Michael Fitzpatrick

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, my amendment will ensure that the FAA is doing everything that it can to certify that our aircraft are protected during a moment that pilots, flight attendants, and Federal law enforcement officers have all said that the aircraft is vulnerable to terror hijackings. Despite the effort to safeguard the cockpit after the 9/11 terror attacks, today, operational experience has highlighted that a critical vulnerability remains when a pilot must open the hardened, reinforced cockpit doors to eat, rest, or use the bathroom during long flights. Even the FAA recognizes that, ``During this door transition, the flight deck is vulnerable.'' Current FAA regulations require that the area outside the flight deck be secure before the reinforced cockpit door is opened. Currently, some airlines are using human shields or, in some cases, drink carts to try to block entry to the cockpit and claim it ``secure.'' But only one method has been thoroughly studied and proven to beat the threat of a trained hijacker exploiting this particular vulnerability, and that is an installed physical secondary barrier door. These barriers are light, inexpensive wire gates that are able to protect the flight deck long enough for the pilot to shut the reinforced door. This double door security procedure is something that Israeli airlines have been using for over a decade. They understand the risk and how to mitigate it. A Cato study has shown these secondary barrier doors to be the most cost-effective way to protect the cockpit door when the reinforced door is opened. This is not some hypothetical threat. We know for a fact that terrorists maintain their desire to exploit vulnerabilities in our aircraft safety protocols to bring down an airliner just like they did on September 11, 2001. A recent USA Today headline read, ``ISIS' Next Test Could Be a 9/11-Style Attack.'' In 2013, outgoing FBI Director Robert Mueller said that the terror scenario he fears most remains an attack with the use of an aircraft. Perhaps no one knows the consequences of terrorists hijacking our aircraft more so than my constituent, Ellen Saracini. The terror hijackings of September 11 took the life of her husband, Victor Saracini, Captain of United Flight 175, which was hijacked and flown into the South Tower of the World Trade Center by al Qaeda terrorists. Inspired by Ellen and the pilots and flight attendants that stand with her, I have been working with a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers to have these commonsense, cost-effective security features installed on every single large passenger aircraft in the United States through my bill, H.R. 911, the Saracini Aviation Safety Act. Some have pointed to the ``layered security'' approach to aircraft security as proof that we don't need secondary barriers, but one only need to read current headlines to see the huge gaps in our layered security. As we recently learned, undercover agents, we saw, this week, were able to get weapons past the TSA 95 percent of the time. Mr. Chairman, a recent Advisory Circular issued by the FAA highlights the risk to the cockpit during door transition and calls for the use of effective protection measures. Support for this amendment today would build on this positive step used by the FAA by showing that Congress is serious about this issue and that installed physical secondary barriers are the only way that we can guarantee, as FAA regulations do require, that the flight deck be secure prior to that reinforced door being opened. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join you today in recognition of Kevin and Sima Zlock for their efforts to advance and expand the mission at Bucks County Community College. I am told, that Bucks County Community College will officially dedicate the new Kevin and Sima Zlock Performing Arts Center at the college's Newtown, Bucks County campus today. This addition to an already amazing institution will enhance the educational experience of every Bucks student who walks through the door a valuable venue for the college and region's thriving arts community. I consider myself so fortunate to be able to represent Bucks County, Pennsylvania here in the House, and to have grown up around the Community College. The kindness of individuals, businesses and civic groups across my district continue to astound me, and the Zlock's commitment to Bucks County Community College is just the latest in a long line of residents investing in the success of our community. So, I thank Kevin and Sima Zlock for their continued support of Bucks County Community College and wish the best for the dedication of the new Kevin and Sima Zlock Performing Arts Center. Have a great day, Bucks County.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a loyal patriot and statesman, Ambassador William Green Miller, for his longtime work and commitment to building a strong and resilient US-Ukraine relationship. This week, Ambassador Miller will be receiving the Alexander B. Chernyk Medal for outstanding leadership and deep commitment to US-Ukraine affairs, presented by my constituents in the Greater Philadelphia Area. As the Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, I would like to thank Ambassador Miller for his many years of service and dedication to this cause. With an education from Williams College, Oxford and Harvard, Ambassador Miller entered the Foreign Service in 1959, serving five years in Iran before transitioning back to Washington as a line officer and in the office of Secretary of State Dean Rusk. In the years to follow, he served as a foreign policy and defense adviser to Senator John Sherman Cooper, and held the position of Associate Dean and Professor of International Politics of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. In 1986, Ambassador Miller returned to Washington as President of the American Committee on United States- Soviet Relations, where his position admitted him to travel frequently throughout the Soviet Union, obtaining direct knowledge of the monumental changes taking place in the region. Between 1993 and 1998, Mr. Miller served as United States Ambassador to Ukraine under President Bill Clinton. As Ambassador, he was a supporter and witness to some of the most fundamental transformations of the Ukrainian State, including the ratification of Ukraine's Constitution. To this day, Ambassador Miller still promotes peace and stability in Ukraine through his work as a Senior Public Policy Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. On behalf of my colleagues on the Caucus, I want to thank Ambassador William Green Miller for his lifetime of international diplomatic accomplishments, and his help in forging the steadfast US-Ukraine relationship that has lasted and will continue to last for decades to come.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, for 50 years, the Bucks County Children and Youth Social Services Agency has been protecting the children of Bucks County. Through investigating reports of child abuse and neglect, providing for the temporary care of children not able to remain with their own families and working to develop community-wide social service programs that empower kids and their families, Children and Youth has played a vital role in our community for decades--a fact we celebrate this anniversary. As a former County Commissioner, I've had the opportunity to work side-by-side with the committed staff and leaders that make this agency the success it is. Their work has promoted safer, healthier communities and played a part in strengthening the lives of thousands of children. Our children are our greatest resource. And, through the dedicated efforts of Bucks County Children and Youth Social Services, Bucks County's future is brighter.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, both in my district and around the globe, the name Pearl S. Buck is synonymous with enthusiastic activism and a deep commitment to humanitarianism. Today, Pearl S. Buck International advances that legacy by providing opportunities to explore and appreciate other cultures, building better lives for children around the globe and promoting the legacy of our founder by preserving and interpreting her National Landmark home. To honor the timeless work of Pearl S. Buck, the Pearl S. Buck International Woman of the Year Award was established in 1978 to recognize ``women, who like Nobel and Pulitzer prize-winning author and humanitarian Pearl S. Buck, have distinguished themselves in their career, devotion to family and pursuit of humanitarian goals.'' This year, I am proud to congratulate Pamela Rainey Lawler as the recipient of this noble achievement. Pamela launched her career as corporate writer in Philadelphia and later, as a mother of two children, realized how important food and nourishment were to growing children. Always the writer at heart, she took on a research project to find a solution to the domestic hunger problem in Philadelphia. Her research was the impetus to launch the non-profit organization, Philabundance in 1984. Today, Pamela is a social entrepreneur creating the Food Solutions Design Lab. She spends time giving back by mentoring and advising young social entrepreneurs and social impact start-ups. The first woman to run for the Mayor of Philadelphia, Pamela serves on the Board of Directors of Philabundance and Art-Reach, among others. Her influence within the food science and nutrition field, the non-profit community at Philabundance, the world of impactful social entrepreneurs and among women who are all about action will be felt for a long time. There is no doubt that Pamela embodies the positive qualities of the late, great Pearl S. Buck and is worthy of the Woman of the Year Award. Her work in our community--and our world--expands the positive impact of Pearl S. Buck to meet new challenges for a new generation.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, since July of last year, Nadiya Savchenko, a member of the Ukrainian parliament and a military veteran, has been unlawfully detained by Russian authorities--her crime, unsubstantiated charges stemming from her defense of her nation against Russian military aggression. For months, Ms. Savchenko has been incarcerated in Russia, in clear violation of her human rights and international standards. As Russia tries to redraw the world's borders, Ms. Savchenko has become the face of both Russian lawlessness and Ukrainian resistance. This evening, I join with the free people of Ukraine in demanding Russia free Savchenko and call on this body and this administration to utilize all legislative and diplomatic means to secure her long-overdue release. That is why I have joined with other lawmakers in introducing H. Res. 50, which calls for an end to this injustice and reaffirms the United States' commitment to a democratic Ukraine free from Russian interference. Together, we must free Savchenko and push back against Russia's continued threat to freedom.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 35 years of commitment to young mothers of Bucks and Montgomery counties by Child Home and Community. Working with local schools and hospitals, Child Home and Community provides assistance and educational opportunities for young parents from all backgrounds to be better, healthier parents. CHC's programs--including free childbirth classes, support groups, career counseling and other advocacy services--help address real needs in our communities and bring about tangible benefits for participants, including becoming ``more likely to stay in school and graduate, find employment with good benefits, prepare their children for school and become productive members of the community.'' As a supporter of this worthwhile organization and their more than three decades of dedication, it is an honor to mark their 35th anniversary and celebrate with them and the thousands of young families they have supported. Congratulations and continued success in Bucks and Montgomery counties to everyone at Child Home and Community.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, as Congress begins to take up the critical and long overdue discussion of long-term infrastructure investment, it is important that we utilize one of our greatest resources--our Nation's veterans. Right now, there are over 380,000 veteran-owned construction firms across the United States, including thousands in my home State of Pennsylvania. These veteran-owned businesses are primed to play a vital role in the rebuilding of our Nation's roads and bridges. However, right now, when it comes to Federal transportation contracts, we are failing to recognize their full potential. That is why I have introduced the bipartisan Fairness to Veterans Act in an effort to level the playing field by providing veterans access to existing preferences. Fairness to veterans is a simple idea that says, if any group is going to get special treatment from our government, it should be those who have served in our Armed Forces. I am proud to have the support of veterans advocacy organizations like the American Legion, local veterans groups, and a bipartisan band of lawmakers in advancing this legislation. I encourage each one of my colleagues to join us as a cosponsor and ensure that we are fighting for and are fair to our Nation's veterans.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, congratulations to the parishioners of St. Bede the Venerable on the anniversary of the founding of the church that has provided spiritual guidance for 50 years, the first Catholic church in Northampton Township. St. Bede parishioners also are recognized and commended for the contributions they have provided to the spiritual and moral well-being of the greater Northampton community. Yours is a history that began on May 26, 1963 with the announcement of the founding by His Eminence John Cardinal Krol, Archbishop of Philadelphia. An elementary school followed in 1966 and continued until the 2012-13 school year when St. Bede the Venerable School was merged with Assumption BVM, of Feasterville to become St. Katharine Drexel Regional School. This school, kindergarten through 8th grade, continues the tradition of providing an exemplary, faith-based curriculum, while the parish has grown to include more than 3,200 families and 11,000 parishioners. May your mission continue to the community of the faithful--with all good wishes for the future.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor those who died 5 years ago in the tragic Smolensk air crash. On the morning of April 10th, 2010, Polish Air Force One went down at Smolenski North Military Airfield in Western Russia, killing 96 passengers. Among the passengers onboard the flight were Poland's President Lech Kaczynski, First Lady Maria Kaczynska, political and military officials, and civilian families. That day, Polish Air Force One was headed to an event marking the 70th Anniversary of the massacre of thousands of Polish prisoners of war by Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Secret Police, known as the Katyn Forest Massacre. Now, on this day, we not only remember those who died 70 years ago, but also those who tragically lost their lives just 5 years ago. I pray for the families of those who lost loved ones, and pray for a strengthened and united Poland in years to come. In recognition of the 5th Anniversary of the Smolensk Disaster, Polish community members in my district, and the surrounding area, will gather at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown to honor those who lost their lives. I join them in marking this important date with reflection and prayer. Today, Poland remains one of America's strongest allies, with mutual interests advancing the causes of liberty and freedom at home and around the world. We must continue to have a strong United States-- Poland relationship in the years to come.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Spiro Spireas, a local resident who serves as the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Sigmapharm Laboratories. Dr. Spireas founded Sigmapharm Laboratories in 2005. He is the inventor and author of more than 70 international and domestic patents and 200 scientific papers, books, and other publications in the fields of industrial pharmacy, biopharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutical technology and analytical chemistry. He holds Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy from St. John's University, and a B.S. in Pharmacy from the Hellenic National University of Athens, Greece. Prior to forming Sigmapharm Laboratories, Dr. Spireas served for 6 years as the Vice President of Research and Development for URL Pharma, Inc. At URL Pharma, he developed various unique products including Felodipine extended release tablets, which remained for several years as the only marketed generic equivalent to Astra Zeneca's Plendil ER tablets. In addition, Dr. Spireas taught several graduate and undergraduate courses of pharmaceutical sciences and conducted extensive research producing more than 20 Ph.D. and M.S. dissertations as a Professor of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology at the Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy of Long Island University. Several of his graduate students went on to work with Dr. Spireas at Sigmapharm, and have helped shape the company into what it is today. Dr. Spireas embodies an entrepreneurial and innovative spirit that is unmatched. His contributions to the pharmaceutical industry are greatly admired and appreciated by myself, and my constituents. Dr. Spireas has helped develop products that save lives and keep us healthy, while training a new, young, and eager workforce ready to make contributions to the betterment of society. It is an honor and privilege to recognize Dr. Spireas today. I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States was established to serve our nation's veterans and their families. This organization honors military service and ensures that the history of America's veterans is preserved for future generations. With the help of its 500,000 members, the organization serves those who have been called to the highest honor by maintaining veterans' memorials, sharing veterans' history with the community, volunteering at veterans' hospitals, and providing scholarships to students recognizing patriotism through art and volunteerism. One very special member, who I would like to recognize today, President Brenda Johnson, rallies the theme ``LOVE FOR OUR VETERANS'' in my home state of Pennsylvania. President Johnson, a resident of Falls Township, is a Life Auxiliary member of the VFW#6495 located on Haines Road in Levittown, Bucks County, PA, one of seven auxiliaries in my home district. I would like to thank President Johnson and the Ladies Auxiliary for their continued support and dedication and wish them continued success as they serve our veterans and their families.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, the Newtown Fire Association celebrates 125 years of continuous service to the Newtown community this year and I congratulate the volunteers for the dedication and commitment that transcends the generations. The association was formed in the aftermath of a local mill fire in October 1889 when a group of citizen-responders saw the need for local fire protection and met the following month to create the all-volunteer Newtown Fire Association. This company continuously provided high level protective services to the community and continues the tradition today with a 21st century staff of certified firefighters and state-of-the-art fire and rescue equipment. This special anniversary acknowledges a century of selfless volunteer, first-responders who are honored for their courage and service. Congratulations to the Newtown Fire Association on this milestone with the gratitude of the community for demonstrating the dedication of your founders and an ongoing commitment to the protection of your neighbors, their lives, their homes and their properties.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

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

Mr. FITZPATRICK. I thank the Chair, and I commend and congratulate Mr. Shuster on his very thoughtful approach to this passenger rail reform bill, which is poised to pass, and I encourage its passage here today. Mr. Chair, our Nation's veterans are the most highly skilled workforce in our Nation's history. They are the product of rigorous training and ironclad commitment to teamwork. They have a remarkable ability to succeed where others might fail. It is no wonder, then, that nearly 2.5 million veterans own and operate their own businesses, creating and sustaining over 8 million jobs for hardworking Americans. However, the current pool of veteran- owned businesses is getting older, with recent census data showing that 75 percent of current veteran-owned businesses were age 55 and over. As this older generation of veterans look toward retirement, America will begin to lose a key driver of economic growth. We need to be thinking now about how to encourage the next generation of veterans-- the more than 250,000 servicemembers currently transitioning from military to civilian life--to take up the job-creating mantle of starting their own veteran-owned businesses. The numbers are on our side, with one in four veterans saying they are considering starting or buying their own small business. We cannot miss this opportunity. My amendment under consideration today works to ensure we, as a Congress, are doing everything possible to level the playing field for these veteran entrepreneurs when competing for Federal contracts. It is a simple premise that my constituents in Bucks and Montgomery Counties, Pennsylvania, know and understand as fairness to veterans. The amendment is straightforward. It adds veteran-owned small businesses to the small business participation study required under section 305 of the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act. Section 305 directs the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a nationwide disparity and availability study on the availability and use of certain classes of small businesses. While I am a supporter of having a completely level playing field throughout Federal contracting for every small business, the fact is, today, some get a preference when doing business with the Federal Government when veterans do not. This amendment begins the process of addressing that discrepancy. Fairness to veterans is not about dramatically overhauling the current system, but it is about making sure that if anybody is going to get a preference, veterans should at least have an equal shot. Adding them to the study included in the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act will give the Department of Transportation a better understanding of the availability of veteran-owned small businesses to help rebuild our crumbling rail infrastructure and hopefully help highlight the benefit of embracing veteran-owned businesses in all future Federal infrastructure projects. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in support of this commonsense amendment, which strengthens the underlying bill and ensures fairness to our veterans. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chair, I thank Mr. Capuano and Chairman Shuster for their support of this amendment. Like the previous amendment, there is no cost to including veteran- owned small businesses in the participation study, no cost to the Federal taxpayer, good for our Nation's veterans and their own businesses. I encourage my colleagues to support this. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize a long-time friend and a resident of my home town of Levittown, Joe Hogan. Joe was named to be the grand marshal of the 2015 Bucks County St. Patrick's Day Parade because of his lifetime of service to the veteran's community. I have known Joe for many years and over that time he has exemplified how a committed community servant should live his life. A combat wounded Marine, Joe has served as a post-commander for his local VFW, member of the Disabled American Veterans and presently serves as the president of the Guardians of the National Cemetery, an all-volunteer support organization for the Washington Crossing National Cemetery. Joe has also served as an adult leader for Boy Scout Troop 123 and has remained active with coaching youth sports including his grandson's baseball team for the last three decades. I am fortunate to call him my friend and I look forward to seeing many more years of his involvement in our community.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank Samuel Joseph Simon Sr. for his 60 years of volunteer service to the Penndel Fire Company. Sam is a remarkable individual of the highest moral character, and it is my pleasure to honor him today. Sam's duty with the Penndel Fire Company dates all the way back to 1955--after he served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Over the years, no one has been more dedicated to the fire company than Sam. He has held almost every office imaginable: Penndel Fire Chief, Penndel Borough Fire Marshal, Assistant Chief, Captain, Lieutenant, Trustee, and Chairman of the Hall Committee. And, in each of these roles, Sam played an integral part in helping the fire company perform, save lives and grow as a unit. Sam's true nature is volunteerism, a quality he has instilled in the future generations of his family. Over the years, Sam would routinely close his local automotive repair shop in order to respond to fire calls or drive an ambulance for the local emergency squad. Taking care of the people in his community was always his top priority. In addition to his work at the fire company, Sam has given back to the people of Bucks County as a cofounder of the Bucks County Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association, where he helped obtain the funds and oversaw the construction of the Korean Veterans Memorial in Doylestown, Pennsylvania--a site for all to see. Sam's passion for community service and devotion to helping people is unmatched. It is people like Sam that keep our neighborhoods thriving day after day. It is an honor to serve you in Congress, Sam. Thanks for all you've done for us.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, last year alone, over 450 teachers or school employees across the Nation were arrested for misconduct with a child. That is more than one per day. What is more, the Department of Education has estimated that nearly 10 percent of students are targets of educator sexual misconduct sometime during their school career. Those numbers should be disturbing to every lawmaker, to every parent, and every grandparent in this body. In an effort to curb this alarming trend, I am proud that the Student Success Act under debate here today includes language from a bill that I introduced, the Jeremy Bell Act, to strengthen student protection efforts and get serious about who is being hired and transferred within our school system. The Jeremy Bell Act was named after a young boy from West Virginia who was drugged, sexually assaulted, and murdered by his elementary school principal--a man who had been suspected of sexual misconduct at previous jobs but was allowed to quietly transfer from district to district, avoiding repercussions and without awareness from his new employers, a shameful act known as ``passing the trash.'' Language found within the Student Success Act will end the practice of ``passing the trash'' by blocking educational agencies from receiving Federal funds if they facilitate the transfer of an employee that they know or have probable cause to believe has engaged in sexual misconduct with a student. Furthermore, it ensures that the hiring of all school employees will be compliant with current, extensive background check requirements. As the husband of an educator, I know the overwhelming majority of teachers, educators, school administrators, and support staff are amazing, caring individuals committed to the success of their students. It is as much to protect the good work that they do, as well as the safety for our children, that we must pass this legislation and take real steps to address this issue.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great leader and visionary in my community, Sister Clare Carty, who passed away on Saturday, February 14, at the age of 78. Sister Clare was born in Philadelphia and entered the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia in 1955, beginning her career as an elementary school teacher. In 1980, she joined the St. Mary Medical Center system as an assistant administrator, where I happened to be working as a hospital pharmacy clerk. I will never forget her kind interaction with her staff. Nobody was more proud of the colleagues, physicians, and volunteers at St. Mary's than Sister Clare. In 1982, Sister Clare rose to the rank of president and CEO at St. Mary. Her persistence and leadership led to the development of one of the first community hospital open heart surgery programs in the area, as well as the establishment of the only trauma center in my home community of the County of Bucks. After two decades of work, Sister Clare left St. Mary to serve in the development of Home Health Services for Catholic Health East, and once she retired from health care administration, she devoted her time to the Sisters of St. Francis. Sister Clare was instrumental in establishing the Mother Bachmann Maternity Center, Children's Health Center, Family Resource Center, and Bucks County Health Improvement Project. Mr. Speaker, you won't meet many people with the compassion, character, and very capable leadership of Sister Clare. She touched and improved not just the medical center but our entire community. I celebrate her life and her legacy, her faithful example, and her leadership. We are certainly grateful to know Sister Clare, and I am thankful for everything she did for the people of Pennsylvania and all those that she served.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to extend my congratulations to Ray Greenberg, of Upper Southampton, on being named Person of the Year by the Feasterville Business Association. A certified financial planner, Ray Greenberg is recognized as one who continues to work for the betterment of the association and its members within the Feasterville Business Association he founded. A busy schedule has not deterred him from service to other local charitable and civic groups, such as the Southampton Free Library, where, as a trustee, he has led fundraising efforts for the Library's Access campaign designed to help renovate the library and expand programming for adults and children. A 32nd degree Mason and past president of the Quaker Shriners Club, Ray Greenberg's enthusiasm and spirit of volunteerism is widely recognized and I congratulate him on receipt of this honor, as well as his continued commitment to the economic success of the community and its residents. In so doing, Ray Greenberg inspires others to follow his lead.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 75 and 76 I was unavoidably detained outside of Washington, DC. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Joseph Zimmerman of Bucks County for his service and dedication to Scouting, the Boy Scouts of America, Washington Crossing Council, and Cub Scout Pack 30. An Eagle Scout, Mr. Zimmerman has been involved in Scouting for 75 years and recently was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation and the title of Cub Master Emeritus for his work on behalf of the youngest Scouts. Since 2006, he served as Chartering Organization Executive to Cub Scout, Pack 30, providing the benefit of his experience and leadership. I join his friends and associates in thanking him for his many community contributions and his service to our country during the Korean War. With his spirit of volunteerism and the countless hours as a role model for Scouts and Scout Masters, Joseph Zimmerman has set an example for others to follow.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated public servant in my Congressional District, Officer Dorothy Kreuter of the Doylestown Township Police Department. Last month, Officer Kreuter celebrated her retirement after serving 26 years with the department-- an accomplishment for which we are all grateful. Officer Kreuter was the first female officer in the Doylestown Township Police Department. Since joining the force, she faithfully devoted her life to protecting the health, safety and well-being of the constituents in the Central Bucks community. No matter the call, Officer Kreuter carried out her many responsibilities with a sense of skill and professionalism that was critical to the department's success over several decades. The integrity she displayed for her job, and sense of duty is unmatched. Officer Kreuter is a trusted friend to many on the Police Department, and many in our community. I along with the residents of the 8th Congressional District wish her the best of luck in her retirement, and appreciate her many years of service and unwavering commitment to duty.