Michael Fitzpatrick

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. I rise today in support of the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle here to support the bill when it comes to the floor later today. This legislation not only provides a workable framework to avert an economically dangerous default on our obligations but it also sets the stage for real structural changes to the way the Federal Government spends our tax dollars, something that the President has yet to propose. Lately, there have been stories and speculation about the major credit rating agencies such as Moody's and Standard and Poor's threatening to downgrade America's creditworthiness should we fail to raise the statutory debt ceiling. These ratings are more than letters on paper. They affect Americans in all walks of life and in very real ways. A downgrade of our Nation's credit rating would make mortgages more expensive, make it more difficult to get a loan for a car, and could make student loans unaffordable. While default would likely ensure downgrade, a debt ceiling increase is no longer alone sufficient to ensure our AAA credit rating. Moody's has warned that the outlook to our bond rating would remain negative should any plan going forward not include long-term deficit reduction. It is not enough to simply raise the limit on the credit card and continue making the minimum monthly payments. We must begin to pay down our debt. One need look no further than Greece and Portugal as examples of governments which have failed to address their debt crises in time to avoid brutal austerity measures which have caused widespread civil disorder in those countries. The politicians in Greece and Portugal thought they could avoid making the tough decisions that were clearly laid out before them. They thought they could make it through just one more quarter or just past one more legislative session, or maybe they could just buy themselves enough time to let the next guys handle it. We cannot continue to operate under the same delusions. The Cut, Cap, and Balance Act avoids a crippling default and sets us on a path to fiscal solvency by making real spending cuts now, placing statutory limits on spending, and sending a balanced budget amendment to the States, a measure that so many of us have so consistently supported. These decisions, Mr. Speaker, will not be easy. No change ever is. As these debates have gone on for the past several months, I have been reminded of Thomas Paine when he wrote: ``If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my children may have peace.'' We need to decide what our legacy to our children and their children will be--a mountain of debt or a sound government that lives within its means.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. The recent release of the May unemployment rate at 9.1 percent was a harsh reminder that a jobless recovery is not a recovery at all. I believe that in order for our economy to grow and small businesses to create jobs, the first step must be to restore fiscal order to the Federal Government. This year, our government is borrowing 42 cents of every dollar that it spends. In addition to burdening our children and grandchildren with an enormous debt, such reckless spending crowds out private investment and competes with small business for access to capital. While reducing our deficit spending is an important first step to economic recovery, we can and we must do more. Since taking office, President Obama has dramatically increased the regulatory burden on small businesses. In 2010 alone, the administration has handed down 43 major new regulations--the highest single-year increase on record. The President has also used the regulatory process to block development of vast domestic energy sources. This has led to costly burdens that prevent small business growth as well as higher prices at the pump. While regulations can help protect our environment, they should be based on common sense and not stifle growth. Recently, I helped a small manufacturer cut through months of costly Federal red tape that delayed expansion and hiring at his facility in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. We must work to make sure that unnecessary and duplicative regulations do not stand in the way of job creation in our region and across our great Nation. Finally, we must proactively encourage private sector job creation. I have been working, Mr. Speaker, on two pieces of legislation in this area. The Hire Just One Act would provide a one-time tax credit to small businesses that hire a full-time permanent employee this year. I have also introduced the Fairness to Veterans Act, which would extend Federal contracting preferences to veteran-owned small businesses. This bill is designed to honor the service of our Nation's men and women in uniform as well as address the staggering 21 percent unemployment rate among veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. I'm committed to working to fix our economy and making sure that the Federal Government is a partner in job creation, not an obstacle to it. Together, we can grow our economy and create private sector jobs and opportunity.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment that would level the playing field for our Nation's veterans when it comes to contracting with the Federal Government. After putting their lives on the line and at times their families and careers on hold in the service of our Nation, America's veterans deserve every consideration we can give them to adjust to life once they return. Veteran-owned small businesses are part of the American fabric; and as a government and a people, we must do all we can to encourage them. Here are a few facts: According to the most recent census, over 2.4 million of our Nation's veterans are now small business owners. Veteran-owned companies now make up 9 percent of all U.S. firms. The Small Business Administration now estimates that one in seven veterans are self-employed or a small business owner. And, finally, nearly a quarter of veterans say they're interested in starting or in buying a small business. Despite these encouraging numbers, the truth of the matter is veterans are unemployed at a higher level than any of us find acceptable. For instance, the unemployment rate for young veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq reached a staggering 22 percent last year. Mr. Chairman, this number is simply unacceptable. We must work to reduce this number, and it should be the explicit, stated policy of all government agencies to assist veteran entrepreneurs. As our Nation struggles to achieve an economic recovery, we should be looking to utilize the talent, expertise, and leadership skills of our Nation's veterans. These men and women volunteered to selflessly serve our country and, in order to succeed, must display self-discipline and leadership. It is characteristics and character traits like these that should be nurtured and fostered to help our economy grow again and put people back to work. Veterans have served our Nation nobly across the world. Now, their innovation and expertise can help lead our American recovery. Ultimately, we must all be focused on putting our constituents back to work, and I believe, Mr. Chairman, that this amendment will help to do that. This amendment will give veteran-owned small businesses preferences for contracts in this bill equal to any group eligible for preferred consideration, except for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. The practice of the Federal Government providing preferences to encourage government to do business with certain groups is well established. This amendment does not diminish preferences to any other group. It simply extends to veteran-owned small businesses the same level of consideration. The amendment would apply to all Federal contracts authorized by the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Act and would be attached to any portion of State and local projects funded with Federal dollars. To preserve the integrity of the program, small businesses are considered those defined by the Small Business Administration, and eligible businesses must be registered veteran-owned businesses with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA's Center for Veteran Enterprise maintains a database of certified registered veteran-owned businesses. In many cases, this amendment will simply be codifying existing practice and ensure that it will continue to be the policy of our Nation. Mr. Chairman, veterans have sacrificed much for our Nation. It is only fair that, if any group is given preferential contracting status, that veterans receive it as a well. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Vera M. Andryczyk who is being honored this Sunday by the Ukrainian Federation of America for her tireless efforts as an advocate on behalf of the Ukrainian- American community and Ukraine. Vera's accomplishments and advocacy on behalf of Ukraine have been numerous and extensive and have spanned several decades. During the Cold war, through her work as a member of the Human Right's Committee Vera was actively involved in drawing international attention to Soviet persecution of Ukrainian dissidents.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to today to honor Mr. Robert Griffith who is retiring as the longest ever serving President of Woods Services in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Woods Services, located in Langhorne, Pennsylvania is a facility that provides a home environment for people with developmental disabilities, challenging behaviors and other special needs. Their approach is unique and their philosophy one of inclusion and caring. For nearly a century, they have held true to its original mission, ``To help each individual reach his or her highest level of achievement, whatever it may be.'' For Woods and many of the people it serves this mission would not have been become a reality without the steady leadership of Robert Griffith. Robert has been an advocate for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities for nearly 35 years. During his tenure at Woods, both the physical facility and his positive impact on the community have grown immensely. I am proud to honor the tenure of Robert Griffith and continuing to support his work for the most vulnerable among us.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Judge William Hart Rufe III for 36 years of outstanding service to the Heritage Conservancy based in my home of Bucks County. Headquartered in the county seat of Doylestown, the Heritage Conservancy is an organization that specializes in open space preservation, planning for sustainable communities and natural resource protection. As a vocal advocate for the preservation of farmland, parkland and critical natural areas during my time as county commissioner, I have a personal appreciation for the mission of the conservancy. Judge Rufe has been an important partner in working to stop suburban sprawl from transforming the beauty of the Bucks County landscape. His decades of leadership in this organization have been invaluable, and he will be missed as the Heritage Conservancy continues its important work.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, we have the opportunity today to send a message that this Congress is serious about cutting spending, creating jobs and keeping the government operating. We can and we must do all three. It is important to note, however, how we arrived at this point. The last Congress was the first since the modern budget process was instituted that neglected to pass a budget despite the Democrats having complete control of the Federal Government. The inaction of the last Congress certainly did not excuse work on our part in this Congress. Instead, it made our responsibility all the more critical, and Mr. Speaker, this House has met that responsibility. Through an unprecedented and lengthy debate 2 months ago, the House deliberated and ultimately passed a resolution, cutting $61 billion in Federal spending. In March, the House passed and sent to the Senate two short-term funding bills that cut a total of $10 billion and kept the government functioning. Yesterday, again, this Chamber sent to the Senate a bill to avoid a shutdown and to ensure that our men and women in uniform will be paid through the end of the fiscal year. The response from the Senate has been consistent--deafening silence. Despite their agreement on the two short-term measures, the Senate has not sent a single bill or a single plan for this year's budget to the House. They have a responsibility to act now, and I call on them to pass H.R. 1363 to continue cutting Federal spending and to keep the government open. Mr. Speaker, this debate is not merely about passing any budget; it is about passing a responsible one. Budgets, despite their countless line items and technical language, fundamentally reflect our priorities and our values as a nation. Over the past 3 years, the administration and the previous Congress have added $5 trillion to our national debt, bringing the total to over $14 trillion. Trillions are being spent each year to feed our spending addiction, with nearly 42 cents of every dollar being mortgaged against our children's future. Perhaps the most sobering fact is that, after July 27, every cent the government spends through the rest of the year will be borrowed. This is money that will have to be repaid by our children and grandchildren long after we are gone. We can no longer saddle the next generation with the bill for today's good intentions. Mr. Speaker, with America now engaged in three conflicts in the Middle East, with seniors worried about Social Security payments and with Federal services in the balance, shutting down the government sends the wrong message at a critical time--but so does continuing the spending binge that has plagued Washington for far too long. Both must be achieved and we must do so now. Mr. Speaker, this House has acted. Four times we have passed resolutions to keep the government functioning and to cut out-of- control spending. The overwhelming mandate from the American people last November was that the status quo cannot continue, and we have answered. Just yesterday, while the Senate and this administration have stalled and delayed, we again passed a resolution that would have cut spending and would have met our responsibilities without interruption. This Chamber has acted, Mr. Speaker, and I hope the Senate and the administration will answer the call.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 221 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' Stated against:

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. I rise today to honor Dr. Beth DuPree, an oncologist and breast cancer surgeon from Bucks County. Dr. DuPree's care and compassion for her patients extend far beyond the operating room. I'm honored to this evening attend a ceremony in honor of Dr. DuPree and her many accomplishments as doctor, civic leader, and humanitarian. Beth founded and leads a group called The Healing Consciousness Foundation that provides valuable support services to anyone battling breast cancer and in need of support. Psychiatric services, exercise programs, diet coaching, or simply a shoulder to lean on are all provided through The Healing Consciousness Foundation. These are services which insurance and government programs do not provide, but which can be just as critical to a recovery. Through her dedication and her hard work, as well as the sense of social responsibility that she instills in others to hear the calling to serve, Beth has made the mission of The Healing Consciousness Foundation, ``Turning survivors into thrivers,'' truly a reality.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 839, the HAMP Termination Act. I was sent to the Nation's capital like so many Members of the 112th Congress, to do something about cutting back on wasteful Washington spending, to do something about the $14 trillion national debt. And in pursuing this goal, we have made many difficult decisions about funding government programs. At a time when families and businesses across Pennsylvania are being asked to do more with less, we cannot continue ineffective Federal spending. Like so many programs hatched in Washington, HAMP has been one of those programs that, while well intentioned, has grossly missed its mark. Established in 2009 to assist homeowners seeking to avoid foreclosure, of the $30 billion allocated to the program, only a fraction has been spent. And of the homeowners expected to be helped through the program, only one-eighth have seen any permanent modification. Despite the fact that U.S. taxpayers have given lenders an average of $20,000 for each participating homeowner, there is nothing that prevents a lender from still foreclosing after the modification. That means that the bottom line of the HAMP program is this: False hope for homeowners who see the Federal Government send thousands to big lenders only to lose their homes a few months later. According to the Special Inspector General of TARP programs, ``there have been countless published reports of HAMP participants who end up worse off for having engaged in a futile attempt to obtain the sustainable relief that the program promised. Failed trial modifications often leave borrowers with more principal outstanding on their loans, less home equity, depleted savings, and worse credit scores.'' As we work to rein in government spending, to create certainty, confidence and, ultimately, jobs, this program, well intentioned as it is, has not been tax dollars well spent. I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, this past week, I had the privilege of addressing about 700 residents back home in my district, the residents of the Ann's Choice retirement community in Warminster Township, Bucks County, and to thank those residents and senior citizens for collectively putting together over 55,000 hours of community service, really outstanding community service, back home in Bucks County. Some of the many activities that accounted for a tremendous amount of hours included tutoring and reading to elementary school children, providing wheelchair escorts, sorting and packaging clothing for the needy, creating blankets for ill children, and providing comfort to those in need. Mr. Speaker, communities are built on service to others. Through this service, the community of Ann's Choice is, in fact, strong and vibrant. The countless lives they have touched have made Bucks County a stronger and better place to live, and for that I salute them.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk made in order under the rule.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank my colleague from Illinois (Mr. Dold) for introducing this legislation to end a failed Federal program, the FHA Refinance Program. This amendment ensures that the savings realized from ending this program go directly to debt reduction. Last month, Mr. Chairman, this Chamber began a process of examining the Federal budget line by line, asking tough questions and making tough decisions on Federal spending. While our work was substantial, it is also continuing. In order to encourage economic growth and job creation, the Federal debt is and must remain public enemy number one. Over the past 2 years, Federal discretionary spending has increased by 24 percent. The rate of growth is simply unsustainable. Despite the record pace of new spending over the last 2 years, that spending continues today. Just this week, Mr. Chairman, we learned that the Federal deficit for the month of February 2011 was the highest ever, and exceeded the deficit for the entire fiscal year 2007, $233 billion, Mr. Chairman, the biggest monthly deficit in the history of our country. Over the past decade, we have seen the excesses and unsustainable growth in sectors of our economy that can have disastrous effects across the entire economy. Unless we take dramatic action now, the tax burden placed on small businesses and families in my own Bucks County and across the Nation will outpace our ability to pay, killing jobs and straining family budgets. Just as troubling is the fact that the money our government is using to feed today's spending is being borrowed from future generations, much of it borrowed from foreign Nations. The sheer amount of cash owed to foreign powers led the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen, last year to declare the deficit as the number one security threat facing our Nation. Reduce the debt. I ask my colleagues to support the amendment, support the underlying bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Frank Buckles, who was the last surviving veteran of World War I. Frank Buckles passed away this weekend. He was 110 years old. I am particularly proud to pay tribute to Mr. Buckles today because of his deep roots and connection to Bucks County, Pennsylvania, which is located in my congressional district, Pennsylvania's Eighth. Frank Buckles' ancestors first arrived in what was to become the United States in 1702. They settled in Philadelphia; and in 1732, the same year that George Washington was born, Frank's ancestors married into a Quaker family and moved to Bucks County. Mr. Speaker, with the passing of Frank Buckles, we mourn not just the man who served his country honorably, but we also mourn the passing of an era. His death reminds us of those who have served and those who continue to serve their country in the Armed Forces, and we honor their sacrifices in the name of Frank Buckles.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, this week marks an important turning point in restoring fiscal sanity to our country as we begin consideration of a measure that will reduce Federal spending by over $100 billion. Many Members of Congress committed to this reduction, which would return Federal spending to 2008 pre-stimulus levels. This is more than just a promise, Mr. Speaker; this is fundamental to the health of our economy and the future security of our Nation. The consideration of spending cuts must be careful and deliberate. The budget of every department must be scrutinized while keeping in mind the promises made to our constituents, mine in the Eighth District of Pennsylvania and the millions of Americans who showed concern with our growing deficit. It is notable that, for the first time, this resolution will be considered under an open rule to allow this process to be collaborative. I am sure at times it will be trying, but I am looking forward to working with my colleagues towards the collective goal of reducing our deficit. The Federal deficit did not get out of hand overnight, and it certainly will not be fixed overnight, but serious and substantial cuts must be made. The $100 billion mark is not arbitrary but, rather, marks an important milestone on the road to a sustainable Federal budget. It requires tough choices, but choices that must ultimately be made for the economic health and security of this generation and the next.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to memorialize one of Bucks County's finest, Middletown Township Police Detective Chris Jones. Chris Jones was working overtime on January 29, 2009 when he was struck and killed while in the performance of his duties. As he was returning to his patrol car, two cars collided and careened into his vehicle, which then struck and pinned him under his own police cruiser. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later. Mr. Speaker, our nation's police officers risk their lives every day in order to preserve communities throughout our country that are safe and free. Those who give their lives in that mission deserve our eternal gratitude. Detective Jones served with the Middletown Township Police Department for 10 years and had previously served in the United States Navy for 7 years, a veteran of Operation Desert Storm. Just 37 at the time, Chris left a wife and three children at home the day he went to serve the people of his community. Detective Jones is the only officer of the Middletown Township Police Department to have lost his life in the line of duty and he will be remembered this week during a solemn ceremony at the police station where he served.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Middletown Community Foundation and to honor one of my constituents from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Mr. Todd Buch. Each year, the Middletown Community Foundation honors a local resident with the Humanitarian of the Year award. The Middletown Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization created to improve the quality of life for individuals who live and work in my hometown of Middletown Township, Bucks County. This year it is the Humanitarian Award that is being presented to Mr. Todd Buch. Todd is the president of McCafferty Auto Group in Langhorne. Todd and his family have been generous and enthusiastic supporters of their community for decades, and his award from the Middletown Community Foundation is very fitting. Todd's business achievements alone have been impressive, with his dealership sustaining hundreds of jobs in Bucks County. Todd's contributions to the community have gone beyond his leadership in the business community. Mr. Speaker, the time allotted to this speech today is frankly insufficient to list all of Todd's achievements and contributions in this regard. Just a few recipients of Todd's generosity have been the Neshaminy High School Choir, the Neshaminy High School Aloha Bowl Parade, Pennsbuy High School, Bristol Township High School, the United Way, Middletown Township, and countless others. Mr. Speaker, during a month when we honored the service of Martin Luther King, I am reminded of the great civil rights leader's quote that ``anyone can be great because anyone can serve.'' By this measure and countless others, Todd Buch is truly great; and I am proud to honor him today.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a group that has made a difference in our country, the Guardians of the National Cemetery in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. This is a group comprised entirely of volunteers who have assumed the mission and duty of performing many of the sacred functions of the National Cemetery in Washington Crossing, Bucks County. Today, the Guardians, led by their President, Antonio Albano, are 250 members strong. Among this proud group are the visionaries that fought to bring the National Cemetery to its current location in Bucks County. They worked tirelessly through the selection process with the VA not only to select the site, but also to prove that there will always be a dedicated group of individuals willing and able to provide the necessary services to those who rest in this solemn place and to their families. After the VA made the wise decision to locate the cemetery in Bucks County, the Guardians immediately began the work they have become known for--organizing services on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, as well as placing wreaths on the graves of our veterans. These are just some of the things the Guardians do to bring comfort to the bereaved and to honor those who have served us. Madam Speaker, honoring the work of the Guardians of the National Cemetery is particularly fitting today, January 20, 2011, because today marks the 1-year anniversary of the first veteran laid to rest at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery, a place that the Guardians have now helped to make hallowed ground. Tonight, the Guardians will gather to mark this occasion and pay tribute to the veterans who have been laid to rest at the National Cemetery. I am honored to make note of their achievements here on the floor of the House this morning and will be honored to be among them this evening.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the STOP Act. First we reduced congressional budgets and now I stand in support of another bill that seeks to do what my constituents have asked me to do: Find ways reducing the federal deficit and saving taxpayer money. The STOP Act accomplishes this by helping the government operate more efficiently, stop wasteful spending and all the while helping the environment. I have often heard the lament from small business owners across my district we would all be better off if government were run more like a business. Today, for businesses in Quakertown, Bensalem, and in between, many transactions are now entirely paperless. With this bill, Congress is taking a step in that direction. Going hand-in-hand with efficiency, the STOP Act will also help end wasteful spending in government. Mr. Speaker, without the STOP Act, Congress will spend seven million dollars this year alone on printing costs. In the last Congress, there were nearly 14,000 different bills introduced. Some of those bills, like last year's healthcare law, ran thousands of pages in length. In an era when constituents in Bucks County and across Pennsylvania's eighth congressional district are being forced to find every savings in their household budget, so should Congress. The STOP Act will trim 35 million dollars from the operational budget of Congress over the next 10 years. The STOP Act will also end needless waste that harms our environment. All across America citizens are pitching in to do their part for the environment. Shoppers in Langhorne carry their own reusable bags to Geunardi's grocery store, families in Bristol install compact fluorescent light bulbs in their homes, and countless civic groups and businesses across our nation and across the eighth district of Pennsylvania adopt highways to keep our roads clean and our environment healthy. If citizens are asked and expected to do their part, Congress must do the same. The STOP Act is an important demonstration to Americans that this Congress is serious about ending government waste, ending government inefficiencies and ending needless overuse of environmental resources.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. I rise today in support of the repeal and replacement of the so-called Affordable Care Act of 2010 because the Affordable Care Act is in fact unaffordable for small businesses and individuals who purchase their health insurance. Since the implementation of the act, businesses and individuals across my home county of Bucks County have seen double-digit premium increases. The act is unaffordable for States, already billions in the red, that will be required to shoulder untold millions more in Medicaid costs. The act is unaffordable for America's seniors who will see a half-trillion-dollar reduction in Medicare spending over the next 10 years. And, finally, the act is unaffordable for the American taxpayer who will see a $700 billion increase in the Federal deficit. We must enact real health care reform, tort reform for doctors to stop the wasteful practice of defensive medicine, permitting individuals real competition of purchase across State lines, and enacting and enhancing health saving accounts. These are the cornerstones of real health care reform and affordability and will make health care affordable and accessible for patients, for seniors, States, and for generations of taxpayers to come.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to humbly add my voice to the remarks made so eloquently by my colleagues. I had the honor of personally meeting Representative Giffords for the first time just last week, here in the Chamber; and although my service in the House has thus far only overlapped ever so briefly with hers, Gabby's attitude of service and spirit of commitment to those that she represents was immediately apparent. Representative Giffords was practicing one of the most basic and important duties that a Member of Congress will have, making herself available to constituents, when a gunman viciously and inexplicably attacked her and 19 others. It is difficult to find explanation for such a tragic event. And while an explanation will always elude us, we can find comfort in the prayer of a friend and constituent from my home district in Pennsylvania, Rabbi Ira Budow. Just this past Monday evening before a town hall meeting in Bucks County, Rabbi Budow prayed. He said, ``I pray that the disaster in Arizona serves as a wake-up call for our country and results in a more caring and loving atmosphere for us all. At the end of the day, we are all Americans and rise and fall together.'' I'm proud to support the resolution.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. ``. . . transmit within 4 days to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. Thereupon, Congress shall decide the issue, assembling within 48 hours for that purpose if not in session.''

Mr. FITZPATRICK of Pennsylvania

Mr. FITZPATRICK of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, on the night of December 9, 1981, Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Faulkner made a routine traffic stop when the driver of a Volkswagon was spotted driving the wrong way down a one-way street. While attempting to take the driver of the vehicle into custody, the brother of the driver appeared from across the street and opened fire on Officer Faulkner while his back was turned away. The shooter's name was Weslie Cook, who was also known by his alias, Mumia Abu-Jamal. Not only did Mumia shoot Danny Faulkner in the back, but in a final moment of what can only be described as contempt and cold hatred, he stood over Officer Faulkner's prone body and fired again, the bullet striking Faulkner in the head, which instantly killed him. During the altercation, Officer Faulkner was able to return fire, his shots wounding Mumia Abu-Jamal enough to keep him from leaving the scene of the murder. Police arrived on the scene and found Mumia with the murder weapon close by. Soon after the crime, Mr. Speaker, Mumia was tried by a jury of his peers. Four eyewitnesses confirmed that Abu-Jamal was in fact Officer Faulkner's murderer, and not even his own brother William Cook agreed to testify in his defense. The jury deliberated only 2 days before convicting Abu-Jamal of first degree murder. Although Mumia tried many times to have his conviction overturned by Pennsylvania's commonwealth court, the Pennsylvania supreme court, and even the United States Supreme Court, Mumia Abu-Jamal's conviction stood firm and, in fact, still stands today. The murder of Officer Faulkner has been burnt into the memory of his colleagues, friends, family and into the thoughts of countless police officers across the country as a senseless act of violence. However, something strange happened during Mumia's trial and subsequent appeals. He became something of a celebrity to the extreme fringe left. Free Mumia movements started to spring up across the country. Activists started calling him a political prisoner. Word spread, and soon his name became known across the world, leading us to this moment and the consideration of this House resolution. In early May of this year, I read a disturbing story in the Philadelphia Enquirer. The story reported that on April 29, the Parisian suburb St. Denis named a street of their city in honor of Mumia Abu-Jamal. I was shocked and I was disgusted. The man who, in 1970 as a founding member of the Black Panthers in Philadelphia, wrote, ``I for one feel like putting down my pen. Let's write epithets for Pigs!'' was being honored as a political prisoner. According to the Enquirer article, Suzanne Ross, the cochair of the Free Mumia Coalition of New York City, said that ``in France, they see him as a towering figure.'' Well, Ms. Rosen, in the United States the vast majority of Americans see him for what he is: a heartless and unrepentant cop killer. I was so disturbed by this story that I felt compelled to introduce legislation, not just 2 weeks ago, but back in May, to condemn the decision of the city of St. Denis to name a street after this criminal and to urge them to immediately rename the street. If such an action is not taken, the legislation calls on the Government of France to correct the ill-conceived decision of the city and of the municipal government. Finally, the bill condemns the murder of Daniel Faulkner, and recognizes the sacrifice and commitment law enforcement officers across the world show each day in securing the public safety and the order of the law. I also want to recognize representatives of the law enforcement community who have worked tirelessly to tell Danny Faulkner's story and to pursue justice in his case, including the Philadelphia FOP and its president, Bobby Eddis; the Pennsylvania FOP, and its national organization. Mr. Speaker, Mumia Abu-Jamal is not a political prisoner. He is a murderer with a penchant for public relations. He has been able to sway extreme liberal and Socialist groups to his side in a sick effort to ride his story of political oppression to freedom. Apparently, the city government of St. Denis has swallowed this lie, hook, line and sinker. It is an affront to Officer Daniel Faulkner's memory, to his widow Maureen, and everyone who puts on a uniform. As we approach the 25th anniversary of Officer Faulkner's murder, I call on all my colleagues to join me in support of this legislation. We must stand together as one and send a strong message to the world that cop killers deserve to be punished, not to be celebrated.

Mr. FITZPATRICK of Pennsylvania

Mr. FITZPATRICK of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend and revise my remarks made on September 27th regarding S. 3850, the Credit Rating Agency Reform Act of 2006. I submit the attached statement by Brian Carroll in Vol. 232 Number 186 of the Legal Intelligencer. [From the Legal Intelligencer, Sept. 26, 2005] Enron Scandals Spur Proposed Credit Rating Legislation (By Brian Carroll) The regulatory legacy of Enron, WorldCom and other major accounting frauds remains a work in process. Credit rating agencies, such as Moody's Investor Services Inc., Fitch Inc. and the Standard and Poor's Division of the McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. (S&P), issued favorable credit ratings of WorldCom bonds just three months before it declared bankruptcy and, more disturbing, Moody's and S&P favorably opined on Enron bonds four days before its bankruptcy. The unexpected collapse of these issuers cost investors billions of dollars. This raised the question: Why did credit rating agencies issue favorable bond ratings that did not appear to accurately reflect the likelihood of these bankruptcies? While the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 fundamentally recast the statutory responsibilities of chief executive and financial officers, audit committees and auditors, it took a different tack when it came to credit rating agencies: Section 702(b) mandated that the Securities and Exchange Commission study the role of credit rating agencies in securities markets. While acknowledging this study, Bucks County Congressman Michael G. Fitzpatrick, R-8th District, has introduced the Credit Rating Agency Duopoly Relief Act of 2005, aimed at increasing competition among credit rating agencies while extending SEC oversight authority. This article reviews the role of credit rating agencies and compares the SEC's approach to credit rating agency regulation with Fitzpatrick's proposed legislation.