Charles Dent

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlelady from Connecticut (Ms. Esty).

Mr. DENT. At this time, I would like to yield 1 minute to my colleague from New York (Mr. Higgins).

Mr. DENT. Mr. Chairman, our amendment, the Dent-Higgins-Esty amendment, ensures the continued supply of helium for end users while requiring the BLM, Bureau of Land Management, to honor existing contracts for the supply and delivery of this vital resource. Most importantly, the amendment protects American manufacturers who use helium from the uncertainty of a disrupted helium supply. It's absolutely essential. Some of my colleagues have repeatedly stated that helium has been given away by BLM at rock-bottom prices to ``a monopoly of refiners.'' Respectfully, the current price structure says otherwise. Since BLM began selling off helium under this program, during most years far less than all the helium available to be purchased was purchased. In fact, during some years, no helium was purchased at all. If the price were really so low, wouldn't all the available helium have been purchased? Instead, the BLM price set for the purchase of crude helium has been higher than the crude price for helium purchased elsewhere in the United States. Further, there is absolutely no bar to the taxpayer getting much more revenue from helium sales today. BLM can impose higher prices for helium right now. In fact, over the past 3 years, BLM has raised its prices by 30 percent. When the Congress in 1996 decided to privatize helium in the BLM reserve, a few companies stepped up and spent tens of millions of dollars to build a helium enrichment unit, which the BLM operates, a highly unusual public-private partnership. If there are only a few companies who refine helium out of the BLM reserve today, it is because they, and not their competitors, chose to make investments that have benefited our Nation's manufacturers and society generally. Our amendment does not seek to preserve a so-called ``monopoly'' over our Federal helium supply. Instead, our amendment seeks to uphold these existing contract and property rights while ensuring a continued supply of helium for domestic manufacturers. In fact, many welders, the Welders Association, Welders Distributors Association, strongly support this amendment because they are deeply concerned. I'm just going to quickly read what they said. They are deeply concerned about ``the effect of the remedies fashioned in H.R. 527 on the stability of the existing market for helium particularly as they affect the ability to meet contractual obligations for product supply.'' With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DENT. I seek to offer an amendment and address the House.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, to honor the people of the Borough of Alburtis, both past and present as they prepare to celebrate the Borough's Centennial. Mr. Speaker, the Borough of Alburtis is located in Lehigh County. It was formally incorporated on May 9, 1913 out of the neighboring town of Alburtis and the village of Lockridge. While it was incorporated in 1913, the Borough's history dates back into the 1850's. As with so many communities across the United States, development was sparked by the arrival of the railroads. These included the Philadelphia and Reading, the Catasauqua and Fogelsville and the East Pennsylvania railroads. In fact the Borough takes its name from Edward K. Alburtis, a civil engineer and Board Director of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad. The railroads were drawn by the presence of iron ore in the area. The village of Lockridge grew as a result of the presence of the Lockridge Iron Company operating an iron furnace, Lockridge Furnace, in the area. Housing and a church sprang up around the furnace. In a testament to the spirit, skill and entrepreneurial spirit of the people who lived in the area, other industries soon developed including a silk mill, shirt factories, and a shoe factory in the late 1800s. Alburtis had a population of 700 people in 1914; on the advent of its Centennial, 2,300 people now call the one square mile Alburtis Borough their home. Eventually, in 1921, Lockridge Furnace ceased operation. Lehigh County bought the property in 1970 and now the former industrial site serves the community as the picturesque Lockridge Park and Museum which opened its doors in 1976, the year of America's Bicentennial. The Furnace serves the people of Alburtis as a wonderful recreational site and a great draw for those interested in the history of Lehigh County. Indeed, the residents' commitment to their heritage is shown by their outstanding historical preservation efforts on display in Alburtis' downtown. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to represent the people of Alburtis in the Congress of the United States at the time of their Centennial celebration and, with the blessings of Divine Providence; it is my great hope that one hundred years from now another Representative of the United States Congress stands in this Chamber to offer their words of praise in support of the intrepid people of Alburtis on the occasion of its Bicentennial.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of Pennsylvania's most heroic sons, Adam Keys of the United States Army, 618th Engineer Combat Team. On July 14, 2010, while on patrol in his vehicle, a thousand pound IED went off, killing four of Adam's Brothers in Arms, including his best friend Jesse Reed. Adam and Jesse were close friends at White High School and joined the Army together. Close to death, miraculously Adam survived to begin his new battle. Adam lost his legs and an arm in this horrific attack. I have spent time with Adam and his mother, Julie Keys, on a number of occasions. Adam's bravery and Mrs. Keys' strength go unmatched. This poem, ``The Keys to Life,'' authored by Mr. Bert Caswell--a tireless and devoted advocate for our wounded warriors--is in honor of Adam's courageous sacrifice for our nation and the inspiration he offers to his family, friends, and those he meets along his journey today. The Keys To Life Along the road of life. . . There are some Keys to so realize. . . That which, we should all so live by! Up which rise so very high, up above all else which now so lies! Where, faith and honor. . . but so touch the sky! That which so determines, who we are as realized! When, who so lives and so dies! All in these the short moments of our lives. . . All in that most magnificent code, that which we should all so live by. . . A code of honor, that which so makes even the Angels cry! That all in our stead, so determines if we have so followed or led! And so left behind! When, to this world we say goodbye. . . For The Greatest Things of All, we find in hearts of courage full who come to call! Who so serve our country armed with words like, Strength In Honor, Faith and Courage. . . who all in the darkest nights will not so be discouraged. . . With words like Duty, Country, and God, which so ranks the highest of them all. . . As The Key To Life is so found, all in a heart of faith which now so astound! So very deep down, inside of one's soul that which comes to call. . . All in your most splendid life, as Adam we have so saw. . . Which brings such tears, to even the Angel's eyes which now fall. . . That gives one the strength to so courageously stand tall! While, all those darkest of all nights of all! As we so see Adam's fine heart so come to call! But, to wear that uniform. . . of The United States Army, and march off to war with hearts of courage warm. . . To so face of death, but For The Greater Good all in a Heroes quest! All in your most heroic sheen, To But Be The Best! And Adam, when in that moment of truth, as there you were so close to death! As your fine life hung by just a thread. . . As four of your Brothers In Arms, now beside you so heroically lie dead! And you so saw, what this war had done. . . and you so began to cry for your lost loved ones. . . As it was all in that moment of truth, as when you so gallantly denied death! As your fine heart so chose to fight, to rise up with not much left! As you so dug deep down inside, and so reached for the skies! But, to Live or Die? As somehow, you so found that faith and courage to so survive! As Pennsylvania's Pride, as you so wiped away all of those tears from your eyes! And you so began your new battle cry! As all out on your road to recovery, as you so passed them all so by! As somehow we must catch up to you, so try! For it's all within your great heart of faith, that you found the way. . . But where The Key's To Life So Lie! As you so unlocked all of that heartache and pain, and would not compromise! As your fine heart got up, and so began to rise! And for all of your fallen Brothers In Arms, you so carry with you now inside! As you so honor them all in this way, all in what your most courageous life now portrays! As you are Army Strong in every way! Hoo. . . ah. . . as you so rebuild your life day after day! For a heart can take us to places, to where dreams are so made this! Can so help us to win wars, and bring us back from the dead as the world we so amaze! Even without legs, and arms. . . can help us walk again and hold the world in our arms this day! For Adam they may take your strong arm and legs! But, they can not so touch Adam, what's within your fine heart of faith so armed! Because, Adam you are Army Strong! And your fine life is but a song, a song of character and faith to us which now belongs. . . With The Keys To Life to keep us strong! So we better start running, if we want to catch up to you! Because, some people are put upon this earth. . . To So Teach and So Beseech Us All In Their Great Worth! So surely Adam, as you have so shown us all what so truly comes first! And your fine Mother, who through thick and thin stood. . . Has so stood by you in the very worst! And helped you with your rebirth! For these are The Keys To Life, chapter and verse! And if ever I have a son, I wish he could be as courageous as this one! Who with his fine heart of gold, so shines like the morning sun, for all of us to so behold! Because Adam, all in what your fine life is about. . . Are also found the keys to Heaven no doubt! As you have so bravely shown us all, how to so live with and without! But, up in Heaven. . . you need not arms nor legs. . . And Adam my son, that's where you're going one fine day. . . Up with our Lord where you will run. . . For you have so shone us all, The Keys to Life, my son!

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Congress must reauthorize VAWA to prevent more innocent Americans from becoming victims and to provide critical services for those who do. Further delaying this crucial legislation does this Congress no credit and leaves State and local service providers facing uncertainty about their ability to continue protecting some of the most vulnerable members of our society. The Senate voted to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act with a strong bipartisan majority, and I would strongly encourage the House of Representatives to do the same, to support that underlying bill. Voting ``yes'' on the underlying bill will move the reauthorizing legislation to the President's desk immediately. It's the right thing to do, and it's about time we do it.

Mr. DENT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 47, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, which passed the Senate with a strong bipartisan majority. I do support that underlying bill. The programs funded under this landmark legislation have proven effective over the past two decades in achieving real and meaningful reductions in domestic violence. Victims' advocates in my district and around the country rely on funding made available through VAWA for training programs, rape prevention and education, battered women's shelters, support for runaways, and community programs directed at ending the cycle of domestic violence. In my home State, the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape currently operates 50 rape crisis centers that provide services to victims of sexual violence. These centers also utilize public awareness campaigns and prevention education to combat the root causes of sexual assault. Essential institutions such as these are counting on us in this body to ensure that VAWA funds remain available to support their often lifesaving work. I am proud to serve as a board member of the Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley. This private, nonprofit organization provides free, confidential assistance to victims of violent crime and their significant others to help them cope with the traumatic aftermath of victimization. Another outstanding institution in my district is Turning Point of Lehigh Valley, which maintains a 24-hour help line that serves as a constant resource for victims and their loved ones. Turning Point offers empowerment counseling, safe houses, court advocacy, prevention programs, and transitional assistance to ease former abuse victims into independent life. Our community depends on these organizations, and these organizations depend on VAWA. VAWA is also improving law enforcement's response to domestic violence. In 2007, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency conducted an evaluation of VAWA's Services Training for Officers and Prosecutors program, commonly called STOP grants. This program is designed to promote an enhanced approach to improve the criminal justice system's handling of violent crimes against women. The final report indicated that police with STOP training are more likely to work in concert with professional victims' advocates. Court personnel, including prosecutors and judges, are demonstrating a heightened level of sensitivity towards victims of abuse. Finally, the strategy of employing dedicated personnel to follow these crimes from beginning to end has resulted in improved arrest policies, investigations, prosecutions, hearings and follow-up. This study demonstrates the positive effect that STOP grants have had across the board in Pennsylvania's criminal justice system where domestic violence is concerned. VAWA has substantially improved our Nation's ability to combat violent crime and protect its victims, providing a strong safety net for women and children across the United States. According to the FBI, incidents of rape have dropped by nearly 20 percent from the law's enactment in 1994 through 2011. The rate of intimate partner violence has declined by 64 percent over that same period. However, much work remains to be done. The CDC estimates that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleague, Representative Jim Gerlach (PA-6), to honor the County of Lebanon, Pennsylvania which we jointly represent. The citizens of Lebanon County are celebrating the County's Bicentennial this month. The first German-speaking settlers came to the Lebanon Valley area in the early 1720's. Purchased from Native Americans by the Penn Family in 1732, the area that would become Lebanon County quickly drew the interest of both German and English immigrants seeking rich and inexpensive farmland. Those initial settlers would be proud to know 200 years later that the land they settled is still being used productively in agriculture. To this day, Lebanon County ranks in the top ten of most categories of crop and livestock production in Pennsylvania. By 1810, the Lebanon Valley area had more than 16,000 inhabitants and they were a civic-minded people. Shortly after the American Revolution the six townships that would become Lebanon County--Annville, Bethel, East Hanover, Londonderry, Heidelberg and Lebanon Townships--felt too removed from the distant seat of government in Harrisburg and sought greater control over their own local affairs. They began petitioning the General Assembly for recognition as a county. On February 16, 1813, Lebanon was granted county status by the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Two hundred years later, those men and women would be astounded to know that the 2010 census indicated that 133,568 people are living within the County's nearly 363 square miles. They would be proud to know that Lebanon Valley College, founded in 1866, has consistently provided quality liberal arts education to thousands of students. The people of the Lebanon Valley region were great patriots and supporters of the American Revolution. The area served as a supply depot for American forces during the War. During the Civil War, the people of Lebanon County raised the 93rd Regiment to support the Union's cause. They would be proud to know of the role that Ft. Indiantown Gap plays in the role of supporting the Pennsylvania National Guard and the United States Army. Mr. Speaker, Congressman Jim Gerlach and I are honored to represent Lebanon County in the House of Representatives. We congratulate the people of Lebanon County on their proud heritage and on their numerous contributions to the history and culture of not only the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, but of the United States as well. With the blessings of Providence, may it be that another Congressman from Pennsylvania stands in the Capitol one hundred years from today enjoying the privilege of honoring the people of Lebanon on their Tercentennial.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Christopher M. Thomforde, who has ably served as the 15th President of Moravian College and Moravian Theological Seminary in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, for the past seven years, and will be stepping down in July. When Dr. Thomforde announced his intention to retire, he expressed that Moravian College and Seminary needs a president with ``abounding energy, aspiration, and imagination.'' He has surely exemplified those values in his years of service to Moravian College, its students, faculty, the Bethlehem community and the greater Lehigh Valley. One of Dr. Thomforde's most steadfast pursuits during his tenure has been recruiting and supporting a diverse student body that reflects the surrounding community and honors the College's founding principles and mission. The Moravian tradition is exemplified by the words of the Unity of Brethren Bishop John Amos Comenius, the ``father of modern education,'' who wrote in 1632 that ``not the children of the rich or of the powerful only, but of all alike, boys and girls, both noble and ignoble, rich and poor, in all cities and towns, villages and hamlets, should be sent to school.'' Dr. Thomforde has continued to challenge Moravian College to live by those values even during difficult economic times. During his presidency, Dr. Thomforde has overseen the renovation of the Collier Hall of Science, the construction of the 231-bed Hurd Integrated Living and Learning Community between East Church and Lehigh streets, the construction of a state of the art Fitness Center and the renovation of the Haupert Union Building on the main campus. His vision has been instrumental in establishing Advancing Into Moravian, a three- week summer program that helps incoming freshmen transition from high school to college life, and IN FOCUS, a year-long program to promote in-depth examination of complex issues, such as poverty, sustainability, health care, and war & peace, from multidisciplinary perspectives. Dr. Thomforde came to Moravian after a distinguished career which included: serving as the president of St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota for five years; president of Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas; chaplain and teaching in the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Susquehanna University; pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Dansville; assistant chaplain and instructor in philosophy and religion at Colgate University; and teaching Western languages and medieval European history at Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan. Dr. Thomforde earned a B.A. in medieval and Russian history from Princeton University in 1969. He received a Master of Divinity degree from Yale University Divinity School in 1974, with concentrations in biblical studies, church history, and philosophy. Dr. Thomforde was awarded a D. Min. from Princeton Theological Seminary in 2000, and Susquehanna University awarded him an honorary D.D. in 2001. I wish Chris and his wife, Kathy, the best as they pursue the next chapter of their life, and I thank them for their service to Moravian College, the Moravian community as a whole, and the Lehigh Valley.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. My congressional district abuts the State of New Jersey. Hundreds of thousands of people in my congressional district were without power for some time. We were very much impacted, but what I noticed most during this terrible hurricane were all the New Jersey and New York license plates in my congressional district. We were sheltering many of the evacuees who were looking for friends and family and who were just looking to go to a place where they could be comfortable. I think it would be very wise for leadership to reconsider the decision to adjourn the House before dealing with this legislation. Frankly, I'm not yet convinced that this legislation has adequately addressed some of the concerns we have in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, but I'm willing to work with everybody to make it right. In having witnessed what happened to our friends in New Jersey and New York, I think it's imperative that we stay here and address this issue. Obviously, all of us have places we'd like to be right now, perhaps, rather than right here, but it's important. Our friends are struggling and suffering, and I think we need to get the work done.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I am here today to rise in support of H.R. 6223, a bill I introduced earlier this year as well as in the 111th Congress. I would especially like to thank Chairman Lamar Smith for his service as chairman of this committee for the past 2 years. He has been a great leader, and I will miss him as chairman. I just wanted to thank him for his help with this legislation, as well as his staff, Dimple Shah and others, Kristin Dini from my own office. I wanted to thank them all for their support and help with this measure. They have taken a lot of time to understand the difficulty the current policy poses to highly skilled and committed men and women serving in some of the most volatile regions of the world. As the chairman briefly described, H.R. 6223 would amend current law to allow legal permanent residents working for the chief of mission in an interpreter, translator, or in an executive or managerial security- related position overseas to count their time of service toward the continuous residence and physical presence requirement for naturalization as a United States citizen. While this change is seemingly minor in the grand scheme of immigration policy, it is one that should be addressed by Congress--if for no other reason than to recognize the critical contribution these men and women are making for our country in the war against terrorism in unstable regions across the globe. Quite candidly and truthfully, I didn't give much thought to this issue until a few years ago when I was made aware of the selfless and highly skilled service being provided by a constituent and legal permanent resident from Pennsylvania, George Bou Jaoudeh, who happens to be a Lebanese national working with the State Department security overseas in Iraq since 2005. Mr. Bou Jaoudeh spends 4 months in Iraq and then 20 days in the United States. As a green card holder with a desire to naturalize as a U.S. citizen, he has been unable to meet continuous residency and physical presence requirements because of his time working abroad in support of our country in a very dangerous place, I think we would all agree. Consequently, even though he works inside the American embassy in Baghdad, George Bou Jaoudeh has not met his 1-year continuous residency requirement, which is absurd because he is serving our Nation on American territory in the embassy. It's a shame that we have to use legislation to address this, but that's the situation we find ourselves in. In September, the world watched as a violent raid on our embassy in Benghazi, Libya, took the life of Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other brave Americans, two of whom have served as diplomatic security officers. Committed to serving our Nation, these men gave their lives to provide security for American diplomats in an unstable country, struggling in the midst of historic change. There is a real enemy working to, at the very least, threaten American ideals and our way of life. Let's ensure the policies shaping our immigration laws do not create a greater hindrance to us in this fight. With this bill under consideration today, we have the opportunity to recognize the legal permanent residents who have proven their commitment to our Nation's ideals and missions, should they be working with the State Department as executive-level security personnel, interpreter, or translator, regarding their continuous residence and physical presence requirements. I ask the House to support this commonsense, reasonable legislation to make sure that we recognize individuals who are serving our country, legal residents who are serving in very dangerous places, serving in our State Department, that they be given the recognition they deserve and a proper pathway to citizenship.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the centennial of the incorporation of the Borough of Roseto, Pennsylvania, and to recognize the many contributions its residents have made to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States. Roseto, nestled in the rolling hills of Northampton County, was founded by Italian immigrants, who came to America in the late 19th Century to work in Pennsylvania's busy slate quarries. In 1887, Nicola Rosato, Lorenzo Falcone, Giovanni Policelli, and Angelo Tedesco purchased tracts of land and built a thriving community, originally known simply as ``Little Italy.'' In just ten years, the little town had grown large enough to earn its own post office. Residents named their fledging community Roseto, after the Italian village of Roseto Valfortore, which many of the borough's founders had called home before immigrating to the United States. Today, Roseto maintains a strong sister city relationship with its Italian namesake. On 2 January 1912, Roseto was formally incorporated at the Roseto Borough Hall and became America's first 100% Italian borough. By the early 20th Century, civic organizations, such as the Sons of Italy, the Order of Red Men, and the Roseto Macaroni Club flourished, as citizens sought to maintain their Italian identity while promoting their patriotism as Americans. Around the time of World War II, the gradual recession of the local slate industry led to fewer jobs for the quarrymen who called the borough home. However, around this time, sewing factories were simultaneously growing in large numbers in the area and began providing work for both young men and women. In 1913, the Columbus Public School was built to provide education for the borough's children in grades 1 through 8, after which, students would continue their studies as a different kind of Slater at nearby Bangor High School. Columbus School served Roseto's children until 1978, when the school district moved classes to a newer facility. Briefly abandoned, the historic building was reopened just two years later and continues to house Faith Christian School. Today, Roseto is a much more diverse borough than it was at the time of its founding, but the traditional Italian values of family and community remain strong in all residents. Family businesses and busy old churches still line the streets of Roseto, just as they did over one hundred years ago. The health effects of this lifestyle have not gone unnoticed and were documented in a medical study called ``The Roseto Effect,'' an experiment which sought to determine why mortality rates in the borough were so much lower than other communities. The research concluded that the simple community lifestyle embraced by Roseto's inhabitants is the key to their remarkable longevity. The sense of togetherness and family that exists throughout the town does more than just make life more enjoyable, it actually promotes better health! This year, Roseto celebrated its centennial, or ``cent'anni'' in Italian, with a weekend full of live music, delicious food, entertainment and even a parade. The borough also welcomed a visiting delegation from Italy's Roseto Valfortore, including the sister city's mayor. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise to honor the 100th anniversary of Roseto's incorporation. I would ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing its residents a very festive cent'anni!

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the bicentennial of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. Lehigh County was established on 6 March 1812, with my hometown of Allentown as its county seat. 1812 was a turbulent time for our nation, which was on the brink of war, but the young county persevered through its initial difficulties. The industrial revolution of the early 19th Century gave rise to the growth of the American railroad industry, creating a massive demand for iron to lay tracks that would eventual span the nation. Lehigh County answered the call and quickly established itself as a national manufacturing powerhouse. In addition to manufacturing, the county also flourished as an agricultural center, with crops and livestock supported by cool waters of the Lehigh River and its many tributaries. Farming has been a staple of the region's economy since its settling, and today remains an important way of life for many Lehigh County families. Lehigh County is home to several prominent colleges and universities that provide quality education to thousands of students each year. These include Cedar Crest College, DeSales University, Lehigh Carbon Community College, Muhlenberg College and Penn State Lehigh Valley. The county's unique location between the major markets of Philadelphia and New York has also made it an ideal location for commuters looking for a better quality of life. Much to the delight of its residents--new and old--Lehigh County boasts an abundance of cultural, recreational, and entertainment attractions that keep it bustling with activity. The county is home to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, a popular amusement park known nationally for its famous 1923 wooden roller coaster Thunderhawk. The Lehigh Valley Zoo, located within the scenic 1,100-acre Trexler Nature Preserve, is home to more than 275 animals representing 70 species, as well as one of the most impressive herds of American Bison in the eastern United States. Many residents fondly remember the thrill of fording the Jordan Creek after visiting the zoo as children. Lehigh County is also home to beautiful Coca-Cola Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies' AAA affiliate, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Residents of the county and neighboring communities are already getting excited for the start of the 2014-15 AHL season, when the Philadelphia Flyers' affiliate, the Phantoms, will begin playing hockey in downtown Allentown. It is, indeed, an exciting time to be living in Lehigh County. Known for its many traditional festivals that highlight the area's rich history, appreciation for the arts and love for the outdoors, including Das Awkscht Fescht, the Great Allentown Fair, Mayfair and SportsFest, countless Americans visit Lehigh County each year. Music is also an important component of Lehigh County's cultural identity, and while newcomers may wonder what sounds a boomba makes, thousands of visitors flock to Allentown's J. Birney Crum stadium each summer to hear the familiar tunes played by dozens of drum and bugle corps during their annual stop to the Lehigh Valley. In recognition of its 200th anniversary, the Lehigh County Bicentennial Committee organized four months of activities celebrating the county's people, history, and culture. The festivities included the launch of the Lehigh County Hall of Fame to recognize residents who have achieved greatness in entertainment, sports, business, and other areas. The 24 inductees of the inaugural class included NFL Hall of Famer Chuck Bednarik of Upper Saucon Township, four-time Super Bowl champion Matt Millen of Whitehall Township, actress Amanda Seyfried of Allentown, actress Christine Taylor of Lower Macungie, famed Chrysler CEO Lee Iacocca of Allentown, Brigadier General Anna Mae Hays, the first female general in the U.S. military and an Allentown native, and Golf Channel analyst Rich Lerner of South Whitehall. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the county that my family and I call home on the occasion of its bicentennial. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring Lehigh County's 200th anniversary.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 250th anniversary of the founding of my hometown, Allentown, Pennsylvania, and to pay tribute to the many contributions its residents have made to the cultural fabric of Pennsylvania and our nation. The area that is now Allentown was originally settled as Northamptontown in 1762 by William Allen. Allen was a wealthy shipping merchant and prominent Pennsylvanian. He was Chief Justice of Colonial Pennsylvania's Supreme Court and had previously served as mayor of Philadelphia. Given its location along the Lehigh River and proximity to Philadelphia, Allen believed land he acquired north of the City of Brotherly Love would make an ideal center of commerce. Soon, a small village of roughly a dozen wooden cabins was established and immediately began growing into a busy town. The town's first taste of national acclaim came during the American Revolution, when numerous large bells from nearby Philadelphia, including the Liberty Bell, were hidden in Zion's United Church of Christ to prevent them from being melted into cannons by British soldiers. Without the brave efforts of Allentown's patriotic residents, one of our nation's most famous and inspiring icons may have been lost forever. While the town was formally incorporated as the borough of Northamptontown in 1811, most resident's referred to the bustling village as ``Allen's town'', a term initially used by founding father John Adams in a diary entry. The following year, Lehigh County was founded and Northamptontown was chosen as the county seat. After years of popular usage, the nickname ``Allen's town'', was adapted into the town's official name, ``Allentown,'' in 1838. For the first several decades of its existence, Allentown remained a small Pennsylvania German (Dutch) village, populated mostly by farmers and tradesmen. However, the industrial revolution of the early 19th Century dramatically transformed the economy of the entire eastern Pennsylvania region. Allentown's powerful iron industry fed the rapid growth of the nation's railroads in the mid-1800s. As more metal was required to lay tracks across the expanding nation, Allentown prospered. The growth of the Lehigh Valley Railroad and the Lehigh Canal allowed vast quantities of raw materials and finished goods to move through Allentown to markets far and wide. Through industrialization, the city finally achieved William Allen's dream of becoming a major commercial center. After the financial crises of the late 1800s, the turn of the century gave rise to Allentown as a preeminent producer of silks and other beautiful textiles. The arrival of iconic Mack Trucks in 1905 also reinvigorated the city as a manufacturing center. In 1928, the completion of the PPL tower, the area's first skyscraper, displayed Allentown's industrial might to anyone traveling in the Lehigh Valley. The tower's signature gold and red lit peak still illuminates the Allentown sky at night, illustrating the city's rich industrial history and bright economic future. Today, Allentown supports a diverse array of industries in manufacturing and services. It is home to superb institutions of higher learning, including Cedar Crest College, Muhlenberg College, and a satellite campus of Lehigh Carbon Community College, that prepare thousands of students each year for careers in the modern economy. In addition to industry and education, Allentown provides the region with outstanding recreational opportunities. Throughout the year, local residents enjoy the city's beautiful and expansive park system. From cross-country skiing through Lehigh Parkway in the winter months to riding a bicycle on the challenging loop at Trexler Park under the summer sun, Allentown's renowned parks offer a little something for everyone. And for those more interested in watching than participating, Allentown is a great location for sports fans. The city is home to the wildly popular Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the AAA affiliate of the nearby Philadelphia Phillies. Furthermore, upon the completion of a new arena downtown, the Philadelphia Flyers' minor league hockey team, the Phantoms, will also call Allentown home. While Allentown is certainly the quintessential American city, it is also distinctively unique. Residents of the city's western neighborhoods understand better than anyone in the country how truly powerful a tiny Canary can be, and anyone living in the East Side knows where to find the best clams in Pennsylvania. And like the greatest cities in our nation, Allentown is comprised of residents from many unique cultures across the globe. In addition to descendants of the region's original German settlers, the city today features a diverse population of European, Hispanic, Caribbean, African, Asian and Middle Eastern origins. Embracing and celebrating their differences helps bring the people of Allentown together, but it is their shared love for this extraordinary city that truly unifies neighbors. This year, Allentown is marking its quarter-millennial anniversary with a calendar full of activities celebrating arts, culture, history, and community. Celebration Weekend, which will be held from September 27th to the 29th, will include a community festival highlighting the diversity of the city, an ecumenical prayer service, a ``red carpet restaurant night,'' and a parade organized around the theme ``City Without Limits: Points of Pride.'' The year's activities will draw to a close with a spectacular New Year's Eve Finale. Mr. Speaker, it is with great enthusiasm and pride that I honor the city in which I was privileged to be born and raised, and where I have been blessed to raise a family of my own. I would ask all my colleagues to join me in congratulating the City of Allentown on the 250th anniversary of its founding.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work of Devereux, a nonprofit behavioral health organization based in Pennsylvania, and congratulate the organization on its upcoming 100-year anniversary. Devereux operates a comprehensive national network of clinical, therapeutic, educational and employment programs and services. Devereux also works on research based prevention initiatives that help to empower children and adolescents. Founded in 1912 Devereux has grown over the last hundred years from helping twelve students to tens of thousands, including students in the 15th District of Pennsylvania in Allentown, PA. The Allentown School District partnered with Devereux in 2011 to implement the Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies program (PATHS). The program teaches self-control, emotional understanding, self-esteem, relationships, and interpersonal problem solving. PATHS is designed to promote students' social and emotional health which is crucial for academic success. Programs like these can markedly increase academic achievement, address conduct problems, and decrease emotional distress in children. Devereux has provided reports to assist teachers and schools with implementation of the program, collected data, and worked to overcome any challenges the schools face. Devereux's mission is to change lives and nurture human potential. By continually investing in the community, they have helped to improve outcomes in student's lives and academics. These types of changes can already be seen in Allentown classrooms. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating Devereux on 100 years of service to countless children, adolescents, adults and their families, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and to the Nation.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. I want to thank the gentleman from Alabama and the gentlelady from California for their leadership of the committee. As a member of the Committee on Ethics and as the chairman of the investigative subcommittee, or ISC, in this matter, I do rise in support of the resolution, which calls for the adoption of this committee's report and will serve as a reprimand of Representative Laura Richardson for her conduct and will impose upon her a $10,000 fine. I do not relish speaking under these circumstances. This is, indeed, a solemn moment--when the House must consider punishing one of its own Members. As the chairman stated, over the last 9 months, as members of the investigative subcommittee, my colleagues Mr. Yarmuth from Kentucky, Mr. Bishop of Utah, Mr. Lujan of New Mexico, and I conducted an extensive investigation into the allegations regarding Representative Laura Richardson. The subcommittee met on over 20 occasions. In total, the ISC and staff conducted 12 interviews during this phase of the inquiry and reviewed the transcripts of the 17 interviews conducted during the committee's earlier phase of its inquiry. The subcommittee also reviewed thousands of pages of documents. I appreciate the hard work of each of the subcommittee members, especially of the ranking member, Mr. Yarmuth of Kentucky. He is a pleasure to work with. I would also like to thank the nonpartisan professional staff of the Ethics Committee who conducted the investigation with dignity and professionalism at all times--Deborah Mayer, Cliff Stoddard, Sheria Clarke, Chris Tate, and Brittany Bohren. At the conclusion of a thorough investigation, the subcommittee unanimously concluded that there was substantial reason to believe that Representative Richardson had violated the Code of Official Conduct and other laws, rules, or standards of conduct. The chairman outlined the seven counts in the Statement of Alleged Violation, which was unanimously adopted by the investigative subcommittee. Here is a summary of the findings of the report and why the committee recommends that Representative Richardson be reprimanded by the House for her conduct. As discussed fully in the investigative subcommittee report, fundamentally, Representative Richardson failed to acknowledge the boundaries between the official and political realms. On page 59 of the ISC report, it reads in part: This case is about boundaries. The House entrusts Members with a great deal of discretion over a large amount of taxpayer resources . . . This constructive trust requires Members to delineate between the official, the political, and the personal in ways that are at times quite tidy and at others tangled . . . Representative Richardson did not acknowledge these boundaries. She acted to consume the resources endowed to her as a Member for whatever purpose suited her whims at the moment, be they official acts, her reelection, or her personal needs . . . The ISC discovered significant evidence suggesting that her wrongdoing continued even after learning that the committee was investigating her. If the committee fails to exact a steep price for such conduct, the message is one of a set of rules with a toothless enforcement mechanism. Representative Richardson's misconduct included that, first, she improperly compelled or coerced members of her staff to do campaign work. Representative Richardson required the staff of her district office in Long Beach, California, to perform campaign work each weeknight from approximately 6:30 p.m. through 9 p.m. during at least the 2 months prior to the 2010 primary and general elections. This practice alone accounted for hundreds of hours of conscripted campaign work by public servants who did not wish to perform it and may not be forced to do so. She also required her district staff to perform additional campaign work on the weekends. Representative Richardson applied the same philosophy to her Capitol Hill staff. This demonstrates a blatant disregard for the boundaries between official events and campaign events. Second, Representative Richardson used official resources of the House for campaign and nonofficial purposes. While the report has a detailed exposition of many of the resources used by Representative Richardson, some of the more significant improper uses of resources included the use of staff time during the official work day to conduct campaign activities, repeated use of the House email system to conduct campaign business, use of the MRA to lease a car, which she parked at her house and used as her only mode of transportation in the district, regardless as to whether her destination was official, campaign, or personal in nature. Third, Representative Richardson paid her deputy district director as a full-time House employee, but for months before the 2010 elections she directed this employee to conduct campaign work for a significant portion of each day. Additionally, in 2011, nearly a year after Representative Richardson received notice of the committee's investigation into misuse of House resources, Representative Richardson hired a new district director, who, with Representative Richardson's knowledge and approval, spent much of his time performing campaign work. Taken together, a theme emerges. Representative Richardson used her staff as she saw fit. The evidence does not demonstrate isolated incidents of compelled campaign work. If that were, in fact, the case, we would not likely be here today. It demonstrates a constant effort by Representative Richardson to direct and pressure her official employees to perform as much campaign work as possible, regardless of whether or not they wanted to volunteer. The environment Representative Richardson cultivated in her office was so poor that one of her employees, a detailee from the Wounded Warrior's program, wrote in her letter of resignation: As a service-connected disabled veteran, it is sad to say that I would rather be at war in Afghanistan than work under people that are morally corrupt. Just as concerning as the substantive violations, if not more so, was the significant evidence that Representative Richardson obstructed and attempted to obstruct the investigation. To fulfill our constitutional duty, the House must take action against any Member who improperly attempts to frustrate a committee investigation. The investigative subcommittee concluded that Representative Richardson obstructed and attempted to obstruct the investigation into these allegations. Specifically, Representative Richardson directed her staff to testify that their campaign work had been voluntary, even in cases where staff had not volunteered. She also attempted to obstruct the committee's investigation by altering or destroying evidence. Finally, Representative Richardson obstructed the investigation by failing to provide materials responsive to a subpoena issued by the investigative subcommittee. The investigative subcommittee served Representative Richardson with that subpoena only after months had passed with Representative Richardson ignoring numerous requests from the ISC that she provide responsive documents. Even then, the investigative subcommittee discovered documents that Representative Richardson had in her possession, custody, or control and, nevertheless, failed to produce. Based on these conclusions, the investigative subcommittee found that Representative Richardson committed seven different violations of the Code of Official Conduct or other laws, rules, or standards of conduct. Throughout this process, Representative Richardson has been afforded every opportunity to defend herself. Ultimately, she initiated a negotiated resolution and admitted to the seven counts in the Statement of Alleged Violation. She received a copy of the investigative subcommittee report 5 days prior to its adoption and was given an opportunity to provide her views to be considered by the committee. Through her misconduct, Representative Laura Richardson has violated the public trust. While no Member wants to sit in judgment of a colleague, it is our duty to protect the integrity of the House. Accordingly, on behalf of the committee, Mr. Speaker, I recommend that the House adopt the committee's unanimous report and that the report serve as a reprimand of Representative Laura Richardson for her misconduct.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I am thrilled to draw attention to a landmark decision by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week approving the OraQuick In-Home HIV test and commend OraSure Technologies for this profound advancement in HIV/AIDS diagnostics. This test is the first rapid over-the-counter HIV test approved in the United States. The OraQuick In-Home HIV test detects the presence of HIV antibodies roughly 20 minutes after a simple oral swab. It is also the first rapid diagnostic test for any infectious disease that has been approved by the FDA for sale over-the-counter. The FDA's decision is a significant moment in the history of our fight against HIV/AIDS. Since the beginning of the epidemic, getting individuals tested has been a critical component of HIV prevention and linkage to care. HIV testing enables individuals to know their status and protect their health as well as the health of others. Yet, over 1 million Americans are unaware of their infection. Those who do not know they have HIV are disproportionately responsible for the nearly 50,000 new infections that occur each year. The availability of an over-the- counter test will lead to greater testing, increased diagnoses, reduced transmissions, earlier treatment and saved lives. OraSure Technologies, located in the heart of the Lehigh Valley in the 15th Congressional District of Pennsylvania, has been at the forefront of rapid diagnostics for over a decade. This most recent accomplishment comes on the heels of the company receiving approval for our nation's first rapid test for Hepatitis C. Headquartered in Bethlehem, PA, OraSure's innovation has led to an economic resurgence on a brownfield site where Bethlehem Steel once stood proud. Again, it is an honor to commend OraSure for leading the way in transforming diagnostic testing through innovative new technologies and playing a key role in what will hopefully be a transformation in the fight against HIV/AIDS. I want to extend my congratulations to the company and all of its employees for earning approval of the first over-the-counter in-home HIV test. This achievement will have a dramatic impact on the number of individuals who will learn their HIV status and most importantly, save countless lives.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 125th Anniversary of the chartering of the borough of Souderton, Pennsylvania and to pay tribute to the many contributions its inhabitants have made to the cultural fabric of eastern Pennsylvania. Charted in 1887, Souderton's rich history actually began when the first inhabitants, the Lenni-Lenape or the Delaware Indians settled the area. They were some of the first native peoples to come in contact with Europeans in the early 1600's. The land that today comprises Souderton was originally purchased by William Penn from the Lenape. The first wave of European settlers were Welsh immigrants who gave Souderton the name of Welshtown. They were followed by German Mennonites in the early 1700's and by 1750 they would occupy most of the land. Some claim Souderton got its name from one of its early settlers, Henry O. Souder, but in fact the North Penn railroad company gave the location its name in 1863 to differentiate between the borough and the village of Soudersburg in Lancaster County. While established as primarily an agricultural community, the railroad's arrival in 1857 encouraged rapid growth in the community. Textile and cigar factories brought prosperity and new populations to the borough. The borough's initial bank, Univest Corp. of Pennsylvania, was established in 1876 and remains an active and vital part of the community today. When it was charted as a borough in 1877, Souderton had a population of 600 people. In 1879, the first church in the community, the Souderton Mennonite Meetinghouse, opened on Christmas Day, and the first school in Souderton opened its doors that following year. The population had tripled by 1910. Citizens were able to access the nearby bustling city of Philadelphia via railroad on the North Penn lines, while the nearby community of Perkasie was connected by the Liberty Bell Trolley service. The first automobile arrived in town on May 1st, 1903, and residents soon began enjoying pleasant rides down Main Street, formerly known as Possum Lane. The borough's population doubled again by 1940. Following World War II, the demand for expensive labor in the textile industry declined but the community remained vibrant. Today, Souderton is mostly a quiet, family-oriented residential community. To commemorate their 125th Anniversary, Souderton borough is hosting a year-long celebration that has included a community clean up day, a parade and fireworks show, historical trolley tours, and a memorial picnic. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing the 125th Anniversary of the Borough of Souderton, Pennsylvania.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act and particularly the provisions related to synthetic drugs. I introduced H.R. 1254, the Synthetic Drug Control Act, after the issue of synthetic or designer drugs was first brought to my attention by a constituent whose son had been abusing legal substitutes for marijuana. H.R. 1254 passed the House by a strong, bipartisan vote of 317 to 98 this past December. After months of hard work, I am glad to see that similar language has been included in the House Amendment to the Senate-passed FDA reform bill. I would like to thank Chairmen Upton and Smith for their diligent efforts in advancing this legislation. This legislation will finally add a long list of dangerous drugs to Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. It covers synthetic cannabinoids, which affect the brain in a manner similar to marijuana but can actually be even more harmful, as well as many of the chemicals used in so-called ``bath salts,'' which have properties similar to cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD, and other hard street drugs. It will also double the amount of time that DEA may temporarily ban a new substance while working to prove that the drug in question should be banned permanently. As we speak, the proliferators of these deadly chemicals are working on new formulas to circumvent Federal law. This additional time will enhance DEA's ability to combat new and emerging substances. This legislation is especially timely given the recent reports of inhuman and psychotic acts committed by individuals high on bath salts. Last month, we all heard the horrifying story of a Miami man who stripped naked, assaulted another individual, and chewed his face off before being shot dead by the police. Last year, a man in my district was arrested after injecting himself with bath salts and firing a gun out of his window in a university neighborhood. He later attributed his actions to a drug-induced state of paranoia. Poison control centers nationwide have reported exponential increases in calls related to synthetic drugs, and far too many deaths have resulted both from overdoses and the Psychotic behavior that the drugs induce. For the inclusion of this important public safety language and for the many ways this legislation will spur economic growth and medical innovation, I urge all of my colleagues to vote in favor of the underlying bill.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. I just heard the previous speaker say that the Affordable Care Act is going to provide so much opportunity for medical device manufacturers that they will simply be able to eat this device tax. Well, that's not the case in my district, and there are three principal reasons why we must repeal this device tax: One, it increases health care costs for consumers on everything from wheelchairs, to bedpans, to prosthetics, to tongue depressors. Two, this is going to kill jobs. More than 400,000 jobs in the U.S. and 22,000 in Pennsylvania are directly employed by the medical device industry. This tax will put up to 43,000 American jobs at risk. Three, this is going to stifle innovation by reducing investment in R&D, which leads to medical breakthroughs. By the way, this is a familiar health care law trifecta: higher costs, lost jobs, lost innovation.

Mr. DENT. This tax is going to have a profound impact in my congressional district on companies like Aesculap, Boas Surgical, BioMed, B. Braun, Olympus, OraSure, and Precision Medical Instruments. If you don't believe me, Chris Field of Boas Surgical in Allentown, a small business that manufactures custom orthotics and prosthetics, explained that the tax may ultimately force the employer out of business: The medical device tax would simply destroy what is left of our company. After giving it our all, we would simply have to turn out the lights, lock the doors and send 45 employees to the unemployment lines; and our patients, including many of our soldiers returning from combat, would no longer be able to receive medical devices, such as their prostheses, from a company which has faithfully served the Lehigh Valley for over 90 years.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Department of Homeland Security Act of 2013, and I want to thank Chairman Aderholt and Ranking Member Price for their leadership of this subcommittee. H.R. 5855 is a fiscally responsible measure, and it totals $39 billion in discretionary funding for DHS, a decrease of about $484 million below current levels. The bill takes a scalpel to Agencies, ensuring adequate funding is available to meet program objectives while weeding out unnecessary spending. I want to take a moment to highlight a few of the critical aspects of this bill. First, our first responders, we provide $2.8 billion for FEMA first responder grants. Additionally, the Assistance to Firefighter Grants and Emergency Management Performance Grants will receive $670 million, equal to the President's request. Furthermore, I am pleased to note an amendment offered by Mr. Price, Mrs. Lowey, Mr. Latham and me during the full committee markup to foster further flexibility for local departments in utilizing fire grant funds that were adopted in this measure. As for border protection, the bill contains $10.2 billion for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, supporting the largest totals of CBP border agents and officers in history. Similarly, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement received $5.5 billion in supporting initiatives like the Visa Security Program, as well as 34,000 ICE detention bed spaces, our highest capacity to date. These are just a few provisions in the bill I wanted to touch on this afternoon. H.R. 5855 has been crafted as a smart and fiscally responsible funding bill from the Department of Homeland Security. I encourage my colleagues to support passage. Also, I just want to commend the leadership of Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Dicks for their leadership on this measure as well.

Mr. DENT

Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to advise my colleagues of an important decision issued earlier this week by the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Blood Products Advisory Committee (BPAC) that will revolutionize HIV testing and the fight against AIDS. The 17- member advisory panel unanimously recommended approval of the first over-the-counter HIV test. The OraQuick In-Home HIV test detects the presence of HIV antibodies in roughly 20 minutes after a simple oral swab. OraSure Technologies, a company in my congressional district, has been at the forefront of HIV/AIDS diagnostics for over a decade. If the FDA follows the recommendation of the advisory panel and approves OraSure's In-Home HIV test, it will be the first oral fluid rapid test made commercially available over-the-counter. BPAC's decision represents a significant milestone in the nation's fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Disease status awareness enables individuals to protect their health and the health of others. Over-the- counter testing will provide an option for individuals to get tested in the privacy of their own home and importantly, is expected to reach traditionally underserved communities. According to an FDA analysis, the OraQuick test is predicted to lead to 45,000 new positive HIV/AIDS diagnoses and avert more than 4,000 HIV transmissions within the first year of deployment. Nearly 50,000 Americans become infected with HIV each year and some 240,000 are unaware of their status. The availability of an over-the- counter test will lead to greater testing, increased diagnoses, reduced transmissions, earlier treatment and saved lives. It is my honor to commend OraSure in leading the way in transforming diagnostic testing through innovative new technologies, and I am proud of the company's dedication and accomplishments in making HIV/AIDS testing more accessible.