Michael Fitzpatrick

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, on September 2, 1912, Arthur Rose Eldred of New York earned this Nation's first Eagle Scout Award. Arthur would be the first of three generations of Eldred's to rise to the rank of Eagle; his son and grandson hold the honor as well. The title of Eagle is an exceptional and extraordinary achievement earned by just 2% of Boy Scouts. This uncommon accomplishment is precisely why, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michael and Cheryl Paradiso. On Saturday, March 16, 2013, Daniel Paradiso will be the fourth child of Michael and Cheryl to attain scouting's highest honor. Their daughter, Stephanie, has achieved the Gold Award in Girl Scouting and their three sons, Tony, M.J., and now Daniel have all earned the rank of Eagle Scout. A century has passed since Arthur Eldred earned our Nation's first Eagle Award. One hundred years later, dedicated parents Mike and Cheryl Paradiso provide the guidance, support and commitment for their children just as Arthur Eldred did for his son and grandson. Congratulations, Mike and Cheryl for your extraordinary achievement.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to proudly recognize the recipient of the Bucks County 2013 Women's History Month Award. Donna Byrne, a long-time resident of Bucks County Pennsylvania, exemplifies compassion and leadership to help women experiencing domestic violence. Nearly 30 years ago, Donna Byrne discovered her deep commitment to empower women while volunteering at a battered women's shelter. There, she found her passion. The life-changing experience eventually led her to work for `A Woman's Place'. For 12 years, Donna Byrne pioneered the domestic violence prevention movement. Having established successful prevention awareness programs and community outreach efforts in local schools, she successfully garnered community support for women's issues. Mr. Speaker, we honor Donna Byrne today because of her selfless courage and lifelong passion to help the lives of women in need. Although not often recognized for their contribution to the community, women like Donna Byrne are true heroines who make our community a stronger and safer place. As a committed advocate for women in Bucks County, Donna Byrne stands out as a clear choice to receive this award.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, in light of Women's History Month, I would like to take this time to acknowledge an extremely special occasion: the 100th birthday of Mrs. Annabelle Glazer. Annabelle was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on March 6, 1913. Throughout her life, Annabelle has fulfilled the important roles of loving wife, dedicated mother, and valued community member. She worked as a book keeper until her retirement, upon which she diligently served her community through MANNA and Hadassah, volunteer organizations in Philadelphia. Not only is it important to acknowledge the personal successes and triumphs of Annabelle on her birthday, but it is also fitting to reflect on the momentous occasions that she has witnessed in her lifetime, such as women achieving the right to vote. As we celebrate the accomplishments of Annabelle, let us commemorate all women throughout history who paved the way for progress.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of St. Mark's Parochial School in Bristol Borough, PA. On December 27, 1887, St. Mark's Parochial School was opened and officially blessed, becoming the first parochial school in Bucks County. St. Mark's School was initially staffed by The Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and Father Ward, who was Pastor of St. Mark Parish from 1879 to 1887, is considered the founder of Catholic education in Bristol. For the next 125 years, the school would become an integral part of the Bristol Borough community. Thanks to its dedicated teachers and staff, St. Mark's Parochial School provides students with a high quality and well-rounded education in a Christian environment. It helps children develop a strong sense of morality and concern for their fellow neighbor. Further, members of St. Mark's routinely demonstrate an active presence in fostering their community. The school has become a great source of pride for the Borough of Bristol. St. Mark's shows promise and growth as an institution and will continue to cultivate young minds. Because the school serves as a model of excellence in education and an active participant in community development, it is my pleasure to honor St. Mark's Parochial School of Bristol Borough on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to raise awareness of Margan syndrome and related heritable connective tissue disorders by observing National Marfan Awareness Month. Marfan syndrome is a rare genetic condition affecting roughly 1 in 5,000 Americans. Marfan syndrome impacts the connective tissue throughout the body, which can lead to various health issues. Some of these health issues can be disabling or even fatal. In Marfan patients the largest artery in the body, the aorta, can weaken, enlarge, and rupture. By raising awareness today I seek to promote recognition and early diagnosis of Marfan syndrome so that serious cardiac events can be prevented. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are the keys to managing Marfan syndrome and living a full life. I am pleased to announce that the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology have released new treatment guidelines for thoracic aortic disease. Since recognition and proper treatment are the major components of preventing the most serious health issues, I call on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to work closely with the Marfan syndrome community to raise awareness of these conditions and the new treatment guidelines. While there is currently no cure for Marfan syndrome, efforts are underway to enhance our understanding of the condition and improve patient care. I applaud the National Institutes of Health, particularly the National, Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculo skeletal and Skin Diseases for their research efforts in this regard. I encourage NIH to expand research efforts in this area moving forward. On behalf of the Marfan syndrome and related heritable connective tissue disorders community, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing February as National Marfan Awareness Month.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support the Strengthening Background Checks Act of 2013. The tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School has rightfully focused our collective attention on the question of how we can best prevent senseless gun violence. An important tool in preventing gun violence is the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, known as the NICS. We put in place this background check system to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people, but our background check system is failing. For example, the NICS database of mentally ill individuals has fewer than 20 percent of the records that it should have. This is unacceptable. If you are a violent criminal, you should fail a background check. If you've been involuntarily committed to a mental institution, you should fail a background check. If you've been convicted of domestic abuse, you should fail a background check--no one argues with that--but if the information is not in the database, then these dangerous individuals will get their hands on guns, which could lead to devastating consequences. Mr. Speaker, my bill will improve incentives for States to partner with the Federal Government, and it will maintain an accurate, accessible, and up-to-date NICS. This is a strong step in the right direction, and it has the support of voices on both sides of the gun debate.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the outstanding community service efforts of Boy Scout Troop 127 of the Riegelsville, Bucks County Council, Pennsylvania. As a father of three boys who are involved in Scouting and as an Eagle Scout myself, I understand the principles and values that scouting has to offer. In 2012 alone, Troop 127 has accomplished a number of activities that embody that embody what it means to be a Scout. Some notable examples of service in the last year include: Reaching out to help others during the hardship that took place after Hurricane Sandy by assisting the American Red Cross for two days at Palisades High School shelter. They honored their country by assisting with the Eagle Scout project of Brandon Youpa, a project that was two years in planning and resulted in the honoring of veterans both past and present within their community. They even worked to preserve the environment by cleaning up a staggering eight miles of the Delaware Canal. The members of Troop 127 are prime examples of what it means to be a Boy Scout. They are conscious of country, the values of their country, those less fortunate than themselves, and of their faith. The members of Troop 127 have shown maturity and are valued members of our community. Becoming a Boy Scout bestows a great level of responsibility on the young men who are willing to take up Scouting's values. The community looks to the young men of Troop 127 as leaders now and in the years to come. I sincerely hope that the scouts of Troop 127 continue down the challenging and rewarding path that the Boy Scouts has to offer. The Scouts commitment to the betterment of oneself and the pursuit of something greater are something any young man can benefit from. I applaud them on their service accomplishments this past year, extend my best wishes for their continued success and service.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a true leader in my district back home in Pennsylvania, Mr. Lee Rush, who 10 years ago founded a community nonprofit organization known as justCommunity. Its mission is to provide consultation, education, and training services in the areas of youth development and substance abuse prevention, both very important goals. In light of his exceptional efforts and initiative, Lee has been named an Advocate of the Year by the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America and will be receiving that distinction tomorrow, February 7. I couldn't be more proud of him. Lee's achievements and steadfast leadership have positively impacted the youth and communities of Pennsylvania. It's been an honor to get to know Lee personally and to witness his accomplishments firsthand. I know that he will keep up the outstanding work.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding efforts of an organization in my district in Pennsylvania, Bucks Promise for Youth and Communities. This group is being honored February 7 by the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, which is the Nation's leading substance abuse prevention organization, representing over 5,000 community anti-drug coalitions across the country. Bucks Promise for Youth and Communities will be receiving the Dose of Prevention Award, an esteemed award which acknowledges community-based organizations that have taken the initiative to raise awareness of the dangers of prescription drug abuse and over-the-counter cough medicine abuse. Bucks Promise for Youth and Communities consists of individuals who truly exemplify leadership and ingenuity. They have made tremendous strides in educating my district on the dangers of medicine abuse through take-back events and townhall-style community discussions. I congratulate them and applaud the continuous efforts to bring this crucial issue to the forefront of our community.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who has made significant contributions to Pennsylvania's 8th District and to our country. Mr. Elwood W. ``Woody'' Rush passed away on Sunday, January 20, 2013 at the age of eighty-three. While his family, friends, and community members mourn his passing, they find comfort in remembering his legacy. Woody was born and raised in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He went on to serve in the United States Army in 1951 during the Korean War era. Upon completion of his military service, Woody returned to Pennsylvania's 8th District to begin a lifelong career with Sherwin Williams Paint Company. Woody was also dedicated to making his community a better place. He was a member of St. Luke's United Church of Christ in Dublin, PA, where he taught Sunday school and served as President of the church consistory. In addition, he served on St. Luke's Union Cemetery Committee for many years. Mr. Rush is an example of a leader and a true patriarch. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of getting to know two of his sons within whom Woody has undoubtedly instilled his strong family values. His service to both his country and his community will always be venerated.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority. I am proud to congratulate SEPTA on receiving the 2012 American Public Transportation Association's 2012 Award for ``Outstanding Public Transportation System.'' There has been much debate in our nation's capital as to the most effective way to grow our economy in these difficult times. However, lawmakers from both parties agree that without a modern transportation infrastructure, we cannot compete in a 21st century global economy. SEPTA has taken the lead in the Philadelphia region and in the nation by making effective investments to modernize its own infrastructure and by providing a more complete and enhanced customer service experience. I have seen firsthand the result of these efforts with the opening of improved stations in Langhorne and Croydon, two Bucks County communities served by SEPTA's regional rail system. These upgrades have a real impact on the day-to-day lives of thousands of commuters and are an asset to our region. The hard work and dedication of the men and women and SEPTA are evident not just in increasing ridership, but also in their recognition by the APTA as our nation's leading public transportation system. Congratulations once again to everyone at SEPTA. I am confident that you will continue to lead the nation in 2013.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. I thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, this is not a gimmick. For the past, almost going on now 4 years, our colleagues in the Senate have failed in their most basic responsibility of governance, which is to pass a budget. The people I represent back in Bucks County and Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, the families and the businesses, they wouldn't survive without being able to operate on a budget. The school districts, the municipalities, the boroughs, the townships, the county government, even the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, are all required to pass a budget that balances on time. I'm proud to have, over the course of the past year, been advocating consistently for no budget, no pay in this House. The hardworking men and women that I represent wouldn't be paid if they didn't show up and they didn't do their job, or they didn't get their job done on time. And this place should operate no differently. So I call on all our Members of the House, all my colleagues, to support no budget, no pay in these very difficult and troubled times.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, today I have the honor of speaking on behalf of my dear friend, Jerry Polonsky, who on Sunday, December 20th will be celebrating his retirement as acting Commander of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America. I've known Jerry for many years--we are both from the great hometown of Levittown, Pennsylvania. Everyone in town who knows Jerry knows that he has been a great leader in our community. The best way to describe Jerry is a ``natural born leader,'' an advocate for everything that's right and good for this country. Jerry is a great American story. Earlier in his career, Jerry worked for an insurance company in Philadelphia, while also running his own printing business out of his home. He also served our nation's military proudly during the Korean War in a ``classified'' position, and has been married to his lovely wife Barbara for over 50 years. Jerry's earlier career endeavors and military experience don't even begin to sum up his lifelong accomplishments. In addition, Jerry has served as the Commander of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States, and his commitment to their mission is unending. For many years, Jerry has volunteered his time and efforts to the department's cause to ensure that those who have fought our nation's battles receive the treatment and the respect they deserve. With Jerry's help, many returning veterans have received the care they need through the Jewish War Veterans. Also, Jerry has been a strong advocate for the state of Israel, fighting to ensure that peace and prosperity continue to reign true in the Jewish state. Jerry has devoted his life to helping those in need, and has inspired many of us who have had the great pleasure of knowing him. He is a hero to his community, our country, his family, and to me. Jerry, I wish you and your family all the best. I wish you many more years of happiness and success. It is an honor to call you my friend.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two chiefs of police from my district, both of whom are retiring after many years of dedicated service to the district: Chief Jack Jones from Morrisville Borough and Chief Joseph Gura from Perkasie Borough. Chief Jones has served in law enforcement for the past 45 years. After three decades of service, he worked his way up to become chief in Morrisville in 2003. Jack knew the Morrisville community inside and out and has been loved by those who live there. Upon his retirement, he looks forward to spending time with his three daughters and seven grandchildren. Chief Gura has spent 33 years in the Perkasie Borough police force. During his three decades, the borough's force has grown from eight officers to 18. Chief Gura has dealt with everything from bears to undercover narcotics investigations and even spent a brief time working for the Olympics. For years, Joseph has not only portrayed a top of the line work ethic but has also displayed great pride, integrity, and courage. Both of these public servants have devoted their lives to making the community a safer place to live, work and raise a family. I am honored to speak on their behalf today, and I am proud to represent them in the United States Congress. I wish both Jack and Joseph many years of continued success and a happy retirement. Perkasie and Morrisville Boroughs will miss both their chiefs.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, the Russian President recently signed a law to prevent American citizens from adopting Russian children. Sadly, it appears that the Russian Government is playing politics with children and is destroying the dreams of many Americans already in the process of adopting. Last year alone, nearly 1,000 Russian children were adopted by American families, and many of these children struggled with physical disabilities. Every child deserves the opportunity to be raised in a caring environment. Over the past 20 years, almost 60,000 Russian children have been welcomed into the United States. Many of these children have found loving parents in my congressional district. Regrettably, President Putin's new law now takes away this possibility. This law not only prohibits future adoptions, but even more disturbingly, it attempts to put a halt to those already in progress. Among those impacted is a family from my district, Marc and April Pongitory. They're in the process of adopting two children from Russia. After months of paperwork, background checks and interviews, this family's dreams are now crushed, and there are dozens of cases out there just like the Pongitorys.' It is truly disturbing that the Russian Government would punish parentless children in retaliation for an entirely unrelated American law. We all know that the wellbeing of children should not be used as a bargaining chip for diplomatic means. This week, I will be introducing a House resolution to right this wrong. Please join me in sending a clear message to the Russian Government.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, the American people do not get an automatic pay increase, and neither should Members of Congress. My bill, the Congressional Pay Freeze and Fiscal Responsibility Act, gives us the chance to show the American people that, at least in this regard, that we do get it: freeze salaries now, including for Members of Congress, at current levels. Mr. Speaker, there are too few opportunities in this town where issues can bring us together. The President has done that for us this week. Unbelievably, in the middle of talks this week on tax rates and sequestration revision, in the midst of high deficits and a growing national debt, the President has proposed pay increases for Members of Congress, and has done so by executive order dated December 28. I have to say that nobody in this town saw this coming, and very few think it is warranted. The Congress has not produced a budget in 3 years because the Senate refuses to do their job. The last thing they need is a pay increase. In fact, the No Budget, No Pay Act should be the law of this land. If you don't produce a budget within the prescribed period of time, you should not get paid. And if you a produce a budget after the proscribed period of time, you should not get paid retroactively. Mr. Speaker, this is common sense, but common sense just isn't too common in this city, and there's no sense at all in the President's executive order to increase pay at this time--not now, not under these circumstances, and not in this economy. It is an action taken unilaterally by the President, which has earned an immediate and almost universal scorn, as well it should. As we close out 2012, there are still too many issues unresolved. There are too few instances of accomplishments or results. Our economy is still at risk, and the American people are still struggling. American workers have given all they can. Have we? Have we given all that we can? I'm glad to see that so many in this Chamber have cosponsored this measure. And in the past 24 hours, I've seen comments from Democrats and Republicans expressing outrage at the President's unilateral executive order. A Democrat in the Senate called it the worst idea ever. A Democrat in this House has called it inappropriate. So, extend the pay freeze for all Federal workers, including elected officials. This bipartisan policy was originally put in place by our Democrat colleagues because they recognized that the pain being felt across our economy could not be reserved for the private sector. Federal workers in my district and across the country are hardworking individuals. They deserve fair compensation too. Mr. Speaker, we're not trying to punish or force unnecessary hardship on civil servants, but taxpayers should not be taking home less than Federal workers. Recent studies have shown that the average Federal worker earns 20 percent more than a private worker in a similar position. This disparity is even wider when benefits are taken into account. We have to recognize that over recent years there's been a growing disparity between the compensation for Federal workers and their counterparts in the private sector, and, quite frankly, that sends exactly the wrong message at exactly the wrong time. The President's own Debt Commission, which has thus far been ignored by the President, recommended a 3-year pay freeze for Federal Government workers. If it would have been adopted at that time, that pay freeze would have lasted through 2013, the same period of time that this bill proposes. Of course, we all agree that the men and women of our Nation's military deserve a pay increase while our Nation is at war. This bill provides that members of the Armed Forces will continue to be eligible for the pay increases that have been supported by me and a strong bipartisan majority of my colleagues. Mr. Speaker, we hear a lot of talk from some of our colleagues about shared sacrifice. Higher taxes from ObamaCare are coming, and tax rates for certain businesses and individuals are going to go up. The private sector and small businesses are being asked to sacrifice. What kind of a message does it send if, at the same time, Members of Congress, the administration, and the Federal Government get a pay raise? That is exactly the wrong message at exactly the wrong time. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and to send the American people the strong message that the public sector and elected officials do not consider themselves exempt from the economic realities of our time.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work being done in my home of Bucks County, Pennsylvania by the dedicated volunteers of Bucks Beautiful. Founded in 1990 by Robert and Joyce Byers and Carol McCaughan with the goal of beautifying Bucks County, this community organization has dedicated itself to preserving and improving upon the existing natural beauty of my home in southeastern Pennsylvania. Over the last 22 years, Bucks Beautiful has expanded its mission, offering beautification grant programs, partnering with a local college to offer academic scholarships, and offering scenic tours of Bucks County and other nearby locales. Most recently, Bucks Beautiful has completed its ``Bulbs For Bucks'' Program, planting hundreds of thousands of daffodils at strategic locations across the county. The inspiration of Chuck Gale, owner of Gale Nurseries and a Bucks Beautiful board member, this collaboration of local nursery owners and landscape architects will result in an impressive visual display come spring along major Bucks County thoroughfares. Chuck Gale and his team complete the first phase of this undertaking in fall of 2010, planting 30,000 Daffodil Bulbs were planted along the Rt. 611 Bypass. Last fall, 300,000 Daffodil Bulbs were planted along the Delaware Canal at key locations from Bristol to Riegelsville, Bucks County. Finally, this November marked the completion of Phase 3 with 170,000 daffodil bulbs being planted along the new Route 202 Parkway and Route 202 Bypass. The completion of this project, which included the acquisition from Holland the only bulb-planting machine in the United States, has laid the foundation for an expanded tourism base for Bucks County. Bucks Beautiful hopes to begin an annual bulb festival adding to the list of fairs and festivals that bring countless tourists from around the country to our community each year. The hard work and dedication of Chuck Gale, the Central Bucks County Chamber of Commerce and the volunteers of Bucks Beautiful has made this program an outstanding success, and I wish them the best of luck going forward.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Commander Halsey ``Bull'' Keats upon his retirement from the United States Navy, where he served 20 years. CDR Keats completed four deployments throughout the world which have included ports in over 12 countries. During Enduring Freedom, he was the only Lieutenant Commander who stood in the ship's Captain during combat flight operations, and during Operation Iraqi Freedom he was selected to lead the first ever deployment of the Real- Time Sensor Data Link ground station to Camp Victory, Baghdad, Iraq providing the Commanding General tactical control over the Surveillance System Upgrade S-3 which boasted a streaming video capability. CDR Keats was selected as the Naval Flight Officer of the Year in 1997. In 2004 he graduated from the Operational Planners Course with distinction at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. He has logged over 2,000 flight hours. For his exemplary service CDR Keats has received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, in addition to numerous unit commendations. His final tour was Chief, Special Activity plans at U.S. Central Command Operations Directorate from July 2010 through his retirement on 1 April 2013. Mr. Speaker, Commander Keats exemplifies all of the best qualities of a United States Naval Flight Officer. We have known each other for over thirty years. We worked together as young men back in Bucks County, Pennsylvania where his parents still do reside. Cmmdr. Keats is an outstanding husband and father and he has served his Nation with distinction. I am honored to be able to stand here today and recognize him for his many years of service.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of a man I have had the distinct privilege of serving with during my time representing the people of Pennsylvania's 8th District, Verne D. Rider. With the conclusion of this 112th Congress, Verne will be retiring for the fourth time, but I am sure it will not be his last. Albert Einstein once claimed that ``a life lived in service to others is worth living.'' If Mr. Einstein is correct, Verne Rider's continued life of service to his country is an example to each of us a life worth living. When his country called him for the first time, Verne dedicated himself to decades of honorable service in the United States Air Force. During his proud military career, Verne flew missions over the fields of Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War and the deserts of the Middle East as part of operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. To this day, Verne always takes note of when he or one of his co- workers is dressed in their ``Air Force Blue''. A true patriot, Verne's service in the Air Force is just one example of his drive to serve others in any way he can. Upon retiring from his time in the military, Verne recognized an opportunity to continue his service, this time in the name of his fellow veterans, including those who found themselves homeless and in need. As a generation of military men and women reaches retirement age, some find themselves in need of assistance and guidance through a complex and often frustrating bureaucratic VA Benefits system. When I began putting together my office staff for my first term in Congress I could think of no one better than Verne Rider to provide 8th District veterans with the help they needed. Whether that help comes in the form of a phone call to the VA, a letter to a federal agency, or often times just a shoulder to lean on, Verne is always ready and willing to do his best for his fellow veterans. During those first two years, Verne became a staple of the veteran community in my home of Bucks County, and was known across the district as a true friend to veterans. Between my terms in Congress, Verne insisted on continuing his service to his brothers in arms, and was able to fulfill a similar role for the late Senator Arlen Specter. I was fortunate enough to have Verne return to office with me for the 112th Congress and everywhere I go, the veterans of my district remind me how lucky I am to have someone like Verne Rider on my staff. While Verne's retirement from my office for the second time marks an immediate loss to our organization, I have no doubt that this will not be the last we see of Verne in service to our country. I know this because I am able to share one of my proudest achievements as a member of Congress with Verne. Together, with the efforts of local leaders and allies in Washington, Verne and I were able to bring a national cemetery to Bucks County, providing our veterans with a final resting place on the historic grounds of Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania. Verne's continued work with the Guardians of the Washington Crossing National Cemetery will keep him firmly fixed in his position as a community leader. After a lifetime of service to his country and its veterans, Verne will continue to dedicate himself fully to the most important role of his life as a loving husband, proud father and new grandfather. On behalf of myself, my staff, and the people of Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District, I extend my sincerest gratitude to Verne D. Rider for his decades of service to his country and to our community. We are all looking forward to seeing where your drive to serve others takes you next.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Judge Isaac Garb who passed away late yesterday at the age of 83. As Bucks County, Pennsylvania's longest-serving judge, he remained a dedicated public servant throughout his career, still hearing cases until the week before Thanksgiving. Judge Garb was a true advocate for juvenile justice, recognizing the importance of the protection the court system could afford to young offenders. He always believed that most children who appeared before him in court had simply made a mistake and still had a life full of true potential in front of them. A truly brilliant legal mind, Judge Garb presided over more than five decades of cases in my home of Bucks County, completely revamping the criminal court division. Judge Garb served several terms as President Judge of our esteemed Court. In a ritual still practiced to this day, each morning the criminal court is in session in the County Seat of Doylestown, Judge Garb took it upon himself one day to call out defendant's names and assign them to their courtroom, tired of waiting for assignments by the District Attorney's office. Judge Garb's reforms transformed Bucks County criminal court into the most efficiently run system in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Judge Garb has left a lasting impression on the careers of so many in Bucks County, and he has earned the respect and admiration of those around him. His reputation as Bucks County's most admired jurist is well-deserved and his passing represents a true loss to our community. I am honored to have called Judge Garb a friend, as we discussed and negotiated many issues of mutual concern between the Office of Commissioners and the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family in these difficult times.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. I thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation, the STEM Jobs Act. This is a bill which will provide much-needed employment-based immigration reform and which will help position our economy for success in the 21st century. The STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, and math must be encouraged in our own schools as well as in the new populations of innovators who want to participate in our economy. These high-tech jobs help support many middle class communities, which are the bedrock of the American economy, including the communities of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, from which I hail. While we continue to encourage STEM education here at home and while still protecting American workers, we must also welcome those who earned advanced degrees in a STEM field from an American university and who want to become part of our economy. This is exactly what the STEM Jobs Act accomplishes. As we engage these high-tech innovators in our economy, the STEM Jobs Act also rightly recognizes the need to support and to prioritize families. The pro-family expansion of the V Nonimmigrant Visa program within this bill is an important element of a fair immigration system. The STEM Jobs Act appropriately prioritizes jobs and families. It's a very good bill. It's a fair bill for the 21st century. I encourage my colleagues to support it.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Louis Giacomelli of New Britain in my home of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. A devoted husband and a loving father, Louis passed away earlier this week after a long life of service to his community and to his country. As a young man in the Army, Louis answered his country's call and honorably served in the Korean War and was awarded a Purple Heart for his service. Upon returning home from the war, Louis went on to serve his community with the Philadelphia Police Department for over 20 years. I had the opportunity to visit the Korean War Memorial here in our Nation's capital with Louis earlier this year. I was fortunate to have been able to spend that time with him and proud to have called him my friend. His life of service is an example to each of us, and I wish his family all the best in these difficult times.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I was proud to join the people of St. Martha's Catholic Church and School of Philadelphia in honoring the life and achievements of former parishioner and alumnus Commander Christopher Ferguson. Commander Ferguson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and his mother Mary Ann and step-father Norman now reside in Langhorne, Bucks County. Ferguson graduated from Archbishop Ryan High School, going on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Drexel University, and earning a Master of Science in aeronautical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1991. In 1986, Ferguson earned his Navy Wings and was ordered to the F-14 Tomcat training squadron in Virginia Beach, VA. Later, he joined the ``Red Rippers'' of VF-11, deploying to the North Atlantic, Mediterranean and Indian oceans onboard the USS Forrestal. In 1995, he joined the ``Checkmates'' of VF-211, completing a deployment to the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf enforcing the Iraqi no-fly zone on board the USS Nimitz. Throughout his military career, Commander Ferguson has earned many commendations, including the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Navy Strike-Flight Air Medal. In 1998, Ferguson reported to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, where he served as spacecraft communicator for the STS-118, 120, 128 and 129 missions. He was also the pilot of STS-115, and commanded STS-126 and 135. In September 2010, he began training with a crew of four for a rescue mission that evolved into STS-135, a station cargo delivery flight that carried the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module ``Raffaello.'' Leading the final U.S. shuttle mission to the International Space Station, Commander Ferguson's final mission marked the end of a 30-year NASA program. The 33rd flight of the shuttle Atlantis was the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. Commander Ferguson is a decorated military officer and a distinguished member of NASA's historic shuttle program, and the people of Pennsylvania are proud to call him one of our own.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Beth DuPree, a breast surgeon, oncologist and the medical director for Holy Redeemer's Breast Health Care Program in my home of Pennsylvania. Earlier this month, Dr. DuPree was honored with the inaugural Be Well Philly Hero Challenge. This award, presented by Philadelphia Magazine, honors local champions of health and wellness. In addition to recognizing the work of Dr. Dupree in her medical practice, Philadelphia Magazine has awarded The Healing Consciousness Foundation with a $2,500 charitable donation. Founded by Dr. Dupree in 2006, The Healing Consciousness Foundation works to improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients through a holistic approach which includes exercise programs, counseling and education services and diet coaching. The Be Well Philly Hero Challenge award marks the latest in a long line of achievements presented to Dr. DuPree throughout her career. Many of our families, my own included, have been affected by breast cancer, and it is thanks to the dedication of men and women like Dr. Beth DuPree that treatments are constantly evolving and improving as we work towards a cure. Congratulations again to Dr. DuPree and I wish her the best of luck going forward.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to today to honor the life of Judge Dominick Spadaccino who passed away recently at the age of 91. Judge Spadaccino will be remembered as one of the more colorful and unique characters to have served Bucks County. He served 23 years as a Magisterial District Judge in Middletown, PA before retiring in 1987. His service earned him a commendation from President Ronald Reagan. Judge Spadaccino served in the U.S. Army Air Force in the China- Burma-India Theater of World War II along with his six brothers. He operated as a medical technician and earned a presidential citation for service, armed forces medal and distinguished service award. During his time in Bucks County, he was involved with the Uptown String Band in Hulmeville and was known for his lively wedding services. He was described as a straightforward judge who was not afraid to speak his mind. He was known as a fair judge, who was respected for both his humorous nature and esteemed service to our community.