Michael Fitzpatrick

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, because volunteers are essential to our community and institutions as they go about helping people in need, congratulations to the Knit Wits from Ann's Choice in Bucks County for donating their skills and time to the cause of our wounded veterans. Since early this year, the members have created more than 140 hand-knit stockings for military veterans, specifically those injured in combat and now recuperating at Walter Reed Medical Center, where I had the privilege of meeting some of the soldiers and heard their strong message of hope and confidence. Together, the volunteers have made the stocking gifts in all patterns and sizes and generously donated them to the hospitalized soldiers. Thanks to all involved in this worthy cause for recognizing the contribution and sacrifice of our veterans in this way. The gift of love that goes into this particular project has not gone unnoticed by the families and friends of the most deserving young men and women. And in the course of this ongoing project, the small and faithful group of knitters has set an example for others to follow.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, Sister Francesca Onley, Ph.D., served as president of Holy Family University for 32 years--from 1981 to 2014--and is widely recognized as an outstanding and effective administrator. She was the driving force behind the expansion of the institution in northeast Philadelphia, while maintaining the integrity of its educational philosophy and academic programs. Scholar, educator, innovator, and astute businesswoman, Sister Francesca guided Holy Family to its University status in 2002, expanded enrollment and grew the endowment fund from thousands to $16 million in 33 years. Sister Francesca also attained leadership positions in many educational associations, including charter president of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Consortium for Higher Education, the prestigious International Association of University Presidents, and the United Nations Commission on Disarmament Education, Conflict Resolution and Peace. She addressed the commission's goal to nurture concepts of peace through education, organizing peace conferences in areas of conflict, establishing outreach programs in Africa, and integrating technology into the teaching of English. In 2012, she was named Chair Emerita. Sister Francesca is honored today for a life of faith, grace, and achievement. Her family of friends and associates look forward to the future accomplishments of a most remarkable woman.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, my friend, Sister Francesca Onley, has served as president of Holy Family University for 32 years and is recognized as an outstanding and effective administrator. She led the expansion of the institution in Philadelphia while maintaining the integrity of its educational philosophy. Sister Francesca guided Holy Family to its university status. She expanded enrollment and grew the endowment fund substantially. Sister Francesca also attained leadership positions in educational associations, including charter president of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Consortium for Higher Education, the prestigious International Association of University Presidents, and the United Nations Commission on Disarmament Education, Conflict Resolution and Peace. She addressed the Commission's goal to nurture peace concepts through education by establishing outreach programs in Africa. Sister Francesca is being honored in Philadelphia for a life of faith, grace, and achievement. Her family, friends, and associates look forward to the future accomplishments of this most remarkable woman.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, we recognize the Greater Philadelphia Falun Dafa Association for its contribution to the advancement of the arts in the Philadelphia region, notably its presentation of the Shen Yun Performing Arts program at the Merriam Theater in Philadelphia, April 25th through April 27th. This outstanding dance and music company promotes traditional Chinese culture and heritage in the United States and around the world. Shen Yun has graced many of the world's greatest stages, performing in more than 100 cities on five continents. Its brilliant productions feature classical, ethnic and folk dance, and music showcasing 5,000 years of civilization and the wisdom of Chinese legends. Therefore, we express our appreciation to the Greater Philadelphia Falun Dafa Association for bringing this company of performers to our area. In so doing, a significant contribution is being made to arts and culture in the Philadelphia region.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today in grateful recognition of the youth leaders who are taking action in their communities to make our world a better place and those who help them get involved. This week, right here in our Nation's capital, thousands of students have gathered for the 25th Annual National Service-Learning Conference. Their time on the Hill will be used to visit with their elected officials and share how important service is to their district and our country, as well as the personal impact of service learning on their lives. A group from my district will be led by Joan Liptrot, a tireless leader for positive change and a woman whose commitment to service learning and societal advancement is without question. At this week's conference, she will be presented with the Service-Learning Practitioner Leadership Award, which recognizes those who have equipped young people to lead and serve, both through their direct work with youth and by nurturing other practitioners. I have been proud to speak at this conference in the past and to work closely with Joan's Youth Action Council on projects that advance awareness and involvement among teens. The work of people like Joan and countless young people around the country who are ready to make the world a better place is nothing short of commendable. I wish them the best at this week's conference, and I look forward to working with them in Pennsylvania's Eighth District.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, noted humanitarian, and longtime Bucks County, Pennsylvania, resident, Pearl S. Buck, touched many lives during her lifetime. Her books brought readers inside the worlds of those they might have never known, and her commitment to a global community devoid of prejudice and bias solidified her place in American history. However, it was her dedication to children of all races for which I recognize her today. Pearl S. Buck pioneered a process for international adoption that brought down the walls of interracial adoption and grew loving families, where, before, there were no options. Her work continues today, and it continues with the leaders at Pearl S. Buck International in my district. Through the ``Welcome House program'' and adoption assistance, the organization carries on her critical mission of connecting children worldwide with loving families here in the United States. I was proud to join the leaders at Pearl S. Buck International last month to highlight our mutual support for the Children in Families First Act. This bipartisan legislation streamlines our Nation's international adoption process and increases America's diplomatic mission abroad to include the well-being of children around the globe. As a member of the Congressional Adoption Coalition and a cosponsor of the bill, I am excited to advance the Children in Families First Act as a commonsense response to the needs of families and groups like Pearl S. Buck International. By removing roadblocks, increasing USAID opportunities, and prioritizing adoption within the State Department, we can ensure that every child, no matter where they are born, has a home.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in solemn observation of the 4th anniversary of the Smolensk Disaster. On the morning of April 10th, 2010 Polish Air Force One crashed at Smolenski North Military Airfield in western Russia, killing all 96 passengers onboard--including Poland's president and first lady, political and military elites, as well as religious leaders and civilian families. The stunning catastrophe happened as those Poles flew to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Katyn Forest Mass Murders perpetrated under the direction of Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union against Polish prisoners of war. Years later, both tragedies still bring pain and suffering to the Polish people--both abroad and in my home district of Bucks and Montgomery counties. In recognition of the fourth anniversary of the Smolensk Disaster, members of the Polish community in my region will gather at the American Czestochowa in Doylestown to pay tribute to those who lost their lives and commemorate this somber anniversary. I join them in marking this important date with reflection and prayer, as well as thanking the organizing committee for preparing this important event. Poland and America remain strong allies with mutual interests in advancing the causes of freedom and liberty. I support a strong relationship between the two nations, and encourage all Americans to remember the Smolensk Disaster and those lost.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, duty, honor, country and responsibility are the core values said to be shared by our ``Greatest Generation.'' Louis Spadaccino of Holland, Bucks County, PA was no exception. Sadly, Lou passed away April 3 at the age of 90. Lou, along with his six brothers served our country in World War II. In his senior year of high school he took his final exams early and left to join the U.S. Navy. Lou was a gunner's mate on LCI 489 and together with his fellow naval crew mates was active in bringing in the first wave of troops to Normandy at the Battle of Omaha Beach. Lou spent the next three years in the Navy and was honorably discharged in 1946. About two years ago I had the opportunity to accompany Lou with Honor Flight to visit the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. It was a privilege to share this experience with such an extraordinary gentleman, an American hero. Lou led a full life as a business leader, community servant and loving family man. He will be missed but his remarkable achievements will live on in the hearts and minds of those he touched over the course of his lifetime.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge is a historic, two-lane, steel truss bridge that has linked the two picturesque communities along the Delaware River for 200 years. The two-lane, toll-free span has weathered well, surviving floods and ice and two centuries of traffic from horses to motor vehicles. It remains a busy bridge with an estimated daily traffic count of 14,000. The New Hope-Lambertville Bridge opened as a wooden-covered bridge on Sept. 12, 1814, followed in 1904 with construction of the current steel truss bridge. Local historians created a documentary containing rare film footage that chronicles the 200-year history of the span, other landmarks and the rich artistic tradition of the area. The film premiered at a special celebration held at the New Hope Playhouse on April 10, 2014 to commemorate the 200-year anniversary. Congratulations to all involved in this tribute, including the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, the interstate agency responsible for the care and maintenance of the trusted connection between Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bristol Borough Council President, Ralph DiGuiseppe, Jr. Strong values and close family ties are the hallmark of the DiGuiseppe family. Ralph's grandparents journeyed here from Italy, passing through Ellis Island just as many of our own ancestors had, and then settled in the Delaware Valley. Ralph's parents met at a dance in Bristol Borough. They eventually married and made Bristol Borough their home. Ralph is a proud, lifelong resident of Bristol Borough--a true ``Bristolian.'' He is proud to serve as President of the Bristol Borough Council and has passed on the value of service to the next generation of DiGuiseppes as his son, Ralph DiGuiseppe III, serves on the Bristol Borough School Board. Ralph has volunteered countless hours at St. Ann's Parish as a project manager and a laborer, and strengthened the parish's finances by reinstituting the annual carnival, an iconic Bristol event. Kind and generous, Ralph donates to ensure traditional Thanksgiving feasts can be enjoyed by local families who would otherwise go without. Ralph has been described as an ``idealist, a dreamer, always thinking in long term.'' He believes the American Dream is a dream come true for the DiGuiseppe family. From his first day on council, his goal has been simply to improve the quality of life for the residents of Bristol Borough. ``Welcome Friend'' has been Bristol's motto since a wooden sign greeted the Marquis de Lafayette on his ``Farewell Tour of America'' in 1824. The original sign still hangs within the Borough Hall, where it continues to greet locals and newcomers. Ralph views every individual he meets as important. He truly embodies this simple gesture, ``Welcome Friend,'' and graciously welcomes all into the Bristol Borough family. I commend Ralph DiGuiseppe Jr. for his selfless dedication to his community and his never ending pursuit of the American Dream for his family and fellow Bristolians.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, the Philadelphia Macaroni Company now celebrates a century of success as a leading pasta manufacturer in Pennsylvania. This small, family-owned business has surpassed the five- year life span of the average, small business in America through five generations. The company was launched by Antonio Marano and his son, Vincent, on South 7th Street in 1914 and today has locations beyond Philadelphia and across the nation. The Philadelphia Macaroni Company is a leading manufacturer of pasta for many other national companies. Its first major contract came in the mid-1920s from the Campbell Soup Company--a request to make the small, letter-shaped noodles for its popular and long-lived alphabet soup. Many other ideas followed from soup marketers over the years. In the 1970s, some companies were searching for an instant noodle that could be packaged dry in a pouch and the Marano family delivered. There are many other inspiring stories associated with this family-owned business, but none more telling than the true spirit of American entrepreneurship we honor here today. We congratulate the Philadelphia Macaroni Company and the Marano family for setting an example of business acumen, hard work and a timeless belief in the American dream.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Patricia ``Patty'' Lyons. Patty passed away on March 26, 2014 after a long courageous and hard fought battle with cancer. Patty was a dedicated nurse in Bucks County for 35 years. It has been said of nurses, that with each patient and family they work with over the years, they give a little piece of themselves and each of those threads, make up the beautiful tapestry that is the career of nursing. Patty's career and life was indeed a beautiful tapestry. She dedicated her life to improving the care of older Americans particularly those in home care and hospice. She established and operated Bucks County Special Care for 28 years. Patty worked tirelessly advocating for legislation requiring non-medical home cares to be licensed and direct care workers to pass criminal background checks, which ultimately became law. Patty was very generous with her time and dedicated hours of service to numerous boards, community organizations and commissions including the Long Term Care Advisory Panel serving the 8th Congressional District. I had the honor and pleasure of knowing Patty. She left a lasting impression on those she touched and she will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mr. Young on his outstanding leadership in managing this bill, which is going to remove one of the most misguided and confusing provisions of the President's Affordable Care Act. Everyone outside Washington knows that full time means 40 hours. Only Federal bureaucrats would try to redefine a commonly understood fact that is critical to millions of workers and employers nationwide. The redefinition of full time to 30 hours under the health care law is not only confusing to hardworking Americans, it is confusing to the very government who changed the definition in the first place. Just last week, Mr. Speaker, news reports showed that on different forms of the Federal agencies and in different offices, full-time work was being described as 40 hours by some agencies, 30 hours by other departments, and 35 hours by still others. By moving the goalposts on what is actually constituting full-time employment, this administration fundamentally changed the workplace for hourly workers, increasing the risk of lost hours and smaller paychecks for real people, for real workers, for real Americans who are losers under this law called ObamaCare. The bipartisan Save American Workers Act, of which I am proud to cosponsor, is going to restore that 40-hour workweek. I am proud to cosponsor it and urge my colleagues to support its passage.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give the heartiest congratulations to Dennis I. Markowitz on being named Person of the Year by the Feasterville Business Association. This honor recognizes his many years of outstanding service to the Feasterville Business Association, as a motivator, officer and current treasurer. A tax accountant and founding partner in the Financial Group Plus Companies, he marks his 50th year as a tax accountant. Dennis Markowitz' many endeavors, both personal and professional, include his honorable service in the United States Army, and also as vice president of the Bucks-Mont Chapter of the Society of Tax and Accounting Partners and educator who has been recognized for his volunteer work by the U.S. International Revenue Service. Throughout his years of community service on many different levels, Dennis Markowitz has set an outstanding example for others to follow and this recognition comes with sincere wishes for a continuation of service and fellowship, health and happiness.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, in my district in Pennsylvania, the Newtown bypass will be renamed, on April 22, the Brian S. Gregg Memorial Highway, in honor of a Newtown Borough police officer who lost his life in the line of duty on September 29, 2005. Officer Gregg was 45, a husband and a father. Throughout a police career that began in 2003, Officer Gregg demonstrated his dedication to the Newtown community and its residents with his earnest and daily commitment to their protection. Always professional in the performance of his duties, Officer Gregg was a familiar and friendly face in the borough. His presence and his service is missed. Now, as we recognize the great sacrifice made by Officer Gregg and his family, we are also grateful as a wider community for the commitment we see reflected in the daily work of police officers and first responders everywhere.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, Elizabeth Biester is a Bucks County woman who has made a difference in the global and local community with years of leadership, social advocacy, and volunteerism. She is being honored with the March 2014 Bucks County Women's History Month Award. As a volunteer, she has made an indelible imprint on our community and beyond. Elizabeth Biester has advocated on behalf of the children of the world who were abandoned, orphaned, or experienced discrimination through her work with the Pearl S. Buck Foundation/Pearl S. Buck International and Welcome House. The local organizations in which she has also tirelessly contributed include: American Red Cross, Network of Victim Assistance, Teachers for Tomorrow, League of Women Voters, YWCA of Bucks County and the Bucks County Symphony. We recognize a dedicated woman of integrity and generous spirit who brings heart felt compassion to her endeavors. As we also acknowledge the impact she has had on many lives, we are grateful to Elizabeth Biester for setting an example of service and social advocacy for others to follow.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to once again remind the President that it is Congress that makes the laws, not the Executive. It is time the President works with Congress, not around it, to achieve realistic policy goals to help grow the economy for hardworking Americans. They work hard and they play by the rules. We need an administration that does the same. The President's willingness to go around Congress harms the balance between the branches that our Founders sought to protect. Furthermore, it makes both Chambers consider whether legislation they pass will be faithfully executed--all at a time when it is hard enough to come together on the very critical issues. Governing by Executive fiat and acting as a Congress-of-one does little to restore the faith of the American people in their government. The businesses and families we represent deserve a government willing to work together. Mr. President, it is time to stop the overuse of Executive actions and get back to the real work of growing our economy and making our Nation a better place for all Americans.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, as a member of the Rare Disease Congressional Caucus, I rise today in support of continued funding for tuberous sclerosis complex research in the fiscal year 2015 Department of Defense Appropriations Act. TSC is a genetic condition that afflicts an estimated 50,000 Americans, causing tumors in the kidneys, lungs, liver, heart, eyes, skin, and brain. Researchers have linked TSC to seizures, autism, and severe intellectual disability. Research on this condition is also having a notable impact on our understanding of traumatic brain injury and other medical conditions, like cancer and diabetes. The TSC program at the Department of Defense is critical to our continued understanding of this condition. With me on the floor today, Mr. Speaker, is a beautiful little girl, Stephanie from Pennsylvania, who has been diagnosed with TSC. Her brave spirit brings light to the importance of this cause and helps remind us of others living with this condition across the United States. It is crucial that we continue to band together as a community and a legislative body to support this significant research initiative.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, State Representative Paul Clymer is a principled leader, a man of character, veteran, and strong advocate for the citizens of the 145th legislative district of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. We honor his service to our country, state and community, as we also recognize his leadership in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, where he chairs the Education Committee and is a member of the Gaming Oversight Committee. Representative Clymer plans to retire at the end of the year, having served in state office for 34 years. An avid historian, he was responsible for developing funding strategies for the restoration and preservation of 85 of 147 Civil War monuments on the historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania battlefield. Additionally, he is chairman of the committee working to preserve the historic integrity of the state Capitol building, its architecture, furniture, paintings and artifacts. On these and other issues important to the people he represents, namely, open space, farmland preservation, public transportation, gaming, veterans affairs, business and jobs, Representative Paul Clymer rises above the crowd, and in so doing, has set an outstanding example for others to follow.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 25) to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain Federal features of the electric distribution system to the South Utah Valley Electric Service District, and for other purposes, as amended.

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 insert extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, President Washington once said: The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive veterans of earlier wars were appreciated by our Nation. There is no doubt that we appreciate the service and sacrifice of each generation of veterans, from our original veterans, patriots, to those who landed at Normandy during World War II, to present. We as Americans and as lawmakers are forever in debt to the dedication of our military men and women who bore the pain of battle, physically and emotionally. While we stand here in this Chamber each day and pledge our allegiance to the American flag that they defend, while we are able to act as a democratic body freely elected by the people thanks to their sacrifices, sometimes simple appreciation isn't enough. We have a chance today to treat our veterans with the honor they deserve by ensuring that they are fully compensated for their service during retirement, while also addressing other concerns facing our Nation. Today we will take up the legislation under consideration to ensure that all servicemen and -women who are enlisted prior to January 1 of this year will receive the full cost of living adjustments in retirement before and after the age of 62. Furthermore, this bill also ensures our seniors will have access to the health care services they depend on through Medicare. For too long, the relationship between doctor and patient has been strained by the confusion and instability of a well-intentioned but unaddressed problem with the Medicare program itself, known as the sustainable growth rate or SGR. A component of this legislation works to ensure that seniors are able to receive the care they depend on from the physicians who know them, while also guaranteeing that those physicians are fairly compensated by Medicare through a fund until long-term reform of the SGR is achieved this spring. In doing so, this legislation provides much-needed stability for the medical community by ensuring that physicians have the predictability in billing they need to further their practice and to focus on their patients. By taking up and passing this legislation in bipartisan fashion, we can address areas of critical concern, while working together to make sure we are also being fiscally responsible. This legislation provides a necessary offset that is in the same vein of the bipartisan budget agreement this Chamber passed just over a month ago. The American people expect us to make the tough decisions that help them in their daily lives, be it a military veteran looking to secure his retirement after a lifetime of duty and commitment, to the senior making sure their next doctor's visit is free from any undue stress, or ensuring that physicians can further their passion of serving their community. This legislation provides a path forward for our Nation and this body in addressing their concerns. I urge full bipartisan support of this legislation and encourage the whole House to consider the important needs that the bill addresses. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

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

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, it is always responsible to keep promises made to our Nation's veterans. What is before the House today is an extension of current policy that was passed in overwhelming bipartisan fashion right here in this Chamber less than 2 months ago. In addition, it does protect the promises that the Nation has made to our veterans. So, I encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of the bill, to care for those who have borne the battle, and to send that message to all who can hear it. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.