Brian Fitzpatrick

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of former Pennsylvania State Representative Bob Godshall who passed away before the Thanksgiving holiday. Bob represented the 53rd District honorably for 36 years and retired in 2018. Bob Godshall was born in Franconia, Pennsylvania, on the family farm where he lived until his passing. He was a proud graduate of Souderton High School and Juniata College in Huntingdon. As an adult, he helped run the family farm's poultry operation, served on the Souderton area school board, and was a former Montgomery County controller. In the State House, Bob served as the chairman of the Consumer Affairs Committee, following his tenure as chairman of the Tourism and Recreational Development Committee. He frequently worked across the aisle to push legislation that protected consumers, boosted tourism across the State, and benefited the people of Montgomery County. Mr. Speaker, no matter the politics, Bob put his community first. Bob worked tirelessly to bring better jobs, safety, and improved infrastructure to our community. Bob was great man and a dedicated public servant, and as long as good, honest individuals like him work to serve the people, we can look forward to the future.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our guest chaplain for today, Dipesh Pandya, along with members of the BAPS mandirs in our district in Pennsylvania. They are here with hundreds of prominent Indian Americans who are also members of the BAPS organization, a Hindu faith that holds services in 32 States across 91 congressional districts. They are here with us today to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, a festival celebrated by over 2 million Indian Americans across the United States. This 5-day celebration signifies the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. Diwali reminds us that there is joy in serving God, serving our country, serving our community, and our fellow citizens, particularly during times of calamity and despair. Traditionally, rows of divas, or candles, were used to illuminate and dispel darkness. Today we are reminded that we must work together, united and in friendship, to serve this great Nation and the communities in which we live. Indeed, the BAPS community throughout the United States continuously strives to serve society through various charitable and humanitarian activities, ranging from food drives to disaster relief efforts, including the planting of trees. On behalf of my fellow Members of Congress, I am proud to recognize and welcome the BAPS members who have traveled here to Washington from across the country.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Act honors the 20th century icon that unified women and inspired them to join the workforce and help with the war effort. Throughout our Nation's history, countless Americans have answered the call to service during times of conflict and turmoil. During World War II, women across the country left their homes for factory jobs in support of the war effort, working as riveters, buckers, welders, and electricians. These Rosie the Riveters embodied the ``We Can Do It'' spirit forever connected with the famous poster. I am proud to recognize these home-front heroes, especially my constituent Mae Krier. Mae is 93. She is in the Chamber with us today. She lives in my hometown of Levittown, Pennsylvania. During the war, determined women like Mae manufactured planes, ships, tanks, weapons, jeeps, and everything else that was needed to defeat the enemy. Mae has said, ``We worked, we danced, and we slept on Sundays. Most of all, we were duty-bound.'' Mae has been dedicated to get the real-life Rosies recognized for over 30 years. While this bill serves to get a single medal to the important symbol that is Rosie the Riveter, it truly is bestowing the honor and recognition on the millions of women like Mae Krier. I am proud to recognize these heroes as an original cosponsor of H.R. 1773, alongside Representatives Speier, Huffman, and now 289 of our colleagues. And I commend my fellow Pennsylvanian, Senator Casey, for introducing this bipartisan bill in the Senate. This legislation is supported by the Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Marine Corps League, the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, among countless other organizations that represent our men and women in uniform and our veterans. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to vote ``yes'' on this important legislation so that we can see these strong American women honored by a Congressional Gold Medal.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two police officers from Bristol Township. Officers CJ Winik and Kurt Leacock were promoted to the rank of sergeant in front of family, friends, and colleagues. Both officers serve on the Bucks County Homicide by Vehicle Task Force. Sergeant Winik has been a part of the Bristol police force since 2006. He has worked as a field training officer, accident reconstructionist, firearms instructor, community response unit officer, and on the SWAT team. He will serve in the administrative division, supervising professional standards, accreditation, and training management. Sergeant Leacock has been part of the department since 2007. He has served as a field training officer, drug recognition expert, and on the crisis intervention team. He will share duties with shift commander Sergeant Tom Gaffney on patrol. Mr. Speaker, the role both of these officers play in keeping our community safe is admirable, and I want to wish the best to both of these men in their new positions and thank them for all their service to our community. In Support of National Veterans Small Business Week

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Pennsbury Athletic Association 12-and-under and 8-and-under baseball teams, who were both honored for their championship-winning seasons. The 8-and-under team had an undefeated regular season. They went on to win the district, State, mid-Atlantic, and world series championships. The team's final record was an impressive 38-1, which included going undefeated during the Cal Ripken World Series. The 12-and-under team had a great season as well, winning the annual Keystone Cup State tournament. Winning is nothing new for this team. In the last 4 years, they have won two State titles and four district titles. They will be finishing the season with an amazing trip to Cooperstown for the national tournament. Mr. Speaker, the accomplishments of these teams show the importance sports can play in our children's lives. Team sports teach the importance of hard work, being part of a team, dedication, and sportsmanship. All these skills help mold our children and will help mold our children into the leaders of tomorrow. I commend the accomplishments of these amazing kids and their coaches. Recognizing Bristol Township Police Officers CJ Winik and Kurt Leacock

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support National Veterans Small Business Week, which will take place from November 4 through November 8. Our veterans are some of the most highly skilled workers in our Nation. They are the product of rigorous training, an ironclad commitment to teamwork, and the remarkable ability to succeed where others might fail. Veterans not only fight for and protect this country but are trained with the skills and leadership qualities that are needed to own and operate successful businesses. Our veteran small business owners are job creators, entrepreneurs, and heroes, and I am proud to recognize the important role that veteran-owned small businesses play in our community, and we thank all of them, from a grateful Congress, for their service.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to recognize the Bucks County Branch of the NAACP on their 68th Freedom Fund Banquet. It is an honor to recognize an organization that has always been at the forefront in the fight for civil rights. I particularly want to applaud the tremendous impact the NAACP has had locally and across this great nation in fighting to make our communities better. The theme for this year's banquet, ``When We Fight, We Win!'' invokes this constant fight for progress and inspires each of us to work harder for justice. Our congressional district, the place we call home, is another place where progress can continue. It begins with each of us in the community. The NAACP is an integral part of that. While our nation has made tremendous strides with respect to civil rights, there is still much to be done. We can do better, we must do better. The NAACP in Bucks County is working each and every day to bring people together to stand up for justice. When hateful language was found at the Carl Sandburg Middle School, the NAACP was instrumental in uniting our community against the hateful rhetoric by helping to organize a candlelight vigil. The work of our local NAACP is indispensable for our community and our country, and we must continue to support its efforts. Our community, our nation, is stronger when we stand together. Change begins with each one of us here at home. Whether we are elected officials, moms or dads or neighbors or community leaders or students or anyone--we must remember that there is more that unites us than divides us. As a Bucks County resident, I want to thank our local NAACP for all that they do to make Bucks County a better place. I look forward to continuing working together with the NAACP to make our district safer and prosperous for all.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mason Chandler Allen. A fellow native of Levittown, Pennsylvania, Mason was an intelligent and thoughtful 11-year-old boy when he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, the most common form of bone cancer, in late 2015. Through months of exhaustive chemotherapy, physical therapy, and several surgeries, Mason was never without a smile or his amazing sense of humor. He even got to hang out with his football idol, Philadelphia Eagles' star Darren Sproles, at an Eagles practice, and later, on the sideline of an Eagles game. A year after homeschooling, Mason came back to school with the aid of crutches, and was excited to join clubs, launch the school's newspaper, and was soon able to leave the crutches behind. Following a holiday season surrounded by his family, the cancer returned in January of 2017. And on March 11, Mason lost his battle with cancer. Soon after, Mason's family and friends founded the Mason Chandler Allen Memorial Foundation to increase awareness and funding to fight pediatric cancer. On September 28, the foundation held its third annual Steps Towards the Cure Walk in my hometown of Levittown. This walk benefits pediatric cancer research funding and supports quality of life projects for children and teens who are fighting cancer. Mr. Speaker, as long as organizations like this exist, we can continue the fight to end childhood cancer forever.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize four police officers from Middletown Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Officers Ryan Morrison, Christopher Viscardi, Glenn McPherson, and Robert Compton were recognized for their service during three separate cases this year. On April 5, Officers McPherson and Viscardi were in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, to attend a court hearing. As they sat in their vehicle, they noticed a man threatening to jump from the top of the Bucks County Justice Center parking garage. Both officers quickly jumped into action, and Officer McPherson calmed the man down while Officer Viscardi contacted local law enforcement for assistance. On June 16, Officer Compton was able to track down and detain the suspect following two gas station robberies by the same suspect. On July 2, Officer Morrison noticed a car tailgating him and flashing high beams, which initiated a traffic stop. During that stop, Officer Morrison found the driver was intoxicated and the passenger had several warrants and was in possession of a firearm and narcotics. Mr. Speaker, because of the actions of these brave officers and their colleagues, Pennsylvania's First District is a safer place. We thank these heroes for their service. In Recognition of Mason Chandler Allen

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I join with my bipartisan colleagues here to proclaim that animal abuse is unacceptable and must end, which is why we are all proud to be supporters, and many of us, original cosponsors of the PACT Act because it strengthens Federal law regarding animal cruelty. As was previously mentioned, the Animal Crush Video Act of 2010 banned the creation and distribution of these despicable videos. However, it did not make the actual animal abuse itself a crime. The bipartisan PACT Act goes a step further and outlaws this malicious animal cruelty, regardless of the presence of video evidence. Mr. Speaker, as a former FBI agent, my agency's profiling studies demonstrated how violence against animals is a precursor to human violence. That is why we are fighting aggressively against egregious animal cruelty and why it is so important. Law enforcement, including the FOP, strongly supports this legislation because it provides another tool for them to use for animal abuse cases that might otherwise go unprosecuted. More than 100 law enforcement agencies and organizations across our country have endorsed the PACT Act. We must come together and stand up for innocent, defenseless animals, which is why there are over 300--in fact, 301, to be exact--cosponsors, both Democrats and Republicans, on this bill. I commend Senator Toomey, our colleague from Pennsylvania, for introducing the companion bill in the Senate. We must pass the PACT Act as soon as possible so that it can be signed into law, and we must make sure that this type of animal abuse no longer happens. Together, we will end all types of animal cruelty and will continue to be a voice for the voiceless.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss a very important matter and one that is bipartisan in nature. I thank my friend and colleague from Michigan (Mr. Kildee) for helping us organize and bring awareness to an issue that affects communities across the United States. As co-chair of the Congressional PFAS Task Force, I am pleased that PFAS remediation efforts are receiving the attention so desperately needed. In Bucks and Montgomery Counties, we have seen firsthand the negative impacts PFAS contamination has had on our community. Further action must be taken on a Federal level. Earlier this year, the House and the Senate passed their NDAA bills that both included important provisions to address PFAS contamination. These provisions will help to clean up contaminated sites, stop PFAS from polluting our drinking water in the future, and protect our servicemembers and our first responders. In order to protect veterans and families in our communities from PFAS, in the final NDAA, we must have the best PFAS provisions from the House and Senate NDAA bills. Madam Speaker, I call, tonight, for all NDAA conferees to ensure resources for PFAS remediation efforts are included in the final package. This issue cannot wait any longer. Congress must act now.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the millions of gastroparesis patients from across the country in recognition of National Gastroparesis Awareness Month. This devastating digestive disorder can be detrimental to a patient's quality of life, and current treatments are only able to help patients manage these symptoms. It's for these reasons that I'm a proud cosponsor of H.R. 3396, the Functional GI and Motility Disorders Research Enhancement Act. This important legislation would help to expand, advance, and better coordinate research activities on functional GI and motility disorders and support innovative approaches to educate patients and health care providers about strategies that improve care. In recognition of the plight of these patients and the uncertainty they often face, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting efforts to expand research, improve education, and raise awareness by cosponsoring H.R. 3396 and recognizing August as National Gastroparesis Awareness Month.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a dedicated public servant from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who served our community with distinction for over four decades. At the time of his retirement, he was the longest continually tenured employee in Warrington Township. Richard H. Bradbury, Sr., of Pipersville recently retired as Deputy Chief of Police of the Warrington Township Police Department. Deputy Chief Bradbury distinguished himself as a man of character and honor who cared deeply about our home. I wish Deputy Chief Bradbury a peaceful retirement and thank him for his career of service in which he had a positive impact on so many lives.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize three outstanding citizens from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who recently attained the rank of Eagle Scout: Jack Barry, Brady Stergion, and Tom Plunkett. These three emerging leaders are committed to service to our community. For their Eagle Scout projects, Jack beautified the Lower Makefield Veteran's Park, Brady built new shelving and stocked the pantry for the St. John the Evangelist Shared Meals Program, and Tom installed twenty flagpoles at Washington Crossing National Cemetery. On behalf of all residents of the First Congressional District, I congratulate Jack, Brady, and Tom on their achievements.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize J.V. Fluehr, an outstanding citizen from Doylestown, Pennsylvania, who recently attained the rank of Eagle Scout. J.V. is committed to service to our community. For his Eagle Scout project, Jack beautified the property of the nonprofit organization Shamrock Reins. J.V. is dedicated to ensuring our veterans are properly honored upon their return home. On behalf of all residents of the First Congressional District, I congratulate J.V. on his achievement.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a former FBI supervisory special agent and Federal prosecutor and as a strong advocate for civility to speak on a topic that must be addressed. In our country, political discourse has disintegrated to a degree that is completely unacceptable. Political opponents label each other as enemies, and differences of opinion are met with slander and, oftentimes, with violence. I have never remained silent on this issue. When White supremacists murdered a 32-year-old protestor in Charlottesville, Virginia, I expressed my outrage. When violent clashes erupted in Berkeley, California, in 2017, I also spoke out. Recently, in Portland Oregon, a journalist was assaulted by Members of the militant antifa movement. This journalist was covering an ongoing protest and suffered a brain hemorrhage, requiring overnight hospitalization. Mr. Speaker, violence and hatred by any actor on any level is completely unacceptable. What is deeply troubling is antifa's history of provoking and stoking political violence, along with encouraging civil unrest, to dissuade those who do not share their beliefs from exercising their First Amendment rights. In addition to the incident in Portland, antifa has tried to insight riots in Washington, D.C., following President Trump's inauguration, and several antifa members in Philadelphia, right outside of my district, were arrested following an assault on Marine reservists. The charges they face include aggravated assault, ethnic intimidation, and conspiracy, among others. Antifa has no desire to protest peacefully, no desire to learn from other people's experiences, and no desire to be receptive to fair and rational ideas outside of their own. They resort to violence and eschew peaceful demonstration at every turn. I recently sent a letter to Attorney General Bill Barr, demanding the Department of Justice initiate proceedings to designate antifa as a domestic terrorist organization to protect the welfare of journalists and also the general public. I have asked my former colleagues at the FBI to do the same. Political violence has no place in our society. In my career in law enforcement, I have seen firsthand how violence erodes civil society. We must not give a pass to any organization that perpetuates a vicious cycle of hatred and ignorance. Antifa must be designated as the domestic terrorist organization that it is.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the brave and lifesaving actions of Police Officer Ryan Bunda of the Warminster Township Police Department. On July 11, 2019, Officer Bunda observed a white pickup truck rolling slowly down a busy roadway in his patrol area. Officer Bunda, in an act of incredible bravery and initiative, ran alongside the truck, opened the door, and used his hand to press the brake, bringing the vehicle to a halt. The driver of the truck was suffering from a seizure, and Officer Bunda, with the help of a local firefighter who was passing on the other side of the road, removed the victim from the vehicle and administered lifesaving first aid on the side of the road With the help of this firefighter and the additional medical assistance of EMTs, who arrived shortly after, Officer Bunda saved the driver from life-altering harm or death, as well as protecting the safety of other drivers on the roadway. This act of bravery on behalf of Officer Bunda serves as a reminder of the debt of gratitude we owe to the incredibly brave and selfless public servants in law enforcement. Mr. Speaker, I thank Officer Bunda for his brave actions and his career of service, and I extend thanks to all first responders and law enforcement officials across Bucks County and across our country. Honoring the Life and Memory of Troy M. Pereira

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise with a heavy heart to honor the life and memory of Troy Pereira of Falls Township, Pennsylvania, a graduate of Pennsbury High School and a gifted student- athlete. Troy held a career as a warehouse logistics specialist for H&M in Burlington, New Jersey. Troy participated in community sports programs, such as the Morrisville Babe Ruth baseball team and the Morrisville Bulldog team. He was also a member of the championship Pennsbury men's volleyball team, which qualified for the State volleyball championship in 2013. Athletics aside, Troy is remembered as a generous and kind soul who was deeply loved by all who met him. My heart goes out to his parents, Matthew A. Pereira and Kathleen Holder Hirko, and her husband, Jeffrey Hirko; his brother, Kyle Pereira; and his sister, Chelsea Pereira. Troy's life was taken from us too soon. In the short time he was with us, Troy was a leading example of the importance of community engagement. May he now enjoy his eternal reward for a life he spent serving others.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rose Marie Strippoli, an accomplished artist from Bristol, Pennsylvania. In addition to receiving numerous awards throughout her career, her most recent acrylic painting titled ``The Passage'' was recognized as best in show at the 70th Tinicum Arts Festival last week. Her abstract painting, combining vibrant colors with masterful strokes, stood out amongst submissions from more than 180 artists at the festival. In addition to her artistic excellence and success, she has tirelessly advocated for local artists in the Bucks County area. One of her most notable accomplishments was her work to establish an exhibit at the Lower Bucks Campus of the Bucks County Community College featuring a rotation of pieces from local artists. The exhibit opened in 2015 and has highlighted many up-and-coming local artists since that time. Her constant drive to better herself as a person and as an artist earned her a spot in the Centre for the Arts Hall of Fame in Bristol in 2016. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Rose Marie on her accomplished career and extend to her the best of luck in her future endeavors. Her work has improved opportunities for young artists in our community, for which we owe her many thanks. Commending the Lifesaving Actions of Police Officer Ryan Bunda

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I stand here today as a former FBI agent who worked in New York City side by side with these very people we are seeking to protect today. We are here united with our colleagues from both sides of the aisle to renew the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. Madam Speaker, as was said repeatedly on this floor, this matter is urgent and cannot wait any longer. On that fateful day nearly 18 years ago, American heroes rushed to save their fellow citizens without regard for their own safety. They paid a heavy price, with many today suffering from respiratory illnesses from breathing in toxic dust at Ground Zero, dust that contained lead, asbestos, mercury, and many other contaminants. Just last month, our Nation mourned the loss of Detective Luis Alvarez, who inspired us all with his visit to Capitol Hill this year. His bravery and the bravery of all the people who sacrificed must be honored appropriately. In his memory and to honor all the brave men and women who saved lives that day, we must get this done. Madam Speaker, as the vice chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus--24 Democrats and 24 Republicans--we have endorsed this bill. We worked very hard to get over the 290-cosponsor threshold to get this on the Consensus Calendar. It currently stands at 332 cosponsors. I thank Jon Stewart for elevating the profile of this bill. It was incredibly important for its success. I urge all of my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans alike, to come together and support our Nation's heroes. ``Never forget'' must mean never forget. These are people who did the opposite of what we are all born with, as far as our instincts go. For every single one of us, based on our genetic DNA, are instincts are to run away from danger. These are men and women who do the opposite. They run toward the danger at great physical sacrifice and at great psychological and emotional sacrifice, all in the name of serving a cause bigger than themselves. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this and make this unanimous.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chair, I stand today in strong support of this bipartisan amendment which includes language from the 911 SAVES Act, H.R. 1629. Public safety telecommunicators play a pivotal role in coordinating effective responses to crises affecting our communities. By directing the urgent concerns of the public to law enforcement officials, public safety telecommunicators work to ensure emergency services are delivered where needed. Today, there are nearly 100,000 public safety telecommunicators serving in over 6,000 call centers across the United States. Their diligence, dedication to public well-being, and steady demeanor in the presence of turmoil is needed now more than ever. I am proud to partner with my colleague from California, a former 911 dispatcher herself, Mrs. Torres, to ensure these dedicated public servants receive the ``protective service occupations'' classification from OMB which they deserve. We owe this to those who are often the first to respond to emergencies in our communities each and every day.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the distinguished achievements of the Feasterville Business Association 2019 Person of the Year, Theodore Hauptman. Mr. Hauptman serves both in his immediate community in Holland, Pennsylvania, as well as the greater community of Bucks County. He has logged 25 active years with the Feasterville Business Association, serving as its president, corresponding secretary, and as a member of its executive board. He currently serves as legal counsel for the organization. Mr. Speaker, the mission statement of the Feasterville Business Association is to foster and encourage growth, progress, and the betterment of the community. Mr. Hauptman has shown his belief in and dedication to this mission as he serves his community with distinction in his practice of law; his position on the Northampton Township Zoning Hearing Board; and his positions as director, counsel, and president of the Northampton Community and Economic Development group. Mr. Hauptman is a black belt in taekwondo and serves as a certified coach and referee for the World Taekwondo Federation. He and his wife are also the proud parents of three children: Jonathan, Adam, and Allyson, the latter of whom is currently serving our country on Active Duty as a captain in the United States Army. Mr. Speaker, I would like to once again thank Mr. Hauptman for his service to Bucks County and our constituents, and we congratulate him on his achievement. Remembering Kristen Marie Ridge

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated public servant from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Yardley Borough Chief of Police Joseph Kelly. Chief Kelly was presented with the Excellent Police Service Award, a well-deserved distinction for a man who has dedicated his life to public service. Before he served in Yardley, Chief Kelly was a 23-year veteran of the New Jersey Transit Police Department, serving as deputy chief and chief of operations. Before his service there, he was an EMT dispatcher for the Maplewood, New Jersey, Police Department. Upon becoming Yardley Borough police chief, the area saw a 20 percent drop in traffic accidents compared to the year before, as well as a more successful enforcement of transit laws. In addition, Chief Kelly has moved to make the department more approachable, especially for victims of domestic violence, pushing for a closer relationship with A Woman's Place and other organizations. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chief Joseph Kelly for his continued service, and I would also like to thank all the members of the Yardley Borough Police Department for their tireless work in protecting our community. Honoring Theodore Hauptman, Feasterville Business Association 2019 Person of the Year

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to recognize the remarkable life of 26-year-old Kristen Marie Ridge, who, on July 5, was taken from us too soon. Kristen was a veterinary technician at the Animals' Hospital of Levittown. She deeply cared about the safety and well-being of all animals. Her thoughtfulness continues after her death with her urging friends and family to donate towards animal welfare in lieu of flowers. Mr. Speaker, Kristen's selflessness is precisely why we recognize her today on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. She is an example of someone with a compassionate heart having a desire to help people and animals in our community. We send our love to her parents, Susan and Robert Ridge; her sister, Katherine Ridge Mayer; and her grandparents, Rob and Lil Boyson. May they find peace knowing that Kristen left an indelible mark on our community and she is now enjoying her eternal reward for a life she spent caring for all of God's creatures.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, as an FBI agent who worked border security on the border, understanding it all too well, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table H.R. 3401, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment. This bipartisan bill passed the Senate with 84 votes and could be sent to the President's desk for his signature today.