Michael Fitzpatrick

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of the retirement of Harry C. McCann, Bucks County Director of Law Enforcement Training, I acknowledge his 25 years of exemplary service and commitment to the County of Bucks and his many contributions as an educator of municipal police officers and administration of justice students. As director, he developed, coordinated, and implemented training programs for more than 800 law enforcement officers in Bucks County's 42 outstanding police departments. These officers went on to save countless lives in Southeastern Pennsylvania--a lasting legacy well beyond his own retirement. Harry served as project manager for the county's DUI and expansive highway safety programs and was responsible for oversight of the Bucks County Department of Corrections In-Service and Correctional Academy programs. In wearing many hats, Harry McCann has demonstrated tireless service and leadership and, in so doing, has set an example for others who may follow in his path. I wish him happiness and continued success in all his future endeavors.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, each year, hardworking American taxpayers send $18 billion to Washington for Federal job training and workforce development programs. While training unemployed Americans is a worthy goal, even after spending billions of dollars, only a fraction of workers receive and complete the necessary training to get a job. That is not only an unacceptable return on investment, Mr. Speaker, but that is an unacceptable outcome for the millions of Americans who are trying to get ahead in this economy. A bipartisan majority in the House and Senate are working to take action to close the skills gap that is keeping Americans from filling the nearly 4 million American jobs right now. This week, the House will finalize work on a bill that originated in this Chamber. We will vote on final passage of the SKILLS Act, which modernizes and reforms Federal job training programs to be more efficient and effective. This bipartisan action is a true jobs bill. I hope this serves as a starting point for further Senate action on the dozens of other jobs bills waiting in that Chamber that would invest in our Nation's competitiveness.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, one hundred years ago, the Cooperative Extension was established by Congress as a nationwide transformational education system that would operate through Land-Grant universities. We acknowledge the good work of the Penn State Cooperative Extension in this anniversary year. This successful program advocates healthful lifestyle choices, community vitality and a safe and abundant food supply, while dedicated to protecting our natural resources. It engages rural and urban learners through practical, community-based and online approaches, with topical classes available to children as well as adults, such as business, health, family, youth, food, animals, plants, pests and master gardener classes. Like all Cooperative Extensions, the Penn State Cooperative is funded through the United States Department of Agriculture, state and county government. We congratulate the Cooperative Extension and its dedicated staff on a century of outstanding service to the communities they serve and look forward to interesting and exciting programming through the 21st century.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, President Obama was in my home State of Pennsylvania recently to tour a business and talk about the importance of American manufacturing. If the President is serious, let me give him a few suggestions on things he can do right now--call for the quick passage of the Made in America Act to establish an official American-made standard; announce his support for a bipartisan plan to address the skills gap; use his pen to approve the Keystone XL pipeline; and truly take steps towards an all-of-the-above American energy policy that drives down energy costs for everyone; and increase pressure on the Senate to move on the dozens of House-passed jobs bills that will grow our economy, increase stability, and empower businesses and employees. Mr. Speaker, simply put, Americans are tired of talk. Now is the time for bold action to help manufacturers, working families, and our Nation--politics aside.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of our constituents. His name is Allen McQuarrie and his contribution to our community has been invaluable. For the past fifteen years, Mr. McQuarrie has served as the Chair of the Bucks County chapter of Pro- Act, a grassroots advocacy and recovery support initiative of The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania. In 2002, Allen chaired a meeting to plan PRO-ACT's first Recovery Walk, an event attended by 125 people. Today the Recovery Walk is attended by more than 20,000 people in public view at Penn's Landing, Philadelphia, making it the nation's largest recovery walk. Furthermore, he organized a coalition to pursue state enforcement of PA Act 106, which mandates insurance coverage for addiction treatments by medical professionals. Additionally, Mr. McQuarrie assists our veterans as they transition back to civilian life. Sadly, it has been reported that an estimated one-third of returning veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and/or traumatic brain injury. The medications used to treat these problems can lead to addiction. Without treatment, individuals may self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. PRO-ACT and Mr. McQuarrie have granted veterans a support system that allows them to maintain a healthy life after their service. Mr. McQuarrie is a strong voice for recovery in PA 08, serving as a mentor, trainer, and advocate. I am pleased to honor the achievements of Allen McQuarrie.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, as U.S. oil production continues to grow, the increased burden of moving these resources is falling upon our Nation's railways. In 2013, American railroads shipped more than 400,000 carloads of crude oil by rail, compared to under 10,000 just 6 years ago. Increasing the amount of oil being transported has left communities like those I represent in danger of potential accidents. Increased domestic energy production remains a critical part of a strategy to decrease energy costs and reduce our dependency on foreign oil. We must not, however, wait for another accident to take preventative measures. We need the infrastructure and protections to safely transport these resources across our country. Recent steps to ensure the safety of crude oil transportation through our communities are an improvement, but more can be done. Building the Keystone pipeline will help to safely move resources. Our Nation is blessed with vast energy potential. We can safely and responsibly take advantage of these resources, and I look forward to working with all involved to making transportation safer for communities in our district and across our Nation.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, after 29 years of honorable service, Police Detective Edward T. Davies of Perkasie Borough will be retiring from the Montgomery Township Police Department on July 31, 2014. During his career, he served in several leadership capacities and has received many commendations for his professional service. He is known as a keen investigator, a court-qualified fingerprint expert, and a hostage negotiator. Detective Davies has served the Montgomery Township community with distinction, receiving sixteen commendations and numerous letters of appreciation from township residents and neighboring law enforcement agencies. In 1996, he was honored with Officer of the Year by the North Penn Chamber of Commerce. We extend our congratulations, as we wish him a happy and well-deserved retirement. Because we are proud of dedicated police officers, who, each day, are on the front lines of public safety, we offer Detective Edward T. Davies our gratitude for a job well done, knowing he has set an example for others to follow.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize three Boy Scouts from Troop 28 of Southampton, Bucks County. Harrison Kampf, Dylan McKernan, Ron Brown and one of their Scoutmasters Tom McCullough were on a white water rafting trip last October when another rafter became trapped underwater due to the strong river current and pinned up against a rock formation. Realizing the situation at hand, the Scouts acted quickly and decisively to stabilize their own raft and pull the man out of the water--saving his life. For their courageous and life- saving action, the Boy Scouts of America recognized these young men with the Honor Medal, which has only been awarded to 2,354 scouts since its inception in 1923. I am honored to recognize these individuals and proud to say that the values and skills taught by the Boy Scouts of America are alive and well in Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman from New York, Mr. Crowley, for his bringing attention to an important program that deserves the support of this body. The importance of Science Technology Engineering and Math (or STEM) education has been recognized by this administration and members of Congress from both sides of the aisle. Investment in these fields will prepare our students for good paying jobs and strengthen our economy by ensuring that our workforce stays competitive in a globalized world. Entrepreneurs with specialties in these fields are creating exciting new start-ups and jobs while more established companies are being encouraged to reshore jobs in this country when our workers are better trained. In short the value of STEM education is universally understood. Madam Chair, the gentleman's colloquy allows us the opportunity to demonstrate congressional intent to support STEM education, particularly in our Nation's Hispanic Serving Institutions. HSIs serve an important population and educate students of all backgrounds. The program directed the National Science Foundation to help create additional capacity for STEM education in these institutions of higher learning. The National Science Foundation directs investment in American innovation and is uniquely equipped to focus efforts on bringing more students into these important fields. This amendment supports a worthy program that returns a value to our students and the economy that is well beyond the investment.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, American manufacturing has always been the engine driving the American economy. While the recent recession has slowed our growth, American manufacturing is poised once again to propel our Nation and to propel our families forward. My district in Pennsylvania is home to over 700 manufacturing facilities that sustain tens of thousands of good-paying, family- sustaining jobs. The people of Pennsylvania know that when they buy American-made goods, not only are they buying quality products, they are helping businesses and workers in their neighborhoods and across our country. With that in mind, last summer I introduced the Made in America Act. It is bipartisan legislation that would connect American consumers to American manufacturers like never before by creating a definitive, standardized definition of ``American-made goods.'' Michael Araten, the CEO of the Rodon Group based in my district, correctly notes: ``The keys to the success of American manufacturing are STEM education, abundant energy, and consumers who can easily recognize that products they love are made in the USA.'' By incentivizing 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: the reshoring of American businesses and jobs, and increasing American purchases of American-made goods. ``Made in America'' has always stood for quality, value, and ingenuity. With the passage of this commonsense legislation, ``Made in America'' can also mean jobs.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in grateful recognition of the hard work and community service of Rodger C. Collins. Mr. Collins has served the greater good of my constituency, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, by advocating for the economic success of both families and businesses. He is a founding member of the Economic Self- Sufficiency (ES) Program. This program assists low-income families so that they may have the opportunity to leave or avoid the welfare system. ES focuses on education as the primary way to prepare low- income families to be competitive in today's workforce and has successfully graduated over 263 families with an average income of $39,633. Mr. Collins served the community through the Bucks County Opportunity Council, the Economic Development Advisory Board of Bucks County, the Intelligencer Editorial Board, and as Secretary Treasurer of the Bucks County Workforce Investment Board (WIB). Rodger also participated on the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania Board as well as the Bucks County Homeless Continuum of Care, which both works to diminish poverty and homelessness in my home district of Bucks County. Mr. Speaker, I had the privilege of working with Rodger Collins as he served our neighbors of Bucks County. Throughout his years of community service on many different levels, Mr. Collins has set an outstanding example for others to follow. Today, I am honored to recognize his hard work, dedication, and devotion to bettering the community of Pennsylvania's Eighth District.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, Lt. Col. John J. McCarthy retired from the United States Marine Corps in 1975 after 29 years of outstanding service and leadership. He is the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, which was awarded to him in 1969 citing his courage, superior airmanship and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger in Vietnam. He also was awarded the Bronze Star and 19 Air Medals. Lt. Col. McCarthy was 17 years old when he joined the United States Navy in 1946, subsequently earning a college degree from Temple University. Because of his long-standing interest in flying, in 1952 he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and entered flight school. In 1964, he was deployed to Vietnam, where he flew 180 missions. He would return to Vietnam in 1968 as the commanding officer at Chu-Lai and flew another 130 combat missions. He will be honored by his fellow members of the Jesse W. Soby American Legion Post, 148 in his home County of Bucks, Pennsylvania, on Memorial Day, 2014--a ceremony he will attend in full uniform. It is with deep gratitude that we acknowledge the exemplary service of a courageous leader who has honorably served his country and set an example for others to follow.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, our veterans risked their lives in service of our Nation. When they come home, they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, especially by those they count on to provide them with essential medical care. The disturbing reports about the unethical treatment of our military men and women by the VA is not only an affront to those that we count on to protect our freedoms and our liberties, it highlights a systemic lack of accountability, starting at the top and permeating throughout the agency. Mr. Speaker, no veteran should pass away waiting for the care they need or the benefits that they deserve. The ineptitude of the VA is an affront to the sacrifice of the veterans who are turning to this agency for assistance and the taxpayers whose hard-earned dollars should be funding this worthy cause. While this week the House took action to empower the VA to rid itself of those who fail to meet their responsibilities with the passage of the Department of Veterans Affairs Management Accountability Act, there is still much work to be done. I firmly believe that sunlight is the best disinfectant, and I will continue to work to shine a bright light on the situation until we can assure that the VA provides the service and respect that our veterans deserve.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, Lt. Col. John J. McCarthy retired from the U.S. Marine Corps in 1975 after 29 years of outstanding service and leadership. He is the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, which was awarded to him in 1969 citing his courage, superior airmanship and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger in Vietnam. He also was awarded the Bronze Star and 19 Air Medals. Lt. Col. McCarthy was 17 years old when he joined the U.S. Navy in 1946, subsequently earning a college degree from Temple University. Because of his long-standing interest in flying, in 1952 he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps and entered flight school. In 1964, he was deployed to Vietnam, where he flew 180 missions. He would return to Vietnam in 1968 as the commanding officer at Chu-Lai and flew another 130 combat missions. He will be honored by his fellow members of the Jesse W. Soby American Legion Post, 148 in his home County of Bucks, Pennsylvania, on Memorial Day, 2014--a ceremony he will attend in full uniform. It is with deep gratitude that we acknowledge the exemplary service of a courageous leader who has honorably served his country and set an example for others to follow.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman and Mrs. Wagner for bringing about an increased awareness of the stark realities of human trafficking and modern day slavery in our world. While these tragedies have focused us on the issue at hand, the terrible crime of human trafficking is sadly not a new phenomenon, nor is it a concern solely outside our borders. During our fight against this heartbreaking epidemic, we must recognize and support the invaluable work of nonprofit groups and law enforcement agencies who are giving their all to prevent this crime and protect its victims. I am proud to report that today, in my district in Pennsylvania, the Bensalem Police Department and the Bucks County District Attorney's Office are being presented with an award for their proactive pursuit of human trafficking crimes over the past year. We are all thankful for the persistent efforts of these organizations and law enforcement organizations. A remarkable nonprofit in Pennsylvania known as Worthwhile Wear is opening an 83-acre property in the greater Philadelphia area, as a long-term housing and aftercare facility for sexually exploited and trafficked women. The work of this group sheds light on the importance of providing a compassionate environment for those affected by this deplorable crime. We are all encouraged to see this work on both sides of the aisle, people coming together to address this growing problem. The passage of these bills will bring us closer to our goals of ending both domestic and international trafficking, an objective we should never abandon. I encourage passage of all these bills under suspension. Madam Speaker, recent events have brought about an increased awareness of the stark realities of human trafficking and modern day slavery in our world. While these tragedies have focused us on the issue at hand, the heinous crime of Human Trafficking is sadly not a new phenomenon--nor is it a concern solely outside our borders. As a member of the Victims' Rights Caucus, I've been monitoring the growth of this problem in communities across the United States, including my home district in Pennsylvania. During our fight against this heart-breaking epidemic, we must recognize and support the invaluable work of non-profit groups and law enforcement agencies who are giving their all to prevent this crime and protect its victims. I am honored to have the opportunity to work closely with organizations in my district such as the Network of Victims Assistance and the Bucks County Anti-Trafficking Coalition as they diligently formulate effective responses to local issues. I am proud to report that today in Pennsylvania's 8th district, the Special Investigations Unit of the Bensalem Police Department and the Bucks County District Attorney's Office are being presented with a LEAD Award for their proactive pursuit of human trafficking crimes over the past year. As a legislator, a parent, and an active member of my community, I am grateful for their persistent efforts. Additionally, a remarkable non-profit known as Worthwhile Wear, has announced that they will be opening a new 83 acre property in the Greater Philadelphia area, as a long-term housing and aftercare facility for sexually exploited and trafficked women. The honorable work of this group sheds light on the importance of providing a compassionate environment for those affected by this deplorable crime. I am encouraged to see my colleagues on both sides of the aisle coming together to address this growing problem. The five bipartisan bills under consideration today will help provide support to trafficking victims, fortify law enforcement efforts, and codify prevention tactics. The passage of these bills will bring us closer to our goals of ending both domestic and international trafficking, an objective that we should never abandon. I urge for quick passage of this legislation in both the House and Senate, and call on the President to sign these bills into law and join the House in making putting an end to human trafficking a priority.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, it has been said that public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and sincerely. It must be done with complete dedication to the people and to the community in which one serves. Mr. Speaker, that is how Mary Shafer's colleagues would describe her. Mary recently retired from Nockamixon Township Volunteer Emergency Services Management. She served Nockamixon as the public information officer and weather coordinator. Over the past several years, the Bucks County portion of my district has been hit hard by devastating storms including Superstorm Sandy, leaving behind fallen trees and downed power lines. Nockamixon and the surrounding area lost electricity and access to running water for days and in some cases weeks. The local middle school was converted into a shelter to host Nockamixon residents. Mary's role as public information officer was critical to health, safety, and welfare of these constituents. Mary demonstrated day after day that by working together, we have the fortitude to meet the needs facing our community even during the most challenging times. I would like to commend Mary Shafer for her dedication to public service and offer our gratitude on behalf of the constituents of the Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, it's estimated that each year 5,600 Americans are diagnosed with ALS--or Lou Gehrig's Disease. A disease that occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic or socioeconomic boundaries. For one young man in my district in Pennsylvania, those stats hit close to home when a close family friend received the diagnosis. Nine-year-old Jared Laff wasn't satisfied with just sitting by, though. He set out to earn his Junior Black Belt in karate--dedicating months of hard work and training to his friend Ron. Through his perseverance, Jared was awarded his belt in March as well as raising $2,200 for the fight against ALS. Jared's commitment and compassion are an example to all who want to make a difference. May is ALS Awareness Month, but thanks to people like Jared the goal of drawing attention--and funding--to the fight against ALS is a year- round effort.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, today we commemorate the Sesquicentennial Anniversary of the Continental Tavern, Yardley Borough, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Restoring the tavern to its historic state has been a passion shared by the Lyons family. Frank Lyons' enthusiasm for America history has lead him, for more than a decade, to spend his Christmas mornings volunteering in the annual reenactment of General George Washington's Christmas Day Crossing of 1776. Families and history buffs gather at the spot Durham boats left quietly taking soldiers across the Delaware River and on to fight heroically in the battles of Trenton and Princeton. Frank Lyons has said, ``Reenacting is a progressive disease, the more you do it, the more you want to do it, the more you want to learn, the more things you want to do,'' Frank was compelled to do more things which included restoring an old tavern on Main Street, Yardley Borough, known by locals as ``The Continental.'' Joined by his wife Patty and daughter Kelly Lyons Vliet, they lovingly restored the 19th century tavern and created a gathering place for our community. Once just an outbuilding on the estate of Thomas Yardley, over the centuries, the Continental Tavern has been a restaurant, tavern, home, hotel, library, speakeasy and perhaps even a destination point for runaway slaves traveling on the Underground Railroad. Speculation about unsolved mysteries, ghosts and infamous hotel guest John Wilkes Booth continue to fuel local legend and add to the character of The Continental. Renovations have unearthed 5,000 empty whiskey bottles from the Prohibition era, children's toys, coins, old light bulbs, scraps of newspaper from the early 20th Century and even a bloody corset riddled with bullet holes. Many of these items are currently displayed throughout The Continental and will be part of the tavern's third floor museum. Today, I would like to thank the Lyons family for their hard work, commitment to history and our community and congratulate them on the 150th Anniversary of the historic Continental Tavern.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the American Society of Clinical Oncology, ASCO, on its 50 years of advancing progress against cancer. Back in 1964, seven physicians committed to improving the care of people to cancer came together with a vision for a professional society that would educate and lead physicians through this journey. At that time, cancer was largely untreatable and only a handful of hard-to-tolerate and mostly ineffective therapies were available. Flash forward fifty years and ASCO has nearly 35,000 members around the world. In the 1960s, less than one-half of patients with cancer were alive five years after diagnosis. Today more than two- thirds of patients with cancer are alive five years after their diagnosis. The number of drugs available to treat cancer has grown from a small handful to more than 170, and options for toxicity management have vastly increased. Patient quality of life has improved dramatically. This is cause for celebration, but we cannot rest. An estimated 1.6 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year. The growing, aging, and more overweight population makes it likely that cancer will become the leading cause of death by 2030. I commend ASCO for its contributions to the progress against cancer over these 50 years and look forward to working with the cancer community to continue the progress.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, on the 90th anniversary of the Point Pleasant Fire Co. #1, we recognize the spirit and unflinching courage of dedicated volunteers who run to the rescue--ready to protect their neighbors and the community--since 1924. The Point Pleasant Fire Co. now has grown into a much larger fire organization with many more well- trained volunteers who comprise the complement of firefighters and dive and technical rescue teams. Also, on his day, we may reflect on the generations of firefighters and company officers who answered the call. They are an integral part of the great history of the Point Pleasant Fire Co. and their service will be remembered as an example of the true spirit of first responders everywhere. Today's firefighters continue to set an example of public service and volunteerism for others to follow and the community is grateful to those who contribute to this effort.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of and appreciation for Nonie Darwish. In 1949, Nonie Darwish was born in Egypt--the Muslim daughter of a lieutenant general in the Egyptian Army. Today, she is a champion for equality and respect of women within the Islamic culture in which she grew up. After coming to America in the late 1970's she became an outspoken advocate for human rights around the world--including in the Middle East-region--and has voiced her support for a strong and sovereign Israeli-state. Her unique life story has led her to become one of the most fascinating and passionate women in our society, and has helped her pen three nationally recognized books. It is a great honor that Ms. Darwish is speaking in my district-- bringing her exceptional message of equal rights and a world free of hate to an audience in Bucks County. It is of note that her address comes in Washington's Crossing--just miles from the location of one of the most crucial points in American history. When General Washington crossed the frozen Delaware more than two centuries ago, he was battling for a government that respected the inalienable rights of the individual--regardless of race, creed, gender or religion. Ms. Darwish's message rings true with the values fought for on that ground. I wish to thank Nonie Darwish for her life of leadership and for her coming visit to my district.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, back in my home community of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Northampton Township Volunteer Fire Company is celebrating 100 years--a century of service--and the community that I represent proudly recognizes the spirit and unflinching courage of its dedicated and skilled volunteers who remain faithful and ready to protect their neighbors year after year. The fire company continues to serve the Northampton Township community with a staunch group of trained firefighters who consistently demonstrate the highest order of public service, risking their lives as they do to save others. Each of the firefighters and company officers are an integral part of the history of the century-old fire company, and each reflects the true spirit of first responders everywhere. Throughout its history, the Northampton Township Volunteer Fire Company and its members have set an example of selfless volunteerism and dedication for others to follow. I congratulate them on this landmark anniversary.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 2013/2014 Central Bucks South High School ice hockey team who won the Pennsylvania double-A High School Ice Hockey Championship on March 22nd on the campus of Penn State University. After wrapping up their regular season with a record of 14-3-1, the Titans entered the 2014 Flyers Cup tournament as the second seed. After emerging as the champions from the eastern side of the state, they'd go on to beat western Pennsylvania's Bishop Canevin High School by a score of 5-2 for the state title. The players, coaches and managers involved with this year's team should be extremely proud--not only of their accomplishment on the ice, but also of the pride they've brought to their school and area. Legendary Philadelphia Flyers coach Fred Shero once said, ``Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must first set yourself on fire.'' Hockey, like life, requires hard work and dedication in order to succeed.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, for more than 40 years, St. Mary Medical Center, located in my home district of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, has been serving the community and working to ensure a happier, healthier quality of life for tens of thousands of my constituents. This week, St. Mary Medical Center was recognized for their outstanding work as they were named one of the best hospitals in the nation by Truven Health Analytics. After comparing 2,800 hospitals across the country based on 10 categories--including patient safety, patient satisfaction, and clinical standard--the group named St. Mary Medical Center one of its top healthcare providers. Furthermore, the St. Mary's received the Everest Award--marking it as one of the most improved hospitals nationwide. To those of us who know St. Mary Medical Center best, we are pleased--but not surprised--as St. Mary is an outstanding health care facility, employing thousands of dedicated health care professionals, on the cutting edge of all health care innovations, and a recognized leader in the region for providing the highest quality of care to their patients every day. They are a caring, faith-based medical center in the tradition of St. Francis and they are totally prepared to meet the healthcare needs of all in our community as they do so with grateful hearts, impeccable credentials, and a clear view toward their Franciscan mission and the future role of healthcare. St. Mary's will always have a special place in my heart--it's where I met my wife and it's where my daughter and son-in-law both work today as nurse professionals, and it's where I received critical medical treatment when I needed it most. This national recognition is well deserved and is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved at St. Mary Medical Center--from administrators and doctors to nurses and support staff. I offer my most sincere congratulations on this well-deserved award!

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, Joseph J. Wenda, a Middletown Township resident and former township supervisor, passed away on April 24, 2014 after a long illness. He was 55 years old, a father and brother, who also will be remembered fondly by his relatives and many friends. Joe was soft-spoken and humble in his demeanor, but strongly dedicated to public service and his community. An elected township supervisor who served with distinction, he was respected and admired for his hard work and thoughtful decision-making. He was a man of integrity who treated his associates with equal and sincere interest and respected all points of view. He was first elected supervisor in 1996 and held office until 2001. Although he was often asked to seek re-election or a higher office, he chose to remain active in community and civic affairs, serving with equal dedication. Joe Wenda will be remembered throughout the community he loved for his contribution and his service--and he will be missed.