Brian Fitzpatrick

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to once again implore this Congress to take bipartisan action to extend Federal funding of the Children's Health Insurance Program, or CHIP. In my home State of Pennsylvania, more than 176,000 children have gained access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare coverage through CHIP, providing them with age-appropriate medical and developmental care. Since the program became law, the percentage of uninsured children nationwide has decreased by more than half, from 13.9 percent in 1997 to 6.6 percent in 2016. As a result of its reliability and effectiveness, CHIP has consistently enjoyed strong bipartisan support. In September, I joined a bipartisan group from across Pennsylvania in urging leaders of both parties to take action to ensure that children have access to high- quality health insurance coverage during their formative years, a move we know yields an abundance of positive outcomes: fewer hospitalizations, increased earning power, and better healthcare outcomes as an adult. While this Chamber has already taken action, passing legislation last month to fund CHIP, the Senate has yet to act. It is crucial we provide certainty and security for children, parents, and providers and move to sign into law CHIP extension legislation as soon as possible. Mr. Speaker, the time is now for the Senate to act.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, this December, over 50 students at Benjamin Rush Elementary School in Bucks County were recognized for their completion of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program. This training--more commonly known as D.A.R.E.--teaches young students basic skills for responsible decisionmaking. I thank the officers of the Bensalem Township Police Department for their work with Benjamin Rush Elementary School and for their commitment to educating young citizens in our district. In the face of a growing opioid crisis, it is vital that students learn about the consequences of drug abuse. Mr. Speaker, as an EMT and vice chair of the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force, I applaud the efforts of educational programs like these and all those who seek to learn from them. Educating the young people in our communities about the potential dangers of drug abuse is absolutely crucial, and it is my hope that they will use the tools they have learned to lead safer and healthier lives and to become leaders in the lower Bucks County community. Creation of a New Gold Star Families Memorial Monument

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, this December, ground was broken at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery for the creation of a new Gold Star Families Memorial Monument. These monuments are erected across this country to recognize U.S. military members who have laid down their lives and their family members who have suffered alongside of them. Among those present for the groundbreaking was Hershel ``Woody'' Williams. Mr. Williams, a former marine, is the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient for honorable service during the Battle of Iwo Jima. It was with the help of his foundation that this monument was made possible. These memorials include stories about homeland, family, patriot, and sacrifice. In the center is a cutout that represents the loved one who has sacrificed their life in defense of our great country. Mr. Speaker, we can never forget those who have paid the ultimate price to secure our freedoms, nor can we forget the families who supported them in their noble endeavors. We are so proud to have a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in our district.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the important work that Pearl S. Buck International is doing in our community in Bucks County. Pearl S. Buck was the first woman to receive both the Pulitzer and Nobel Prize for literature. Pearl Buck spent decades of her life in China, immersing herself in its culture and history, with her remaining time living in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The foundation continues her work, providing opportunities to explore and appreciate other cultures and building better lives for children around the globe. Their work on projects--like the Backyard Gardening Project in the Philippines, Life Skills Education for Children Living in Vietnamese Orphanages, and Thailand Clean Drinking Water and Sanitation Project--has increased humanitarian aid for people across the world. The organization's School Outreach Program and the High School Leadership Program, which equips students committed to making lifelong contributions within the community with effective leadership skills, have made positive and long-lasting impacts in our district. I am thankful for, and stand in full support of, the work that Pearl S. Buck International does in our community and around the globe. Recognizing Benjamin Rush Elementary School

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record testimony of Aliyah Salley. Hello, my name is Aliyah Salley and I am from Bucks County, PA. First let me start off by saying Thank you. Thank you to Congressman Fitzpatrick, and his colleagues for giving us this opportunity to be heard today. I also want to thank Barbara Simmons of the Peace Center, my mom, Necole Salley and my grandmother, Linda Salley who is the president of the African American Museum of Bucks County. If it wasn't for these 3 ladies along with Congressman Fitzpatrick I believe my story as well as the stories you will hear today will have gone unheard. As I said earlier my name is Aliyah Salley. I was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, lived in Virginia for a few years and then moved to Bucks County, PA in 2011 with my mom and my sister. We move to Bucks County because my mom talked about how nice of a place it was to raise her children because of the experience she had living there when she was young. For all the years I lived down south, I never once had to deal with racism or the discrimination until I moved to Bucks County. My sister and I went to school in the Neshaminy school district and I am a proud graduate of the 2016 class of Neshaminy & I have been attending BCCC for the past 2 years. While attending Neshaminy High, I experienced many offensive situations. I've seen racists slurs written on school property, my friends and I have been called the N**** word to our faces by students, there has been students wearing a confederate flag throughout the school and no one says anything to them. Two months ago, I became a victim of a hate crime. I have a part time job that I have worked for the past 4 years, As I was walking to my car to go to work I saw handwriting on the car. As I approached the car I could see that the n*** word was carved on the front and back of my car. Imagine how hurtful this is, coming from the south, never having to deal with anything like this before and having it in your face every time you walk out of the door to go to school. It is out of control. We can't allow this to continue. Living in a small town is not meant for one race it is meant for all people. We need help. We have to educate the misinformed. The people that don't know any better. We have to figure out a way to teach people that diversity makes our community stronger. We have to open the doors to allow diversity to feel welcomed into the community. I went to a school with over 4000 students, but the faculty has only 1 African American principal in the entire building. Imagine what that feels like to as an African American student seeing only ONE African American faculty member in a school of thousands of students and hundreds of teachers. It hurts, it's sad, and we have to correct it. I am looking for change, annual diversity trainings for the teaching staff, more history of different cultures within the curriculum, a day of culture and food, counseling for the victims or even articulate a clear statement of expectations regarding racism within the schools, but don't ignore it and act like it is not happening because it is happening all the time. Today you will hear testimonies from other students from different school districts in Bucks County who had to deal with similar things such as myself. Please have an open heart and listen to these stories and then let's create true change for the next generation to grow in confidence of who they are and what they have to offer, regardless of the color of their skin. As the Constitution states, and I agree like all of you, that ``All men are created equal'' & all we want is equality.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record testimony of Margaret Zheng. As a Chinese American, I may be hurt by affirmative action, but as a citizen of the global 21st century, I also feel that diverse representation in work and education is necessary to foster a sense of unity underlying diversity. From this apparent contradiction of feelings, I have concluded that just like how it's difficult to cure advanced- stage cancer, we can't solve discrimination only after harm is done. Rather, we must treat the sickness of hate early on. In school, we rarely study social minorities except as victims of history, omitting the positive, active roles that females, Muslims, Chinese, LGBTQ+ persons, etc. have had in culture and innovation. Liberal/Democrat students and conservative/Republican students tease and even taunt each other in school, and as a political independent, I often feel swallowed up in tribalized politics, afraid to be labeled a heartless conservative or naive liberal. The lack of discussion of socially and politically diverse perspectives in school perpetuates prejudice and endangers individuality, upon which value America was founded. That combined with the inequitable funding of schools and the billions of dollars wasted in high-stakes assessments that label rather than help struggling schools is what caused the need for affirmative action in the first place. Educate us holistically, on citizenship and collaboration and empathy, and we will not only have diversity, but also a nation thriving.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record testimony of Ashton Noonan. Hello, my name is Ashton Noonan, I'm 13 years old and I'm transgender. Throughout my life I always felt and said I was a girl. I loved Ariel and Wonder Woman; not Batman and Superman. People would make fun of me on the playground, or ask why I wanted to be a girl, but to me it just felt right. Every year I got older, I felt more and more uncomfortable in my own skin. I couldn't look on the outside like who I felt I was on the inside. That was always very confusing, because why not? After all, this is MY identity. The world is changing, and with your help we can change the perception people have of the whole LGBTQ community, but especially LGBTQ youth. WE need a safe space where we can be supported, loved and accepted. We can and need to make ALL schools that safe space for ALL children. We need YOUR support to model for everyone else in the world what it is to love and accept others for who they are. We could all live every day for better or for worse, but together we can thrive.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record testimony of Anna Goldfarb. Mr. Speaker, distinguished members of Congress and fellow citizens, good afternoon. My name is Anna Goldfarb and I am a student in the Council Rock School District. I am very honored to be speaking before you today about diversity and inclusion issues at my Bucks County, Pennsylvania school. I attend a school where most of the students look like me. I have heard many times from classmates and teachers that discrimination is not a problem within our district. It wasn't until the last couple of years, when I became old enough and opened my eyes and ears, did I see and hear that improvement is needed. I do not think that most teachers and students are trying to be hurtful to students of color, different religions, genders, or sexual orientation. I also don't think that my friends who do not speak up in the face of discrimination are choosing to stand with those that discriminate. I do believe that when we know better, we do better. I have made it my mission to call out discrimination when I see or hear it. I will always link arms with those being targeted and stand up for them when they are scared to do it alone. I would like diversity and inclusion training to be added to our curriculum. We won't always attend school in this district, in this ``bubble.'' We need to be prepared to become global citizens. We need to be prepared and empowered to stand up and link arms.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record, the testimony of Jalyla Johnson. Mr. Speaker, distinguished members of Congress and fellow citizens. I am from Council Rock North High School located in Newtown Bucks County. I am Jayla Johnson. I come from an area that's majority white and upper middle class. I am the model minority. Let me tell you all about it. Last year during spirit week on pride day I was in school when I saw a student walk around with a confederate flag draped on him. I hope you're wondering WHY and HOW that happened. The school allowed the student to walk through the halls for more than half the day due to their first amendment right. Now what about my safety? I reported the incident to my administration in which they said they could kindly ask the student to remove it in due time. I confronted the student within minutes and in their response was that he got it from his parents. To me that basically said he did not know the hate behind it, and did not see it as a problem. This conversation led to my family and I having a mandatory meeting with my superintendent, in hopes to change the school's policy handbook. I was somewhat not satisfied because I wanted more action to be done and take place than just words on a piece of paper, that is easily not read by many. From then and the hate that is shown in my school I started a club called V.O.I.C.E. meaning, Voices Of Inequality at Council rock north Everyday. This club is for students who want to make a difference and have dialogue on topics that we are not familiar with whether that is with where we live and or who we interact with. Be an up stander rather than a bystander. So I propose this question to you all in Congress, how can you make a change? Does that come from making a policy for ALL schools regarding no tolerance for racism, bigotry, and so many other isms? Let's rather make it mandatory students take a class to help them learn and be better United States Citizens? We are here at school to learn and leave to serve but how can we serve the world when we are not taught about it in school and or familiar with all races and ethnicities. I hope to hear back from Congress in hopes to change the world for us since we are the leading future. Thank you for listening and please take this into consideration. Once again I am Jayla Johnson and I speak for the unheard voices and will continue to.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, I was honored to welcome a group of passionate, well spoken, and civic-minded young constituents to our Nation's Capitol. Along with the Bucks County Chapter of the NAACP and the Peace Center, these students spoke to me on the floor of the House of Representatives testifying about their experiences battling discrimination in all forms as they work to create a more inclusive society. Our team was deeply moved by the stories of these young people. In the coming days, I will be entering these students' written testimonies into the Congressional Record so my colleagues can also benefit from their experiences. As I have said, hateful attacks against members of our community cannot and will not be tolerated, and it is incumbent upon each and every one of us to condemn hate wherever and whenever it appears. I look forward to carrying this message to my colleagues and community as we work together to rise above and appeal to the better angels of our nature.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, just a few weeks ago, I was privileged to travel to Puerto Rico to meet with residents of the hardest hit areas of the island and to stand by them and serve them on Thanksgiving Day. The extent of the damage, Mr. Speaker, is vast and heartbreaking, and the road to recovery will be long and filled with challenges. I cannot begin to describe the devastation, but what I can describe is the enduring spirit and the shining optimism of all the people whom I met. I was inspired to see the way the community came together to help one another and the generosity with which people shared what little they had in order to make sure their neighbors were taken care of. I was fortunate to have the advice and counsel of constituents of mine, Pastor Harry Torres, from the Arriba P.R. Project, and Karen Rosado, from the Latino Alliance of Bucks County. With their help, I reported back to our community the needs of our fellow citizens to better tailor our community's efforts to provide relief to the people of Puerto Rico. The people of Puerto Rico are citizens of the United States of America. Let this Congress not forget that. Battling Discrimination

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize Conwell-Egan Catholic High School and the $5 million contribution they received to help educate the next generation of students in Bucks County. This gift, in recognition of the school's continued success, was donated by a 1972 graduate who wanted to thank his teachers for all they did to help shape his life. The benefactor, Mr. Tom Lynch, said he gave the gift because ``anything is possible when you get a good education.'' This quote rings true in the ears of every American. The opportunity to learn from a young age is a critical experience. Continued support for our teachers and our schools is of the utmost importance. With this donation, Conwell-Egan plans to set a significant amount aside for scholarships and tuition assistance for families in need in our area. Generous contributions like these allow our educational institutions to grow and to offer greater support to our communities. I congratulate Conwell-Egan, and we all thank Mr. Lynch for supporting such a great institution. Recognizing Palisades High School Football Team

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the players, coaches, and staff of the Palisades High School football team and to congratulate them on an incredible season. With their consistent displays of grit and tenacity, the Palisades Pirates should be proud of what they accomplished: a 13-1 season and the best record in Palisades football history. Although their season ended with a tough loss in the playoffs, the Palisades Pirates football team should hold their heads high. They have worked hard, and they have made their community proud. To the fans, friends, and families who have supported Palisades, we offer our congratulations. To all those who work with and support organized youth sports in our district, we offer our thanks. To the young student athletes on the Palisades football team, I say: Well done. I hope that you take the lessons of cooperation and determination that you have learned on the field with you when you step off the field. Our community is very proud of you.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, this Saturday evening, Santa Claus will arrive in the Borough of Perkasie atop a borough electric truck to light the town's Christmas tree and, in doing so, continue a tradition over 100 years old. Since 1909, residents of this small borough in upper Bucks County have gathered together to participate in the community tree lighting ceremony recognized as the oldest tree lighting in the Nation. While a lot has changed over the generations, community leaders, elected officials, and local residents have kept this annual event's unique, small-town charm and enshrined it as a timeless Christmas ritual. Now in its 108th year, this official start to the holiday season continues to serve not only as a source of pride for the people of Perkasie, but also an example of what makes the communities across my district special and an honor to represent. I am proud to recognize Perkasie's 108th community Christmas tree lighting and join in the celebration of this enduring holiday tradition.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Master Sergeant Gilbert Howland of Langhorne, Pennsylvania, one of my constituents and a member of Merrill's Marauders. Merrill's Marauders was a top-secret unit of commandos who served behind Japanese lines in Burma, China, and India during World War II. The men of this magnificent unit volunteered to serve and faced some of the most vicious and consistent fighting of the war. Their commitment to service stands as a profound example of sacrifice for our Nation. Master Sergeant Howland was an NCO in charge of 16 men and two heavy weapons in this unit. After being discharged in 1945, Ranger Howland did not sit idly by. Instead, he reenlisted to serve in Korea and for two tours in Vietnam. Mr. Speaker, Master Sergeant Howland and the rest of the brave men in Merrill's Marauders should be recognized. I am proud to support H.R. 667, which seeks to award the Congressional Gold Medal to World War II's Merrill's Marauders.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a school in my district. On November 30, 2017, Souderton Area High School will be recognized as a National Banner Unified Champion School by the Special Olympics' International headquarters. Through the diligence and compassion of Athletic Director Dennis Stanton and Supervisor of Special Education Megan Zweiback, the introduction of Unified Sports into to the school has greatly enhanced the curriculum of special needs students and allowed them to compete with typical students in interscholastic competition. One of only four schools in the nation, and the first in Pennsylvania to have been honored in this respect, I am proud of work done at Souderton Area High School to support and enhance the educational and recreational development of all students.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Steve Tazza and the Veteran Opportunity Partners for their devotion to supporting the veterans of my district. By encouraging the growth of veteran-owned businesses, Veteran Opportunity Partners provides an example for us all about the importance of serving our Nation's heroes. Veteran Opportunity Partners and Steve Tazza began providing services to the residents of my district and career opportunities to our veterans in the spring of 2017. They plan to expand the geographic reach of their service to our vets, while creating hundreds of careers for our veterans, in the years to come. The work that Mr. Tazza and those at Veteran Opportunity Partners do for our veterans is not only worthy of our recognition, Mr. Speaker, but it is also worthy of our support. We are so proud of all they do to serve our Nation's heroes. FIRST Robotics is Committed to Inspiring Young Leaders

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize FIRST Robotics and their student mentoring program for its commitment to inspiring young leaders in our Nation and in my district. FIRST Robotics, through their competitions and mentor-based programs, engages young people to help foster an understanding and appreciation for science and technology. FIRST Robotics competitions take place across the world. From as young as 6 to as old as 18, students can get involved in technology and robotics challenges like the FIRST Robotics Competition. The FIRST Robotics Competition asks high school students to design, build, and test robots over the course of 6 weeks. Students fundraise the entirety of the money they need for these robots, which can cost thousands of dollars to build, by partnering with local businesses or applying for grants. By taking part in these competitions and working with older mentors, students learn invaluable skills, like technological research, to help them develop into well-rounded individuals. I am proud to have 26 FIRST teams in my district. The young people involved in these leagues and competitions, including those who mentor them, show the leadership and inquisitive spirit necessary for our future technological innovators.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Bucks County Opportunity Council, Community Action Agency, which serves low- income families throughout Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and its economic self-sufficiency program, which recently graduated its 300th family from poverty. This individualized program works with families to end the cycle of poverty by building a plan of action and working with a coach to attain new training and education. To graduate, participants in the program must be free from welfare subsidies, have secured employment, live in safe and affordable housing, have access to safe and reliable transportation, maintain a balanced budget, and have a healthcare plan for their entire family. Mr. Speaker, this program is working. Aside from the total number of graduates, last year's class of families have more than tripled their salaries. Moreover, in our community, every dollar invested nets nearly $5 saved in cash welfare subsidies. I am proud to stand with the Bucks County Opportunity Council in their mission to reduce poverty and partner with our community to promote economic self-sufficiency. Our community is a better place because of their work.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the first responders of Bucks and Montgomery Counties. Recently, I was privileged to speak to nearly 300 first responders at the 45th Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce's Emergency Services Award Dinner and offer them my heartfelt thanks. As an EMT myself, I understand the love that these individuals have for their neighbors and their community. Mr. Speaker, I was honored to recognize: Robert Dondo, William Fluck IV, Eoghan Lowry, Karen Gibbons, Lisa Aron, Steven Vance, Michael Nyari, Keller Taylor, Zuri Kalix, Darren Carroll. Christopher A. Horner, John Thomas, Jim Snock, Mark Potent, Scott Martin, Jessica Leal, Kevin Murphy, Michael Ray, Nancy Mayers, Pat Mattes. Mr. Speaker, again, I thank these men and women for their service to our community.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, today we recognize an individual who embodies the American Dream and the grit and determination that defines the people of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Pasquale Palino was born in Naples, Italy, in 1963. A resilient worker and a passionate chef, he worked in the restaurant industry in Italy before marrying his wife, Anna Scotto. Having two children, Carmela and Gennaro, Pasquale decided to leave Italy with his young family and come to the United States. He settled in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, and opened a restaurant, Pasta al Dente. Soon after, he welcomed his third child, Nunzia. After spending a short while back in Italy, Pasquale returned to the United States. A family man, Pasquale had two more sons, Giovanni and Aniello. Pasquale opened Vecchia Osteria in 2009, where his incredible talent led to great success and allowed him to open Acqua e Farina, an authentic Napoletano pizzeria, in 2017. Mr. Speaker, Pasquale crossed oceans to pursue his dreams. He works tirelessly to put a smile on people's faces through the food that he makes. Mr. Speaker, our communities and our Nation are better because of people like Pasquale Palino. Honoring Bucks County First Responders

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the first responders of Bucks County. Recently I was privileged to speak to nearly 300 first responders at the 45th Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce's Emergency Services Award Dinner and to offer them our heartfelt thanks. As an EMT myself, I understand the love that these individuals have for their neighbors and for their community. Mr. Speaker, I was honored to recognize these 20 individuals pictured here. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Congressional Record each of their names. Robert Dondo William Fluck IV Eoghan Lowry Karen Gibbons Lisa Aron Steven Vance Michael Nyari Keller Taylor Zuri Kalix Darren Carroll Christopher A Horner John Thomas Jim Snock Mark Potent Scott Martin Jessica Leal Kevin Murphy Michael Ray Nancy Mayers Pat Mattes

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, we honor and we thank each of these brave heroes in our community for putting themselves in harm's way to protect us in Bucks County. They are living their lives serving a cause bigger than themselves. What a noble way to spend their life.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Major Leslie R. Hadley USAF Ret for his service to our nation. Major Hadley joined the United States Air Force and began pilot training at the age of 18. He piloted the B-24 Liberator, flying more than 30 missions in Europe and Korea, including historic D-Day missions over coastal France--June 4-7 1944. Major Hadley was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism and earned four Air Medals and other commendations in the service of our nation. A native of Ballardvalle, Massachusetts, Major Hadley was graduated from Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts and completed his study of statistics while in the service at the Harvard School of Business. As a career officer, he lived in many places around the globe and retired while at McGuire AFB in New Jersey. He settled in Bucks County, Pennsylvania with his wife, Muriel Hart Hadley, and their children. He was an active volunteer in his retirement years and composed many memoirs of the B-24 Liberator pilots and crews for their families. He will be laid to rest with full military honors on November 16, 2017 in Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. In his life, Major Leslie R. Hadley demonstrated courageous, selfless service to the United States of America and devotion to family and friends. He has the gratitude of his beloved nation.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize MAGLOCLEN, the Middle Atlantic-Great Lakes Organized Crime Law Enforcement Network, and the Regional Information Sharing Systems Program. Last month, I had the opportunity to tour the MAGLOCLEN site in my district in Newtown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. As one of six regional centers, they serve Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, the District of Columbia, and Pennsylvania, as well as England and parts of Canada. Their work is integral to keeping local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies informed and equipped with the tools they need to do their jobs and to keep us safe. MAGLOCLEN and Regional Information Sharing Systems have supported law enforcement agencies for a combined 40 years. In 2016 alone, in Pennsylvania, MAGLOCLEN saw 299 requests for criminal investigative research assistance. MAGLOCLEN's holistic approach embodies the best of what an integrated information sharing system can offer to other local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies. Mr. Speaker, we are proud of the work MAGLOCLEN does operating on behalf of the Regional Information Sharing Systems Program in my district. We are here to support them and their mission to support our law enforcement community.