Michael Fitzpatrick

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I do support many of the measures in the 21st Century Cures Act. It will increase choice, access, and quality in health care for all Americans by accelerating the discovery and development of new treatments for patients. The bill ensures our nation's standing as the biomedical innovation capital of the world. It provides funding at the National Institutes for Health to support cancer research and make progress in prevention, screening, treatment, and care. The 21st Century Cures act will establish a data collection system to track the incidence and prevalence of neurological conditions, which includes MS. This new data system could one day lead to a cure for debilitating diseases, which have aspects we currently do not understand. I wish this bill contained the ``Right-to-Try,'' which would give my constituents Matt Bellina and Frank Mongiello, both diagnosed with ALS, access to experimental and clinical stage treatments to improve their quality of life. But this bill does emphasize rare disease research and provides funding which will have a meaningful impact on those afflicted with rare diseases like ALS, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and mitochondrial disease. As a member of the Mitochondrial Disease Caucus and Rare Disease Caucus, I know this bill will have a big impact for those like Liz Kennerley, who has been a passionate advocate for all those suffering from mitochondrial disease and other rare diseases. By establishing new review pathways at the FDA, 21st Century Cures will advance new drug therapies for patients with rare, serious, or life-threatening disease. It gives my young constituents living with Duchenne's, like Jake Wesley, a chance to live a longer, better life. The 21st Century Cures helps individuals and families in mental health crisis. It will serve to increase access to trained professionals, improves communications between doctors and families while ensuring that federal funds are applied to programs that work, supporting organizations in Bucks County like the Lenape Valley Foundation and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Enhancing crisis response, promoting early intervention, and integrating mental health, substance use and primary care will go a long way in helping the one in five individuals who have a mental health condition so they can live well and thrive. The bill will grant funds to states to supplement opioid abuse prevention and treatment activities, such as improving prescription drug monitoring programs. Mr. Speaker, while this bill accelerates the development of life- saving devices and therapies, the 21st Century Cures Act fails to protect patients against dangerous medical devices. For the past two years, I've sought medical device reform in Congress. I sought to raise awareness and advance legislation that protected patients and altered FDA processes and procedures to allow for maximum innovation and maximum safety. Congress ignored the victims affected by faulty, dangerous medical devices and what is more disappointing we were denied a hearing. I support the measures in the 21st Century Cures Act, but I am concerned that it fails to provide adequate medical device protections for patients. There are two amendments missing to the 21st Century Cures Act: the Medical Device Guardians Act and Ariel Grace's Law.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H.R. 5982, the Midnight Rules Relief Act, which allows Congress to disapprove en bloc regulations from the Administrations submitted for review within 60 days of the end of a presidential term. Under current law, Congress can only use its authority under the Congressional Review Act to disapprove one regulation at a time. Presidential Administrations of both parties have issued bulk regulations as their term comes to an end. These midnight regulations are usually rushed and not properly vetted by federal agencies, often imposing high costs on taxpayers, threatening small businesses with new burdens, and frustrating American voters. Currently, Congress lacks the ability to check this type of regulatory overreach. H.R. 5982 ensures that rules are not rushed in order to achieve an outgoing partisan agenda without having the people's representatives carefully review them.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my support for H.R. 6297, the Iran Sanctions Extension Act. Despite continued pressure and condemnation from the international community, the Iranian regime defiantly continues its ballistic missile testing, human rights abuses, and sowing discord throughout the world as the leading state sponsor of terrorism. These threatening acts, coupled with continued violations of the nuclear agreement, should not be tolerated without check. That's why I am voicing my strong support for H.R. 6297, the Iran Sanctions Extension Act. This act is one of the most important pillars to the statutory sanctions against Iran to address its illicit activities. I applaud the House for coming together in a near unanimous fashion to pass this bipartisan legislation and hope the President agrees to sign it

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5711, which would prohibit the Secretary of the Treasury from authorizing the U.S. financing of commercial aircraft exports to the Islamic Republic of Iran. It would be unacceptable to export U.S. planes to Iran Air, a state- owned carrier, which faced sanctions by the Treasury in 2011 for transporting fighters and weapons for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. By authorizing the sales of U.S. planes to the Iranian regime, the Obama Administration would be providing material support to the world's foremost state sponsor of terrorism. The United States should not allow the sale of aircraft to Iran, when it is known they will eventually be used for illicit purposes.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, the Rotary Club's motto--Service Above Self--is personified by its membership and the causes they support. The Rotary Club of Shady Brook is acknowledged as a major, local contributor over the past 10 years for raising more than $100,000 for worthy causes and donating over 7,500 hours of members' time. The Rotary Club is further distinguished by a membership with an average age of 75 years, coupled with a lifetime of experience and skills generously shared with many benefactors. The list is endless and inspiring and includes medical research and prevention programs, meal delivery to patients, forums for veterans and their families, time and money to the Guardians of the National Cemetery at Washington Crossing, the National Guard, books for libraries, clothing and school supplies for poverty-stricken children, and participating in Pennsylvania's Adopt-a-Highway maintenance program. Heartiest congratulations on the 10th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Shady Brook, and thank you to the founders and members for outstanding contributions to our community.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor John Heenan of lvyland, Bucks County. Shortly after graduating from high school John enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he trained as an infantry assault man. From 1969 to 1972, John served in Cuba and North Carolina. He would later serve in the Marine Corps Reserve until 1975. John went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Drexel and his Master in Business Administration from the Wharton School of Business. For over thirty years, John gained a wide-range of business experience as he managed acquisitions, transitions, and divestitures of companies, often for small or family owned businesses. But John Heenan never forgot the military. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. Founded in 1962, The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is the nation's oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military children. For 54 years, they've been providing access to affordable education for the children of Marine and Navy Corpsmen attending post-high school, under- graduate and career technical education programs. In that time, they have provided more than 37,000 scholarships worth nearly $110 million. In a world where Marines have sacrificed so much, it is my honor to commend John Heenan for his efforts in providing children with more affordable access to critical education. When John is not helping the children of his fellow Marines, he can be found at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown, where he serves as a rifleman in the honor guard. John, thank you for your service and your enduring commitment to the families of our veterans.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Professor Lyle Rosenberger of Bucks County Community College. Professor Rosenberger is the 2016 recipient of The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Historic Preservation Medal. The Washington Crossing Chapter is pleased to present this award in recognition of Professor Rosenberger's accomplishments in the area of historic preservation. In 1991 Professor Rosenberger established and directed the Historic Preservation Program at Bucks County Community College. This was an innovative achievement for a community college in the United States. He went on to lead this effort across the country. Professor Rosenberger founded the ETA chapter of Sigma Pi Kappa, a national honor society for historic preservation students as well as the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) celebrating teaching the subject. Many organizations have recognized Professor Rosenberger's achievements including Bucks County's Heritage Conservancy. And today, Mr. Speaker, I recognize Professor Rosenberger's achievements.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, October 1 is designated as an International Day of Remembrance Against Forced Organ Harvesting. Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting organized the Day of Remembrance and a petition to be presented to the United Nations calling for an immediate halt to China's forced organ harvesting from detained Falun Gong practitioners, other prisoners and prisoners of conscience in China. Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize--2016, Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting, is seeking an immediate end to this practice, as well as objective investigations leading to the prosecution of the perpetrators. And urging the Chinese government to end the 27-year persecution against Falun Gong, believed initiated by former President Zemin in 1999 and cited as the cause and source of forced organ harvesting from prisoners. By ending the genocide of the Falun Gong group, other populations in China will be safeguarded. This practice is another form of evil in our time and the United Nations will be further alerted to this crime against humanity, as are we.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, HealthLink Dental Clinic opened its doors in 2001 in Southampton, Bucks County Pennsylvania as a medical and dental clinic providing free care to underserved adults. The 15th anniversary, this year, marks the opening of a free dental clinic. The change from a medical-dental facility to a dental clinic resulted from the increased availability to healthcare through expansion of the eligibility requirements for Medicaid coverage and the Affordable Care Act. But little progress has been made regarding access to dental care; therefore, in March 2015, HealthLink Dental Clinic, Inc. became a sole provider of dental care with an expansion of the clinic and collaboration with Temple University's Kornberg School of Dentistry. Congratulations on this milestone and for recognizing a need in Bucks and Montgomery counties, and stepping in. In so doing, HealthLink has set an example of professionalism and charitable giving for others to follow.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following letter by Michael Ellenbogen. I am so thankful to be still here. Many of my friends who were living with dementia have died and others are no longer capable of speaking. I am one of the lucky ones. My Alzheimer's is progressing very slowly. While that is good news it is also bad news. I will be forced to endure the worst part of this disease even longer than most. Knowing what I know now that will be like being tortured until I die. While I try to stay positive these days and live life to the fullest, I am in pain every day from the frustration of not being able to be the person I was once. I continue to decline in to a childlike state. Dementia, including Alzheimer's, is the most expensive disease we face. It is costing us more than heart disease and cancer. It is the third cause of death in the United States; more than 500,000 people die from Alzheimer's each year! We all get caught up in the big numbers, so I will break them down so they are more relatable. 41,666 is the average monthly death rate; 9,615 is the average weekly death rate; 1,369 is the average daily death rate; 57 is the average hourly death rate. This is equivalent to almost three 747s crashing every day. Yet there is much neglect and discrimination regarding funding for Alzheimer's and related dementia research. Preventative measures for 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. If we don't act now this disease has the potential to bankrupt this county. This is the most expensive disease in America. In 2016 $236 billion will be spent on Alzheimer's in terms of care and medication, with Medicaid and Medicare spending $160 billion. And unless you take action, the cost to Medicare alone will increase 365 percent to $589 billion by 2050. Our investment today will lead to huge savings for the government and public, not to mention the lives saved. People with dementia are faced with discrimination at many levels and they lose their civil rights. That must change; we are still people and deserve to be treated as such. A person with cancer would never be treated the way we are. We need you to start making more of an effort to educate the public and restore our rights. A few years ago I would have said I had no hope, but that has changed to 2.5 percent. I do believe we are closer to a cure today based on what has been learned from all the failures. I am so grateful that the budget has been increased to $991 million, but that is still far short of the two billion dollars that was said was needed years ago. In my opinion we need a czar for dementia just like Vice President Joe Biden is to cancer and it sure worked for HIV. We are definitely at the tipping point. You have the power to make this happen. Please, I implore the House of Representatives, the Senate and the respective appropriations committees: Make the hard choices; increase funding for Alzheimer's disease by at least one billion dollars. Do everything necessary to ensure that Alzheimer's disease gets the exposure, commitment and funding necessary to change the course of the disease. If you have not yet been touched by this devastating and debilitating disease it's just a matter of time. Regards, Michael Ellenbogen, (Advocate for all of those living with dementia, who can no longer speak, write, or have passed).

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Hensarling for his leadership and impaneling a bipartisan task force to investigate terrorism finance, which I have chaired for the past 2 years, as we have looked into the increasing ability of terror groups to fund and to finance their actions and to evaluate the United States' response to these challenges. Throughout the duration of this task force, several policy experts provided testimony to the Iranian regime's direct supportive groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, Iraqi Shiite militias, the Houthis in Yemen, and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime in Damascus. Prior to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the United States- led sanctions regime decimated the Iranian economy, suffocating domestic industry and causing the Iranian rial to free fall. However, even during this economic duress, the regime continued to provide billions to these destabilizing groups instead of providing for its citizens. This bill, offered by Mr. Poliquin of Maine, H.R. 5461, will provide the citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran--who have suffered great economic hardship as a result of their rogue government's nefarious policies--with the transparency necessary to see how the other half lives. This bill will make a positive advancement and change in their lives and provide the ability for them to see corruption in their economy and corruption in their government, and it will be for our security as well. I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, the 229th anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution of the United States was nationally noted on September 17, 2016. The Constitution, the greatest framework of human liberty, incorporates the principles of freedom, equality and justice. Constitution Week, September 17-23, was initiated by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1955 to promote the observance of the U.S. Constitution. The organization also created the DAR Constitution Hall in Washington D.C. as a memorial to the enduring document. The DAR encourages patriotism, education and historic preservation in communities across America and has continued this mission, honoring and celebrating the Constitution and encouraging observance of Constitution Week throughout the nation, and in communities and classrooms, encouraging adults and children to study and discuss the Constitution. In recognition of this magnificent document and this important annual event, I congratulate the Daughters of the American Revolution for their ongoing commitment to our unique American history.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, Upper Hanover Township is celebrating an important date this year--the 275th anniversary of its establishment as a township in Montgomery County. As part of the original William Penn Land Grant, this southeastern Pennsylvania community, once part of the greater Hanover Township, was settled mostly by Germanic people who left their European homes in search of religious and social freedom-- the story of America. On the anniversary of the township's 275th founding, it is only fitting we recognize the township's heroes who sacrificed to ensure the most precious freedoms, which the township's founders valued and yearned for, would be preserved for future generations of Americans. Today, Upper Hanover is dedicating military seals in recognition of those individuals who served, sacrificed and sadly, those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Veterans of World War I and II called Upper Hanover home. And, just like their forefathers it was the rich fertile land that attracted them. Their diligent work ethic made agriculture the leading industry in the early period. Centuries later it has grown with many families and residents actively participating in the community, government and business. I offer my heartiest congratulations to Upper Hanover Township on this milestone year.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to pay tribute to the memory of the armed soldiers who resisted communism in Poland during the period between 1944 and 1963, men and women who are referred to as the ``Doomed Soldiers.'' The monument at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, was unveiled on September 18, 2016 and respectfully dedicated to those who fought and defended Poland against the aggressive occupation by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. The monument honoring these patriots was erected by the Smolensk Disaster Commemoration Committee with the help of many Polish Americans. Historically, the fight for freedom began in 1939. The brave Polish people continued to struggle for independence, underground, also opposing the communist regime in the post-World War II era. The monument at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa is a way to preserve their place in Poland's history. On behalf of the constituents of Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District, I extend a warm welcome to His Excellency Andrzej Duda, president of the Republic of Poland. I offer my sincerest gratitude for his presence at the dedication on September 18, 2016 and for representing today's Polish citizens who steadfastly honor the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom they enjoy today.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, George Komelasky of Northampton Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, was a friend and political colleague. His passing last month at the age of 66 was a personal loss that also leaves a gap in the township government where he served for 31 years. He was first elected in 1985, and he successfully was reelected just last year to another 6-year term. At all times, George viewed his responsibilities in elective office as public service and performed intelligently and honorably term after term. Those with whom he served know he was conscious of his responsibilities to the taxpayers while providing necessary services that enhanced the quality of life in his hometown. He was a leader who left his partisanship at the door and was viewed as a role model and also a mentor. Most of all, our friend, George Komelasky, will be remembered for his good nature and the values that guided his public and his private life. Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, as we recognize the 50th anniversary of the Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library in the borough of Bristol, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, we also acknowledge the legacy of United States Senator Joseph R. Grundy, who established this beautiful library on the banks of the Delaware River in the name of his sister Margaret. This remains a privately funded public library with an ongoing mission: opening doors, inspiring minds, and connecting community. Now in its milestone year, the library is a testament to the generosity and vision of Senator Grundy and Margaret Grundy and the dedication of those who followed. The original mission has made this library a vital educational institution, valued by local and regional learners of every age. Grundy Foundation grants carry on the Grundy family legacy by continuing to improve the quality of life for residents of Bristol Borough and people throughout all of Bucks County. The Grundy Foundation supports the Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library, the adjacent Memorial Museum, and countless local projects. On October 6, 2016, the library will hold a public anniversary celebration with a reception and exhibition featuring historic artifacts, photographs, and primary documents. Heartiest congratulations to all of those involved, past and present, who have carried on and enriched so many lives and will continue to do so for generations to come.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1655, the Community Economic Opportunity Act. In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson introduced America to the War on Poverty. Since then, Washington has created many anti-poverty programs, spent trillions of dollars, and made promises that failed to achieve well-intentioned goals. However, we realize it is just as difficult to lift people and families out of the poverty cycle today. It is not enough to speak of change in Washington; we must invite and support new ideas and open up our system to collaboration with those on the front lines in the fight against poverty. To that end, I proudly support H.R. 1655, the Community Economic Opportunity Act, which reauthorizes the Community Service Block Grant program that was last reauthorized in 1998. This program is currently present in 99 percent of US counties, and supports important programs that bring people out of the grip of poverty, improves the quality of our communities, and benefits our country and economy for the better. Together, we can help guide our nation into a new era of success and prosperity.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment. I respect the concern of the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young) and his advocacy for his State, but I oppose this proposal which, in this case, does not present an opportunity for a balanced approach to wildlife management. Let me clarify why the National Wildlife Refuge is proposing these rules. According to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, certain types of inhumane hunting, such as bear baiting and den hunting, has affected Federal refuge areas for wildlife. In fact, one refuge in the Kenai Peninsula had an emergency closing due to the extreme decrease in the number of brown bears, which was caused by these inhumane hunting practices. Rather than shutting down areas in which these hunting methods are causing the overkilling of native Alaskan predators and restricting access to all hunters, it seems reasonable to me to provide for a balanced approach that provides for a means of traditional, permit- based hunting. Nothing in the rule of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service would limit traditional hunting tactics, but, rather, it would continue and protect existing hunting practices. Unfortunately, this amendment does not address the wildlife diversity and mechanisms in place to maintain it. Therefore, it impacts the National Wildlife Refuge's ability to maintain its parks in a responsible manner and provide native animals with a refuge. We as Members of Congress have a Federal responsibility to ensure that our National Wildlife Refuges are being used in the most responsible manner possible. The very agency Congress has vested with the responsibility to manage our wildlife thinks these killing tactics pose a threat to the necessary diversity of the wildlife, and I agree with them. I urge my colleagues to support the ability of the Fish and Wildlife Service to effectively manage our National Wildlife Refuges for future generations of Americans. I urge a ``no'' vote on the amendment.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Medical Device Guardians Act. The Guardians Act updates current laws regarding the reporting of unsafe medical devices by requiring that physicians and their offices be added to the list of entities that must report unsafe medical devices to the device manufacturer and to the FDA. The tragic stories of women harmed by one particular device known as a laparoscopic power morcellator highlight the need for the Guardians Act. Despite cancer being spread for years by the blades of this device, no one ever reported this deadly safety defect to the FDA. That is until Amy Reed, a mother of six and a doctor underwent morcellation and had cancer spread throughout her body. It should not have fallen on patients to get the FDA's attention. This bill simply codifies an existing mandate of the American Medical Association's Code of Medical Ethics, which recognizes that physicians are in the best position to identify and report unsafe devices. Today, reporting unsafe devices to the FDA is as easy as downloading an app on a smartphone. This is a reasonable fix that will save lives. I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5594) to require the establishment of a national strategy for combating the financing of terrorism and related financial crimes, and for other purposes.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5606) to facilitate better information sharing to assist in the fight against the funding of terrorist activities, and for other purposes.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the bill.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I ask all Members to vote in favor of H.R. 5606. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5607) to enhance the Department of the Treasury's role in protecting national security, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5469) to require the Secretary of the Treasury to direct the United States Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund to support the capacity of the International Monetary Fund to prevent money laundering and financing of terrorism.