Michael Fitzpatrick

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, Soroptimist International of Bucks County is celebrating its 75th anniversary and we gratefully acknowledge this milestone, and the mission of this international service organization working on behalf of women and girls. Soroptimist clubs are noted for addressing the needs of women and girls in the communities they serve in the United States and around the world. In Bucks County, Soroptimist volunteers readily address the local need with thousands of service hours and dollars. Your clubs are carrying on the mission in 19 countries and territories worldwide, as well. Soroptimist organizations are to be congratulated for contributing to the betterment of the community and to the women and girls who benefited by your generosity through educational grants. We know that in 2010-2011 your organization distributed $1.5 million in educational grants to 1,221 women. As we acknowledge your work in Bucks County we also extend our gratitude to the founders and current members who surely will continue this service into the future.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, Alzheimer's disease has risen to a global crisis, as approximately 36 million people are living with dementia worldwide and someone new develops dementia every four seconds. September 21 is Alzheimer's Awareness Day, a day to renew our commitment to change the course of this debilitating disease. Alzheimer's has afflicted millions of Americans, with millions more expected to be affected in the future. While awareness of the disease has increased because of campaigns such as World Alzheimer's Month and Awareness Day, there is more to be done to increase public awareness, as well as providing more funding for research and public education. This disease also impacts families, with more than 15 million Americans providing unpaid care for a person with Alzheimer's or other dementia. And 17.4 billion hours of care are valued at more than $200 billion. And so we acknowledge the need for a commitment to this disease as we recognize September 21, 2013 as Alzheimer's Awareness Day.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to relay disturbing, but not surprising, news about the President's health care law, news that is coming back from my district in Pennsylvania. Countless neighbors of mine employed by Sesame Place--which is a division of SeaWorld Entertainment--have been told that their hours will be cut back, presumably to comply with the crushing costs and regulations associated with the so-called Affordable Care Act. Adding insult to injury, they're being told that their health care is being terminated. Simply put, Mr. Speaker, President Obama made promises to the American people; and right now, those promises are not being kept. People were told that if they liked their plan that they could keep it. We were told that the health care law would not raise taxes, only to later see that 20 taxes are being used to fund this law. These promises have been broken, and my neighbors are seeing it. And they are seeing it up close, and they are seeing it personally. This law is hurting real people in my district and around the country. And it must be repealed, and it must be replaced.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, warmest wishes to Julia B. Longmore on your 100th birthday. May this day bring you as much happiness and love as you have brought to your family: your husband, Alfred, and sons, Alfred and Joseph, your nine grandchildren, seventeen great- grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. We know your life's journey began on September 17, 1913 in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, later leading to long and happy family life in Philadelphia. You and your husband provided a loving home for your children, who will long remember your gift of love and your gentle spirit. May this special birthday celebration reflect the joy you have given them.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, September is National Preparedness Month, a time when Americans are reminded of the importance of being prepared for disasters and emergencies. After Hurricanes Irene and Sandy, the damaging flooding of the Delaware, and devastating fires that damaged residential and commercial properties, my constituents are no strangers to disasters. Events like these have shown us that being ready for an emergency is essential; there is no substitute for preparedness. This year's National Preparedness Month campaign focuses on the theme: You Can Be the Hero. In coordination with FEMA and the American Red Cross, I urge all citizens to take concrete action toward preparing for emergencies and disasters. It takes a team effort to ensure that we are ready for any disaster. I encourage individuals, families, organizations, and businesses across America to make an emergency plan, put together an emergency supply kit, and join in local efforts to become a community preparedness partner. Your efforts today may save a life tomorrow.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, we are proud to recognize the 25th anniversary of Bucks County's cultural treasure--the James A. Michener Art Museum. In the span of 25 years, the museum in Doylestown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania has preserved the artistic heritage of the county through its extensive permanent art collection and by reaching out to diverse audiences with national and regional exhibitions, scholarly publications and educational programs. Its art collection has grown from 115 objects to nearly 3,000, including 182 Bucks County related exhibitions featuring over 300 local artists. The museum is housed in an historic 19th century jail that has been expanded to 72,000 square feet of gallery and event space and two beautiful public gardens. We know that last year nearly 150,000 people visited this outstanding repository of Bucks County's creative tradition. And so we proudly acknowledge the James A. Michener Art Museum as a cultural pillar in Bucks County and congratulate those who gave the museum life and sustain it today.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, for 75 years, the Perkasie Lions Club has dedicated their time to bettering both the lives of those in their community and disadvantaged individuals abroad. Currently meeting only five blocks from where it first assembled, and the club's reach and positive impact has only grown with its age. Since 1938, they have completed a variety of projects, with their main focus being assistance to the blind. Not only does the Lions Club provide medical equipment and glasses to those unable to afford them, but they also help enrich the lives of children within the community. The members have made comprehensive improvements to Lions Camp Kirby, where hearing and visually impaired children can take part in a variety of activities. From exploring the outdoors to toasting marshmallows around the camp fire, deserving young people are able to enjoy these opportunities regardless of financial standing. The Perkasie Lions Club has an impressive history in Bucks County, and I look forward to their continued contributions to the community.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning in strong support of the eight bills before the House today or, more importantly, in support of what they represent, which is commonsense government reform. As a Representative of the hardworking taxpayers in southeastern Pennsylvania, it is my duty to make sure that they are getting value for every dollar that they send to the Nation's Capital. Right now, our Federal Government seems to find better ways to waste money than to save it. The culture of systemic waste, abuse, and lack of accountability needs to end. We have the opportunity this week. We can vote to streamline the Federal Government to make it work for the American taxpayer. The Stop Government Abuse legislative package being considered today works to rein in widespread waste and inefficiency throughout Washington. These bills represent commonsense, bipartisan solutions that actually solve problems. After this week, Members will leave for a month to head back to our districts. Many of us are going to be attending events and hosting town halls to facilitate conversations with our constituents. I am eager to report to them that, despite our differences, this body was able to come together to support so many commonsense reforms. So I urge my colleagues to support the bills being considered here and to vote to begin restoring faith in government.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, with sadness, we acknowledge the passing of Stephen Frederick, a talented music teacher and mentor who spent 29 of his 35 years in education in the North Penn School District as high school band director and principal of North Penn Junior High School and North Penn High School. Earlier, he was an elementary music teacher in the Central Bucks School District, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. His career also included conducting the Montgomery County Concert Band. Although he retired as a high school principal from the North Penn School District, he later was welcomed back as a consultant. A husband, father and grandfather, Mr. Frederick had a rapport with students who recall his advice, and interest in their future: Never accept less than your own best effort--and often times the work is more important than the destination. Stephen Frederick leaves a personal legacy of achievement, his guidance and grace, and the example he set for others to follow.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, it is rare in life to have the chance to recognize and honor a truly selfless person. A person who has dedicated his life to healing humanity by engaging in selfless activities for the betterment of mankind, asking only that they surrender their faith and devotion in return. This is why I am extremely proud and humbled to be here in order to honor his holiness, Avdhoot Baba Shivanad Jr., the father of sacred Anchient Indian Healing, and master of spirituality, for his work in helping United States citizens. I am deeply inspired by Babaji's deep belief that we all come into this world with vast potential, and through Shiv Yog, the process of uniting with the infinite consciousness, we can access this potential and create our own destinies. We all will honor Babaji's noble accomplishments and teachings, and it is my deepest hope that as we move on with our lives we will continue living less for our own selfish desires, and more for those around us as Babaji does.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, Dave Platt, the owner of the Newtown Swim Club, in Newtown Township, Bucks County, has provided thousands of families with healthful recreational activities since 1983. Dave is closing the business and in this next chapter of his life, he plans to concentrate on his family and his health. We congratulate Dave as a man who has contributed so much to area youth and the community, overall. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he is a past member of the board of directors of Frankford Hospital, Northeast Federal Savings, The George School and the Bucks County Planning Commission. For many years he was the owner of the Somerton Springs Golf Centers where he held the annual Richie Ashburn Golf Classic, raising over $1 million for the Boy Scouts of America. Now, we wish Dave Platt and his family, a happy and successful future as we acknowledge his many contributions and, especially, the example he has set for others to follow.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

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

Mr. FITZPATRICK. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the chairman of our committee, Mr. Kline, for his important work on the Student Success Act. This amendment, Mr. Chairman, is designed to stop the abhorrent practice in America's schools known as ``passing the trash.'' ``Passing the trash'' is a term used to describe those cases where school administrators deceitfully move to other school districts teachers who are known or suspected of being sexual predators. The predator is allowed to resign their employment--often keep their teaching certificate--and move on to a new, unsuspecting school to continue their deplorable crimes. Sometimes they are moved with a recommendation of their previous employer. The matter of passing the trash was first brought to my attention in 2006 when I learned of the story of 12-year-old Jeremy Bell, who was drugged, abused, and then murdered by his elementary school principal. Jeremy Bell's principal had been passed between schools and school districts despite multiple allegations of sexual misconduct brought to the attention of school administrators and school boards. Sadly, Jeremy's story is not the only one of its kind. Reports show that nearly 10 percent of students are targets of educator sexual misconduct sometime during their school career. These predators must be stopped. This amendment would block State or local education agencies from receiving funds if they facilitate the transfer of an employee and they know or have probable cause to believe that the employee has engaged in sexual misconduct with a minor. Furthermore, the amendment would require the hiring of employees to be compliant with the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act background check requirements. Teachers play an important part in the development of our children, and in doing so they shape the future of our Nation. Many of us are here today thanks to the devotion of a teacher or teachers who saw the potential in us and took it upon themselves to go above and beyond in our education. We know that the overwhelming majority of educators are committed, caring individuals who are deeply invested in the development of their students. Because of this, we owe it to them to rid our schools of the bad actors. This amendment ensures that the days of sweeping child predators under the rug are over. By holding all educators to the very high standards set by their peers, we can ensure that quality education for all children will be a reality, while also doing everything we can to protect their innocence. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment and on the underlying bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for his support of the amendment and for his comments here this morning. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and to support the underlying bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, John P. Cataldo, Sr. was a husband, father, grandfather, civic leader and patriot. He served his country in World War II and as a 17-year-old sailor in the United States Navy he was part of the amphibious forces that landed in France on D-Day, June 6, 1944. In civilian life, he devoted much time to his family, business, and civic and charitable organizations. Mr. Cataldo founded the public accounting firm that bears his name and continues today. As a resident of Warminster, he was a volunteer on several local boards and committees, and also an elected Warminster Township supervisor. He proudly served on the military veterans' advisory board in Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District. For many years, he was active in the Southampton Radiant Star Lodge No. 806 and the Free and Accepted Masons. We mourn the passing of a true gentleman and acknowledge his faithful service to country and community.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, this week in history we celebrate the achievement of Neil Armstrong's Moon landing in 1969, a shining example of American innovation and perseverance. In conquering space, America sent a message to the world that we can achieve any task that we set our mind to. Today, 40 years later, we as Americans face similar challenges, not on the surface of the Moon, but around our Nation. Our generation is tasked with recapturing the American spirit that put a man on the Moon by saying ``yes'' to American ingenuity in the 21st century. In that vein, Mr. Speaker, we as lawmakers must enact legislation that makes that goal a reality--things like enacting commonsense laws like the Made in America Act, which fosters a new era for American manufacturing and protects American jobs, or, once and for all, declaring energy independence for our Nation. Now is our moment to honor the accomplishment and legacy of the Moon landing by ensuring continued success and independence of America for generations to come.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Community Baptist Church on their 50th year anniversary. The church was started on March 3, 1963 by Reverend Wilmer Wright when they began holding services in a corner barbershop in Bristol, PA. After twenty- four years of service, Reverend Wilmer Wright retired and his son, Joseph Wright, took over as their Pastor in 1987. The year 2013 marks the church's 50th anniversary, and they celebrated their year of jubilee from March 4, 2012 to March 3, 2013. Since 1963, services have been held in a number of locations where they have provided numerous opportunities for their community. They have Sunday school for all ages, Bible study groups, and various charity events, such as their Fashion Show and Silent Auction. The church is also very good at hosting events that include youth with their movie nights and a pep rally event. Throughout its fifty years, the church has been the heart of the community and has provided endless support for its members and the community as well.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of the brave heroes who fought at the Battle of Gettysburg. As we approach the 150th anniversary of one of the most crucial battles of the Civil War I have been highlighting the unique personal stories of soldiers from my district of Pennsylvania who served at Gettysburg. Each day leading up to the anniversary we recognize that these citizen soldiers were regular people, just like us, who rose to extraordinary challenges in defense of liberty and freedom for all. Today, in the honor of those brave men, I am proud to submit this tribute poem written Albert Carey Caswell. Blue And Gray Blue . . . Blue and Gray . . . As a coming storm, before our Nation so lay! So surely one of her darkest of all nights! Darkest of all days! Blue . . . Blue and Gray! When, it was Brother versus Brother . . . Taking up arms against one another, marching out into that darkness of, all of those most dreadful of days! From the battle of Bull Run, to ``Pickett's Charge'' . . . as so gallantly moving forth, were but all of America's Sons! As we so look back, at all of that heartache begun, and all of their graves! So contemplating, all of their bright futures they gave! As all of those grieving Mothers, so cried and so prayed! So cried and so prayed! While, all of those tears, ran down their most quivering face, as upon them now lay! Blue . . . Blue and Gray, as some of America's darkest of nights . . . So surely, some of her darkest of all days! As the blood flowed and poured . . . With all of that death and so gore! That which time can not so erase, nor so ever ignore! The ones, Who So Gave Those Last Full Measures, one's life is but the greatest of treasures! Blue . . . Blue and Gray! As with all of its scars, our Nation so lives with this day! All in its loss! All in it's cost! Of such a magnitude so very grave! Blue . . . Blue and Gray . . . As dark evil slavery, so held our Nation at bay! And States Rights, were but the talk of the day! As it was North vs South! As a Nation's future, so hung all in the balance! Blue! Blue and Gray! As this war would so take, eventually this great President to his grave! And all of the burdens he bore, so made him so age! Each year was ten as you looked at his face! When Succession and Sumner, exploded all on that day! With a coming great battle up ahead, but still on its way! Which would so determine this war's fate! For ``a house divided can not so stand'', in any way! Blue! Blue and Gray! As the children so cried both night and day! As now without Fathers, their futures were paved! And then three days in July, all in the midst of such hell, as they so battled two sides! As for victory they were all so trying to vie! As they all so moved forth, with but tears in their eyes . . . Knowing full well, that all in this hell, that death before them now lie! And yet still, with all of their iron wills they so heroically, marched into the darkness! as the fields turned to red . . . All on this day, and to the South what it all had to say . . . With bodies strewn into pieces, which now all so beseech us! As everywhere the smell of death as so greets us! Of which now so lies beneath us! And all about their faith and courage, of what it so teaches! As The South had so lost the future, and now eventually the war, as victory they would never so see again so for sure! In three days over 51,000 most magnificent men died, and over 27,000 were wounded . . . as our Nation so wept and so cried! As they gave up their strong arms and once legs, and all of those most precious of all eyes, and their bright futures they gave! In places like Little and Big Round Top, as they fell and would not so stop, in Gulp's Hill where the blood flowed and poured, where they all so gave all the more! From Oak's to McPherson's Ridge, and from Seminary to Cemetery all of their gifts, and heard all of their last final cries . . . to Devil's Den where face down they so lie! As one and all so gave up their most precious lives! As the Mothers cried! As the first innocent died, as her name was Ginnie Wade! As why, we should all so hate most evil war on this day! But, the ones who so hate war but the most! Are all of those magnificent's, who must take all of those lives while fighting close! 51And so watch all of their Brothers die in their arms, who meant the most! And leave all their loved ones so far behind, all in such tears now all as ghosts! But where would we all be, if it were but not for the likes of all of these? From this The Home of The Brave, and this The Land of The Free . . . And then into a future, such a most magnificent moment so came to be! As now all so etched in time, is but a sheer work of art and beauty! Serving as a blessing to all of Mankind and history! As the beginning of a healing that a Nation would need! With a President's Gettysburg Address . . . Which so brought tears to history's eyes all in its behest! ``To bind up our Nation's wounds'', as Abraham so spoke these words which would bless! ``That this nation, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth'' as was this test! So simple! So sure! So perfect and pure! 272 words, that which said . . . so . . . so . . . so much more! Then, all the volumes of books in a library so ever stored! As each word was so built upon the next! Like a pyramid, all in its strength as out into a future as etched! As was Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, no less! A Gift To The Ages that he so left! Blue . . . Blue and Gray! Some of our Nation's darkest of nights, darkest of days! And let us not forget, all of their light that which they so was left! ``That these dead shall not have died in vain'' . . . By remembering, all their life's embers, as we so walk through these hallowed fields . . . All in what they so faced! And what was so said, all in this most hallowed place where they bled! All in their most precious blood, which so turned all of those fields into red, from their heroic bodies which raced! All in what was so heard and so done! By all of these most selfless of all ones! All so help a war to be won! In this town called Gettysburg, please listen to what was so said all in history heard! Close your eyes and now listen! As you can hear the cannons exploding, as by you head the bullets are hissing! As you can feel and hear their last most valiant cries, as your listening! And feel all of their loved ones tears, who will forever be missing! Blue . . . Blue and Gray! As why we have all so enshrined this most hallowed place! Where valor and courage were but the words of the day! So take the time, to homage to so pay, to so concert crate what they all gave! So that as a Nation we may long well remember, all of those most heroic moments in July and November . . . and what it all so says about America Face! As we now so reflect back in awe, and so reflect back in splendor at all of their grace! At Their Last Full Measures they were so to render, all in this place! And take stock in all of their courage and faith! All of their strong hearts of steel, as to our Nation what was all so revealed! So that never may again such heartache we feel, and so let such a dark day begin! Of Brother versus Brother, as so ever happen again! As we have so set aside this most sacred land, to preserve and protect and never neglect, but to so ever honor The Valor of Man! And remember that ``a house divided can not stand!'' Blue . . . Blue and Gray . . . as somehow . . . from out of all of this darkness we all found our way! Blue . . . Blue and Gray!

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. This morning, Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the memory and the life of Pearl S. Buck, an author, humanitarian, and political activist who made her home in Hilltown, Bucks County on Green Hills Farm, where she wrote 100 books. During this week, the anniversary of her 121st birthday, we note that Pearl Buck is the first American woman to receive the Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize for literature. A prolific writer, she also advocated on behalf of women's rights and minority groups, while her efforts for her care and adoption of Asian and mixed-race children are legendary. Pearl Buck will be remembered for her achievements as well as for her writing. And we acknowledge the renovation recently of her 19th century farmhouse in Bucks County, notably a national historic landmark that will be sustained for new generations to learn and emulate Pearl Buck's love for the struggling, the misunderstood, and the children. We honor her life and we treasure her memory.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, congratulations to Mary Borkovitz for 35 years of service to the Lower Makefield Society for the Performing Arts, a group she founded in 1978. Earlier, she demonstrated a keen spirit of volunteerism by serving on the township Park and Recreation Board, as a Girl Scout leader and teaching music in a local nursery school. Soon she began a popular community concert series under the auspices of the new Lower Makefield Society for the Performing Arts. Mary continues serving as executive director of the expanded and renamed Bucks County Performing Arts Center as it celebrates its 35th anniversary. We join the community in paying tribute to Mary Borkovitz for her dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to the performing arts. The community is fortunate to have such a remarkable leader. We appreciate the commitment she has demonstrated and wish her continued success as she sets an example of community service for others to follow.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, as one of Bucks County's many volunteer fire companies, the Lingohocken Fire Company is celebrating 100 years of continuous service that began with caring, local farmers leaving the fields to answer a neighbor's call for help. This small cadre grew and soon a ``fire company'' was responding to the loud clanging of an old locomotive wheel that now hangs outside the firehouse as an historic reminder of those who answered the call. Today's volunteers are 21st century--trained in the use of modern equipment and well-prepared to protect lives and properties. They continue to work hard and last year, alone, they put in nearly 5,000 hours responding to fire calls, training, attending meetings and other company-related activities. We proudly acknowledge the Lingohocken Fire Co., serving Wrightstown Township and portions of Buckingham and Upper Makefield townships. Congratulations on your 100th anniversary, outstanding public service, and for the example you set for others to follow.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Our economy continues to struggle. Nearly 12 million of our fellow Americans remain out of work. Why then does the President still insist on standing in the way of creating new jobs by expanding America's energy sector using all of our valuable resources: water, wind, solar, gas, and oil? An all-of-the-above energy strategy is what America needs to grow our economy, to create real American jobs, and to strengthen our national security. What we don't need is more government regulation and other interference from Washington. It looks like that is all this administration is prepared to offer. House Republicans have a plan to make the most of all of America's energy resources. We already passed legislation to approve the Keystone XL pipeline, and this week our Offshore Energy and Jobs Act is another part of that plan. It's a commonsense solution, and it's what the American people deserve.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor one of Pennsylvania's brightest sons from Telford Montgomery County, Lance Corporal Timothy Donley of 1st Battalion 8th Marines. On February 9th, 2012 while out on patrol, an IED explosion nearly cost him his life. After receiving 68 units of blood on the first night, it took a month before they knew if he would live or die. In six months Tim has come so far and so fast with the help of his family to inspire him and support him. His parents, Gregg and Kathryn, are missionaries. Tim is a bright light, and anyone who spends time with him will be inspired. He is also a very talented singer and has performed recently with Yo-Yo Ma at The Kennedy Center in Washington. In honor of his service to our Nation and his courage, I submit this poem penned in his honor by Albert Caswell. A Hero, Who Would Not Change a Thing You can climb mountains! And You can swim the seas! You can go off to war and hunt down enemies! And You can cheat death! And You come back home and start all over again you Marine! And You can lose your legs and still walk taller then me! And You can sing on a stage at The Kennedy! And You can show Yo-Yo Ma what a hero so can be! And You can wear so proudly those most magnificent shades of green! And You can be one of the few, a United States Marine! And You are everything that Superman so wishes he could be! And You can beat pain! And You can beat heartache! And You can beat death! And You can start all over again! You can jump out of helo's with your brothers so courageously! And You can walk bravely through a field of IED's! And You can run through a hail bullets to pursue the enemy! Because you're a Hero and a Champion, ``who would not change a thing'' . . . so indeed! In war, in all of those moments that which magnificence so brings! On battlefields of honor where valiant hearts so bravely do sing! All in those moments between life and death, All in what a Hero so brings! That only the most heroic of heart's can so endure such things! Which are all so written with such magnificent lyrics, that they so sing! That which say so-so much more that just about any old thing! And that's what you've so composed Tim, to be sung all in your most heroic being! That which so sings all about your fine life and what it means! A real tour de force which so shines as bright as anything! That which you have so written to so inspire all beings! To so lift up the hearts of all those in need! When lying at death's door while you so began to bleed! Clinging to life and fighting off death, with the kind of courage that you would so need! As when you so looked down, as below you nothing you so found! As you so found the courage to change course all at speed! And be The Hero, that today we all so see! As you never gave up! And you never gave in! As all in your tears, you so wrote your life's lyrics my friend! To Be a Champion and a Hero so to begin! As somehow you moved out of all of that darkness so then! To so accept God's Will, from somewhere deep down within! To be the kind of Hero, who to Heaven we will send! As from your most heroic lips, these beautiful words of steel you'd begin! ``I . . .'' ``I would not change a thing!'' As somehow Tim, accepting God's Will in your new journey you could so conquer anything! As your words to our hearts Tim, the tears do so bring! As The Pride of Pennsylvania, all out in front like the Liberty Bell with such inspiration you ring! And from that first day on . . . deep down inside of your most heroic heart what was born! As something, of such beauty and grace was so formed! As your undying faith, so helped you to so find your way to move on! All with your amazing grace so very warm! As we so see that bright smile upon your face which is now so worn! As you so began and so won your own private war! And with each new step Tim that you would so take! You made the Angel's up in Heaven, hearts so break! Yes it's clear Tim, that one day Heaven for you so all awaits! But for now, as an America Hero you so have your place! For some people are but put upon this earth, who but all must so face! So face the worst, out on each new day! To so inspire us all out on our ways! To So Teach Us! To So Beseech Us! To So Reach Us! To So Show Us All What So Comes First! Oh But To Be A United States Marine! And to so serve our Country, and our Lord as we have in you all seen! For in the end, most people but live their lives but in such regret! Realizing, that behind them nothing they have so left! But real Heroes, so bravely march off to God's Will accept! To be a Champion and a Hero, standing heads all above the rest! For Tim, you and your most courageous family . . . Have this our nation have so blessed! And if I ever have a son, I'd wish he could be like you this one! Who so lives his most courageous life without any regret! Just a young man, and already you've done more than most of us ever will or so can! And yet Tim up ahead, but lies the best yet so to come! For God has his special plans for you, my Son! And for all of those who so his Will so graciously except, as thy will be done! For Tim, your courage and your undying faith, shines so bright out on everyone on your way! ``I would not change a thing!'' And for the rest of my life, your words in my heart I will sing! Ooh Rah Jar Head, oh what to our world your bright future will so bring! ``I WOULD NOT CHANGE A THING!''

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. This week marks the 50th anniversary of National Small Business Week. Each year, we devote one week to recognize the importance of small businesses and to honor their successes. While it is admirable to devote a week to small businesses, what we have to remember is that every week is small business week and that the family farm, which we discussed here on the floor today, was, in fact, the original small business. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the engines of job creation. Over half of Americans own or are employed by a small business. Mr. Speaker, there are 30 million small businesses in the United States, and they create seven out of every 10 new American jobs each and every year. Small businesses are the key to economic prosperity. The government does not create jobs; American small businesses create jobs. The government and its lawmakers should do everything in their power to cultivate an ideal environment for small businesses to grow and prosper by removing roadblocks to growth and by building economic certainty. We need to keep the focus on the American worker and on small businesses. We need to remember that every week is small business week.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, 30 years ago today, on June 18, 1983, Dr. Sally Ride became the first American woman in space aboard the space shuttle Challenger, the first of her two flights as a mission specialist. This former astronaut, physicist, educator, and space advocate left behind a legacy of accomplishments when she died last year at the age of 61. Her legacy continues to inspire and motivate young women with an interest in science, technology, math, and engineering, while the company she founded advances those interests. We acknowledge Dr. Ride's advocacy for young women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math, a precursor for the STEM programs we know are so important today. As a strong proponent of STEM education and allied programs, I will continue to applaud Dr. Ride's effort to encourage interest in space, science, and the technical fields by blazing a path for other women to follow.