Michael Fitzpatrick

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Dave Breidinger, a man of commitment and service. Whether we speak of Dave Breidinger's accomplishments during his career with Comcast or in the community, Dave has served with unwavering dedication. On this special milestone of his retirement, we come to celebrate the positive impact that Dave had on so many people's lives. Dave began his career managing a local franchise. He retires today as the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for Comcast's Northeast Division States. I had the pleasure to work with Dave on federal government communication related issues. His contributions to Comcast have been unparalleled, as they have significantly expanded communication in the Northeast region. Equally important to Dave's accomplishments at Comcast and his commitment to professional associations, is the extensive range of his community involvement. He has been involved with groups including the Rotary Club, Salvation Army, and the Boys and Girls Club. Currently, he serves on numerous boards including the Bucks County Community College Foundation Board and the St. Mary Medical Center Advisory Board. Dave is also Chairman of the Board of Pearl S. Buck International which works to build better lives for children around the world--an organization located in my district which I have great pride representing in the United States House of Representatives. In honor of his time, hard work, and selfless spirit, Dave has received a multitude of awards including the Rotary District 7510 ``Matty'' Mathewson Rotarian of the Year award, the Boy Scouts of America ``Spirit of America'' award, and leadership awards from the NJCTA, the CTAMDDC and from the Broadband Cable Association of Pennsylvania. He was also inducted into the Cable Television Pioneers for his instrumental part in the Cable Television Industry. David Breidinger's 35 years of work for Comcast and outstanding leadership is deeply appreciated. We are grateful for David's commitment and service and know he will continue to inspire others in the Northampton Township and beyond.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Guardians. All were affected by morcellation of an occult uterine cancer--and all lost their precious lives prematurely or unnecessarily, because of deadly defect in our medical device regulatory space. Erica Kaitz, Danusia Bennett-Taber, Patricia Daley, Sally Newton, Sandra Brown, Mary Alyce Dolan, Nancy Lincoln Davis, Margie Miller, Barbara Leary, Lori Kauffman, Elizabeth Jacobson, Jenny Proffer, Linda Interlichia, Brenda Leuzzi, Vivianna Ruschitto, Martha Ariri, Nancy Curtis.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, 1 year ago tomorrow, Ariel Grace's life ended before it had a chance to begin--killed by the failure of the unsafe medical device, Essure. Despite her tragic passing, there remains no legal recourse to seek justice. That is why, on the 1-year anniversary of her death, I will introduce Ariel Grace's Law in order to resolve the broken law that prevents the families of Ariel Grace and thousands of others to have their voices heard in court. At the same time, I will offer legislation to reform the flawed FDA process that allowed another dangerous device--a laparoscopic power morcellator--to spread deadly cancer throughout the bodies of women like shrapnel. Despite case after case, no one reported the harm to the FDA--not even their own doctors. The Medical Device Guardians Act will add doctors into the list of entities that must report unsafe devices so that lifesaving action can be taken quickly when it is needed to protect others. The institutions and regulations that are designed to protect our constituents from unsafe devices in these cases and others have failed. It is time we take action to address them.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments and life of Mrs. Fran Nitkin. There is an old proverb that says, ``Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher.'' Fortunately for the students of the Pennsbury School District they shared many days with a great teacher, Mrs. Fran Nitkin. Mrs. Nitkin was hired by Pennsbury in 1989 initially as a substitute teacher. She then served for many years as a teacher at Oxford Valley Elementary and had the opportunity to inspire young minds in elementary schools across the Pennsbury School District including Edgewood, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Quarry Hill elementary schools. In 2003, Mrs. Nitkin was appointed principal at Village Park Elementary. She then moved to Oxford Valley in 2006 and remained principal there until her death. Known by all for her high standards and dedication as a teacher and administrator, she was always ready to ``provide assistance and wise counsel.'' Oxford Valley Elementary School, a National School of Character, was built on the cornerstones of Cooperation, Respect, Responsibility, and Sportsmanship. Principal Fran Nitkin embodied these qualities and passed them along to her students every single day because she was a great teacher.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of St. Paul's United Methodist Church. St. Paul's United Methodist Church is celebrating 50 years of faithful service to the people of the Central Bucks County and Warrington area. Congratulations. This is a milestone for a church that has at its heart, faith and spirituality and a mission to fulfill the needs of all congregants. Devoted church leaders and pastors have overseen this spiritual task throughout St. Paul's 50-year history and continue on this same path, today. Since 1966, the church has grown to include more than one generation of faithful Christian families who care about each other and their neighbors. And for your 50 years of spiritual guidance, we extend our heartiest congratulations on this Golden Jubilee with sincere wishes for continued growth and service in the coming years.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Carolyn Della-Rodolfa. Congratulations to Carolyn Della-Rodolfa, who is recognized by her peers and community organizations as one who embodies the true spirit of volunteerism, having served as chairman of the boards of Doylestown Hospital, Doylestown Health Foundation, Doylestown Health Physicians and the Health & Wellness Center of Doylestown Hospital. Her leadership encompasses years of valuable participation in strategic planning groups that have helped change health care delivery in the Bucks County community. In addition, she is a student who consistently attends seminars, reads and studies to broaden her knowledge. Under her tutelage, Doylestown Hospital and its related parts greatly expanded the quality and breadth of healthcare services. Notably, Ms. Della- Rodolfa's social and business acumen has had a financial impact on the total community beyond lifesaving healthcare and life-improving wellness care. Retiring, with the appreciation and gratitude of her colleagues and community, this outstanding volunteer/leader clearly has set an example for others to follow.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Thomas R. Macfarlan. Congratulations to Thomas R. Macfarlan on the occasion of his retirement as Nockamixon Township's Emergency Management Coordinator. Beginning in June 1994, his tenure has been marked with outstanding contributions to the safety and security of area residents. He wrote the township's first Emergency Operations Plan, which brought Nockamixon into compliance with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management directive, helped write the first school district Emergency Management Operations Plan and many other effective plans to deal with emergency situations and events in Nockamixon. He has distinguished himself with responsible service and countless contributions to his community. Mr. Macfarlan also is known for the key role he played in development of regional EMA groups and under his direction, the Nockamixon EMA is acknowledged in many communities for its leadership in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and also New Jersey. Thomas R. Macfarlan leaves his post with the appreciation of the citizens he so willingly and ably served.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Luetkemeyer for yielding time to highlight the importance of this bipartisan legislation to assist the innovators and the job creators who drive our economy and are those who continue to position the United States as a global leader in research and a global leader in development. Mr. Speaker, during a previous Congress, the Financial Services Committee heard testimony from one of my constituents, the CEO of a Philadelphia-based pharmaceutical and biotechnology firm which, at the time, employed around 55 individuals. For this firm and for many emerging growth companies focused on groundbreaking technologies, it could take more than a decade to see a profit; but because of top-line numbers, these companies are required to comply with costly regulations meant to ensure that the largest corporations are playing by the rules. While Congress has made some efforts to reduce some of these regulatory burdens in the past, like the JOBS Act of 2012, it created an effective yet one-size-fits-all approach to exempt certain companies for up to 5 years from section 404(b) of Sarbanes-Oxley, which, of course, as we heard, requires the hiring of an external auditor in some cases. Unfortunately, a small group of companies remain unprofitable even after this period of time. This bipartisan Fostering Innovation Act works to address this shortcoming by providing targeted relief from these costly regulations and requirements, allowing our American firms to focus on what they do best: innovation, breakthroughs, and curing diseases. By extending the waiver period for smaller companies that meet specific requirements, Washington gets out of the way and allows these firms to better compete in critical research and development in an increasingly globalized and competitive world. That is it. I want to applaud Chairman Hensarling and the rest of the committee, especially my colleagues, Ms. Sinema of Arizona, who is the bill's sponsor, and Representative Delaney. We came together to find bipartisan solutions that address regulatory burdens for our emerging growth companies, and it is my hope that, with this spirit of cooperation, we will be able to find new issues to tackle and continue to show the American people that this House can govern and foster an economy that works for everyone. I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, tonight my constituents back home in Pennsylvania are gathering to remember and celebrate the life of a wonderful citizen. Judge Edmund V. Ludwig will be remembered for his contributions to the community and the courtroom, and for his leadership as a jurist, educator, mentor, and historian. Judge Ludwig died on May 17, 2016, at the age of 87. He will also be remembered for his wit and wisdom. His legal accomplishments include leading the way to improve access to counsel for the poor, reformation of the juvenile system, and improvement to State services for the mentally ill. Judge Ludwig founded many of these organizations and served on several of the boards. His well-known affinity for history led to the founding in 1955 of the Doylestown Historical Society, where he served as chairman until 2011. The former judge of the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas was appointed in 1985 to the United States District Court by President Ronald Reagan. He was honored with the William J. Brennan Jr. Distinguished Jurist Award by the Philadelphia Bar Association in 2005. Judge Ludwig's life of service is imprinted in the history of Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

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

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I want to start by recognizing my colleague from Pennsylvania (Mr. Dent), the chairman of the subcommittee, for his diligence and his hard work in bringing this important bill to the floor and, more importantly, for his work on the bill, and listening to ideas coming from both sides of the aisle, and his fairness in considering all ideas as part of this bill. So I thank the gentleman for that. I rise this evening in support of an amendment that is common sense. It is a no-brainer. What this amendment would do is say, if a medical device is under review by the FDA over concerns of its harmful impacts on women, the Federal Government shouldn't be spending taxpayer dollars to offer it to our Nation's veterans. The medical device I am referring to is the permanent sterilization device, Essure. Essure is a permanent sterilization device that was approved by the FDA in 2002. However, since it was first approved, this device has caused irreparable harm to tens of thousands of women and their families. FDA data shows that Essure has caused the death of at least four women and nearly 300 fetal deaths. Additionally, tens of thousands of women have reported other symptoms which are debilitating. Over 25,000 women have joined together on Facebook to share their stories of how the Essure device has ruined their lives. They call themselves the Essure Sisters. They came together as a group because nobody believed them--for many, not even their doctors. They were told that this device was safe and there was no way the device caused their pain and other symptoms. But that proved to be wrong. We don't need another study. Their pain is real. Their stories are real. They have been ignored by their doctors, by the device manufacturer, and by the Food and Drug Administration. I rise today as a voice for these women, to tell this Chamber that their stories are real, that their pain is real, and that their fight is real. Working with them over the last year, we have been able to force the FDA to call for yet another review of this flawed device, and this request was made by Democrats and Republicans in this Chamber. Yet the product remains available, sometimes aggressively pushed. And, as it relates to this appropriations bill, Essure remains on the list of federally purchased devices. We know that this device has already harmed female veterans. I want to give a direct quote from an Essure Sister and Operation Enduring Freedom veteran: ``I still live in massive chronic pain, and I'm on pain meds every day of my life. I cannot do the things I used to do with my children and my husband. Each day that I live with this newfound pain and suffering, I grow more and more disgusted at the fact that both he and I traveled to the war multiple times and made it home, only to have a device forced upon us that would ruin our lives and my health.'' Mr. Chairman, this amendment is not about women's reproductive decisions or a debate about contraceptives. It is about protecting our female veterans from being harmed by a device that we know has ruined the lives of thousands across this Nation. All I am saying is we should not allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to purchase and implant this dangerous device in our Nation's veterans. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. In closing, Mr. Chairman, I would say, with all due respect, this is about a dangerous medical device, and there are men and women on both sides of the aisle here in the House of Representatives that have called on the FDA to withdraw the device from the market. There are other options. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the time on the floor tonight. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Henry Chapman Mercer and the importance of the Mercer Museum. Bucks County's agricultural history is preserved in the 100-year-old Mercer Museum, thanks to the foresight of Henry Chapman Mercer. The noted historian, scholar and archaeologist collected and preserved outmoded materials of daily life believing they would be lost forever in the rush of the Industrial Revolution. Mr. Mercer gathered and displayed more than 30,000 hand tools and even boats and horse-drawn carriages at the museum he would design and build in Doylestown, Bucks County. More than 50 Early American trades are represented, including blacksmithing, shoemaking, farming, printing, cider making and needlework crafts, some items hanging from the ceiling. All are organized and housed in an imposing museum built over a three-year period entirely of concrete. Through the decades, this National Historic Landmark has advanced in the management of its collections and also in meeting contemporary museum standards. Today, the museum and its new wing offer dozens of programs for all ages. For a century, the Mercer Museum stands out as a place where Bucks County's past is honored along with the memory of an extraordinary man--Henry Chapman Mercer.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. I thank Representative Guinta for yielding and for his incredible and sustained leadership, along with Representative Kuster and others, on this important bipartisan work. I know that we all wonder if the work that we do here in the Nation's capital--the bills that we consider, the votes that we cast--is having an impact on individuals. I truly believe--and I know that each of us do--that, if we can pass the bills that are being discussed here tonight, we can get them through the Senate and on the President's desk. If they could become law, we literally could save lives. We could see families being saved. For some that we represent, the opioid drug use may seem a world away. But, sadly, the numbers remove any doubt about heroin's impact so close to home when we have heard those stories told over and over again this evening. By every metric, the effects of heroin has reached epidemic levels. I heard Representative Courtney earlier today here on the floor speak about the epidemic as a national emergency. With that I agree. In Pennsylvania, heroin overdoses and opioid abuse will kill more people than homicides or influenza. In some States, it is more deadly than automobile accidents. There are several reasons for the rising statistics, Mr. Speaker, including the increased supply and decreased cost of heroin and the increasing number of Americans addicted to opioid painkillers. At a townhall meeting last fall in Quakertown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in my district, graduates of the Bucks County Drug Court shared their inspirational journeys toward recovery. These stories, while marked with tragedy, are also punctuated with the hope that their message can save others from the pain and the loss of heroin addiction. Their message is having an impact. My community of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and others around this country are joining in the fight against drug abuse. Just 2 weeks ago, Bucks County residents helped dispose of more than 10,394 pounds of old pills and prescription drugs. I just heard this evening both Representative Dold and Representative Chabot speak about what they referred to as drug take-back days. We in Bucks County have removed literally tons of prescription drugs from the street, medicine cabinets, and from the water stream. Remove the supply as we work to remove the demand. As a member of the task force, I am continuing to work with leaders like those speaking here tonight in both political parties toward a common goal of developing and enacting these national policies to stem the rising tide of drug use and drug abuse. Through the hard work of this task force and the tireless efforts of local recovery advocates across our country, this week the House will take an important step toward passing comprehensive policies designed to help combat the opioid epidemic facing our Nation. I am proud to be part of this effort that will undoubtedly help save others from the pain and the loss of addiction. I thank Representative Guinta for his leadership. We look forward to the success of these bills here this week.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, for two generations, Ohev Shalom of Bucks County has served a family of congregants and inspired many Jewish lives, both children and adults. As you celebrate this 40th anniversary we recognize your many contributions to the greater community. Your 40-year history began with the first Ohev Shalom Purim held March 1976 in Southampton, Bucks County. The current building, the synagogue, was purchased two years later in Richboro, Northampton Township. Ohev Shalom is known to have an outgoing and growing community of congregants who share many enjoyable events and forge long lasting relationships. They also have a loving enthusiasm for each other that has translated into sharing and helping their community. On this milestone anniversary, you are warmly wished many years of continued success, devoted spiritual leaders and faithful congregants. Heartiest congratulations. Mazel tov.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of outstanding contributions to the arts, Jane Golden, founder and executive director of the City of Philadelphia's Mural Arts Program is this year's recipient of the Pearl S. Buck International 2016 Woman of Influence Award. Established in 1978, the award honors women who, like Pearl Buck, the Nobel and Pulitzer prize-winning author and humanitarian, distinguished themselves in their career, devotion to family and pursuit of humanitarian goals. Inspired by her example and direction, the city's Mural Arts Program created more than 3,800 works of public art through collaborations with community and city agencies, non-profit organizations, schools, the private sector and philanthropies. Known nationally and internationally as an expert on urban transportation through art, Jane Golden is recognized for overseeing award-winning public art projects. She developed innovative and rigorous programs in youth art, education, restorative justice and behavioral health that have made it possible for thousands to experience the power of art. Heartiest congratulations to Jane Golden upon receipt of this prestigious award and for a distinguished career and the creative vision and spirit that made it possible.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, as executive director of the Indian Valley Public Library, Linda Beck's dedication and advocacy has inspired a community and, now, after 28 years she is retiring. It is widely known that libraries can be the heart of the community: Billions of Americans gravitate to public libraries each year to read, borrow books, and study. During Linda Beck's tenure, the role of the Indian Valley Public Library expanded to include services beneficial to the greater community, including Internet access for library-goers who may search for employment, schools and general information at their leisure. As executive director, she, and scores of volunteers, have improved the lives of many citizens and inspired both children and adults to read for enjoyment and learning. And so we salute Linda Beck on this milestone, thank her for the leadership she provided and wish her many active retirement years.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I join in acknowledging the sixth anniversary of the Smolensk Disaster, a tragedy that claimed the lives of Polish President Lech Kaczynski, his wife, Maria, and 94 others aboard a government aircraft on April 10, 2010. Among the victims were high-ranking generals and government officials, clergy, anti-communist leaders and the family members of victims enroute to a ceremony for the 1940 Katyn Forest Massacre. Also on the plane was one American citizen on an official mission for the City of Chicago. The crash at Smolensk North Military Airfield in western Russia is central to the event sponsored by the Commemoration Committee for the Smolensk Disaster and held at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. On Sunday, April 17, 2016 prayers will be offered for the souls of the 96 crash victims and honor those who served their country.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, it is estimated that over 30,000 Americans are living with the progressive neurodegenerative disease and condition ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease, at any time. That includes dozens in my Pennsylvania district, including Frank Mongiello and former Naval Officer Matthew Bellina. For those impacted by this disease, the toll is extraordinary, not only on their own well-being, but on their family and their finances. Thankfully for Matt and Frank, individuals like Jim Worthington and members of the Newtown Athletic Club have stepped up to offer emotional support and raised more than $200,000 for their cause. While these actions show the commendable efforts of one community, there is more that can be done on their behalf here in Washington. Next week, I will join Matt and Frank in the Nation's Capital to urge not only for essential ALS funding, but for access to experimental drugs. The bipartisan Right to Try Act would remove the barriers to these trial-stage medications for those with a terminal disease like ALS. The compassion of our communities and the long-term benefits of research must not prevent us from taking every single step possible in the here and now to care for those battling ALS.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I join in acknowledging the sixth anniversary of the Smolensk Disaster, a tragedy that claimed the lives of Polish President Lech Kaczynski, his wife, Maria, and 94 others aboard a government aircraft on April 10, 2010. Among the victims were high-ranking generals and government officials, clergy, anti-communist leaders and the family members of victims enroute to a ceremony for the 1940 Katyn Forest Massacre. Also on the plane was one American citizen on an official mission for the City of Chicago. The crash at Smolensk North Military Airfield in western Russia is central to the event sponsored by the Commemoration Committee for the Smolensk Disaster and held at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. On Sunday, April 17, 2016 prayers will be offered for the souls of the 96 crash victims and honor those who served their country.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, congratulations to the Livengrin Foundation on 50 years of providing hope and healing to those struggling with drug and alcohol addictions and for addressing the recent wave of opiate and heroin overdoses in the region. The mission- based, non-profit was one of the first Pennsylvania centers established for the treatment of alcoholism and drug addiction and has grown to include the original inpatient facility in Bensalem, Bucks County, and now eight outpatient locations throughout the Philadelphia region and Lehigh Valley. Livengrin has provided drug and alcohol addiction services to more than 4,000 patients and their families and disbursed more than $1.6 million for subsidized and unreimbursed services. Livengrin's impact on the community goes beyond its treatment services to include innovative solutions that served as models for other programs throughout the country. Additionally, the Livengrin Foundation also offers specialty treatment tracks for young adults, nurses, other health care workers, first responders and veterans and numbers of support groups and seminars. Recently, Livengrin hosted Naloxone training and distributions to combat the wave of opiate and heroin overdoses in southeastern Pennsylvania. For a half-century, Livengrin has been a beacon of hope for thousands. We sincerely wish the Livengrin Foundation and all those who contribute to the mission continued success with utmost gratitude for the good work.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, St. Ephrem Church Parish, founded in June 1966, is celebrating 50 years of faithful service to the Bensalem, Bucks County parish--a Golden Jubilee. The heart of the parish is the Catholic faith; its mission, meeting the spiritual needs of all parishioners. Dedicated, devout pastors and priests have overseen the mission throughout its history and continue on this path, today. For a half-century, the small parish has grown to include 3,300 registered families and more than 11,000 members. St. Ephrem's also provides an excellent education in pre-K through 8th grade to approximately 450 children, including another 200 in Sunday School. St. Ephrem's is known to have a strong community outreach program that touches many families in the parish through the Boy and Girl Scouts, Catholic Daughters of America, Bereavement Support, Family Counseling and active Teen and Youth sports programs. For your 50 years of spiritual guidance, we extend our heartiest congratulations on this Golden Jubilee and sincere wishes for continued growth and service in the coming years.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, W. Bruce Beaton has been honored as ``Person of the Year'' by the Feasterville Business Association, which is celebrating its 67th year. As president of his family-owned insurance business for many years, Bruce Beaton established a respected reputation as a local business owner, while being involved in the activities of the Feasterville Business Association. He also was honored this year for his participation in other regional Chambers of Commerce, the local Police Advisory Board, Centennial Education Foundation and Community Care of the Northeast. In addition, Bruce Beaton has been an elder and treasurer of Bridesburg Presbyterian Church for the past 15 years. His combined work for the betterment of the community, coupled with his business activities demonstrates his dual sense of citizenship and service and so we join in congratulating this year's FBA honoree and thank him for setting an example for others to follow.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the life of Beatrice ``Bea'' Jaiven Heine who passed away peacefully at her home on March 1, 2016 at the age of 94. The daughter of Russian immigrants, Mrs. Heine grew up in Connecticut where she graduated from Stamford High School. She went on to receive a Bachelor's degree at Southern Connecticut State Teachers College and later a Masters degree from Columbia University followed by her Doctoral degree in education from Temple University. She is best known professionally for decades as an educator in elementary school primarily for Haddon Township's fifth grade and later at the college level for teacher education with a focus on mathematics. Long before the importance of math education was widely acknowledged, Mrs. Heine creatively engaged students and future teachers to learn math with logic and showed that ``Math can be fun.'' She was an avid traveler and met her husband, the late Joseph Heine, on a cruise. They were blessed with two daughters and shared nearly 34 years of happy marriage. While her list of educational, career and personal accomplishments are no doubt impressive, her family notes that she was modest about her successes. It is fitting that March is designated as Women's History Month--a time to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of women, like Mrs. Heine, both in our nation and in our communities, who have made a positive impact. Remembered for her sparkling eyes, winning dimples, auburn hair, radiant smile, and warm laugh, Mrs. Heine formed rewarding relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. To those who knew her, there is little doubt that the world is a better place because of Bea.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, U.S. District Court Judge Cynthia M. Rufe is the recipient of the 2016 Bucks County Women's History Month Award, presented annually to distinguished women whose professional and civic achievements have ``made a difference.'' Her career began as a high school teacher, later an attorney, leader and mentor. Judge Rufe was a member of the panel that established a county-wide system to provide free legal representation to civil litigants and also worked with the Bucks County district attorney's office to establish safe protocols for women and child abuse victims. Prior to her appointment to the federal bench, Judge Rufe served with honor and distinction in the Court of Common Pleas of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. I had the great pleasure of working with Judge Rufe on issues of mutual concern during my years as a County Commissioner in Doylestown. Judge Rufe continues to advocate for legal education and mentors law students and new attorneys and regularly presents legal and ethics courses to state and local bar associations. Additionally, she serves as a faculty member of the TIPS Trial Academy. As the granddaughter of immigrants, Judge Rufe takes great pride in her frequent role in naturalization ceremonies, welcoming new American citizens with sincere and inspiring words. The Women's History Month Award presented to Judge Rufe is one page in the story of generations of women whose belief in equality and justice motivated them to make a difference in society, ultimately affecting the lives of subsequent generations. Judge Rufe exemplifies a belief in our nation's inherent values, including the rule of law and justice and, in so doing, has set an example for women who may choose to follow in her footsteps.