Michael Fitzpatrick

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, if I told you we could create tens of thousands of truly shovel-ready jobs, increase the prospects of American energy independence, and avoid undue environmental harm, how long would it take you to sign on the dotted line? For the President, it would take over 5 years. That is how long the application for the Keystone XL pipeline has been languishing on his desk. In his State of the Union address, the President talked about the need to grow jobs and pursue an all-of-the-above energy strategy, yet he has failed to take action on a project that does just that. Even after the release of a report from his own State Department last week clearly stating there would be little to no negative effect environmentally, the President still will not take the lead. This project has support from Members of both parties, as well as the support of both business groups and labor groups. The President said he has a pen. Now is the time to use it. Approve the Keystone XL pipeline, get Americans to work, and truly support a plan for an all-of-the-above energy strategy that sends a message to the rest of the world.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a life of faithful service and dedication. John Patrick Stanton was the youngest of four children born to Irish immigrant parents in Philadelphia in 1928. After his graduation from high school, he entered the U.S. Navy serving in the Pacific Theater of World War II. Upon returning, he went to LaSalle University on the GI Bill and eventually married his wife of 63 years, Harriet--together they were parents to 12 children and 46 grandchildren. Aside from a large and loving family, Mr. Stanton leaves behind a legacy of compassion in the way of the Pro-Life Coalition of Southeastern Pennsylvania and other pro-life groups. Mr. Stanton was a tireless advocate for the unborn and a recognizable site each week ministering to young mothers at women's clinics in the city. Through his commitment to his faith and his calling, he saved the lives of countless families and brought many others into religion. For his witness, Mr. Stanton was recognized with a number of awards and honors, and eventually would earn a master's degree in religious education from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary--ensuring that his teaching would continue. John P. Stanton passed away peacefully on January 31, 2014 at the age of 86. While he is gone, his service to his country, his community, his family and his faith will remain.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, today, February 4, is World Cancer Day. It is a day we remember those lost to this disease while recommitting ourselves and our efforts to eradicating it. This World Cancer Day, people across the globe will speak out in one unified voice in hopes of improving knowledge about cancer and its symptoms while shattering the stereotypes and misconceptions that stand as barriers to the treatment. By debunking the myths and bringing the fight against cancer to the global stage, we can make meaningful strides to address an issue that touches individuals, families, and communities worldwide. This year alone, 1.6 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer, and many of them will be children. As a member of the Childhood Cancer Caucus and a cancer survivor myself, I know how important it is to support each one of those cases with dedication and with care. So today, let's recognize the thousands of oncologists, support staff, researchers, and families tackling this diagnosis from start to finish. If we work together, from government organizations like the National Institutes of Health, to hospitals and cancer treatment facilities in my home State of Pennsylvania, to passing bipartisan legislation like the Gabrielle Miller Kids First Research Act, we can make this World Cancer Day a success and put an end to cancer in the not-so-distant future.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of an important week for my community, but also for our Nation as a whole. This is the 40th annual Catholic Schools Week, and it is a time to recognize the importance of parochial education on the fabric of our community and our country. This year's theme truly encapsulates the critical mission of Catholic schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge, and Service. These are important things to teach our children. Yesterday, I was happy to be able to stop by St. Mark's School in historic Bristol, Bucks County, and meet with schoolchildren there. St. Mark's School has been providing a top-rate education for Bucks County families for over 125 years, and, like all Catholic schools, their connection to their community is deep and vital. Parents are involved at the school. They were there at the school when I arrived, running a book fair for the students. The teachers sacrifice greatly for the children, as do the families make sacrifices to send their children to St. Mark's and to other Catholic schools throughout our country. As a Catholic school graduate, the husband of a Catholic school teacher, and a parent also, I understand how important it is to draw attention to the academic, the faith development, and the community service excellence performed year-round in Catholic schools. Mr. Speaker, there are few things more important to a parent than the success of our children in and out of the classroom. One of the most important decisions a parent makes is the school that will educate their children. National Catholic Schools Week is a time to recognize the importance of school choice for families looking to increase access to opportunity and the American Dream for future generations, and also to say thank you to the parishes and schools that serve our children this week and every week.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, the heart of Catholic education is encompassed in this year's theme for National Catholic Schools Week-- January 26 to February 1--Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service, the three measures by which any Catholic school can and should be judged. This year's theme will be highlighted throughout the week in all Catholic schools in daily celebrations of the inherent value of Catholic education to the students, which is the development of mind and body, soul and spirit. Similar to a small family, Catholic schools are part of a larger community comprised of home, church, city and nation. Students will draw upon this concept through the week as they recognize their parents for providing them with a Catholic education, and also connect the mission of their schools with the greater community. Therefore, we join in the celebration of Catholic education as a gift to the Church and also the nation, on this, the 40th anniversary of National Catholic Schools Week.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of his retirement as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 1, Sellersville, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, we recognize Jerry McCaffrey Jr. for 21 years of service to the oldest, continuously operating Boy Scout troop in Bucks County. As Scoutmaster, he is acknowledged as an outstanding role model who contributed years of leadership to Scouting, including active participation in the many volunteer community services provided by Troop 1. Scoutmaster McCaffrey is recognized by his colleagues for his inspiration and dedication to Scouting, overall, and Troop 1, in particular. He dutifully followed the mission of the Boy Scouts of America, which is to instill good character and morals in the Scouts. And his personal characteristics made him a successful mentor to many Scouts as they worked their way through the ranks. We are proud at this time to recognize the accomplishments of Scoutmaster McCaffrey, who has set a precedent for others to follow.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, Rabbi Elliot M. Strom has served the Shir Ami, Bucks County Jewish Congregation for 35 years with distinction. On the occasion of his retirement we acknowledge Rabbi Strom's spiritual leadership to his congregation and his many contributions to the greater Bucks County community. Under his leadership, the Shir Ami, Bucks County Jewish Congregation has grown to become the largest Jewish congregation in Bucks County and the spiritual home to more than 800 families and 2,000 members. Additionally, Rabbi Strom has dutifully served and contributed to the boards of directors of many community organizations, including his advocacy on behalf of the American Red Cross Homeless Shelter and Habitat for Humanity. We know him to be a strong advocate of open dialogue between local and national leaders and their constituents, while being honored with several invitations to the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC. Throughout his tenure, Rabbi Strom has stood alongside thousands of congregants at the most significant moments in their lives --both blessings and sorrows. And generations have flourished under his spiritual leadership, knowledge and his tender heart. We sincerely congratulate Rabbi Elliot Strom on this milestone and wish him more blessings, much happiness and good health in the coming years.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Master Harry Pfister and Villari's Self Defense Center for their outstanding contributions, particularly the special assistance provided to the needy in our communities. The Self Defense Center has been training children and adults in the martial arts in the Bucks-Mont area with great success; however, the lessons also have included enhancing the spirit of volunteerism and charity under the tutelage of Master Pfister. I would like to acknowledge that more than $50,000 was raised for local charitable causes, including Manna on Main Street, a kickathon held to ``kick'' hunger. This charity and other help for the neediest in the community made Villari's Self Defense Center more than a training ground for the martial arts. Master Pfister and all the associates understand the importance of helping others and I sincerely appreciate their work, knowing they will continue to be an inspiration for their students and the greater community in the future.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, we are proud to acknowledge the 100th anniversary of the Silverdale Volunteer Fire Co. and commend the early founders and today's volunteers for contributing to the safety and protection of their neighbors from one generation to the next. The Silverdale Volunteer Fire Co. has prevailed as a well-trained, dedicated company of first responders. In November 1914, a fire in a local bakery was the impetus for the formation of the first volunteer fire company in the small borough of Silverdale, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The new company's first fire call came on Aug. 8, 1915--a result of a lightning strike at a farmer's barn. Since then, many Silverdale residents demonstrated their dedication through involvement with the company, helping it grow along with their thriving community. Heartiest congratulations to the officers and members of the Silverdale Volunteer Fire Co., who continue to safeguard the community around the clock, reflecting a century of public service at its best.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I recognize January 11, 2014 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day and congratulate the Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA) for its critical assistance and support of the Bucks Coalition Against Trafficking. I acknowledge the ongoing victims' assistance efforts of NOVA in Bucks County and its work with the Coalition on the horrendous crime of human trafficking. NOVA brings its unique commitment to the exploited victims of this and other crimes and has provided years of community-based experience to the Coalition, that was launched one year ago to bring about an end to the suffering of the victims of this modern-day form of slavery. Both organizations have a commitment to working together and with other agencies. I offer congratulations to NOVA for continuously dedicating its resources and expertise to helping crime victims, including those exploited victims of human traffickers.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, the crime of human trafficking is complex and it is destructive. It shatters the lives of its victims and their loved ones. In an effort to bring attention to this modern-day form of slavery, we recognize January 11, 2014, as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. This multibillion dollar criminal industry exists in every State. The statistics are stunning, and it is essential this national awareness day shed light on a human rights tragedy which occurs in every region across our Nation. Though the impact of this crime affects men, women, and children, approximately 80 percent of all human trafficking victims are women, and nearly half are minors. Overall, there are 21 million individuals who are victims of forced labor in a $32 billion industry that is only second to drug trafficking as the most profitable form of international crime. Combating human trafficking requires commitment and cooperation at all levels of government and among agencies and among nonprofits. I see this collaboration taking root in my district in Pennsylvania. I was pleased to attend a meeting at Calvary Church in Souderton, teaming up with local nonprofit, Worthwhile Wear, poised to address the issues of shelter and homelessness as they relate to human trafficking prevention and recovery. The county-wide Bucks Coalition Against Trafficking created a local resource to raise public awareness and help end this horrendous crime through community education, victim identification, and legislative change. The Coalition has commemorated their 1-year anniversary, and their outstanding achievements have been recognized by the county of Bucks. As the Federal Representative for Pennsylvania's Eighth Congressional District and a member of the Victims Rights Caucus, I am working to support and pass Federal laws to end this heinous crime through the introduction of bipartisan legislation that reflects the interests, rights, and the needs of victims. January 11, 2014 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, but every day we must work together, forming a united front against human traffickers, and together we can raise public consciousness, prevent violence, protect the vulnerable, support survivors, and punish the offenders who perpetrate these crimes. I appreciate the time on the floor this morning, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. I thank my colleague from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Mr. Marino) for organizing this Special Order here this evening. And I know that Representative Marino, like myself, is hearing from our constituents back home in Pennsylvania. They live, many of them, in areas that are surrounded by properties that are habitually and repetitively flooded. They pay their flood insurance premiums faithfully each and every year, and they are being negatively impacted by FEMA's implementation of the flood insurance reforms that occurred. Last year, the reforms to the flood insurance program were passed because, since 2006, the Government Accountability Office has warned that the program was putting taxpayers at a high risk because of losses from Katrina back in 2005 and subsequent disasters. And since then, the program has been subsidized by the taxpayers and currently owes the Treasury--we heard earlier this evening perhaps as much as $30 billion. And as the GAO stated, these risks are the result of structural weaknesses and how the rate structure provides funding to the program itself. As a result of this, the House and the Senate came together, and they reformed the program in some very important ways. However, just because the National Flood Insurance Program was in desperate need of reform does not mean that we should just simply walk away and consider our jobs to be done. There are families across the country and in my district who are suffering from what they refer to as rate shock. I have heard from homeowners; I have heard from senior citizens who have lived in their homes for decades, trying to sell their homes in retirement. I have heard from young couples, newly married, first-time home buyers who have encountered significant challenges while trying to either sell their homes or purchase their first home. Some families are facing increases of up to 500 percent or more, and we heard about some of those examples tonight. My office is working with many constituents, including one senior citizen from the section of Bristol Township, a beautiful section, a working-class neighborhood called Croydon, subject to some flooding. This homeowner raised her family, lived in the home for decades and now in her retirement wants to sell the asset she has in retirement, her home. And because the rates have been significantly increased and increased sort of going over a cliff--not over time but all at once-- many potential buyers have walked away from her property and just said that they simply can't afford to purchase the property. She can't afford to sell the property. In her senior years, that dream of retirement, she has been trapped in her home that she wanted to sell and move on into her retirement. One possible solution is to more gently phase in the rate adjustments. Another would be to just freeze them outright while we work on a longer-term solution. Either way, I look forward to working with my colleagues, including those speaking here this evening. We can find a way to move forward with crucial reforms to a very important program while still protecting the families that we represent from reductions in the values of the homes that may very well be the only asset that they have or were counting on in their retirement. So with that, Mr. Marino, I thank you for your interest and concern for our mutual constituents back home in Pennsylvania on this issue.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. I thank my friend from Pennsylvania, Mr. Barletta, for organizing this Special Order tonight. I have to say that I never assumed it would be easy to get an answer quickly from a massive bureaucracy of the Federal Government like the Internal Revenue Service, but I have to admit that I never thought it would be this hard either, especially on a question important to the safety of communities across my district and across our great country. My question to the previous IRS chief--and more recently the new agency head--has been a simple one: Can you clarify the rules within the President's health care law as they relate to volunteer firefighters? As my colleagues here tonight have noted, confusion exists within the first responder community about the effects of the health care law's mandates and the IRS's definition of an employee, which currently, as we have heard tonight, covers volunteer firefighters. Yet the question goes unanswered, and I can't offer any information or comfort to the fire departments who would be the one's hurt by the misguided mandate. One way or the other, they just want to know so they can keep on serving their communities. I would like to read just two emails of many, many emails that I have heard from my district about the importance of this situation. The first is from Charles Rumble, who is president of the Plumsteadville Fire Company: We are an all-volunteer fire company that is being penalized for our ability to attract and retain members to protect the community. There is no way that we--or our community that supports us--can bear that cost of offering insurance. We would be forced to shut down and our community forced to seek substantially more costly and diminished fire protection alternatives. From Frank Farry, who is chief of the Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company, who is also an elected State representative in Pennsylvania: The administration and the IRS have been aware of this issue for months but yet have not taken any steps to address it. The volunteer fire service already faces many challenges, and if the ACA is applied to it, the volunteer fire departments will have their backs broken. Mr. Speaker, waiting for an answer isn't good enough, especially for people with jobs as important as our volunteer firefighters. That is why I was proud to join with Congressman Barletta and so many others gathered here this evening in introducing the Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act to try to address this problem legislatively. I know we all remain optimistic that the administration will address our concerns. We hope that the IRS takes action and takes action swiftly. If not, we are prepared to do so in this House.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, the House is pleased to recognize Shuji Maruyama Sensei, the founder of Kokikai Aikido, on the 45th anniversary of the introduction of Aikido to the greater Philadelphia region. Mr. Maruyama, who is acknowledged as one of the world's greatest living martial artists, brought Aikido to the United States 45 years ago. Now, at the age when most men are considering retirement, Shuji continues to educate his students and lead Kokikai Aidido on a successful path in the U.S. It is understood that this self-defense training system provides personal realization and ethical self-defense. The students of Aikido learn that as they become stronger, a peaceful resolution of conflict becomes more, not less, possible. So on this special anniversary, I am pleased to acknowledge Mr. Maruyama's personal achievements and the beneficial role Kokikai Aikido has played in enriching the lives of men and women in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and the United States.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Bucks Coalition Against Trafficking on its one-year anniversary, and to recognize the important work this local volunteer group is doing to raise awareness on human trafficking. The Coalition was launched to bring about an end to the suffering of the victims of this modern-day form of slavery. In particular, the Bucks Coalition Against Trafficking brings a strong, informed commitment to this issue as it reaches out to all levels of government to stop the exploitation of men, women, and children. The broad-based program includes community education, victim identification, legislative advocacy, and the prosecution of traffickers. Pennsylvania's 8th District is grateful for the Coalition's compassionate plan and its dedication to the awareness of this horrendous crime, while successfully enlisting the assistance of individuals, government agencies, and local law enforcement to help bring justice.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I introduced H.R. 2906, the Fairness to Veterans Act, because I believe if anyone deserves a leg up in America, it is those who have served on our behalf. The Fairness to Veterans Act is straightforward. It says that if any business receives a contracting preference, then a veteran-owned small business should receive that very same preference. I call this bill Fairness to Veterans because I believe it is only fair that if we are going to be singling out certain businesses to receive special consideration for government contracts, then that same benefit should be extended to veteran-owned small businesses. More than 250,000 servicemembers are transitioning each year from military to civilian life; 2.4 million veterans own a small business of their own. Overall, one in four veterans say they want to start a business. This bipartisan bill makes sure that we are tapping into the most highly skilled workforce in history and utilizing their unique skills to get our economy moving again. Mr. Speaker, whether my colleagues believe there should be contracting preferences or not is not at the heart of this legislation. The question here is: Do Members believe that veterans deserve to be on a level playing field with anyone when bidding for government contracts? I believe the answer to that question is a resounding ``yes.'' I urge my colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 2906.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Langhorne Borough's Mayor Chris Blaydon on a long career of public service. Mayor Chris Blaydon and his wife, Mary, have lived in Bucks County for 50 years. In that time, he has helped shape the community as a volunteer, borough councilman, mayor, and 30-year member of the borough Shadetree Commission. We sincerely commend him for his honorable service to our community as well as to our Nation as a U.S. Air Force pilot and later, as a Pan America pilot. Because of his appreciation for the historical significance of Bucks County, for the last 37 years, he has participated in the re-enactment of Gen. George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River on December 26, 1776 during the Battle of Trenton. Therefore, as Chris Blaydon concludes his mayoral career, we thank and wish him good health and many new adventures.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sadie ``Honey'' Goldman on her 100th birthday. Mrs. Goldman was born on December 27, 1913 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Soloman and Selina Hart. She married Irvin J. Goldman and both became loving parents to Philip and Beverly. Alongside her husband, Honey enjoyed working in the family business at Gold Electric Service Inc. in Philadelphia as well as setting time aside for her knitting and sewing. She has been blessed with seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Through her life, she has continued to pass on love, guidance, and wisdom from one generation to the next. I wish her a very happy birthday and good health and happiness.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Douglas Greenfield on his 85th birthday. Douglas lives a competitive and successful life in Levittown, PA. He has been an active bowler for the past 50 years and won a bet in the 1960's to walk 50 miles through Bucks County in one day. Supporting the community's youth is another passion of Mr. Greenfield. In the 60's and 70's he was active with the Boy Scouts of America and taught Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (C.C.D.) at Bishop Egan High School. He also worked to establish the Pennsbury High School boys lacrosse team and today, students still recognize ``Gran- Pa'' for his tireless effort on and off the field. A true American role model, Doug, and his wife, Alice, continue to volunteer in their church and community in my home town, Levittown, PA. I want to wish Doug a very Happy 85th Birthday.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend this chamber for coming together to pass The Gabrielle Miller Kids First Research Act. Ask any parent, our kids always come first, so when it comes to utilizing taxpayer dollars; it only makes sense that Washington places the children of our nation ahead of partisan politics. This bill prioritizes allocations for scientific research of pediatric diseases and disorders such as cancer and autism. By eliminating taxpayer funding for the Republican and Democratic national conventions, and applying these funds to critically needed research for cures to childhood disorders, we are truly doing important and lasting work for our constituents--including the most precious and vulnerable. As a member of the Autism Caucus, the chance to prioritize federal dollars for critical research on Autism, and those families living with it, is a great opportunity. Ensuring the best for our children, especially those with pediatric disorders, is vital for the continued success of our nation. It is heartening that this Congress was able to come together and work on their behalf. I am proud to have the opportunity to work with Autism groups in my community, in Pennsylvania's 8th District, that are ready to work with the us in putting an end to Autism and all other pediatric diseases. Mr. Speaker, I urge the Senate to quickly take up this bill and show that Washington is ready to put our kids first.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, Langhorne Manor, Pennsylvania is home to Cairn University as it celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. We acknowledge and congratulate the dedicated administrators and academic staff who have contributed greatly to its success. The school that began on July 8, 1913, as the Bible Institute of Philadelphia, and later the Philadelphia Biblical University, has grown to be an outstanding academic institution with a professed Christian mission to educate students who will graduate as professionally competent men and women of character to carry that mission forward into their church and society. Cairn University students have the option of five schools: Divinity, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Business and Leadership, Education and Music; two departments, Social Work and Christian Counseling, and graduate programs. On this occasion, we heartily congratulate Cairn University Chancellor W. Sherrill Babb and President Todd J. Williams and look forward to future achievement and the contributions Cairn graduates will make toward the betterment of their communities.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of the retirement of Lieutenant Colonel Robert D. White, we hereby acknowledge his exemplary military career of service and honor in the United States Air Force. Colonel White began his Air Force career as an officer and instructor pilot with the 37th Flying Training Squadron, Columbus AFB, Mississippi in September 1992 and proceeded into various other positions of leadership, including Chief of Disclosure and Release Division Headquarters, National Geospatial Intelligence Agency in Virginia, which provides geospatial intelligence in support of national security. Colonel White also served as Chief of Flight Safety for the Air National Guard, Andrews Air Force Base. And as a command pilot, he logged more than 4,500 hours in the air and served overseas. For his outstanding service and leadership in flight safety, Colonel White was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Second Oak Leaf Cluster. His singularly distinctive accomplishments reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. We thank Colonel White for his service to our country and congratulate him on the successful completion of his duty as a United States Air Force officer.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, on December 7, 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, an event that changed America and catapulted this nation onto a world stage and into global conflict--World War II. At least 2,400 Americans lost their lives in Pearl Harbor and more than 1,000 were wounded. Each year, we remember the day that changed the nation, ignited the flame of freedom and inspired a generation to greatness. And while we seek peace in a tumultuous world, America remains ever vigilant and determined to be free. Pearl Harbor was not unlike September 11, 2001, when the unexpected attack within our shores also claimed thousands of innocent lives and stunned the nation. Today, we honor those who passed the torch of freedom to a new generation. Because of their sacrifice, America remains a shining light, a beacon to the world, and a timeless reminder of the sacrifices this great nation is willing to make in the face of freedom and liberty challenged.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, for 14 years, Bill Rickett was the man who kept Bucks County moving. Mr. Rickett served, since 1999, as the founding Executive Director for the Bucks County Transportation Management Association. Under Bill's leadership, the Bucks County TMA successfully completed a number of projects to improve transportation access and mobility throughout the area, including connecting commuters to regional rail service by shuttle and improvements to the Route 13 corridor in Lower Bucks County, as well as many others. Aside from his service at the TMA, Mr. Rickett worked with community organizations to make Bucks County a better place to live and to work, including serving on boards of both the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce and the Development Advisory Board of the Bucks County Enterprise Zone. Thanks to his efforts, Bucks County continues to find new and innovative ways to enhance the quality of life for its residents. On behalf of his coworkers and a grateful county, I want to thank Mr. Rickett and wish him nothing but the best in his well-deserved retirement.