Michael Fitzpatrick

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge the House to pass the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014, also known as the ABLE Act. The ABLE Act would help ease the strain on those with physical and mental disabilities by allowing the creation of tax-free savings accounts. These savings accounts would work a lot like the popular 529 college savings plans. The accounts could be used to pay for life expenses such as education, housing, and transportation. In other words, this bill levels the playing field for those with disabilities who cannot make use of tax-free college savings plans by giving families an alternative tax-free account that they can use. It is also important to note that the bill doesn't take away any other benefits that those with disabilities might be entitled to; rather, it would serve as a supplement, giving these families the flexibility to achieve a better life. This bill has a tremendous amount of bipartisan support. The ABLE Act is an opportunity for this Congress to show that we can work together to make a real difference in the lives of American families. Mr. Speaker, this bill is about empowering those with disabilities and their families, and I urge that the House and Senate pass the ABLE Act, so that the President can sign it into law before the end of the year.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, my constituents in Pennsylvania know that American-made means American jobs. Whether it is the medical device manufacturer that employs hundreds or the family small shop down the road, the jobs and products created by American businesses in our communities are what drives our economy. December is Made in America Month and the perfect time for leaders in both parties to come together around commonsense policies that put American businesses and the American worker first. The bipartisan Made in America Act is just that kind of policy. This legislation would connect American consumers to American manufacturers by creating a definitive, standardized labeling for American-made goods. By incentivizing businesses and manufacturers to meet certain ``Made in America'' benchmarks for domestic production and providing consumers with reliable and easy-to-understand information, the Made in America Act can meet two very valuable goals: increasing American purchases of American goods and reshoring American businesses and American jobs. Making it in America is crucial to ensuring better jobs and more opportunities for our families across the Nation so, during this Made in America Month, let's work together and let's get it done.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, this Saturday, November 22, we recognize National Adoption Day, which is a time to celebrate over 4,500 adoptions out of foster care in the United States in the last year. While that statistic represents positive news for a number of children and families, estimates show that there are still nearly 150 million orphans worldwide, many living in institutions, shelters, or out on the streets. Additionally, reports indicate that international adoptions in the United States have plummeted by over 62 percent in the past 9 years as a result of our Nation's broken adoption system. As a member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, I have committed myself to working towards sustainable, pro-family policies that help facilitate the process of giving a home to every child. One of those policies is the Children and Families First Act, H.R. 3323. This legislation aims to remove burdensome regulations that slow the adoption process and bolster our international diplomacy centered on child welfare and adoption. While Congress may be entering the so-called lameduck period, it is my hope that leaders in both Chambers will bring this important bill to the floor so we can begin the process of aligning our Nation's policies with the fundamental truth that every child deserves to grow up in a loving family.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, Pennsylvania State Representative Gene DiGirolamo of Bensalem Township has been honored for more than a decade of legislative work to combat drug and alcohol addiction in Bucks County and across our commonwealth. For his commitment, Representative DiGirolamo is being recognized by Steps to Recovery, a Bucks County behavioral health treatment center. Amid rising problems of opiates, such as heroin, and abuse of prescription pain medications which have contributed to a sharp increase in drug overdose deaths, Representative DiGirolamo has remained an outspoken advocate in the fight against these trends. His legislative advocacy led to Senate Bill 1182, the ``Good Samaritan'' law. This law includes provisions that give families and all emergency personnel access to the life-saving drug, Narcan, which is used to counteract the deadly effects of a drug overdose. In Pennsylvania, the law also allows fire and police personnel to have Narcan on hand for a drug overdose emergency. Therefore, I congratulate my friend Representative DiGirolamo for his dedication, compassion and outstanding leadership and wish him continued success.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring awareness to the plight of Iranian American Saeed Abedini, a 34-year-old Christian pastor who was unlawfully arrested by the Islamic Republic of Iran for refusing to renounce his Christian faith. Saeed, along with his wife, Naghmeh, are prominent in the house church movement throughout Iran, credited with establishing around 100 churches in 30 different Iranian cities. After the election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2005, the church movement became the subject of authoritarian crackdown, prompting the Abedinis to return to the United States. On September 26, 2014, Saeed Abedini returned to Iran to visit family and continue his humanitarian work to establish an orphanage. During this trip, Saeed was arrested and charged with undermining national security. In early 2013, Saeed was transferred from Tehran to the Rajai Shahr prison in the town of Karaj, an institution known for harsher and often life-threatening conditions. I call on the administration to act swiftly for the immediate return of this American to his family.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I proudly recognize the dedicated service of Harry H. Crohe and his commitment to safety and security as the Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator and Training Officer of the Bucks County Emergency Management Agency. Harry Crohe has honorably served for the last 16 years during a period of the Agency's expansion and growth. In addition, he has a long history of volunteer service in his Bristol Borough community, having served for more than 50 years as a volunteer and officer with the Bucks County Rescue Squad and the American Hose Hook and Ladder. No. 2, where he continues to serve. Harry Crohe is an outstanding example of the dedication of Bucks County citizens and employees who are counted within the ranks of first responders. I gratefully acknowledge his leadership and service on behalf of the County of Bucks and his remarkable spirit of volunteerism and wish him a bright and healthy future.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, the Eagle Scout award, the highest honor in the Boy Scouts of America, is widely recognized as a great accomplishment in the life of a young man. Only a small percentage, about 2 or 3 percent, of all the young men who join and participate in the programs of the Boy Scouts are able to achieve it. This weekend, in my district, James White will become our Nation's newest Eagle, and he is the third son of Dave and Ann White of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, to have been awarded scouting's highest honor. As an Eagle, James has lived up to the principles of the Scout Oath and Law and has demonstrated the type of citizenship and leadership that I believe is so vital to the future of our Nation. When he becomes an Eagle Scout, James will be standing with World War II combat veteran George Gieda, who James accompanied on an Honor Flight of veterans here to the Capitol 2 years ago. They became friends; they have stayed in touch; they have provided inspiration to each other. Because I can't be with the White family this weekend, I wanted the Record to reflect my congratulations, my hope that James' future will be filled with many more significant and meaningful achievements, and my belief and reflection that we need more young men like Eagle Scout James White.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, today we recognize the first ever World Pancreatic Cancer Day in an effort to shed a light on this disease as well as the determination to eradicate it. Pancreatic cancer is the only major cancer that still has a 5-year survival rate in the single digits, at just 6 percent. That is in stark contrast to the overall survival rate for cancer, which is now 67 percent. Even more alarming, pancreatic cancer is now estimated to become the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States by 2020. While the threat of this disease is real, pancreatic cancer does not have to be a death sentence. But we need to act now. Working together, we can push back against this diagnosis. With the combined efforts of leaders on Capitol Hill, including the many physicians who serve in this body, medical professionals, community groups, survivors, and families, we can generate awareness and renewed focus on beating pancreatic cancer once and for all. I urge my colleagues to reach across the aisle to support these goals through commonsense funding proposals and legislation that benefits all.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, the legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi once noted, ``Football is a great deal like life in that it teaches that work, sacrifice, perseverance, competitive drive, selflessness and respect for authority is the price that each and every one of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile.'' The gridiron is a place of winning and losing, learning and growing-- the same in the pros as in local leagues across our nation. For the Penndel Wildcats 145lbs team, their time together under the coaching eye of Joe Erb has been as much about football as it has been about life. On Saturday, November 1, the team will play their final game--closing out years of work, dedication, friendship and success. While football might not be in each player's future, there is no doubt that their time spent together has helped shape their coming years for the better. Best of luck to each member of the Penndel Wildcats and their coaching staff--both on the field and in their futures.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Whitfield. Mr. Speaker, for years I and Members of this body have come to the floor in support of the Keystone pipeline project, asking for the Senate and the White House to put politics aside in favor of this critical project. With bipartisan support, the House has passed eight separate pieces of legislation to clear the way for the approval of the most studied pipeline in American history. Yet each time these measures were blocked in the Senate and condemned by a President crippled by indecision on a project that would put tens of thousands of Americans to work. So once again I rise in support of the Keystone XL pipeline, joining my colleagues in both parties in backing H.R. 5682, which would immediately certify the Secretary of State's final environmental impact statement from nearly a year ago and truly put our Nation on a course toward American energy independence. Sadly, while the House has continued to take definitive bipartisan action to advance this critical goal, it appears the Senate has waited only until it is politically advantageous to do so, even as it enjoys majority support in that Chamber. While I am pleased about the Senate's newfound interest in the wide- ranging benefits of this commonsense project which will grow our economy and strengthen our national security, it is a shame that it took election-year politics and not the best interests of American workers and the families that they represent for Senate leaders to act. This pipeline is a vital piece of a plan that creates better jobs and more opportunity. I encourage the Senate and President to deliver on the promise of embracing an all-of-the-above energy strategy that works for the American people.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, on October 18, 2014 a community in my district teamed up to show that together we can overcome heartbreak. Over 100 volunteers, local businesses and community leaders worked to complete Bobby's Playground--a new park area at the Lower Bucks Family YMCA's Holland Campground. The playground is named in honor of Robert Edward Osterhout IV of Holland who tragically passed away at just 14 months. The project, a Kaboom Playground, was completed by the hands of volunteers who dedicated their time and talents to remember the life of Bobby and ensure that generations of kids to come would have a safe place to play, laugh and learn. It was a pleasure to participate in the event and offer a few words about the amazing work being done in my district by those I represent. While Bobby's passing is a tragedy, the completion of this playground serves both as a reminder of his memory and a point of community pride.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to proudly acknowledge the many accomplishments of Ahmed Mazaheri, M.D. and his contributions to the local and global community. He recently was recognized by Rotary Club International and the Rotary Club of Doylestown with its ``50 Years of Service Award.'' Dr. Mazaheri retired from medical practice in 1994 and, with his generous spirit, devoted his time to community and international service, particularly through the Rotary Club of Doylestown and service on various county health and educational associations. Dr. Mazaheri, a native of Iran, left his country at age 18 to study medicine at the University of Bonn and the University of London and later, medical residencies at Georgetown University and Pennsylvania Hospital. Prior to 1961, he was a medical liaison for the U.S. Army in Germany. We sincerely congratulate him for selfless dedication and devotion to the health and well-being of the greater community and grateful that he has reached out to so many others. In so doing, Dr. Mazaheri has set an outstanding example for others to follow.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to proudly acknowledge the many accomplishments of Dr. Larry Schmitzer and his legacy of kindness and commitment to the well-being of others. Prior to serving individuals and families in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Dr. Schmitzer served our country as a flight surgeon in Vietnam. Dr. Schmitzer started his medical practice along with Dr. Mark Radbill. As their practice grew, they saw the need to expand in order to better serve our community. Along with other individuals, Drs. Schmitzer and Radbill helped establish the Delaware Valley Medical Center. Eventually, the organization joined Aria and is now known as Aria Health-Bucks County. Although an esteemed medical practitioner, the hallmark of Dr. Schmitzer's career was his effort to form the Warminster Chapter of Gilda's Club. Dr. Schmitzer was among the 12 original founders and deemed the driving force. Named after comedian Gilda Radner who died from ovarian cancer in 1989, the organization provides emotional and social support for people living with cancer and the families that love them. They have been particularly attentive to the needs of children impacted by family members battling this horrible disease. On behalf of the constituents of Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District, I offer Dr. Schmitzer my gratitude for a career marked with selfless dedication and compassion for our friends, neighbors and loved ones. Thank you, Dr. Schmitzer.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to acknowledge the many contributions of Bucks County businessman and entrepreneur, Bernard Mazzocchi, on the occasion of his birthday. As an entrepreneur, he has developed small businesses and properties, and revitalized aging buildings that have added to the economy and the quality of life in the Lower Bucks County community. Additionally, he uses his energy and drive as a volunteer on the local level. In this way, Bernard Mazzocchi represents American enterprise at its best, having worked his way up the ladder to success and always willing to give back. With a generous spirit, he contributes the benefit of his experience to civic, educational and charitable causes. In so doing, he has set an example of what it means to be a successful businessman and a good neighbor. We wish him continued success with our appreciation for his good work. Happy birthday and many more.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize Mr. Alex Gorsky for his dedication and leadership to CADCA, Community Anti- Drug Coalitions of America. CADCA has honored Mr. Gorsky with the Humanitarian of the Year Award for his advocacy on behalf of CADCA's Drug-Free Kids Campaign. Mr. Gorsky's efforts with CADCA have had a profound impact on drug abuse prevention efforts in my district. Bucks Promise for Youth and Communities is comprised of a number of Drug Free Communities whose outstanding work to combat the rise of teen drug abuse in our community was recognized last year by CADCA. One of the success stories from the district is the Prescription Drug Take Back Program which has captured more than 19 tons of unused medication since the program began just 4 years ago. The potential for these drugs to harm, addict, and take lives has been extinguished due to the vision and commitment of individuals like Alex Gorsky. On behalf of the constituents of the Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude and appreciation to Alex for his unrelenting support for CADCA's mission-- building safe, healthy and drug-free communities around the country and in my home state of Pennsylvania.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, September marks the 50th anniversary of both the creation of the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Wilderness Act being signed into law. I rise in celebration of these two milestones, as they have resulted in the preservation of our nation's most treasured resources. For 50 years, LWCF has remained the nation's premier conservation and recreation support program. While authorized by Congress, the program is not funded by taxpayer dollars, making it a responsible, practical method to protect our nation's natural landscape and beauty. The parks, trails, forests, wildlife refuges, battlefields, historic sites, and working lands sustained by LWCF funding support an outdoor recreation and tourism sector that contributes a total of $1.06 trillion annually to the American economy. This program supports 9.4 million jobs that are vital to our nation's recovery. Additionally, since President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Wilderness Act into law, Congress has added over 100 million acres to the unique land preservation system. This landmark conservation bill created a way for Americans to protect their cherished wild lands for future generations. Polling has found that a strong majority of the American people believe that Congress should continue to honor its commitment to both the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Wilderness Act. I am proud to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to preserve and protect these programs.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of World Alzheimer's Day, my constituent, Michael Ellenbogen, wrote a touching excerpt detailing his experience with early onset Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain's nerve cells, or neurons, resulting in loss of memory thinking and language skills, and behavioral changes. Alzheimer's disease is the most expensive disease in America, and is the only one of the top ten causes of death in America that can't be prevented, cured, or even slowed. It is important to work with brave people like Michael to raise awareness and take action on this issue as a legislative body. Please see Michael's touching words below: It's been over a year since my last writing and since that time I have declined even more. As you see, this disease is slowly robbing me of all of my skill sets and it is becoming so much harder to be a positive person in our society. I cannot even enjoy the hobbies I once loved. This is by far the worst way one can die. I cannot imagine the toll it's taking on my wife because it's like a never ending grieving process and one cannot even see the end in sight, just the horror that's coming. Dementia, including Alzheimer's is the most expensive disease we face. It is costing us more than heart disease and cancer. I believe it to be the third cause of death in the United States. Breast cancer, heart disease and HIV have all made tremendous progress since the federal government made significant investments into research. Comparable investments must be made for Dementia so we can accomplish the same successes, while saving millions of lives and trillions of dollars. Senator Pat Toomey recently stated at a Finance Committee Hearing that circumstances have changed historically, and as such we should be changing the way we fund this disease. I have been saying this for years. Please make my life count and make it worthwhile for me in having this disease. I believe we could be at the tipping point. Make the hard choices; increase funding for Alzheimer's disease and reallocate existing funding sources. Do everything necessary to ensure that Alzheimer's disease gets the exposure, commitment and funding necessary to change the course of the disease. Regards, Michael Ellenbogen. Michael Ellenbogen--Advocate for all of those living with dementia, who can no longer speak, write, or have passed.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize Dr. Bindukumar Kansupada of Yardley, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a member of the Eighth Congressional District, my constituent, and my good friend. As a cardiologist, successful businessman, and faithful community servant, Dr. Kansupada has been an incredible asset for the health and well-being to the families that call the Delaware Valley home. As a member of both my physician's advisory and Indian American communities, Dr. Kansupada's talents and experience have been a vital part of my legislative and outreach efforts as we work together to provide Bucks County families with the type of patient-centered health care solutions that keep our communities happy and healthy. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to call Dr. Kansupada a personal friend of mine, and I look forward to partnering with him in the future so that Bucks County continues to be a great place to live, to work, to raise a family, and to grow old in.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Bindukumar Kansupada of Yardley, Bucks County and a resident of Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District. As a cardiologist, successful business man and faithful community servant, Dr. Kansupada has been an incredible asset for the health and well-being to the families that call the Delaware Valley home. As a member on both of my physician's advisory and Indian American committees, Dr. Kansupada's talents and experience have been a vital part of my legislative and outreach efforts as we work together to provide Bucks County families with the type of patient centered healthcare solutions that keep our communities happy and healthy. I am honored to call Dr. Kansupada a personal friend and I look forward to partnering with him in the future so that Bucks County continues to be a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, a small business in Yardley, Bucks County, Pennsylvania has provided plants and flowers to local and regional customers for over 100 years. On September 27, 2014 its doors will open for a special anniversary celebration. Ye Olde Yardley Florist on South Main Street is truly an example of ``small business,'' the very backbone of our economy. Due to their experience, effort and knowledge, the Yardley floral and gift shop has thrived. Community leaders and citizens will join owner Susan Gorka for a celebration to acknowledge the quality and service the store has provided, while retaining the tradition of good business they have come to expect. Congratulations on this milestone and may Ye Olde Yardley Florist have many more years of continued success, bringing beauty and joy to its friends and customers.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to submit extraneous materials for the Record on H.R. 5405, as amended, currently under consideration.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I am the proud sponsor, Mr. Speaker, of a package of bills we are considering this evening. This legislation contains the language of nearly a dozen jobs bills that have either passed the Financial Services Committee or have passed this House with broad bipartisan support. The Senate should immediately take up and pass this package, though recent history doesn't give us much hope. The Senate's Democratic leadership is already sitting on some 40 jobs bills, including several that we are considering here this evening. Mr. Speaker, this is a jobs bill. By repealing and reforming burdensome regulations we can set businesses and working capital free to invest in the economy and to create jobs. For example, Wegmans, a grocery store chain that employs 44,000 people, including 8,200 in my home State of Pennsylvania, needs this regulatory relief to retain their best employees while allowing workers to invest in the company and invest in their own futures. Biotech is an extremely important and vibrant industry in southeast Pennsylvania employing thousands and working toward treatments and cures for devastating diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer's, cancer, and HIV/AIDS. Former Representative Jim Greenwood, current president of BIO, put it this way: For far too long, small public companies have been hamstrung by one-size-fits-all regulations that stifle their growth. This legislation will foster innovation and stimulate groundbreaking research and development at emerging companies in Pennsylvania and across our Nation. Finally, Mr. Speaker, there are companies in and around Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that have the resources to invest right now in small businesses. This bill will allow them to invest more of their resources in advancing American workers instead of spending money complying with needless regulations in Washington. These are just some of the examples of how this bill provides necessary relief to those that we are counting on to power our economy as it continues to recover. Mr. Speaker, I spent the summer touring 100 businesses in my district, and, despite my frustrations with Washington, I remain optimistic, as I know our recovery is in the right hands as long as American workers and entrepreneurs are in the driver's seat. I want to thank the Republican and Democrat authors of the underlying language, as well as the chairman for his leadership. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I hold out hope that the Senate will take action on this bill and the dozens of other jobs bills that are stacking up in their Chamber like cordwood. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hultgren), the author and sponsor of title XI in this jobs bill.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Hurt), vice chairman of the Capital Markets Subcommittee of the Financial Services Committee.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.