Matt Cartwright

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, in December, this House passed a COVID-19 relief compromise, during which time we pledged to the American people that we would do more. Now is the time for us to deliver on that promise. The American Rescue Plan is that promise delivered. It is something that enables us to put people back to work; put kids back in schools; to put $1,400 checks in people's hands, the people who are struggling to keep body and soul together, to make ends meet, the people who really need this money. No American economist of repute disagrees that this kind of relief is necessary. Now is the time for us to do it. Let's come together and enact the American Rescue Plan.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize former Wayne County Commissioner Mark Graziadio for his lifetime of service to his fellow citizens. Mark was enjoying his well-deserved retirement with his wife of 46 years, Susan Jayne Bunnell Graziadio, in Cape Coral, Florida when he unexpectedly passed away on January 18, 2021. Mark was born in Hancock, New York to Rita Laverne Fisher Graziadio and Vincent Sebastian Graziadio on July 6, 1953. He attended Catholic schools in Hancock, New York and Honesdale, Pennsylvania before graduating from Scranton Preparatory School in 1971. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Scranton in 1977. Mark began his professional career at Giant Markets. During his time at the market from 1971 to 1986, he held many positions that were integral to store operations, including clerk, night shift manager, third man, and assistant manager. As point of sale coordinator, he installed and trained employees on the use of the first scanning registers in Northeastern Pennsylvania. In 1983, Mark joined the Honesdale National Bank (HNB), and in 2018, he retired as vice president and marketing director. At HNB, he launched a marketing strategy that used radio ads to promote community events. He used the banking acumen he acquired at HNB to teach banking courses at local colleges and at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Bucknell University in Lewisburg, and Penn State in State College through the Pennsylvania Bankers Association. He also spoke at businesses and nonprofits on a variety of topics, including customer service, team building, and marketing. Mark was interested in politics. He actively engaged with the political process by serving on committees on the local and state levels and ran for local office in Honesdale and Wayne County. In 1999, he ran a successful campaign for Wayne County Commissioner and served from 2000 to 2003. Mark was dedicated to his local community and sought to give back to his friends and neighbors by devoting his time to local charity organizations and advocacy groups. He served as the president of the Wayne County Habitat for Humanity; an officer, board member, and member of the Executive Committee for the NEPA Alliance; a member of the Honesdale Jaycees; a youth basketball coach and champion Little League coach; chairman of the Wayne County Big Brothers/Big Sisters; and president of the Scranton Chapter of the American Institute of Banking (AIB). For his efforts, Mark received many awards and recognitions, including Jaycee of the Year and the Wayne County Chamber's Community Service Award. I am humbled to honor the life of this true public servant. Mark was steadfast in his determination to give back to this community and generous with his time and energy, and he had a sense of humor that delighted all who had the privilege of knowing him. Mark will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on for generations.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I completely agree with my colleague Representative Dwight Evans, and I remind this Chamber that Pennsylvania is the cradle of American democracy. We can't claim to be the birthplace of American democracy. That would be a disservice to James Otis, Jr., who, in 1761, stood up in a Massachusetts courtroom and argued against the King's writs of assistance. But Pennsylvania is the cradle of democracy. It is where we hosted the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the American Constitution. It was Pennsylvanians who immediately went to battle to defend this idea of democracy. They went right after Bunker Hill to the Siege of Boston. American riflemen were instrumental at the transformational Battles of Trenton and Saratoga in victory. And it is Independence Hall where these documents got signed, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. You heard my colleagues. You heard Representative Houlahan talking about the privations at Valley Forge, all in support of creating democracy. You heard Representative Brendan F. Boyle quoting John Adams, that democracy only dies by suicide. You heard Representative Dean quoting John Lewis, our hero, who said: Democracy is not a state. It is an act. You heard Representative Wild talking about this stunning assault on our democracy. If it seems like we get a little prickly in Pennsylvania about assaulting democracy, you are right. We do. Pennsylvania is the cradle of democracy. You heard how foolish and empty these challenges are. Representative Lamb said it: 31 cameras filming the place where the count was happening, resulting in thousands of hours of videotape--you can see it on YouTube--proving there was no fraud. You heard Representatives Michael F. Doyle and Brendan F. Boyle talking about Act 77, how the Republicans in Pennsylvania were falling all over themselves to pass this law for mail-in voting because they thought it would help them. You heard Representative Scanlon explaining why there were no allegations of fraud made in court because a lawyer going into court and lying to the court gets his or her ticket to practice law punched. They can be disbarred. Politicians can say anything on cable TV, but they have to be darn careful when they are in court. So all these big TV talkers never alleged fraud in court. Let me tell you about one court case. It was a case where they brought on their best legal talent. It was a case where they drew as a judge a staunch, principled, conservative Republican, Judge Matthew Brann. He called this case ``strained legal arguments without merit'' and ``speculative accusations.'' He called it ``like Frankenstein's monster,'' a ``haphazardly stitched together'' case. Judge Brann said he ``has no authority to take away the right to vote of even a single person, let alone millions of citizens.'' On appeal Judge Bibas, a Trump appointee writing for the Third Circuit, agreed. He said: ``Calling an election unfair does not make it so. Charges require specific allegations and then proof. We have neither here.'' So, we have judges--dozens and dozens of them, Federal judges, State judges, Democrats, Republicans--turning away these challenges. All they ever wanted was evidence. Here is the number-one rule when you go to court: Don't forget to bring the evidence with you. This objection, in all seriousness, reflects the most profound disrespect to our American judiciary. We Pennsylvanians understand democracy. It was in Pennsylvania that our Founders signed the Constitution, and Article II makes it plain as day: We elect our President. We don't have a king. If you can undo a Presidential election simply by alleging that something was amiss, then we don't have a democracy at all. We have something else entirely. And if we vote to sustain this objection, we are not upholding our Constitution at all. We are doing something else entirely. Let's vote ``no'' on this objection.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to exhort all of us in this Chamber to work together. I know there are those of us in this Chamber for whom the spending of one Federal dollar is a physically painful event, but now is not the time to be deficit hawks. Now is the time for us to come together. The United States of America is more than the sum of its parts. In times of great danger to our Nation, we come together, and the Federal Government leads the way. We did it when we defeated fascism in Europe and Asia. We did it when we rebuilt Europe and Asia to become great allies and peaceful and productive partners. We can do it again. We have a terrible enemy right now in the COVID virus. It is wrecking our economy, and it is killing our people. We have lost more than 300,000 people, more than our combat losses in World War II. Let's work together for robust COVID relief for our economy. Let's get it done, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, as we mark today, the 79th year since Pearl Harbor, I want to tell you about my friend, George Yurek, who, when he got into the Army in 1942, volunteered for bomb disposal. He went to Corregidor, ``The Rock'' of the Philippines. His unit was in the first amphibious wave on the island. There were so many landmines there that, with U.S. troops amassing for landing, they had very little time. They had to defuse the landmines by hand, and they called for volunteers. Sergeant George Yurek of West Wyoming, Pennsylvania, volunteered to defuse landmines by hand, and he defused hundreds of them. It is impossible to count how many American troops he saved by his actions. For his heroism in the Pacific, George Yurek was awarded a total of four Bronze Stars for valor. Last week, at the age of 98, George passed away, after mentoring countless young people in all the Wyoming Valley. George and his late wife, Ellie, were married for 67 years. They leave three children, Greg, George, and Ann, and seven grandchildren. May God rest his soul.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize attorney Allan M. Kluger, whose career was celebrated by the Friedman Jewish Community Center at their first annual Tribute Gala on Sunday, September 13, 2020. A native of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Allan graduated from Wyoming Seminary Preparatory School in 1945. After receiving his undergraduate degree in 1949 from Amherst College in Massachusetts, he attended law school at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1952, Allan began his legal career with the firm Hourigan, Kluger, and Quinn, specializing in business law, estate planning and administration, wills, trusts, and real estate law. During his near seven-decade career, he established himself as a leading attorney in the region and rose through the ranks to president and senior member of Hourigan, Kluger, and Quinn. Allan is a member of the Luzerne County and American Bar Associations and was appointed by the governor to serve on the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission from 1991 to 1998. In recognition of his skill and commitment to the field, he was named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer in 2004 and 2005. In addition to his professional pursuits, Allan is dedicated to giving back to his community. He has served on the boards of and in leadership positions for over 25 organizations, including the Jewish Community Center, the Luzerne County Bar Association, and the F.M. Kirby Center for Performing Arts. He is currently a Trustee Emeritus of King's College, Director Emeritus of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry, Director and Secretary of Luzerne Foundation/ Founding Board, and Director of Luzerne Products, Inc. Allan has been lauded for his service to others. In addition to being recognized by the Friedman Jewish Community Center, he has received the Mary Bevevino Community Service Award; the Father James Lackenmier, C.S.C. Award for Achievement and Leadership; the B'nai B'rith Outstanding Citizen Award; the First Annual Ethics Award from the Ethics Institute of Northeastern Pennsylvania; the Wyoming Seminary Distinguished Service Award; the President's Award from the Luzerne County Bar Association; the Boy Scouts Distinguished Citizen Award; the Lifetime Achievement in Philanthropy Award with his wife, Sue from the Greater Pocono Northeast Chapter of the National Society of Fundraising Executives; the Anti-Defamation League Distinguished Community Service Award; the Pillar of the Community Award from Temple Israel; and the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizen Award. It is an honor to recognize a true community leader and former colleague in the legal profession. Allan's career and life have been marked by integrity and a willingness to go the extra mile for his community, and I wish him many more years of health and happiness ahead.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, in the summer of 1789, according to a story, there was a famine in France. The people didn't have enough bread to eat, and they approached the queen, and they said: Queen Marie Antoinette, the people do not have enough bread to eat. According to the story, she said: Well then let them eat cake. Showing the most callous disregard for what the lives of the people actually was like, assuming that without enough bread to eat they actually had cake lying around, that is ridiculous. Mr. Speaker, that is almost certainly an apocryphal story; it didn't really happen. But now, here, in America, we have a real-life American Marie Antoinette. Showing the most caviler disregard for the plight of the American people, allowing UI to expire without negotiating, without talking, without trying to extend relief, Senator Mitch McConnell, don't risk letting our economy slide into a Great Depression. Don't be Marie Antoinette. Let's come to the table and get this done.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joan Dowd who is retiring from teaching after 42 years of service to Catholic education. Joan was honored with a surprise parade at Holy Rosary School on June 6, 2020. The daughter of Joseph and Ann Baker, Joan was born on August 22, 1952 in Pittston, Pennsylvania. Committed to her faith from a young age, she grew up attending St. Mary's Assumption Church along with her two sisters, Barbara and Joyce, and she was the third generation in her family to attend St. Mary's Assumption elementary school. Joan went on to study at St. John's High School and at Marywood University. After graduating from college in 1976 with a degree in health and physical education and a certificate in elementary and special education, Joan was hired as the assistant girls' basketball coach at St. John the Evangelist School. She then went on to coach the girls' basketball team at St. Mary's Assumption, leading her team to a league championship. Joan began her teaching career as a substitute at St. Anthony's School in Dunmore. In 1978, she returned to her alma mater, St. Mary's Assumption, where she taught second grade for the next 33 years. In addition to teaching her students the traditional school subjects, she helped them grow in their faith and guide them through receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. Joan devoted her time to the school community by volunteering for committees and extra- curricular activities, including the school's forensics team. When St. Mary's Assumption closed its doors in 2011, Joan was undeterred and remained committed to Catholic education. She accepted a new post as the second-grade teacher at Holy Rosary School in Duryea, Pennsylvania. During her tenure as an educator, she taught generations of students and fostered lifelong relationships with her students, their parents, and her colleagues. Joan lives in Pittston with her husband, Michael and dog, Charley. They have two sons, Kevin and Brian and one grandchild, Rory. It is an honor to congratulate Joan on her retirement after 42 years of teaching in the Diocese of Scranton's Catholic school system. As an educator, her commitment to her students and school community was unmatched, and under her tutelage, her students received a first-rate education while learning many important life lessons. I wish her a restful and enjoyable retirement.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this combination of appropriations bills, this minibus. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a few minutes to discuss this CJS component of the bill. First, I would like to thank, again, our overall chairwoman of appropriations for her amazing dignified service in the Congress and to the Appropriations Committee. I also want to express my appreciation to Chairman Jose Serrano, whose leadership of CJS has been unmatched. Thank you to the staff, Bob Bonner, Jeff Ashford, T.J. Lowdermilk, Shannon McCully, B.G. Wright, Faye Cobb, Trisha Castaneda, and also acknowledge the good faith and the assistance of Ranking Member Aderholt and the minority staff as well. The fiscal year 2021 Commerce-Justice-Science appropriations bill includes a total of $71.473 billion in discretionary budget authority, which is actually a $1.7 billion decrease below last year's level. This reflects the natural decline in the funding requirement due to the decreased needs associated with the completion of the 2020 Census. But even at this overall funding level, the CJS bill sustains strong increases to invest in jobs and economic development, reduce gun violence, address climate change, sustain scientific leadership in the world, and implement police accountability and police reform. On this last score, this bill takes immediate steps to start the process of police reform and accountability and to better protect civil rights. To do that, the bill increases funding for the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department, as well as for the U.S. Attorney and the FBI to conduct pattern and practice reviews of law enforcement agencies. We include language to roll back Justice Department policies that have hindered this oversight. The bill provides funding for a national task force on law enforcement oversight and national police misconduct database. In addition, the bill funds nearly $500 million in new grant programs authorized in the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. These grants will help improve law enforcement practices and accountability by funding State-level pattern and practice reviews and independent reviews of law enforcement, as well as funding better training for police community, organization efforts, and more. Finally, we include sensible requirements for COPS and Byrne JAG grants to implement numerous reform efforts at the local level. These changes show that the Federal Government is deeply serious about ensuring police accountability and protecting American civil rights. The bill does these things without neglecting important priorities elsewhere. We reject the administration's proposed cuts to climate change research programs at NASA and NOAA and, instead, provide responsible funding increases to that. We promote jobs and better wages by supporting significant investments at the Economic Development Administration, through the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program and the Minority Business Development Agency. We help policing against gun violence by increasing ATF's budget by $150 million, by sustaining funding for the NICS program and grants, and by increasing funding for the STOP School Violence Act. We promote criminal justice reform with large increases for both the First Step Act and the Second Chance Act, and we increase funding to address the ongoing opioid epidemic. This bill also ensures that our Nation's scientific leadership in the world can continue by increasing funding by $270 million for the National Science Foundation, by $35 million for the core NIST activities, and by over $101 million for NOAA. We also include significant funding for the educational components of NASA, National Science Foundation, and NOAA to ensure that we are training the next generation of scientists in America to continue this important work. Mr. Speaker, for all these reasons, and more, I urge the adoption of this minibus.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to congratulate the House for passing the NDAA, National Defense Authorization Act. It is a win for Pennsylvania, and it is a win for civil defense workers all over this country. Namely, Tobyhanna Army Depot in my district is a winner here, because this fixes a problem. There is a wage and salary disparity between the maps. There is a map mismatch that has been going on that I have been fighting ever since I got to Congress. This year, my bill, the Locality Pay Equity Act, got in the NDAA. Mr. Speaker, I am so grateful to Chairman Smith of the Armed Services Committee and the entire Armed Services Committee and the overwhelming vote on a bipartisan basis of the U.S. House to pass this. At long last, wage-grade workers in the civil defense industry in these particular districts will be paid fairly and equally alongside the salaried people they work side by side with. This is a great day for Tobyhanna and a great day for the people who have the backs of the people who are our warfighters all over the world.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I want to raise my voice in support of H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act. I want to congratulate Chairman DeFazio. He has been working on this for a long time. This is the infrastructure bill that we have been waiting for. He has followed what my father advised me to do as a young boy: If you are going to do something, do it right. And it is a wonderful bill. This is something that will repair our crumbling roads and bridges in this country, expand transit and commuter rail, repair and rebuild schools, make childcare facilities safer, deliver broadband to the entire country, reclaim abandoned mines, save affordable housing units, provide access to safe drinking water and good sewer systems, and put more energy into the grid. This is something that this entire Nation needs. It is time for us to come together and fulfill this promise to the American people to rebuild and reinvest in our American infrastructure. It is the Moving Forward Act, H.R. 2. Let's all vote ``yes'' on that bill.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, it is a horrible time our Nation is going through right now. One hundred thousand souls perished in this worldwide pandemic. And through it all, every day, frontline workers are going to work; frontline workers like truck drivers, garbage collectors, nurses, and EMTs, and everybody getting our groceries to us, slugging it out, doing their job day in and day out. And through it all they are not getting anything extra but their regular pay. That is why I introduced the Coronavirus Frontline Workers Fair Pay Act, and I was thrilled to see that get incorporated in the HEROES Act. I call upon Mitch McConnell and the Senate, get off the schneid and get to work and pass this. The American economy needs this relief, and we need you to stop delaying and pass this economic stimulus in the HEROES Act.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, during the COVID-19 public health and economic crisis, essential workers are confronting significant risks to their health and the safety of their families in order to provide our communities with life-sustaining services. Health care workers, grocery store personnel, first responders, and other brave workers deserve hazard pay for the risks they are taking to provide critical services during this unprecedented national crisis. On May 5, 2020 I was proud to introduce H.R. 6709, the Coronavirus Frontline Workers Fair Pay Act of 2020, which would establish a dedicated fund in the U.S. Treasury to provide employers with coronavirus hazard pay funds to be passed on to high-risk health care workers and other essential workers on the frontlines of the fight against this virus. This hazard pay would be an important step in recognizing the sacrifices and contributions of countless Americans, including those health care workers that are in high risk positions. H.R. 6709 would guarantee hazard pay for individuals working in high- risk health care roles between January 27, 2020 and December 31, 2020. For the purposes of H.R. 6709, the definition of ``high-risk health care worker'' is intended to include, at minimum, individuals in the following occupations, as specified under major group 29 or 31 in the 2018 Standard Occupational Classification System: Pharmacists; Physician Assistants; Podiatrists; Respiratory Therapists; Registered Nurses; Nurse Anesthetists; Nurse Midwives; Nurse Practitioners; Anesthesiologists; Cardiologists; Dermatologists; Emergency Medicine Physicians; Family Medicine Physicians; General Internal Medicine Physicians; Neurologists. Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Pediatricians, General; Physicians, Pathologists; Psychiatrists; Radiologists; Physicians, All Other; Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric; Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric; Pediatric Surgeons; Surgeons, All Other; Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists; Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians; Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians; Diagnostic Medical Sonographers; Nuclear Medicine Technologists. Radiologic Technologists and Technicians; Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists; Medical Dosimetrists; Emergency Medical Technicians; Paramedics; Pharmacy Technicians; Psychiatric Technicians; Surgical Technologists; Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses; Surgical Assistants; Home Health Aides; Personal Care Aides; Nursing Assistants; Orderlies; Psychiatric Aides. This list is not exhaustive; but is illustrative of the many health care workers that are facing extraordinary risks to keep Americans safe during this pandemic. As a nation, it is imperative that we ensure essential workers are provided the pay they deserve for the risks they take on behalf of us all.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I deeply regret that I was unable to be present at today's vote, and so submit this statement in order to officially express my support for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Had I not been under physician orders to self-quarantine, after coming into contact with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19, I would have proudly cast my vote in favor of this legislation. From the very start of this unprecedented public health and economic emergency, my number-one priority has been to put relief for our nation's workers, families, and seniors first. After intense negotiation, this historic $2 trillion stimulus now takes a monumental step in that direction. As the coronavirus continues to gain a foothold in the United States, workers face increasing uncertainty. Last week, the number of unemployment claims filed reached a record high, and those numbers are expected to only grow. The legislation that the House passed today offers much needed stability and peace of mind for American workers, by dramatically expanding our unemployment insurance program. As a result, jobless workers will see an increase of $600 per week in their unemployment benefits for a period of four months, as well as an extension of regular unemployment benefits by 13 weeks. Moreover, for the first time in history, independent contractors, gig workers, and self-employed individuals will be universally eligible to collect unemployment benefits. As with our public health response, Congress recognizes the centrality of prevention to our nation's economic response. Blunting the impact of this pandemic and necessary social distancing on workers will require not only that we strengthen the social safety net, but that we also provide robust assistance to America's economic backbone: small businesses. Over the past week, Democrats have fiercely negotiated for enhanced relief for small businesses, and in the end we were able to secure $377 billion in funding. These loans and grants will help small businesses continue to make payroll and rent payments, and ultimately, keep workers employed. From day one, we've understood that limiting economic fallout from coronavirus requires a multi-pronged approach. The direct payments, under this bill, will quickly inject cash into the pockets of American workers, families, and seniors, so that they can continue to make ends meet. While I would have liked to have seen even more generous payments go to our low- and middle-income Americans, I am nevertheless pleased with this start. Finally, I am extremely grateful that Democrats and Republicans were able to come together to direct more than $150 billion to our hospitals and health care system. Anything less would have been shortsighted, and would have represented a grave failing on Congress's part. Now, hospitals will have the resources needed to increase surge capacity. In addition, these funds will go towards supporting COVID-19 medical research and providing frontline health care workers with personal protective equipment, ventilators, and other critically-needed medical supplies. If we hope to slow the spread of this virus, save American lives--including those of our heroic frontline health care workers--and help restore normalcy to our lives and economy, we must equip our health care system with the resources it needs to operate effectively. Over the coming months, it will be imperative that Congress continues to invest in the health care infrastructure. Like any compromise, this bill is far from perfect. Still, the investments that the House has made today will go a long way toward delivering swift, meaningful relief to Americans, during this challenging time. Going forward, I will continue to push for further investment in our hard-hit communities. I am under no misconceptions that our work combating this pandemic is done. In the meantime, particularly in this era of sharp partisan division, I hope today's uniquely bipartisan effort will serve as a comforting reminder to the American people of their government's ability to come together in times of crisis to put them first.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Art Owens, who will receive the Francis Swingle Award from the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. He will be honored at the group's 106th annual gathering on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Art was born January 12, 1959 to Sheldon and Eleanor Owens in Wilkes- Barre, Pennsylvania. He attended grade school in Wilkes-Barre and graduated from E.L. Meyers High School in 1979. He earned an associate degree in social science from Luzerne County Community College and a bachelor's degree in liberal studies in social services, along with a certificate in gerontology from College Misericordia. Art's career serving others began in 1975 in the dietary department at Mercy Hospital in Wilkes-Barre. As the volunteer director, Art was integral to the management of the volunteer department, developing therapies and projects like the Angel/Golden Tree Project. During his 20-year career at the hospital, he successfully built professional relationships with area social service organizations, and served on the Policy and Procedure Committee. Art was also vice president of the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary. For his efforts, he received the Mercy Leadership Award and the Mercy Community/Professional Involvement Award. In 1996, Art accepted a position with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeastern Pennsylvania as a wish granting director/volunteer supervisor. He continued to make wishes come true for critically ill children, advancing to the position of program services director and then vice president of program services. He worked to secure over $100,000 in donations by building relationships with local businesses and organizations across Northeastern Pennsylvania. He recruited, hired, trained, and coordinated volunteers in wish granting and development during his time with the foundation. In 2006, Art transitioned to the Luzerne Intermediate Unit No. 18, assisting children in the Behavioral Health and Rehabilitative Services Department. He currently provides services to children who attend the Greater Nanticoke Area School District. In addition to the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick, Art is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 353, and currently serves on the Scholarship Committee to help raise funds for local students to assist with college expenses. It is an honor to join the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick as they recognize Art Owens as the recipient of the Francis Swingle Award. He has had a successful career in service to his community, and I wish him all the best on this St. Patrick's Day.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Robert Rogers, who will be named the 2020 Citizen of the Year by the Freeland, Pennsylvania Sons of Erin. He will be honored on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at their 85th annual St. Patrick's Day celebration. Robert's community service in Freeland spans three decades, and includes significant involvement in local baseball. For the past ten years, he has been the manager of the Freeland Babe Ruth League. Steadfastly dedicated to this role, Robert dedicates many hours to improving the grounds and maintaining the playing field so that it remains in top condition. In addition, he recruits players for the league, organizes fundraisers, runs the concession stand, and coordinates schedules for the Babe Ruth League, MMI Preparatory School, Penn State Hazleton, as well as the men's league. With his love and knowledge of baseball, Robert also steps into the role of coach when the need arises. Robert has previously served on the Board of the Freeland Little League. In addition to his commitment to the Board, he helped install the lights at the field and has even cooked concession fare during games. Robert's love for, and commitment to, the Freeland community extends beyond baseball. He is currently also instrumental to the upkeep and maintenance at the Freeland YMCA. Robert assisted with the recent renovations of the foyer and the basement at the YMCA, a project where he contributed custom shelving and personally completed the refinishing of the front desk. A handyman at heart, he is known for always going above and beyond his assignment. Freeland is rife with evidence of Robert's handiwork and dedication to his beloved community. He has additionally refinished display cases at MMI Preparatory School, the pipe organ at St. John's church, and the American Legion's flagpoles on Centre Street. It is an honor to join the Freeland Sons of Erin in recognizing Robert Rogers as the 2020 Citizen of the Year. He is a true community servant, and all of Freeland has benefited from his unending generosity. I wish him all the best this St. Patrick's Day.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kevin J. O'Brien Sr. who will be named Man of the Year by the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. He will be honored at the group's 106th annual gathering on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Born and raised in Avoca, Pennsylvania, Kevin is the son of the late Michael J. O'Brien, a former Friendly Sons President, and Mary Moore O'Brien. He is a 1974 graduate of Pittston Area High School, and he attended Luzerne County Community College, studying fire science technology. Kevin is the proud father of his son, Kevin Jr., and currently resides in Duryea, Pennsylvania. Kevin was president of the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons in 1989, the year that the organization celebrated its 75th anniversary. Under his leadership, the Friendly Sons Scholarship was established, and Kevin's family was an original donor to the program. He began his career in public safety in 1978, working as a radio operator/dispatcher for the Luzerne County Civil Defense. During his 27-year career, Kevin rose to the rank of deputy director of the Luzerne County Emergency Management Agency. During those years, he oversaw the planning, training, and response to all natural and manmade disasters throughout Luzerne County. He concluded his 30 year-career with the county as a lead crash and rescue firefighter at the Wilkes Barre/Scranton International Airport. Kevin has also dedicated his time to local fire service. He has been a member of the Avoca Volunteer Fire Department for the past 45 years. Kevin also became a Pennsylvania State Fire Academy instructor, conducting fire training programs throughout the Commonwealth. In 2011, he was awarded the title of instructor emeritus from the academy. In addition to his volunteer fire service and full-time employment in emergency management, he also worked part time at the Pocono Raceway, starting in 1985 as a pit road fireman and eventually becoming fire chief at the facility. Kevin served as a NASCAR Advanced Training Program instructor and became a member of the NASCAR Safety Standards and Training Committee. In 2013, the NASCAR Track Services Division recognized Kevin for his dedication to the sport, and its safety, by awarding him the NASCAR Excellence in Track Services Award. It is an honor to join the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick as they recognize Kevin J. O'Brien Sr. as Man of the Year. He has had a successful career in service to his community, and I wish him all the best on this St. Patrick's Day.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Judge Fred A. Pierantoni III, who will receive the Achievement Award from the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. He will be honored at the group's 106th annual gathering on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Judge Pierantoni is a lifelong resident of the Greater Pittston Area. He is a 1976 graduate of Pittston Area High School and a cum laude graduate of Wilkes University with a Bachelor of Science in political science. In 1983, Judge Pierantoni received his Juris Doctorate from Temple University's School of Law in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Following law school, Judge Pierantoni was assistant district attorney in Luzerne County from 1983 to 1988. In 1992, Judge Pierantoni was elected as magisterial judge for District 11-1-5 and has spent 20 years on the bench serving the people of the Greater Pittston Area. Judge Pierantoni was elected to the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas and began his tenure on January 4, 2012. Since taking the bench, he has been assigned cases in criminal court including homicide, civil trials, and family court. Judge Pierantoni presently serves as administrative judge for the Luzerne County Juvenile Court Division and serves as supervising judge for the Luzerne County Grand Jury. He is also a zone delegate for the Pennsylvania Conference of State Trial Judges. Passionate about maintaining the integrity of the legal profession and access to representation, Judge Pierantoni has volunteered his time to legal organizations and courts across the Commonwealth. He was an active member of the Pennsylvania Bar from 1983 until his election in 2012. He is also a past president of the Luzerne County Special Court Judges Association and former statewide president of the Special Court Judges Association of Pennsylvania. He previously served as chair of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Minor Court Rules Committee and was a member of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Committee on Race and Gender Bias. Judge Pierantoni is an active member of many civic organizations throughout the Greater Pittston Area and Luzerne County, such as the Lions Club. He previously served as volunteer solicitor to numerous fire companies, ambulance associations, civic and veteran associations, and youth sports leagues throughout the region. It is an honor to join the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick in recognizing Judge Fred A. Pierantoni III as the recipient of the Achievement Award. He has had a successful career serving his community and the law, and I wish him all the best on this St. Patrick's Day.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Matt Burnett who will be named the Man of the Year by the Monsignor William Farrell Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Matt will be honored at their annual gathering on Saturday, March 7, 2020. Matt is the son of Francis P. Burnett and Zita Lavelle Burnett. He is a member of Saint Rose Parish where he volunteers his time with the Altar and Rose Society. For the past several years, Matt has bravely battled Huntington's chorea, a rare, debilitating condition that affects the nerve cells in the brain causing a deterioration of motor skills, cognitive abilities, and speech. His grandfather and mother also suffered from this inherited disease. Despite his diagnosis, he has worked tirelessly to remain positive and active in his local community. Enthusiastic about volunteer firefighting, Matt was often found at the fire headquarters on Main Street in Carbondale. In addition to responding to calls, he spent long hours at the scene of a fire cleaning and packing gear to be prepared for the next call. He was always willing to lend a hand to any volunteer company that needed additional assistance. In 2006, prior to the onset of his illness, Matt and two fellow firefighters were honored for bravely entering a burning building to quell a fire which quickly turned into a heroic rescue mission. Their vision clouded with smoke, the three men advanced across the room, but the floor felt hot and spongy, threatening to give away at any moment. In their efforts to retreat, one of the firefighters fill to the basement as the floor between him and the exit collapsed. Alerted by their endangered partner tugging on the fire hose, Matt and his other partner went back into the building to pull him to safety. Matt does not let his illness stop him from pursuing his passions, including volunteer firefighting. When a fire broke out earlier this year, Matt, undeterred by his physical limitations, responded in full gear, doing everything he could to assist his fellow volunteers. It is an honor to join with the Monsignor William Farrell Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians to recognize Matt Burnett as Man of the Year. Throughout his life, he has embodied the virtues of friendship, unity, and Christian charity and has been selflessly dedicated to others through the volunteer fire service. I wish him all the best on this St. Patrick's Day.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Reverend Richard E. Fox, M.A. as the recipient of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 4 Paul ``Hook'' O'Malley Man of the Year award. He will be honored at the organization's annual gathering on Wednesday, March 4, 2020. Reverend Fox, son of Richard and Ann C. Madden Fox, was born in Pottstown, Pennsylvania and raised in South Wilkes-Barre. In June 1983, Reverend Fox graduated from E.L. Meyers High School and the Wilkes- Barre Area Vo-Tech School with a concentration in warehouse management. He was a member of the 100th graduating class of the University of Scranton, earning a degree in Christian Traditions in 1988. While at the University of Scranton, he also studied at St. Pius X Seminary in Dalton. In 1992, Reverend Fox graduated from Christ the King Seminary in Buffalo, New York with a master's degree in pastoral ministry. On June 27, 1992, Reverend Fox was ordained as a priest at St. Peter's Cathedral Church in Scranton. Following his ordination, he served as assistant pastor at churches across Northeastern Pennsylvania, including Epiphany Church in Sayre (1992 to 1995), Immaculate Conception Church in Scranton (1995 to 1998), and St. Jude's Church in Mountain Top (1998 to 2000). He then served as pastor of Blossburg Area Catholic Community in Tioga County (2000 to 2003), Holy Trinity/Holy Child Church in Nanticoke (2003 to 2005), Immaculate Conception Church in Scranton (2005 to 2007), Holy Family Church in Luzerne (2007 to 2009), St. Eulalia's Church in Roaring Brook Township (2009 to 2010), as well as other churches in Exeter and Old Forge in 2010 and 2011. After serving many communities across the region, Reverend Fox called Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Lake Silkworth his home parish from 2011 to 2016. Since 2016, he has been the pastor at St. Patrick's Parish in Scranton. Reverend Fox has two siblings, Bridget Fox Ford, married to William Ford, and the late Christopher Fox. He is the proud uncle of his niece and nephew, Mitchell and Cameron Ford. It is an honor to recognize Reverend Richard E. Fox as the Ancient Order of the Hibernians Division 4 Man of the Year and congratulate him on his distinguished career in service to the Catholic community of Northeastern Pennsylvania. May he continue to find happiness and peace in his vocation.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I believe we have a duty to spend our resources responsibly. But we can't make the kind of cuts that hurt American workers, American seniors, and American middle-class families. As it currently stands, the administration's proposed budget would recklessly slash funds for Social Security, for Medicare, and for Medicaid. The cuts to Medicaid alone over 10 years are nearly $900 billion. They would seriously jeopardize rural hospitals, combating the opioid crisis, and seniors' access to long-term care. Mr. Speaker, did you know that six out of ten seniors in nursing homes depend on Medicaid? Last year, Democrats and Republicans in Congress came together to reach a 2-year budget deal that invests in the American people. We need to honor that deal over the coming months and reject this current reckless budget that we just saw come out of the White House.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Diane Alberigi, who will be named UNICAN of the Year for 2019. Diane will be honored at the annual UNICO Charity Ball, held on February 29, 2020, at Fiorelli's Manor in Peckville, Pennsylvania. Diane is the daughter of Francis Tougher and Grace Reidenbach. She grew up in the Hill Section neighborhood of Scranton along with her sister, Francie. After graduating from Technical High School, Diane was employed by the Chamberlain Insurance Agency for 35 years. Since 2007, Diane has worked at NEPA Center for Independent Living, where she earned a certification in payroll operations and oversees the disbursement of checks to employees in 10 states. Diane has lived in Clarks Summit since 1984. She is committed to her church and community, having served as a lector at both St. Peter's Cathedral and Our Lady of Snows. Diane volunteered for and chaired the Our Lady of Snows picnic for a decade. In between time, she also worked at the Glint of Gold Jewelry Store on South Washington Avenue in Scranton. Since joining UNICO in 2004 under the sponsorship of Chris DiMattio, Diane has been invaluable in the Scranton Chapter's activities. She served as treasurer of the Chapter's Ladies Auxiliary and co-chair of the cappuccino stand at La Festa Italiana, and she currently sits on the board of La Festa as well as the board of the Scranton Chapter. She was named a Northeast Woman by the Scranton Times-Tribune in June 2018. Diane is also passionate about helping rescue animals and has four dogs, including a blind, special-needs dog. She has seven nieces and nephews, one great niece, and one great nephew. It is an honor to recognize Diane as the Scranton Chapter of UNICO National's UNICAN of the Year for 2019. May she continue to honorably represent and serve the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania for many years to come.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Staff Sergeant Joseph Eugene Prokop, a native of Scranton, Pennsylvania, who bravely served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II and was tragically executed by the German Gestapo along with two of his fellow airmen. Staff Sergeant Prokop, son of John and Anna Prokop, enlisted in the army in 1939 at the age of seventeen. In 1945 near the end of World War II, while on his fiftieth mission in the air corps, the B-17 bomber he was manning took anti-aircraft fire over Frankfurt, Germany and crashed in the city of Hanau. Until recently, it was believed that Prokop and the rest of the plane's crew died in the crash. However, historians in Hanau recently discovered that Prokop and two of his fellow airmen--Technical Sergeant Charles Bernard Goldstein and Technical Sergeant Warren George Hammond--survived the attack but were subsequently captured by Hanau police and turned over to the Gestapo. Upon learning that one of the three men was Jewish, a Gestapo director ordered all three men to be executed. Following this discovery, the German Consulate sought to contact Staff Sergeant Prokop's surviving family to inform them of the true cause of his death and extend an offer to honor him in his hometown as well as in Hanau. On February 17, 2020--the seventy-fifth anniversary of the killings-- Staff Sergeant Prokop was honored with a remembrance service organized by the General Theodore J. Wint Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 25 at his gravesite at the Scranton Cathedral Cemetery. His sister, Ann Spearmint, was in attendance. That same day, the city of Hanau, Germany memorialized Prokop and his fellow airmen by erecting a plaque at the site of their execution. It is an honor to recognize Staff Sergeant Prokop, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation at a perilous time in our world's history. May his commitment to defending the United States and the democratic world order never be forgotten.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the PRO Act, the Protecting the Right to Organize Act. The right to organize in this country has become a fundamental right. It is one of the core pillars of the American middle class. Nowhere do we understand that better than in my home area of northeastern Pennsylvania, where we remember that, almost 100 years ago, anthracite coal miners went out on strike to protest unsafe working conditions, children in the mines, terrible wages, and bad conditions generally. They have made fair wages and safe workplaces. They wove them into the fabric of American law. This is all because they had the right to organize, and that is what we are here to do. Today, we strengthen and preserve the right to organize through the Protecting the Right to Organize Act. Let's vote ``yes'' on it.