Michael Fitzpatrick

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, insider trading is and has been against the law no matter who you are. The bill we are debating is not about simply banning Members from insider trading, it is about holding Members of Congress and members of the administration to a higher standard as I think we should be. Confidence in Congress is at an all time low and restoring trust with the American people is paramount. While affirming the ban on insider trading the STOCK Act also significantly broadens prohibited activity and establishes a new reporting system that will allow for unprecedented transparency. I urge my colleagues to support this bill because even the appearance of operating outside the law needs to be addressed forcefully. By shining the brightest light possible on the financial transactions of Members of Congress and the administration we can help ensure that no one is taking advantage of their positions. Madam Speaker, the American people have elected us to be their representatives and that means conducting ourselves with the highest of ethical standards. Anything less is a disservice to this office and to those who sent us here.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Girl Scouts of the USA, which will be celebrating its 100th anniversary on March 12, 2012. For 100 years, the Girl Scouts have fostered an environment that has created generations of women with sound character and strong leadership skills. Founded by Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah, Georgia, the first troop consisted of just 18 Girl Scouts. Today, there are more than 3.7 million Girl Scouts and more than 100 councils across our Nation. Since its start, more than 50 million women have been a part of this extraordinary organization. The Girl Scouts of America teaches young women the importance of leadership and of community service. This past Sunday, I proudly participated in Troop 21292's Girl Scout Gold Award ceremony in honoring seven young women from Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It pleases me to recognize these Girl Scouts for their exceptional accomplishment: Christine DiPierro, Catherine Silvernail, Charlotte Triebl, Emily Kraeck, Emily Nowalinski, Kimberly Wodzanowski, and Margaret Zelin. These young ladies exemplify courage, confidence, and character, and have made the world a better place, which has been the mission of the Girl Scouts of the USA for 100 years. Mr. Speaker, on March 16, 1950, the United States Congress chartered the Girl Scouts of the USA. Today, as the Member of the United States Congress representing Pennsylvania's Eighth District, it is my privilege to congratulate the Girl Scouts of the USA as they commemorate 100 years of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who have truly made the world a better place. Best wishes for success in the next 100 years.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, our hometown hero Francis ``Frannie'' Drummond was born to Mary and Francis Drummond on October 15, 1949. Frannie was one of five children. Locally raised in Langhorne, he attended Our Lady of Grace grade school and went on to graduate from Egan High School in 1967. Recently graduated and unsettled with his job, a very young Fran decided to enlist before he was drafted into the service. Intending to first join the army with his friend, he switched gears to the Marine Corp after seeing a Marine in his dress blues. Fran served as a Lance Corporal under Fox Company Second B. 7th Marines in South Vietnam during the height of the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam conflict. Unspeakable war time horrors were abated by Fran's undefeated boxing abilities for his company. Days were made a little brighter by mom's daily letters from home. Fran's homecoming in 1970 darkened by the protestors of the Vietnam War at the airport was further darkened by the death of his father on the night of his return. Moving ever forward, a determined Fran went on to work for the United Postal Service, a job he would hold for forty years. Fran worked equally as hard to capture the heart of his true love, Audrey Foley. Married in 1972, the soul mates were blessed with 2 children, Frannie and Jennifer, whom they raised on the family land nicknamed ``Drummondville'' where they were fortunate enough to build their own home. Summer vacations then and now are spent enjoying the sunny beaches of Ocean City, only now Fran and Audrey enjoy the company of their grandchildren, Aiden, Morgan, Ashley, Alley and Leighton. Physically active and fit throughout his adult years, Fran played softball in the mens Lower Bucks league. Fran also proved to be Bucks County's own Jack La Lanne in fitness and weight lifting. Ever a good Catholic boy, Fran can be found at daily mass at his home parish of Our Lady of Grace thanking God for the blessings of his life. He spends his Sundays as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion delivering to the residents of Langhorne Manor Nursing Home. A tireless advocate for Veterans and their needs, Fran serves as the Jr. Vice Commander for Disabled Veterans and is a very active member of the American Legion for the Veterans of foreign wars. He personally drives veterans to and from their doctor and hospital appointments, the Veterans Administration building or wherever they may need to go. In addition to taking the Veterans where they need to go, he also lends a hand with their home and auto repairs. No task is too small or large when it comes to lending a helping hand for this Marine. One particular life changing incident during Fran's tour in Vietnam proved to be an extreme example of Fran's life's motto ``Leave no man behind.'' Huddled in a sandbag bunker somewhere in South Vietnam, Fran and fellow Marines were trying to stay alive and dry during a driving monsoon when the bunker collapsed due to the heavy rain fall. The collapse trapped Fran and his fellow soldiers who quickly became neck deep in mud and rain water. Refusing to give up, Fran crawled forward dragging a fellow soldier to safety. Holding the roof up, reportedly 2 tons of weight, soldiers were able to crawl to safety. Severely injured, unable to walk, knowing one fellow soldier remained in the crushed bunker, Fran crawled to a nearby bunker alerting them of his injured buddy. Helicopters transported the injured Marines to area hospitals never again to see each other. Birdman, Messler and other soldiers are alive today because of Fran Drummond's heroic actions. These men call Fran their savior and know without Fran's help they would not be alive today nor have families of their own. Ever faithful Fran knows that someone more powerful was with him that day, his savior Jesus Christ. Fran's commitment to America and its citizens is a shining example of what makes this country strong. Raised by his parents, Marines themselves, Frannie has spent his entire life in service to his family and fellow man. He has gone beyond the call of duty serving and protecting us all, indeed making the United States a safer and better place to live. He is an honorable man, a leader, a marine, and our hero. Semper Fi.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hard work and leadership of Clark Shuster, President of the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce (LBCCC). The Chamber plays an important role in economic and business development in my District and Mr. Shuster has been leading this important work as president since 1985. Under Mr. Shuster's leadership, the LBCCC has partnered with over 1000 members including small, medium and large business firms in the community. Mr. Shuster has worked with the community to develop mentorship, communication, and education programs that foster free enterprise and provide businesses with opportunities to succeed. Clark has also been a part of the Bucks County community for his entire life. He grew up in Bucks County and attended High School at Central Bucks East. Today, Clark lives in Newtown, Pennsylvania with his wife Jane. Not only is he an active leader in the local business community, but he has provided his efforts and leadership to other community organizations such as the Lower Bucks YMCA and the Levittown Fairless Hills Rotary Club. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Clark Shuster's hard work, dedication and devotion to bettering our Bucks County community and for his support of local business and free enterprise within the Eighth District of Pennsylvania and I wish him all the best in the years ahead.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, starting January 29 of this year, Catholic schools across the country will initiate their annual observance of Catholic Schools Week. The theme for this year is ``Catholic Schools: Faith. Academics. Service.'' The 2012 theme emphasizes the principles of Catholic school education, which families in my district and across the country highly value. The theme focuses on three priorities that are distinct to Catholic schools. Children are taught faith, not just the basics of Christianity, but how to have a relationship with their God; academics, in which Catholic schools are held to very high standards. Earlier this year I was proud to recognize the Nativity of our Lord Catholic School in Warminster, Pennsylvania, for receiving the 2011 National Blue Ribbon of Excellence Award. Finally, the third principle in the 2012 theme is service, the giving of one's time and effort to help others. It is taught both as an expression of faith but also of good citizenship. Schools typically celebrate Catholic Schools Week with mass, open houses, and activities for students, families, parishioners, and the community at large. In addition to this year's list of activities, some schools in my district will host events welcoming families from schools with which they will be merging. While the Archdiocese of Philadelphia contemplates its plans for continuing to provide students with a rigorous academic curriculum in concert with spiritual values, families and parishioners can reflect upon the three principles of Catholic Schools Week--faith, academics, service--not simply as a theme but also as a guide for their future decisions. Mr. Speaker, Catholic Schools Week is truly a time to demonstrate the intangible value of Catholic education. I'm extremely grateful for the hard work and dedication of the administrators, faculty, students, and parents who've created an environment fostering academic excellence, spirituality, and service.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. I thank the gentleman. Madam Speaker, I rise today to state the obvious, that the Federal Government still spends too much and it borrows too much. President Obama has asked the Congress to raise the debt limit by $1.2 trillion. Let's put this number into perspective. There are 83 million families in the United States. So what the President is really asking is for every hardworking American family to mortgage an additional $14,450. While middle-class Americans are struggling, the President has requested to pile more and more debt on top of hardworking taxpayers. Americans are tired of hoping that their lawmakers will come together and find commonsense solutions to a very serious problem facing our Nation. Our national debt stands at over $15 trillion. Our outstanding debt totals 100 percent of our Gross Domestic Product. Our credit rating has been downgraded. Medicare will be bankrupt in 9 years, and Social Security faces insolvency. The time for hope is past. We must act. America simply cannot wait. We got into this mess because of a decade of budget tricks, accounting gimmicks and empty promises. We did not get into this situation overnight, and we certainly cannot get out of it overnight. But the fact is, we need a commonsense budget and a Federal Government that is efficient and effective, not one that wastes money of hardworking taxpayers. If we do nothing, American prosperity will drown in debt, as we are currently on an unsustainable path of trillion per year deficits. But if we make the hard decisions today, we can avoid the unacceptable consequences that we will surely face. We're all in this together, and we must find a solution together. America never backs down from a challenge. We can and we will make the right decisions today so that we can restore the American dream and give our children and our grandchildren a future full of opportunity. Therefore, I support the resolution, and call on the President to work with the House and the Senate to put in place a budget that guarantees a more stable and secure future for America.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning in support of a long-term extension for an important middle class tax cut for American families that are struggling in these difficult economic times to make ends meet. We've been elected by the people to do their work and provide the conditions for the private sector to get this economy back on track and put Americans back to work. This work includes stable, predictable policy from Washington, and that includes tax policy. A 2-month extension does not provide any certainty to families or to small business job creators. The House and President Obama agree that a 12-month extension of the payroll tax cut must be enacted. Therefore, I ask that Leader Reid and the Senate come back to town and join us in passing a long-term extension of the payroll tax cut. Anything less is unacceptable.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, the federal government collects fees from coal mining companies to restore abandoned mining sites. Money from those fees is paid to states to restore abandoned mines within their state. However, several states have successfully restored all of their abandoned mining sites and now are permitted to use the federal mine cleanup payments for anything they want to spend it on. Effectively, for the states that have been ``certified'' as having successfully restored critical mining sites, the mine payments serve as an unrestricted federal subsidy. Several tribal governments also receive payments despite having already remediated all contaminated mining sites on their land. The Obama administration has proposed terminating these mine reclamation payments to states that no longer use them for their intended purpose.* From the budget committee Here's suggested text to reform the Abandoned Mine Lands program. It's more narrow than the Administration language that adds on whole bunches of bells and whistles, like advisory boards and councils and a competitive grant component without guaranteeing a net reduction in payments. CBO scored our draft language with an initial estimate of $1 B. This language was in the Joint Committee's Republican proposal. *From the President's proposed budget Termination: Unrestricted Abandoned Mine Lands Payments Department of the Interior The Administration proposes to terminate mandatory payments from the Treasury to States and tribes that have finished restoring their abandoned coal mines. These payments can now be used for any purpose, and therefore do not contribute to the goal of addressing these hazards. This proposal is modified from previous Budget proposals in 2010 and 2011 to competitively allocate the remaining funding to address reclamation of the Nation's highest priority abandoned coal mine sites. Funding Summary $1.2 billion Justification Coal producers pay a fee on production to fund the reclamation of abandoned coal mines around the country. This abandoned mine land (AML) fee was created so that the coal industry as a whole would take responsibility for cleaning up abandoned coal mines, regardless of where the fees were collected or where the mines were located. However, the funds were authorized to be distributed by a formula based in part on the production volume in each state. Over time, as some States completed their coal reclamation sites and were ``certified'' as complete, the goal of the AML Program was increasingly distorted as ``certified'' States and tribes continued to receive the formula grant payments equal to half of the fees collected within their borders. These payments to ``certified'' States and tribes may be used for any purpose, so they do not contribute to the original purpose of restoring abandoned coal mine lands. The Administration proposes to focus AML fees on coal mine reclamation by eliminating these unrestricted payments to certified States and tribes, saving approximately $140 million in 2012 and $1.2 billion over 10 years. This action will affect four States and three tribes, in addition to any States that become certified in the future. Noncertified States will continue to receive payments, but the allocation process would be reformed to address the Nation's most hazardous sites each year. Instead of the current production-based formula, a new competitive grant program would be used to ensure that the Nation's highest priority coal sites are addressed before the AML fee expires. In December 2010, the President's National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform recommended this termination, eliminating payments to States and Tribes that have already been certified as completing this reclamation of abandoned coal mines.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Andrianna Ferri, who will be celebrating her one hundredth birthday tomorrow. Throughout her life, Mrs. Ferri has been a great asset to the community, and truly deserved to be praised for her accomplishments. Andrianna was born in New London, Connecticut, on December 21, 1911. She is the proud mother of three children and has also been blessed with nine grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and ten great- great-grandchildren. Mrs. Ferri has been a longtime resident of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in the 8th Congressional District. It is my pleasure to commend Mrs. Andrianna Ferri on this great accomplishment. I praise her for a long life filled with generosity and caring for the well-being of others. I am honored to represent Mrs. Ferri in Congress. I wish her many more years of joy and happiness.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a prestigious Bucks County based company, Ziamatic, for receiving the Governor's Award for Safety and Excellence. Ziamatic Corp. (ZICO) was founded in 1958 with the intention of providing the men and women in the fire services industry with products that make their profession safer and easier. Over the years, Ziamatic has grown to become a leading manufacturer of fire and safety equipment in the United States. Today, the Yardley-based company employs 33 people. For almost half of the last century, ZICO has designed and developed dozens of new products ranging from breathing apparatus to ambulance equipment and ladder access systems. With each new design, one thing has always been consistent: quality. Before a product has the ZICO name attached to it, it must undergo rigorous testing to be sure that it meets the highest of standards. Thank you to Mike Ziayalek, and all of the employees at Ziamatic. Congratulations on receiving the Governor's Award for Safety and Excellence. We appreciate all that you do for the community and wish you many more years of success.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit an exchange of letters with the Ways and Means Committee regarding this bill. House of Representatives, Committee on Ways and Means, Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC, December 13, 2011. Hon. Spencer Bachus, Chairman, Committee on Financial Services, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Bachus: I am writing concerning H.R. 3421, the ``Fallen Heroes of 9/11 Act,'' which is scheduled for Floor action today. As you know, the Committee on Ways and Means maintains jurisdiction over matters that concern raising revenue. H.R. 3421 contains a provision that provides for the sale of duplicate medals, and thus falls within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means. However, as part of our ongoing understanding regarding commemorative coin and medal bills and in order to expedite this bill for floor consideration, the Committee will forgo action. This is being done with the understanding that it does not in any way prejudice the Committee with respect to the appointment of conferees or its jurisdictional prerogatives on this or similar legislation in the future. I would appreciate your response to this letter, confirming this understanding with respect to H.R. 3421, and would ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in the Congressional Record during Floor consideration. Sincerely, Dave Camp, Chairman.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I represent Bucks County, Pennsylvania, which is the home of a 9/11 memorial for Pennsylvanians, for Americans, for all those killed on September 11, 2001. It is also the home of Ellen Saracini, widow of Captain Victor Saracini, who was the pilot of United Flight 175, which was crashed into the south tower at approximately 9:03 that morning. He went to work, along with 2,973 other men and women lost on September 11, never imagining that they would not be returning home. For Ellen Saracini and for the other 17 families from Bucks County who lost a loved family member on that day, I want to thank my friend and colleague from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster) for offering this bill. I was proud to help him introduce it, and I humbly ask my colleagues to support it. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today also in support of H.R. 3421, the Fallen Heroes of 9/11 Act, introduced November 14 by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster). Remarkably in the short 4 weeks since its introduction, it has obtained almost 330 cosponsors from this House of Representatives. The bill before us recognizes the heroism of the men and women who died on September 11, 2001, that day just over a decade ago that changed this country and in fact changed this world and changed it forever. At three sites--seemingly unconnected on that clear, bright morning--thousands of brave men and women died in the most agonizing way and before our eyes. Each of them was a hero, and this bill awards a Congressional Gold Medal in their memory. There will be three designs, one for each of the attack sites in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. And the medals struck for those sites will be displayed at the museums there that preserve the memories of that frightful day. After the award of the medals, bronze copies of the medals will be available for purchase at a nominal price. Each design, which should be reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee and the Commission on Fine Arts, is to capture the horror of that day and the majesty of those heroic deaths. This medal will be the second and final Congressional Gold Medal to be approved during this session of the 112th Congress. Mr. Speaker, I urge immediate passage of this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. I reserve the balance of my time and inform the gentleman from New York that I am prepared to close.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3421) to award Congressional Gold Medals in honor of the men and women who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001.

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 to add extraneous material on this bill.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. I thank the chairman. Over the past year, I've met with hundreds of businesses throughout the Eighth District of Pennsylvania, and from each of them I've heard a common theme: uncertainty from constant new government regulation is impeding their ability and willingness to invest in our economy, expand their businesses, and to create jobs. In fact, just last night during a town hall, one of my constituents, Gallus Obert, lamented at the fact that new and burdensome regulations have driven small businesses--and with them, jobs--from Bristol Township in Bucks County. This should come as no surprise to any of us. Even President Obama admitted on January 18 that his administration's rules have placed unnecessary strain on businesses and stifled innovation and stifled job growth. Today, small businesses spend more than $10,000 per employee to comply with Federal regulation. Compliance leads to higher consumer costs, lower wages, and reduced hiring. At the same time, the number of new rules and regulations continues to grow with each passing year. Just as our Tax Code is in need of reform, so is our ballooning regulatory system. The REINS Act will provide the American people with both congressional oversight and congressional accountability for regulations stemming from legislation.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, for decades the fundamentally flawed Medicare physician payment system has created uncertainty and instability, not only in the health care system but in the larger economy. Every year physicians face the threat of reimbursement cuts which, in turn, hinders their ability to provide the necessary care that patients need. The Sustainable Growth Rate rate formula has constantly called for negative updates to physician payments with the scheduled reductions accumulating year after year, but Congress has continually delayed the cuts. Congress has a historic opportunity to implement sound fiscal policy in the Medicare program in the context of broad economic reforms. I believe we must pursue a fair, efficient, and affordable long-term solution to the Medicare SGR formula. I am committed to working with my colleagues to pass commonsense legislation that promotes efficiency, quality, and value and ensures access to medical services for Medicare beneficiaries.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of the Bucks County Bar Association's most ardent supporters, my dear friend, Tom Mellon. Tom is known by many around the country for his passion and commitment to the law, but is equally known in the Bucks County area as a dedicated civil servant who has spent his entire life giving back to the community. I've known Tom for many years, and although we come from different party backgrounds, it has never gotten in the way of our friendship. Our shared values have always trumped politics. First and foremost, Tom is a family man. He's a loyal husband to Sara and a dedicated father to four sons, Thomas, Christopher, Ryan and Henry. Tom is also one of the friendliest people you will ever meet. He has a genuine personality and a warm welcoming demeanor, which have served him well throughout his career. Tom always seems to carry with him an inner Irish spirit. From day one he has championed the underdog and the downtrodden, which is truly an admirable quality. Throughout the course of his legal career, Tom has been the David to many a corporation's Goliath, taking on Big Tobacco, multiple pharmaceutical companies, and even global terrorists. He never waivers in his dedication to his clients or to his cause. His cases are taken not necessarily because he knows he can win, but because morally they are the right thing to do. Tom is truly an inspiration to many young, aspiring attorneys who want to change the world. He has been to me. As Tom sees it, his life duty is to help those who are in need. He launched his legal career representing the interests of victims of crime in the United States Attorney's Office, and he has never looked back. Today he continues his representation of the less fortunate, proudly serving as a trial attorney in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. After 9/11 Tom served as a lead counsel among a national consortium of attorneys who were retained by the families of the victims of the terrorist attacks in order to pursue an investigation into the involvement of Iran and al Qaeda. In 1999 Tom arranged for the first group of American lawyers to visit Havana, Cuba, in order to better understand the culture of the land and the inner struggles of the Cuban people. Currently Tom also serves on the board of directors of the Bucks Mont Katrina Relief Project and has raised millions of dollars for the victims of Hurricane Katrina in Hancock County, Mississippi. As part of this mission, Tom has led over 100 attorneys and their family members on multiple trips to Hancock County to clean up the devastation, rebuild homes, and assist in the construction of new community buildings like a food pantry and an animal shelter. Tom's morals and decorum permeate every aspect of his life. His loyalty is unwavering and unparalleled, whether it be to family, friends, employees, or clients. His dedication to the community speaks volumes about who Tom is as a person. He is a kind, giving, unique individual, and I'm truly blessed to have called him a friend for so many years and to honor him today as he will be honored tonight at the Bucks County Bar Association.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the combined efforts of government at all levels, law enforcement personnel, nonprofit groups, local businesses, and community volunteers as part of the third nationwide Drug Take-Back Day on October 29. My home of Bucks County has emerged as a regional leader in the prior Take-Back events, so it came as no surprise that despite the unusual fall storm, we led the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in collecting nearly 2 tons of unwanted prescription drugs. Due to the efforts of all involved, these drugs have been removed from our community and no longer pose a threat to public safety or to the environment. I applaud the successful cooperation of government and members of the community in keeping these drugs off our streets and out of the hands of those who may seek to abuse them, and encourage continued efforts.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Jeffrey Paul Manto, former Major League Baseball player and longtime resident of Bristol, Pennsylvania. This Saturday, Jeff will be honored by the 21st Century Learning Center in Bristol Borough as ``Person of the Year,'' for his community support and involvement with the center's After School Steering Committee. Mr. Manto was born at Lower Bucks Hospital in Bristol, Pennsylvania on August 23, 1964. Jeff was the third of four children of Michael and Antoinette ``Toni'' Manto. His father was a Magisterial District Judge in Bristol Borough and his mother was a homemaker. Mike and Toni encouraged all of their children to excel in every arena in which they participated. This encouragement was the guiding force that helped Jeff develop his baseball acumen, which was the predominant sport played on the streets in his closely knit neighborhood, called the ``Avenues.'' At Bristol High School, Jeff was a star athlete. He was the first student-athlete in Bucks County to pass for 1,000 yards in football and score 1,000 points in basketball in the same year. Often overlooked, Jeff also struck out nearly 100 hitters during the baseball season that year. In 1982, Jeff Manto was selected to All League and All-County first teams in football, basketball and baseball. He was subsequently spotted by a scout and drafted by the New York Yankees, but instead chose to accept a baseball scholarship to Temple University after considering other colleges with equal or better offers to play either football or basketball. His passion was the game of baseball. At Temple, Jeff set the single season record for homeruns and still holds the all-time batting average of .441. After three years playing Temple baseball, Jeff was drafted in 1985 by the California Angels. By 1990, Manto was a dominant player in the game. He made his Major League debut with the Cleveland Indians and later that year hit his first professional major league homerun, in front of dozens of family members and friends, at Yankee Stadium. By the end of his professional baseball career, Jeff played in three World Series on three different teams: the Philadelphia Phillies, the Cleveland Indians, and the New York Yankees. Jeff retired from playing professional baseball in 2000 and is known today as one of the game's greatest all-around utility players, recognized for his power hitting and homerun swings. Often referred to as ``Mickey Manto,'' Jeff is the only player from the area with his bat on display at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. On December 7, 1991, Jeff married Denise Louise Sabol of my hometown of Levittown. Jeff and Denise have three children, Gabrielle, Andreana, and Jeffrey Jr. Beyond his career in baseball, Jeff continues to be involved in various community activities in our area, including scouting, coaching, and helping out at the Learning Center in Bristol. Accordingly, for his outstanding athletic, civic, and charitable contributions, Jeff Manto is being honored today. At the Bristol Borough 21st Century Community Learning Center, children have the opportunity to enrich their lives. Programs and services provided at the Learning Center, which are free and available to Borough residents in grades 6 through 12, include access to tutoring, academic, and cultural enrichment activities. Some of those activities include SAT Prep help, Hip Hop studies, sports, and community service projects. These programs provide opportunities for students to grow socially and emotionally and help them stay away from high-risk activities. Over 200 students attended programs and services in 2010-2011, and an independent report authored by the Bucks County Intermediate Unit that documents students' achievement gains substantiates the level of satisfaction with the Learning Center expressed by teachers and parents. Thank you once again to Jeff Manto and the Bristol Borough 21st Century Community Learning Center for all that you do for our community. Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and devotion to bettering Bucks County. It is my pleasure to speak on your behalf today, and I am truly honored to serve you in Congress.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize eight true American heroes from my community: From Bucks County, William Bond, William Clarke, Russell Hoff, John Masko and James Reily; from Montgomery County, Donald Lewis and Edgar Waite, Jr.; and from Burlington County, New Jersey, Al Romanowski. I am honored to address you and I want to take this opportunity now to personally thank each one of them for extra- ordinary service to our Nation. It is because of men like these that America has the strongest, most professional military in history and the freedoms that we enjoy today. Some may say our military strength is due to our technological and weapon superiority, but, as General George S. Patton said, ``Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men. It is the spirit of men who follow and of the man who leads that gains the victory.'' The men and women who make up our Nation's armed forces are the most dedicated, most patriotic, and most courageous soldiers. They are unwilling to accept anything less than mission success. During the Second World War, our countrymen joined the fight to eradicate the insidious spread of Nazism and Fascism across Europe and Asia. Over 16 million Americans served during World War II. 416,837 made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation during this war. Your service helped shape the world we see today, a world with America's beacon of freedom still shining proudly. Tens of thousands of others were captured and subjected to harsh conditions and rough treatment as prisoners of war. Since World War I, over 142,000 Americans have been captured and interned as prisoners of war. There are nearly 30,000 former POWs that are still living--with almost 90 percent of those having been captured during World War II. The brave service members I honor today make up just eight names of those 30,000--but they have had a significant impact within our local communities. William Clarke and James Reily had been crew members on B- 17 bombers that were shot down over enemy territory. The others were with infantry units that were captured by enemy forces. Our Nation is thankful for their service and I remain committed to providing those who have sacrificed so much with the highest quality care and all the benefits that they deserve. George Washington 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 the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.'' Today, a new generation of brave men and women, inspired by their legacy of service and sacrifice, has answered the call to defend America from the new global threat of terrorism. I thank Catherine ``Cay'' Burns for her dedication and leadership as Commander, for more than 32 years, of the American Ex-Prisoners of War Liberty Bell Chapter. Cay's late husband, Leroy Burns, was a former American prisoner of war who joined the Army shortly after World War II began. He conducted his basic training at what is now Fort Dix. He served in the North Africa campaign and was captured in 1944 when his unit was overrun by German forces in Italy. Cay's tireless work has been instrumental in the creation of this memorial grove honoring the former prisoners of war from our community. Furthermore, I thank the students of Bucks County Technical High School and their teacher Steve Whitmore. These students played a fundamental role in providing the stone plaques that now honor the service and sacrifice of the eight remaining former prisoners of war from our community. There was a shortage of funding available, but these students volunteered their time to turn the memorial grove into a reality. Again, one final thanks to William Bond, William Clarke, Russell Hoff, John Masko and James Reily, Donald Lewis, Edgar Waite, Jr., and Al Romanowski for their service and sacrifice as former American prisoners of war. They are true protectors of liberty in this world and their dedication to a grateful Nation will never be forgotten.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in favor of House Joint Resolution 2 and sending a balanced budget amendment to the United States Senate and to the States. Congress has nobly, yet unexpectedly, tried seven times to stop the increasingly massive growth in our national debt. At the first attempt in 1985, with the Gramm-Rudman- Hollings Act, our national debt was $2 trillion, or $8,700 for every American. Today our national debt is $15 trillion, $48,500 for every American, higher than it has ever been in American history. Our current spending environment has failed to create jobs and is threatening our standard of living and our national security. While the Founding Fathers could not foresee a nation this stricken with debt, they did recognize the danger to our prosperity and instilled a constitutional process that gives us the flexibility to deal with this crisis. As Thomas Jefferson said: I place economy among the first and most important republican virtues, and public debt as the greatest of dangers to be feared. Congress has a rare opportunity to break the cycle of reckless spending that has taken us to this current fiscal breaking point and ensure the fiscal financial stability and prosperity for our children and our grandchildren. I urge adoption of the resolution.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize two outstanding Pennsylvanians, Jim and Megan White, who are being presented the Barry Award by the American Catholic Historical Society. The Barry Award is named after Commodore John Barry, the ``Father of the American Navy.'' John Barry was a Philadelphia Irish mariner who served as a Captain in the Navy during the Revolutionary War and subsequently received `Commission Number One' in the Navy from President George Washington on June 4th, 1794. His military service to a young nation was instrumental in establishing the legacy of a strong Navy that we still enjoy today. The Barry Award is awarded to an American who, by their character and their contributions to church, community and professional accomplishments, has distinguished themselves. By all accounts, Jim and Megan White have exceeded these expectations, serving church and community with distinction. As a Member of Congress representing Pennsylvania, I am proud to join you in honoring them. Jim and Megan White are an example of servant leaders who are committed to serving their local community. A devoted couple, they are loving parents to five children; whom they have taught to never back down in the face of popular opinion; and to always do what their heart and soul directs them. Megan has devoted countless hours at parish food and clothing drives and is also a member of the Woman's Auxiliary of St. Edmond's Home for Children. She provides constant support for her children and husband in all their endeavors. Jim is a member of Legatus, the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, Knights of Malta, Pennsylvanians for Human Life, and the Catholic Philopatrian Literary Institute. He is the President of J. J. White Inc., a family business founded by his great-grandfather in 1920. His business is the largest contracting employer in the Mid-Atlantic Region. I am privileged to recognize Jim and Megan's commitment and selfless dedication to others. The White's exemplify the values that make Pennsylvania a great place to live and raise a family. I congratulate them on this honor and commend the American Catholic Historical Society for selecting Jim and Megan White for the Barry Award.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the complications of mental illness in the United States, and to honor a local organization in my district for their efforts in assisting individuals who are recovering from these illnesses. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, mental illness affects 57.7 million adults in the U.S. per year. Four out of the ten leading causes of disability in the United States are mental disorders. There is no clear-cut socio-economic basis for these statistics; it is evident that mental illness can affect almost anyone, and the impacts on our economy are staggering. Despite the disheartening statistics, mental illness is treatable, and there is much hope for people who battle with these afflictions. Given the right tools, people with mental illness can achieve their goals and be productive members of society. The First Savings Bank of Perkasie and the Wellspring Clubhouse work hard to help individuals recovering from mental illness in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and they deserve to be recognized for their outstanding achievements. On behalf of the 8th District of Pennsylvania, I am pleased to recognize the work of Fred Schea and Marie Koch of the First Savings Bank of Perkasie, in their collaboration with the Wellspring Clubhouse to provide employment opportunities for individuals recovering from mental illnesses. Thus far, First Savings Bank has provided an opportunity for 10 individuals to return to work in the community, gaining valuable experience, and life skills. Wellspring Clubhouse members work in the Bank's Customer Care Center, which is supervised by Marie Koch. Members work alongside other Bank employees, and are responsible for scanning bank documents, verifying data, and performing data entry. Marie and Fred have been outstanding community employment partners, and I am honored to be their representative in the 8th District of Pennsylvania. It is a pleasure to honor First Savings Bank of Perkasie for their commitment to the Wellspring Clubhouse and its mission of providing hope and opportunities for people with mental illness. Thank you once again for all that you do for the Bucks County community.