the first player ever to record more than 100 tackles in two seasons and is still the only player to lead the team in tackles in three consecutive seasons. Joe was named a member of Brown University's 125th Anniversary Team in 2003, inducted into the Wyoming Area Football Ring of Pride in 2004, and was welcomed into the Brown University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014. In addition to enjoying a prestigious athletic career, he is currently a Vice President of Investments at Wells Fargo Advisors. He also coaches his son's baseball team and has been a volunteer coach for soccer and the Wyoming Area football team. It is an honor to recognize Joe on his induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May his story and athletic career serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving for excellence.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former Northeastern Pennsylvania athlete W. Brooke Yeager. Brooke was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame at their annual dinner on August 11, 2019 for his outstanding achievements in the sport of wrestling. Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the state of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors. During his four years at E.L. Meyers High School, Brooke was a three- time Wilkes-Barre City Champion. In 1958, Brooke was named a District 2 Champion. After attending Meyers High School, Brooke continued his education and his dominance on the wrestling mat at Wyoming Seminary, where he was the 1959 National Prep School Champion. Brooke went on to study at Wilkes University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education while also competing on the school's wrestling team. During his years at Wilkes, Brooke won the Middle Atlantic Conference Tournament and was the recipient of the Outstanding Wrestler Award in 1961. In 1964, Brooke earned second place in the Small College Nations Tournament. Following college, Brooke went on to wrestle with the New York Athletic Club Wrestling Team from 1964 to 1978, earning multiple Freestyle and Greco-Roman titles. Not only was Brooke a superb athlete, he was also an exceptional wrestling coach. While at Luzerne County Community College, Brooke coached Joel Kislin, a National Junior College Heavyweight Champion. Brooke also served as an assistant coach from 1972 to 1978 at Wilkes College, winning the Small College National Championship in 1974. Brooke has continued to bring his expertise to his local community. He served as a high school wrestling official for the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association for 37 years and as an Eastern Intercollegiate Wresting Association college official for more than 28 years. For more than 25 years, Brooke and his wife, Libby, have volunteered with the wrestling portion of the Keystone State Games. Beyond wrestling, Brooke has worked with Luzerne County Community College, teaching general biology since 1968. Additionally, for more than 20 years, Brooke was also an adjunct faculty member at Penn State University Wilkes-Barre. In his community, Brooke served on numerous boards and is a current member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wilkes-Barre. It is an honor to recognize Brooke on his induction to the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May his tremendous athletic career and service to the community be a source of inspiration to future athletes in Pennsylvania.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete and Northeastern Pennsylvania native, Charles E. Liott. This year, Liott was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame on August 11, 2019 for his distinct athletic achievements. Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the state of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors. Charlie showed athletic interest from a very young age. He started off playing Little League in 1963 and was part of the Rotary team that won the Hazleton Little League City Series championship. He was also an All-Star shortstop at the Teeners level, leading his team to a state title in 1968. During his high school career at Hazleton High School, Charlie was a three-year letterman in baseball, basketball, and football. He is one of the only Mountaineer athletes to earn this distinction. During his high school career, he earned an innumerable number of awards for all three sports. He was inducted into the Hazleton High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2015. Charlie attended Temple University where he played four years of NCAA Division I football as a defensive end. He graduated from Temple with a bachelor's degree in business administration, earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Scranton, and received a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic. He received an additional degree in Chiropractic Neurology in 1989. He has been practicing at Liott Back & Neck Care Center in Sarasota, Florida for 37 years. Charlie is active in his community, coaching girls' and boys' basketball teams. In addition, he also sponsors many little league soccer and baseball teams, as well as adult baseball teams. He has served on the Big Brothers Big Sisters Board of Directors, sponsoring several children. He has supported many Girls, Inc. functions and raised funds for many years for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) through the South Sarasota Jaycees. It is an honor to recognize Charlie on his induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May his story and athletic career serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving for excellence.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the late coach Jane Helman. This year, Jane was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame on August 11, 2019 for her impressive achievements in coaching. Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the state of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors. Jane graduated from William Allen High School in Allentown, Pennsylvania before receiving a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Messiah College. She went on to earn her master's degree from Bloomsburg University. Jane worked as a reading specialist at the Tunkhannock Area School District from 1977 to 2006. In 1997, she joined the faculty at Marywood University where she taught until her death. As an active member and past president of the Keystone State Literacy Association (KSLA), she advocated for the importance of literacy and served as chair of the Conference Advisory Committee and co-chair of Publications. Jane was the head girls' track and field coach at Tunkhannock Area High School from 1981 to 2009. She coached her team to an incredible 43 individual District II AAA champions and 7 District relay champions. Under her direction, the Tunkhannock Area girls' track and field team won four District II titles during the 1989-1992 seasons. The team held a 69-0 dual meet record during this run. Her 1992 team finished fifth in the PIAA State meet. It is an honor to recognize Jane on her induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May her story and athletic career serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving for excellence.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor referee and Northeastern Pennsylvania native, Frank Majikes. This year, Frank was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame at the 35th annual dinner on August 11, 2019 for his officiating and administrative achievements. Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the state of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors. Frank is a graduate of St. Mary's High School, King's College, and the University of Scranton. He also continued his studies by taking master's classes at Misericordia University. Since 1966, Frank has officiated on the district and state levels. In addition, he has accepted assignments from the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Locally, he was also involved in the administrative side of sports. From 1967 to 1969, Frank was the assistant athletic advisor for the Catholic Youth Center. From 1969 to 1970, he served as supervisor of recreation in the City of Wilkes-Barre. He also served as the athletic director of the Wyoming Valley Catholic Youth Center from 1970 to 1973. During his career, Frank has been a dean of students, teacher, and principal at different schools in the area. In addition, he served as the chairman of St. Mary's Parish Pastoral Council and as chairman of the Police Civil Service Commission in Wilkes-Barre. He is also a volunteer at the Catholic Youth Center and for the United Way. Frank continues to devote his time and energy into his love for sports, serving as Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) District 2 Committee Chairperson, interpreter of the Wyoming Valley Basketball Officials Organization, secretary of the Wyoming Valley High School Basketball Conference, president of the Wyoming Valley High School Swimming Conference, president of the Collegiate Basketball Officials Association, a member of the PIAA State Board of Directors, vice president and chairperson of PIAA Human Resources Committee, member of the Wyoming Valley Athletic Association, and supervisor of College Basketball Officials for both the NCAA and ECAC. It is an honor to recognize Frank on his induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May his story and athletic career serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving for excellence.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete and Northeastern Pennsylvania native Kelsey Kolojechick. This year, Kelsey was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame on August 11, 2019 for her distinct athletic achievements in the sport of field hockey. Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the state of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors. At Wyoming Seminary, Kelsey was a standout, three sport athlete on the swimming, soccer, and field hockey teams. As a four year midfield starter, she helped her school earn two state championships and three district championships. In 2008, she was named Player of the Year by both the Citizens Voice and Times Leader newspapers, Sem's Outstanding Female Athlete, First Team All-State and All-American. She ended her high school career with a record 87 wins and 5 losses. Kelsey then moved on to the University of North Carolina where she was a four-year starter for the Tar Heels, never missing a game in her career. She helped lead UNC to a national championship. She was named First Team All-ACC three years and was the first player at UNC to be named First Team All-American all four years. During her junior year, she scored 23 goals which is a school record for the most goals scored in a season by a junior. Kelsey ended her collegiate career with a record of eighty-eight wins and nine losses. Kelsey has competed at the highest level of the sport as a member of the United States Women's National Field Hockey Team. In 2016, she traveled to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to compete at the Summer Olympic Games where her team placed fifth. During her time on the women's national team, she helped lead the team to gold medals at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada, the 2014 Champions Challenge in Glasgow, Scotland, and the 2013 World League Round 2 in Rio de Janeiro. Kelsey has imparted her impressive knowledge of the sport by coaching players of all ages. Since 2018, Kelsey has served as the assistant field hockey coach at Harvard University where she coached the team to a record setting 17-2 season, the best finish in program history. It is an honor to recognize Kelsey on her induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May her story and athletic career serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving for excellence.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete and Northeastern Pennsylvania native, Edward Leonard ``Shovels'' Kobesky. This year, Shovels was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame at the 35th annual dinner on August 11, 2019 for his distinct athletic achievements in the sport baseball. Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the state of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors. Shovels was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania and received his nickname as a child because he was always carrying a pail with several small shovels. After playing high school and semi-professional baseball, Shovels joined the Bearded House of David barnstorming team. The House of David was a spiritual society which emphasized participation in sports, especially baseball, to foster spiritual and physical discipline. He then became a player and manager of the East Shore League Salisbury Cardinals. He led the league with nearly 20 home runs and helped them claim victory in the playoffs. After this impressive season, Shovels was promoted to Class A Elmira where he had a batting average of .289 and hit a career high of 11 triples. In 1942, he was picked up by the Buffalo Bisons, the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. As one of the most impressive minor league players of his time, Edward hit a .300 batting average eight times, including two consecutive seasons hitting .390. During his career, he had a batting average of .328, 26 home runs, and 129 RBIs. In 1943, he led the International League with 18 home runs. Between 1942 and 1944, he averaged over 24 homeruns. As his career drew to a close, he moved to a class B team in New Jersey where he led the league managing an impressive .390 batting average and 21 homeruns. Following this standout season, he moved back up to Class A in 1949 to play with the Batavia Indians where he finished his career. In 1951, he hit a final grand-slam homerun in the bottom of the ninth, winning the game for Batavia. This grand-slam brought him the final win of his career. Shovels developed lung cancer which caused him to watch the rest of his career from the bench. In 1952, at the age of 38, he died in Greenwood, PA. For his influence on the sport, the Class A PONY (Pennsylvania, Ontario, New York) League has since established the Kobesky Award in his honor. It is an honor to recognize Shovels on his induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May his story and athletic career serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving for excellence.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete, coach, and Northeastern Pennsylvania native Walter Fisk. This year, Walter was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame on August 11, 2019 for his distinct athletic achievements in the sport of wrestling. Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the state of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors. Walter is a 1981 graduate of Lycoming College where he was captain of the wrestling team under the direction of the legendary National Wrestling Coach Hall of Fame Coach Bud Whitehall. After college, Walter began his coaching career at Sayre Youth Wrestling before taking the coaching post at Wyalusing Junior High. In 1986, he was named the head coach of the Wyalusing varsity wrestling team. Walter coached the Wyalusing Rams to 12 league championships, 9 Sectional, 6 District IV, and 6 Regional team titles. They also clinched the State Team Championship three times and were State Team runner-up twice. Alumni of his wrestling program include 83 Sectional, 27 District, and 21 Regional champions as well as 33 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) medalists, and 7 State champions. Six of those PIAA medals were earned by his sons, Josh and Matt. In his tireless dedication to wrestling, Walter has held several leadership positions to promote the sport. During his tenure as head coach, he has been District IV Coaches' Association President, Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association (PWCA) President, Executive Committee member and Convention Committee Chair, National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NWCA) State Representative, BRUTE National Wrestling Tournament Event Director, and REACHES Executive Director and PWCA Convention Chairman. In recognition for his superior and successful career, Walter has been inducted into the Sayre High School, Wyalusing High School, Northern Tier League, Northeast Section, District IV, PA Wrestling Coaches' and the National Wrestling Halls of Fame. In 1997, 1999, and 2000, Walter was named the PIAA State Wrestling Coach of the Year, and in 2000, he was recognized for his unparalleled leadership ability as the National High School Wrestling Coach of the Year. In 2004, he was honored as Pennsylvania Wrestling/Wrestling USA Man of the Year. When Walter retired as head coach in 2005, his career record at Wyalusing was 297-52-1. Unable to resist the draw of the mat and the quest for athletic success, he returned to coach the junior varsity team in 2011 and continues to do so today. It is an honor to recognize Walter on his induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May his story and athletic career serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving for excellence.