Brian Fitzpatrick

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an individual in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, whose decades of service to our community were recently honored with a meaningful tribute. Tom Buzby, who served the people of Hilltown Township for 46\1/2\ years, most recently as director of public works, retired earlier this year. Whether plowing the roads in winter or mowing the grass in the summer, Tom spent his career improving and beautifying our community's infrastructure and recreational facilities. Tom's over four decades on the job touched countless families in Bucks County. To show their appreciation, township officials recently named the baseball field at Civil Park the Thomas A. Buzby Baseball Field. This worthy dedication was officially unveiled on September 12. I would like to extend my gratitude to Tom for his years of service to Hilltown Township and our entire community. I also want to recognize township supervisor Ken Bennington and township manager Lorraine Leslie for their work as well. I wish Tom all the best in his retirement and his successor, Thomas Hess, success in his new role. Recognizing Jeanne Lakawitz

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak of a solemn topic, one of utmost importance for sure, and I want to thank my colleague and my friend, Kyrsten Sinema from Arizona, and for all the work that she is doing for the veterans' community and for hosting this Special Order. Mr. Speaker, our Nation's veterans are our finest citizens, to whom we owe the most. Their sacrifice in defense of freedom allows us to stand here today in this chamber, a testament to our values and a symbol of hope. All too often, we see our Nation's veterans struggle upon their return home. Issues with depression, substance abuse, and post- traumatic stress disorder serve as constant reminders of the price they paid to protect our way of life. Tragically, we have seen a rising percentage of these heroes resorting to taking their own lives. This is beyond unacceptable and statistics paint a grim picture of this epidemic. Between 2005 and 2015, Mr. Speaker, suicide rates for all veterans increased by 25 percent--25 percent between 2005 and 2015. Additionally, veterans account for nearly 15 percent of suicides in U.S. adults. Mr. Speaker, we can do better, and we must do better. I am proud to stand here today with my colleagues in solidarity against veteran suicide. I am thankful for the establishment of the third Veterans Crisis Line call center to provide guidance, support, and critical resources to those in need. While steps are being taken to prevent veteran suicide, we still have a long way to go because one hero's death is one too many. As Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema had pointed out, Mr. Speaker, September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, but this issue will continue to transcend any time frame. For those who sacrificed for us, we owe them and will continue to fight to eradicate this public health crisis of veteran suicide. Mr. Speaker, I want to, once again, thank Congresswoman Sinema for hosting this Special Order.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues, Democrat and Republican alike, and House leadership to support permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This vital program benefits millions of Americans in innumerable ways, from promoting recreational activity to contributing to our Nation's robust economy, along with furthering environmental protection. As we rapidly approach the deadline for this crucial program, which affects 98 percent of counties here in the United States and contributes to an economy that encompasses 1 out of 15 American jobs, I urge this Congress to take up full permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Since its establishment 50 years ago, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has greatly benefitted my home district in Bucks and Montgomery Counties in Pennsylvania. Treasured public lands such as Nockamixon State Park, Tyler State Park, and cherished community venues such as Hatfield Community Park are all just a few of the examples of the beneficiaries of this valuable fund. I am encouraged by the strong bipartisan support for permanent funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to continue its authorization and funding on a permanent basis. Mr. Speaker, this must be a bipartisan priority, and we must get this done. The alternative is unacceptable.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues today to voice my strong support for H.R. 6720, the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2018. It is critical that every single Member of this Chamber live up to our responsibilities to be a voice for the voiceless, and banning the individual sale of dog and cat meat is vital, clearly, to fulfilling that obligation. Mr. Speaker, in my district of Bucks and Montgomery Counties, as is the case across this Nation, our pets are members of the family who contribute greatly to our society. In particular, dogs serve as invaluable partners in law enforcement, our military, and as service animals. Today, we have before us bipartisan, commonsense legislation that protects these animals at the most basic level. It seems obvious that, in this day and age, dogs and cats are not edible species, period. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Florida (Mr. Buchanan) for introducing this vital legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support it in a bipartisan fashion to show a united front against the horrors of the dog and cat meat trade.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a nonprofit organization in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that gives individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities the ability to contribute to society in a variety of meaningful and fulfilling ways. Shared Support, Inc., in Warminster is a unique program that gives participants work experiences in multiple settings. One of Shared Support, Inc.'s impressive stories involves Jimmy Garcia, who assists the residents of the Neshaminy Manor nursing home. Recently, during a painting activity session, Jimmy was extremely helpful in making sure the residents had the supplies they needed to accomplish their tasks. He also took a trip with Neshaminy Manor to the Middletown Grange Fair, assisting Warwick-based Ross Mill Farm with the hard work of cleaning the animal pens. I applaud Jimmy for his hard work and for being an outstanding citizen in our community. I would also like to thank Shared Support cofounder and CEO Christine Martin, direct care professional Mike Hegarty, and Neshaminy Manor's activities aid Margaret Matthews for all of their amazing work with an amazing organization. Our community really thanks them for all the work they do.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. As policymakers and citizens, it is a time for us to reflect on loved ones lost and to work together in advancing bipartisan solutions to eradicate this disease. I am proud of my neighbors in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who are doing their part to advocate for a cure to ovarian cancer. Turn the Towns Teal, a national campaign that spreads awareness of ovarian cancer through the placement of teal ribbons in public locations, recently arrived in Doylestown borough. This event brought together thoughtful citizens, in partnership with the Doylestown Rotary Club, dispensing nearly 400 ribbons throughout the area. It takes several leaders to make this impactful event possible. I would like to thank coordinator Joan Doyle for her activism, along with the Doylestown borough mayor, Ron Strouse, and the entire Doylestown borough council for their support in the fight against ovarian cancer. I want to commend all volunteers who participated in Doylestown's Turn the Towns Teal event in its 10th year of existence. We look forward to collaborating with them to promote this noble cause throughout our community. Recognizing Shared Support, Inc.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Croydon Fire Company in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, which recently celebrated its 100th year of service in our community. Recently, the fire company celebrated with a parade and an open house, which I had the honor to participate with them in, allowing Croydon residents to express their gratitude and well wishes to the brave men and women who sacrifice so much for our community. I would like to take this time, Mr. Speaker, to show our community's appreciation for volunteer fire companies, who often today are feeling the squeeze of declining membership and volunteerism. In Croydon, under the strong leadership of Chief Tom Tryon, the fire company continues to see success. However, there is still work to be done in order to sustain the viability of volunteer fire companies, and we stand by their side in this mission. I applaud the work of the Croydon volunteer fire company and their tireless work to protect our families and our community. We wish them all the best as they enter their second century serving lower Bucks County and our entire community. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a school in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, that has played a critical role in molding the lives of countless young citizens. Bridle Path Elementary, located in Lansdale, is part of the North Penn School District. The staff at this school understands that the elementary age group encompasses some of the most formative years of a child's life. As such, Bridle Path provides a myriad of opportunities for students to grow, thrive, and explore their interests. One area in which Bridle Path consistently shines is in the area of music education. Just last year, Bridle Path Elementary School Chorus, under the leadership of band director Michael Klenk, won the 101.1 FM's ninth annual Christmas Choir Competition. From my experience with this community, I have witnessed their warmth and their dedication to helping each other, and I applaud the work of Principal Heather Mann and her dedicated team of educators and staff, and I wish them continued success. Recognizing Pebble Hill Church

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a community icon in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Richard Stricker, who passed away in late 2015, spent decades dedicated to public service. A former council member who served on the Lansdale Cemetery Board of Directors for over 50 years, Richard was a fixture in Lansdale. He was fittingly recognized on this year's Founders Day, receiving the Lansdale Borough's Lifetime Achievement Award. Throughout his storied career as a small businessman and a contractor and a politician, and as a driving force in the revitalization of the Lansdale Cemetery, Richard always treated all of his fellow citizens with kindness and with respect. Said Lansdale Historic Society officer Dick Shearer, you would be ``hard-pressed to find someone who gave as much to Lansdale as he did.'' I am proud to honor Richard Stricker for a lifetime of service, and would like to thank the Lansdale Borough Council and Councilwoman Mary Fuller and all of the ceremony attendees for their work in honoring the life of this fine citizen.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a house of worship in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that last month celebrated its 50th anniversary. Pebble Hill Church in Doylestown was founded in 1968. In its first decade, the church became known for its fierce advocacy for peace and its willingness to show independence from conventional norms. In 1983, the Reverend Gary Culp joined the congregation, quickly cementing the church's reputation of community service and mutual understanding. Each year, Pebble Hill Church honors an individual with the Harold and Alma Able Peace Award. This year's winner was Janet Berkowitz for her work with the organization Suicide Anonymous. September, Mr. Speaker, is Suicide Prevention Month, and I commend Pebble Hill for recognizing Janet and for her work in shining a light on the plight of mental illness. I applaud the entire Pebble Hill Church family for their sustained commitment to making our world brighter and more peaceful. I wish the current celebration coordinator, the Reverend Larry Hall, and all dedicated members of the staff, volunteers, and worshippers continued success for years to come. Honoring the Memory of Richard Stricker

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I am doing something a little bit unconventional here. I am actually speaking from the left side of the aisle in a sign of solidarity with our good friend and colleague, Ro Khanna, on an issue that, as Jodey Arrington pointed out, doesn't just unite Americans, it unites 80 percent of Americans. Eighty percent. How many issues are out there that enjoy the support of 80 percent of the American people? A lot of our colleagues here, when you are dealing with the rigors of this job, say one thing, give you one piece of advice: Never forget why you ran. Just remember that theme that caused you to make that difficult decision. I think that the reason we all ran was this: term limits to fix a broken system. The genesis of that desire, the genesis of that belief may vary amongst many of us. I can tell you where it came from with me, Mr. Speaker, and that was my time running the political corruption unit at FBI headquarters right down this road here, where you are responsible for a lot of cases. Like many jobs, when you go home at night, sometimes you take a step back and you think: Well, if I were ever given the opportunity to have a policymaking role to change this brokenness, what would I do? At the top of that list, Mr. Speaker, was legislative term limits. You heard my friend and colleague, Jodey Arrington, talk about George Washington, my favorite President ever, for this very reason: he set this tradition in motion. He said he only wanted to serve one term, go back to his farm in Mount Vernon, live under the laws he helped pass, make way for a new generation of leadership. That is the most organic way to serve a democracy. It is the healthiest form of democracy. They talked him into a second term. He said: No more. It was a tradition that every single President honored, up until FDR served four terms, at which point Congress passed the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution. But true to form, they applied it to the executive. They did not apply it to themselves. We need a constitutional amendment for term limits in this country. Is there anybody in this Chamber who does not agree with this very basic principle, this very basic premise, that more organic change in this organization, in this body, is a good thing? Mr. Speaker, in the FBI, we had term limits in the Bureau. If you were a supervisor, you had to serve up to 7 years--no more, not a day longer than 7 years. Do you lose some good people? Of course you do. Overall, did it benefit the institution? You bet you it did. You bet you it did. It brought people in from different places, different perspectives, different educational backgrounds. They had an opportunity to serve and lend their area of expertise. That is a good thing for this institution. It is a good thing for our country. It is not just from the corruption standpoint; it is from the getting along standpoint. I can tell you how proud I am of this freshman class--so proud. I am particularly proud of Ro Khanna, mostly because he is from Bucks County--the most special place in America, I might add--and now representing Silicon Valley. Here you have an issue. Ro and I come from different parties. We checked different boxes on our voter registration form when we were 18 years old. We grew up in the same community; we care about the same things; and we have an issue here that unites us. Jodey Arrington, a very wise man, identified this--and I couldn't agree more--as a root issue. So much of what we deal with in this House, so much of what we deal with in this country are symptoms. It is symptomatic of what the root issues are. The root issues get to the functionality of this body. The Problem Solvers Caucus introduced a Break the Gridlock package essential to changing the way things operate here. The government reform, anticorruption legislation that several Members have introduced, myself included, on term limits, on dealing with things like no budget, no pay, these are important things that will fundamentally change the way this body works. And when we do that, we will win back the trust and support of the American people, too many of whom have lost faith in this institution--and for good reason. We can make those changes. This is Exhibit A of what we need to do to fix a broken system, to restore that trust. Mr. Speaker, it is an 80 percent issue. How dare we not address, on the floor of this House, an issue that addresses the root cause of our problems that is supported by 80 percent of the American people. We have to get this done. I want to thank my colleague, Jodey. This is an issue that fires both of us up. We talk about it every single day we are on the floor of the House of Representatives: my friend Mike Gallagher from Wisconsin, who did the first Special Order on term limits shortly after we got sworn in, and my friend Ro Khanna, who has shown incredible courage. This is a man who could serve here for a long, long time, but he is making a courageous decision to stand for what is right, what is good for this institution, what is good for this country. God bless Mr. Khanna for doing that.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an individual in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who embodies resilience, tenacity, and grit. Last month, Lower Mayfield resident Bill Soloway took the gold medal in the 2018 Transplant Games of America, held in Salt Lake City, Utah. Open to individuals who have received organ, marrow, and tissue transplants, the Transplant Games offer competitions in a wide variety of sports, including basketball, track and field, and swimming. Bill took the gold in badminton singles while earning bronze medals in badminton doubles and cycling. Bill's successes are made even more remarkable due to the fact that he was the recipient of a heart transplant a mere 3 years ago. After being diagnosed with congestive heart failure, it became evident that Bill needed a new heart. Despite such an intense medical procedure, Bill, who is an avid cyclist, was back on his bike only 10 weeks after receiving his new heart. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to call Bill my constituent, and I congratulate him on his success in the Transplant Games.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a nonprofit organization in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that is actively working to assist underserved new mothers in our community. The Baby Bureau, based in Warminster, distributes baby bundles to new mothers shortly after delivery in the hospital. These baby bundles contain toddler clothes for all seasons, generously donated by thoughtful parents throughout Bucks County and beyond. To date, The Baby Bureau has assisted over 2,500 babies and their families. I extend my gratitude to founder Fran Wasserman for her dedication to our community's children and families. I applaud her leadership, which has led to The Baby Bureau's partnership with dozens of community organizations and local businesses, and I encourage all of our constituents to follow her lead. Recognizing Bill Soloway

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a resident in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who celebrated his 99th birthday last month. Morrisville resident Sam Snipes has lived a life defined by service and community. Following in his father's footsteps in the legal community, Sam founded the Yardley firm, Snipes & Collins, after graduating from Temple Law School and Haverford College. Sam served as a dedicated public servant for nearly three decades as a Falls Township solicitor. For his community service, Sam was honored with the United Way of Bucks County Founders Award and the Mark E. Goldberg Award from the Bucks County Bar Association, among other distinctions. Sam truly embodies dedication to our home of Bucks County. He still lives on Snipes Farm, where he grew up, makes frequent appearances in parades and other community events, and serves on several boards. Sam is truly a legend, and we wish him a very happy 99th birthday and thank him for brightening our community. Recognizing Baby Bureau in Warminster, Pennsylvania

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5576, the Cyber Deterrence and Response Act of 2018. Mr. Speaker, our adversaries continually engage in sophisticated cyber attacks designed to disrupt our critical infrastructure, harm our economy, and undermine our elections. As has been said time and time again, our Nation's electoral process is sacred, and it must be protected at all costs from interference from all hostile foreign actors. In February, the Director of National Intelligence stated that Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea will pose the greatest cyber threats to the United States during the course of the next year. We have seen continued hostility from state actors like Russia to undermine our democratic institutions and trigger instability in Europe by weakening key partners like Ukraine and Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I saw this firsthand during my time as an FBI agent working both here domestically and overseas. We must make it clear to these hostile states that they will face harsh consequences for their cyber attacks. That is exactly what this bipartisan bill accomplishes. The Cyber Deterrence and Response Act establishes a clear framework to deter and respond to state-sponsored cyber threats. It provides harsh sanctions through suspension of developmental assistance and credit allotment to nations engaged in malicious state-sponsored cyber activities against our United States. We must hold these foreign actors accountable while strengthening the integrity of our intelligence community. I commend my colleague from Florida (Mr. Yoho) for introducing this bill, along with Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel for bringing this vital matter to the floor. I urge my colleagues, Democrat and Republican alike, to support this critical legislation that is necessary to protect our national security.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is home to America's first volunteer fire company founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1736. Every day residents across Pennsylvania rely on the 72,000 volunteer firefighters serving communities across the commonwealth to save lives and protect property. We owe a debt of gratitude to all of these men and women. Today, I rise to honor one exceptional volunteer firefighter in Pennsylvania's eighth district, Mr. Steve Cronin. Mr. Cronin served the Midway Volunteer Fire Company as chief from 2008 through 2011. In 2013, Mr. Cronin was recognized as Firefighter of the Year by the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce and the Burpee Family. Steve's commitment takes him well beyond responding to fire calls. Steve is recognized by his fellow volunteers from Midway Volunteer Fire Company and the Bucks County Fire Chiefs Association for his leadership and expertise. So today, on behalf of the constituents residing in Buckingham Township, Bucks County and surrounding area, I would like to express our gratitude to Mr. Steve Cronin, and thank him for his years of dedication and heroism; answering the call of duty and carrying out the mission of the Midway Volunteer Fire Company.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I share the life and memory of an individual from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who passed away on July 15, 2018, at the age of 23. Corey Robbins, of Warrington, was a 2013 graduate of Central Bucks High School. An American patriot with a strong desire to serve his country. Corey joined the United States Army Reserves. He also worked as a commercial truck driver. Corey was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowboarding, hiking, and boating. A dedicated community servant, Corey attained the rank of Eagle Scout from Troop 133 in Chalfont. I send my deepest condolences to Corey's parents, Judithann Liebig Robbins and David Robbins, along with his brother Tyler Davis Robbins. May they take comfort in knowing Corey's life was one that was inspirational and well-lived.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a legendary human being in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who is celebrating his 100th birthday. Morrisville resident Sam Snipes has lived a life defined by service and community. Following in his father's footsteps in the legal community, Sam founded the Yardley firm Snipes & Collins after graduating from Temple Law School and Haverford College. Sam served as a dedicated public servant for nearly three decades as the Falls Township solicitor. For his community service, Sam was honored with the United Way of Bucks County Founders Award and the Mark E. Goldberg Award from the Bucks County Bar Association, among many other distinctions. Sam truly embodies dedication to our home of Bucks County. He still lives on the Snipes Farm, where he grew up, makes frequent appearances in parades and other community events, and serves on several boards. Mr. Speaker, Sam is truly a legend, and we wish him a very happy 100th birthday and thank him for being a bright beacon of hope in our community in so many ways. Happy birthday, Sam.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, today, I was proud to welcome the youth of the Bucks County Women's Advocacy Coalition, a group of students dedicated to securing and safeguarding the rights of women and children. As teenagers, they are uniquely positioned, as their futures are shaped by laws passed today. They recognize that change comes only through collaboration and working across the aisle, and rightfully expect their elected officials to be problem solvers. One issue these teenagers are passionate about--and one which I am proud to stand with them--is sound, bipattisan gun violence prevention. By advocating for sensible legislation that protects our schools, homes, and workplaces in Bucks County from senseless tragedies, these young citizens are truly serving their community in a meaningful way. I am proud to work alongside Leah Porter, Kyra Kendrick, Sophia Rubin, and Clarissa Rubin to fight for a fairer, safer, and more inclusive nation and world.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a small business in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, that was recently recognized as Business of the Month by the Lansdale Borough Council. Bent Metal Customs, located on West Third Street in Lansdale, was founded in 2002 in Hatfield before moving to its current, larger location. A classic car restoration shop, Bent Metal Customs specializes in vehicle customization and restoration. Bent Metal Customs has influenced the motor vehicle industry in Montgomery County and beyond. Publications, such as Street Trucks, Chevy High Performance, and Diesel World, have all featured the work of Bent Metal Customs. The quality work of its employees has drawn customers from as far as Michigan and Florida, and is even showcased yearly at an auto show in Las Vegas, Nevada. I would like to recognize Bent Metal Customs' owner, Justin Brenner, for this distinction, and thank him and the entire Bent Metal Customs family for their contributions to our local economy and community.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a small business in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, that was recently recognized as Business of the Month by the Lansdale Borough Council. Backyard Beans Coffee Company started in the backyard of co-owners Matt and Laura Adams with only a Weber grill and one goal in mind: to create high-quality, dynamic coffee and coffee products. Located on West Main Street in Lansdale, Backyard Beans Coffee takes community responsibility personally and works diligently to ensure it is using products that are not only sourced responsibly and ethically but that also promote sustainability. To date, Backyard Beans' popular roasts, which source beans from Central America, Africa, South America, and Asia, are sold in nearly 100 restaurants and retail locations, along with regional farmers' markets. I applaud Matt and Laura for contributing to an already thriving community of businesses in Montgomery County, and we congratulate Backyard Beans Coffee Company on their recognition as Business of the Month. Recognizing Bent Metal Customs

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two exceptional members of our community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who are working to make life better for homeless youth throughout our community. Thois Kiel and Margaret Yaeger, residents of Neshaminy Manor Nursing Home, both decided to create a community outreach project in order to give back to those in need. Working together, they knit a large red and black afghan one square at a time before connecting them and presenting it to Robert ``Woody'' Wood of the Synergy Project of Bucks County, an organization that seeks to assist and counsel homeless youth and young adults. Mr. Speaker, we commend Thois and Margaret for their compassion for our community's most vulnerable members and for their work to improve lives with such a personal touch. I would also like to thank Neshaminy Manor's assistant director of activities, Heather O'Donnell, for all of her work in facilitating outreach projects, and Woody Wood for his work in bettering the lives of homeless youth in our community. Recognizing Backyard Beans Coffee Company

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a dedicated public servant in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. On July 3, Matt Phelan was officially sworn in as police chief of Tinicum Township by Magisterial District Judge Gary Gambardella. He had been serving as acting police chief since January, upon the appointment of James Sabath to chief of the Newtown Borough Police Department. The Tinicum Township Police Department hired Chief Phelan in 1998 at the age of 22, after he studied at Bloomsburg University and graduated at the top of his class from Temple Police Academy. His record of selflessness, courage, and professionalism speaks for itself. In 2015, then-Sergeant Phelan prevented an armed home invasion suspect from fleeing the crime scene, risking his life in the pursuit of justice. We congratulate you, Chief Phelan, on this well-deserved appointment, and we are grateful for your service to our community, along with the entire Tinicum Police Department.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two education professionals in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, whose dedication to our community's students has led to their appointment as assistant superintendents for the North Penn School District. Jenna Rufo and Todd Bauer were sworn in on July 9 at the Montgomery County courthouse and have recently accepted their new responsibilities. Before becoming assistant superintendent, Jenna was the North Penn School District's director of special education, while Todd served as principal of the North Penn High School. In their new roles, Jenna will focus primarily on school safety, mental health, professional development, and cultural issues; and Todd will focus on accountability, athletics, summer school, redistricting, and school board policies. We commend these fine public servants for their work and wish them the best of luck as they begin this new chapter in their careers. I also thank former Assistant Superintendent Diana Holben for her service as well and wish her all the best in her retirement.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a conscientious young citizen in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who recently was named the Upper Bucks YMCA Role Model of the Year. Jonathan Walsh of Quakertown received this award for his participation in the YMCA's Teen Fusion after-school program, where he stood out amongst his peers for his respect, his sense of responsibility, and his honesty. I commend Jonathan for this impressive achievement, and I look forward to seeing what this future leader will accomplish in the years ahead. I also want to commend the Upper Bucks YMCA for recognizing Jonathan and wish this organization well as it celebrates its 50th year of service to the community. I would especially like to thank Upper Bucks YMCA Executive Director Pat Edwards and President of the Board of Directors Dale Westwood for all the work they do in our community.