Member of Congress

Brian Fitzpatrick

Role
Current Representative
State
PA
Party
Republican

Speeches

RECOGNIZING MATT BELLINA2017-10-12

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the story of my constituent, Matt Bellina, of Holland, Pennsylvania. On April 9, 2014, at the age of 30, Matt was diagnosed with ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS attacks the nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, causing those with ALS to lose control of their muscles. Matt graduated from Virginia Tech in May 2005 and received his commission into the U.S. Navy as a naval aviator. Following the onset of his symptoms, which include cramping hands, twitching arms, stiffness in his legs, Matt was grounded from flying. He continued to serve in the Navy in an administrative capacity until he medically retired in 2014, with the rank of lieutenant commander. He eventually moved back home to Bucks County with his wife, Caitlin, and his young children to be surrounded by family and friends. Although this disease stopped Matt's career in its tracks, he persisted and actively involved himself in the ALS community and became a strong advocate for right-to-try legislation. Mr. Speaker, each year Americans like Matt Bellina receive the devastating news of a terminal diagnosis. Even with the amazing work done in American medical research, for too many families, access to these potentially lifesaving treatments will come too late or not at all. Thousands of terminally ill patients suffer needlessly while awaiting final approval for drugs, therapies, and other medical technologies. While the Food and Drug Administration carries out its three-phase approval process, which can take years and cost billions of dollars, many patients simply want the chance to try treatments that are already demonstrated to be safe. A bill that was unanimously passed by the Senate will offer them a chance to extend their lives. The Right to Try Act would ensure that terminally ill patients, together with their physicians and pharmaceutical manufacturers, can administer investigational treatments where no alternative exists. In fact, this bipartisan idea is already the law in 37 States. A Federal right-to-try law would prevent the government from blocking access to potentially lifesaving medications. It would require patients to first try all other available treatments and be unable to participate in clinical trials. For those patients caught between the traditional drug approval delays, the clinical trial process for which they do not qualify, and limited time, the right to try simply establishes the freedom for patients and their doctors to try therapies where the benefits far outweigh the risks. It gives them an option of trying to save their life. Mr. Speaker, whether it is a father courageously battling ALS or a brave child living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, they deserve the right to try.

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BEAU BIDEN FOUNDATION2017-10-10

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the formation of a partnership between the Beau Biden Foundation and Doylestown Health, which will clear the way for efforts to prevent, recognize, and react appropriately to child sexual abuse in our community. This critical program will be funded through the generous support of the Cowhey Family ShopRite in Warminster and will train local medical staff in the Darkness to Light's Stewards of Children course utilizing online education tools. There is no doubt that because of the compassionate efforts of these organizations, the Beau Biden Foundation, Doylestown Health, and the Cowhey Family ShopRite in Warminster, Bucks County, children will be safer and our community stronger. Mr. Speaker, I stand in strong support of this vital new partnership and all efforts to protect our society's most vulnerable. Honoring the Life of Christopher Ward, Sr.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize October as Dysautonomia Awareness Month. ``Dysautonomia'' is a general term used to address any disease that aggravates the autonomic nervous system, adversely affecting the body's involuntary functions. There are many types of dysautonomia, which can lead to other devastating illnesses, including Parkinson's disease and lupus. Dysautonomia afflicts nearly 70 million people of all ages worldwide, including constituents in my district like Liz Kennerley. While there is no cure, there are many treatments to improve quality of life, including medications and lifestyle changes. This month, we work to spread awareness of dysautonomia through education, community events, and lobbying, and we inspire family, friends, and neighbors to get involved and to take action. It is necessary that communities hold events for spreading the word about dysautonomia and for funding research to find a cure. It is on us to educate the public about this illness and to race towards a cure.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a lifelong Levittown resident, Christopher Ward, Sr., who passed away suddenly last month. Born in Bristol, Pennsylvania, Chris became an accomplished businessman and a true pillar of our community. With all his success, he strongly supported local small businesses and always rooted for the underdog. People in Levittown will remember Chris as the co-owner of Bailey's Bar & Grille and Bailey's Plaza. But to his friends, employees, family, and all those who had the pleasure of truly knowing him, Chris was a humble, kind, selfless man with a loving, caring heart. He loved to make everyone laugh with his unique sense of humor, but what made him the happiest was being ``Chocolate Pop-Pop'' and spending time with his family. Mr. Speaker, Chris strove to be the very best father, son, grandfather, uncle, and brother. He will be sorely missed by our entire community. dysautonomia awareness month

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RECOGNIZING BRETT RUBIN OF BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA2017-10-05

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a brave young man in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Brett Rubin. A resident of Northampton, Brett's positive attitude and boundless energy make him a promising young leader in our community. This is even more notable due to the challenges Brett faces from type 1 diabetes. Despite these obstacles, Brett has never allowed this illness to define him or hold him back. More amazing, Mr. Speaker, is that Brett has channeled his desire to cure this illness and to help others. Partnering with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Brett and his mother, Sandy, have raised thousands of dollars to combat type 1 diabetes. Participating in foundation walks, the Rubins join a close-knit group of family and friends, and they call themselves Brett's Band, which is a fitting name honoring a teenager who marches to his own beat and steals the show wherever he goes. It is my honor to recognize this exemplary young man. I know Brett's future will be bright and that type 1 diabetes will never interfere with his ambitions or his aspirations.

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RECOGNIZING MIDDLETOWN POLICE OFFICER MEGAN FREER2017-09-28

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, over the course of several weeks this summer, our Nation focused on my district as the tragic news of missing teenagers led the news. My heart goes out to the families of those boys and our entire community touched by this tragedy. In that darkness, we saw the best of our community shine through: neighbors in prayer; local businesses engaged in investigation efforts; and through it all, the commitment and the dedication of our local law enforcement officers. One such officer, Middletown Township Police Officer Megan Freer, was recently recognized at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia for her investigatory work. Middletown Police Chief Joe Bartorilla noted well: Megan exemplifies our law enforcement who are committed to doing the very best job they can, day in and day out to protect and safeguard our citizens. Mr. Speaker, I am proud of Officer Freer and the entire law enforcement community in Bucks County, to include District Attorney Matt Weintraub, who committed to this investigation. Through their efforts, our community can begin to heal from this terrible tragedy that we suffered.

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FALLEN HERO BANNER DEDICATION2017-09-27

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, I participated in the unveiling of the Bucks County Hometown Heroes Banners at Freedom Square in Doylestown. These banners hold the names and faces of the brave women and men of Bucks County who gave their life in service of our Nation after the terror attacks of September 11 and as part of the global war on terror. It was a humbling experience to be surrounded by friends and families of those warriors, as well as a community committed to honoring their legacy. Even Freedom Square--a community-built memorial supported by the Travis Manion Foundation, the local chapter of the American Gold Star Mothers, and the Goldman Family--signifies our commitment to remember those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. As always, I am proud of the patriotism and support shown by our community in Bucks County. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the 25 names of these fallen heroes in honor of their sacrifice, the sacrifice of their families, and in support of the Bucks County community. Specialist Kristofor T. Stonesifer, U.S. Army. Corporal Patrick R. Nixon, U.S. Marine Corp. Specialist William J. Maher, III, U.S. Army. Captain Brian R. Faunce, U.S. Army. Specialist Tamarra J. Ramos, U.S. Army. Specialist Maurice J. Johnson, U.S. Army. Specialist Edward W. Brabazon, U.S. Army. Corporal Barton R. Humlhanz, U.S. Marines Corps. Lance Corporal Robert T. Mininger, U.S. Marine Corps. Specialist Kurt E. Krout, U.S. Army. Private First Class Nathaniel E. DeTample, U.S. Army. Captain Scott E. Craven, U.S. Air Force. Staff Sergeant Jae S. Moon, U.S. Army. First Lieutenant Travis L. Manion, U.S. Marine Corps. First Lieutenant Colby J. Umbrell, U.S. Army. Sergeant Allen James Dunckley, U.S. Army. Private First Class Robert H. Dembowski, Jr., U.S. Army. Sergeant First Class Shawn M. Suzch, U.S. Army. Staff Sergeant Mark C. Baum, U.S. Army. Special Operations Chief Eric F. Shellenberger, U.S. Navy. Corporal Elliot D. Teisler, U.S. Marine Corps. Master Sergeant Kenneth B. Elwell, U.S. Army. Sergeant First Class Liam J. Nevins, U.S. Army. Sergeant Daniel J. Warriner, U.S. Army. Specialist Nicholas D. Roberts, U.S. Army.

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RECOGNIZING THE WORK OF THE GUARDIANS OF THE WASHINGTON CROSSING NATIONAL CEMETERY2017-09-25

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance of raising awareness of mitochondrial disease this month of September. Mitochondrial disease is a chronic genetic disorder that occurs when the mitochondria of the cells fail to produce enough energy to keep them functioning. This disease affects 1 in 4,000 Americans of all ages, including my constituent, Bettemarie Bond. It can have severe consequences. Symptoms of mitochondrial disease are poor growth, loss of motor function, and an increased risk of infection. For more than 25 years, Bettemarie has relied on continuous infusions of parenteral nutrition, saline, and pain medication to help manage the effects of her conditions. As a patient advocate, she raises awareness of the importance of access to home care. Home infusion care has allowed Bettemarie to go to college, work as an occupational therapist, and buy her home in my hometown of Levittown. This month we highlight the importance of coming together to support those with this disease, as well as educate the public about its effects. We can and must spread awareness for this disease through social media awareness, spreading the word in our communities, sharing stories of those afflicted, wearing green in support, and holding events to help gain recognition of this disease and its repercussions. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to speak with all those impacted by this condition, including my constituents, as we work to find a cure.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, we can never truly thank our Nation's veterans enough for their service and their sacrifice. But the work of the members, past and present, of the Washington Crossing National Cemetery Honor Guard is an example we should all follow. Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my admiration for a dedicated group of individuals in my community who tirelessly work to ensure every veteran receives the recognition they deserve. This organization is the Guardians of the Washington Crossing National Cemetery. Through rain, sleet, extreme heat, and excessive cold, conditions that would make others seek shelter, these dedicated members have not missed a single veteran's funeral since the opening of the Washington Crossing National Cemetery. Over 10,000 of our Nation's veterans have received their final honors provided by this devoted patriotic group of citizens. It is with deep gratitude that I share their efforts on this floor. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of their humble service, I include their names in the Record. Bob Craven, Gabe Masico, John Heenan, Dan Worden, Mel Benson, Joe Hogan, Joe Longmore, Marge Weiner, Jerry Byrnes, Gene Hamilton, Hugh Bell, Les Walters, Randy Seitter, Ken Myerson, George Sweet, Tom Hauserman, Ron Lyons, Gene Teece, Bob Miles, Terry Schweikert. Bill McKenna, Walter Elsperger, Bob Sundling, Sal Castro, Tom Molnar, Bob Davis, Jan Becknell, Bob Greenwood, Bill Tuttle, Bill Kratz, Harry Magrisi, Harold Shultz, Rich Bender, Tim Ward, Ken Fox, Skip Munday, John D'ascenzo, Fred Ameel, Joe Darwalk, Frank Adams. John Morgan, Walt Jerdan, Dennis Cudnik, Joe Fonde, Steve Whiteman, Terry Sherk, Jim McDevitt, Bob Castor, Jim Kuhn, Tom Lyons, Bob Boccuti, Jim Hartman, Kathleen Mcall, Marc Wilard, Victor Teat, Ned Cooney, Dick Lima, John Lee, John Wharton, Jim Frawley. Chet Gursky, Donn Nolan, Tim Ghebeles, John Sandle, Jim Harris, Ed Steglik, Bill Fenimore, Bob Crossett, Fred Cadwell, Bill Lee, Steve Govern, Brian Watson, Joe Keller, Bill Stevens, Barry Helfer, Dan Madden, Mer Claar, Don Weiss, Charles Godin, John McGarrigle, Jerry McGovern, Fred Stewart, Jack Jameson.

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RECOGNIZING PROFESSOR BETTY TSAI2017-09-21

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Betty Tsai, a retired Bucks County Community College professor who started the Salute to Mothers Scholarship. The scholarship allocates funds for women who are attending Bucks County Community College while raising at least one child. This year is the tenth anniversary of the creation of the Salute to Mothers Scholarship, and it has raised over 120,000 dollars to date. This scholarship is vital to providing mothers with greater career opportunities, and encouraging women to participate in our workforce. It is only available to mothers who possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, and are enrolled in at least six credits for the upcoming semester. I appreciate the philanthropy that recognizes the struggles of balancing family and school, and thank Betty Tsai for her work to that end

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RECOGNIZING BUCKS COUNTY FARMER OF THE YEAR, BRIAN BAHNCK2017-09-14

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bucks County's Farmer of the Year, Brian Bahnck, of the Pennywell Dairy Farm in Ottsville, the winner of this year's Fred Groshens Memorial Conservation Farmer Award for his use of conservation-focused management on his 77-acre property. By using no-till crop rotation, Brian grew crops without disturbing the soil through tillage or plowing, a practice that can reduce soil erosion by 85 to 95 percent. Brian, along with his two daughters, Anna and Ella, have dedicated long hours and hard work to make his conservation farm a success. I am proud of the efforts of Brian and his family for their commitment to protect the natural resources in Bucks County. I also want to thank Gretchen Schatschneider and Rachel Onuska at the Bucks County Conservation District and our county commissioners for their longstanding support of our natural resources. We have a proud tradition in Bucks County, and our farmers have contributed so much to our community, and they will always remain an indispensable part of Bucks County's future.

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OUTSTANDING ORGANIZATIONS IN BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA2017-09-13

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the work done by Aark Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center in Chalfont, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Founded by Mary Jane Stretch, the Aark focuses on rehabilitation, education, and training to help take care of orphaned and injured birds and mammals. Their goal is to rehabilitate these animals until they can be set free, take care of themselves, and learn the tools of survival. The Aark is the biggest wildlife center of Pennsylvania, serving over 5,000 animals. In addition to rehabilitation, the Aark provides education programs for students to give them an appreciation for wildlife and the need to keep animals in their natural habitat. I am pleased to stand by my constituents Mary Jane Stretch and her daughter, Leah Stallings, at the Aark as they strive to rehabilitate animals and educate students and the public about how to care for wounded animals.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize two outstanding organizations in my district that were recently honored by the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance for their dedication and leadership to prevent and eliminate substance abuse in Bucks County. The Council Rock Coalition for Healthy Youth, represented by Director Debbie Moskovitz, received the Commonwealth's Coalition of the Year Award; and Melanie Swanson, a prevention specialist representing the Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, received the Maggie Marcopul Award, given in honor of Maggie Marcopul, a prevention professional who served Bucks County, and Pennsylvania on the whole, for more than three decades. Council Rock Coalition for Healthy Youth and the Council of Southeast Pennsylvania demonstrate every day that the targeted efforts of substance abuse prevention are effective. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, every dollar spent on effective school-based prevention programs saves approximately $18 in healthcare and judicial costs resulting from substance abuse. Fighting back against the opioid addiction crisis requires a multifaceted approach led by lawmakers, community leaders, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement. I am thankful that Bucks County has organizations like these that effectively prevent local substance abuse. Commending Work Done at Aark Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center

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JOINT COUNTERTERRORISM AWARENESS WORKSHOP SERIES ACT OF 20172017-09-12

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Throughout our Nation's history, our first responders have always stood for peace, security, and ordered liberty that make our communities great and our country strong. For this we are eternally grateful. As we remember those who gave their lives on September 11, we, unfortunately, recall that the threats of coordinated terrorist attacks are not going away. Today it remains critical that our first responders have the resources and the tools needed to protect our communities. The Joint Counterterrorism Awareness Workshop Series is one of these vital tools. Mr. Speaker, as a first responder myself, I am proud to work with the House Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications on moving this meaningful legislation, and I urge all Members to join me in supporting our first responders by voting ``yes.'' Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3284) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish a Joint Counterterrorism Awareness Workshop Series, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as we gather this week and mark the 16th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, we remember the nearly 3,000 innocent people lost in that heinous act--including 18 from my home of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Additionally, we honor the more than 400 first responders who perished and the countless more whose long-term health was impacted because of their courageous action. Each of us in this Chamber has heard stories of those brave firefighters, police officers, and EMTs who ran toward the danger and chaos on that Tuesday morning and made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their community and their country. Today we remember them, and we recommit to recognize their efforts and those efforts of all first responders around our Nation. Mr. Speaker, since 9/11, we have seen the devastating impact of coordinated terrorist attacks on civilian targets. In these cases, first responders--including local police, fire, and emergency medical personnel--are the main response force. It is critical that these men and women have the training and tools to operate in these planned attacks. That is why I have introduced H.R. 3284, the Joint Counterterrorism Awareness Workshop Series Act of 2017, to authorize a vital workshop series allowing State and local jurisdictions to prepare for coordinated terrorist attacks. H.R. 3284, as amended, authorizes the Joint Counterterrorism Awareness Workshop Series for 5 years and delineates the activities that are required to be part of each workshop, including a review of current plans, policies and procedures, and an examination of the roles and responsibilities of each participating agency. H.R. 3284 ensures that the whole community--from government officials, law enforcement, fire, EMS, and public health officials to the private sector--participates in the workshop. Additionally, Mr. Speaker, this bill allows the FEMA Administrator to select jurisdictions to participate in such workshops from jurisdictions that currently receive, or previously received, Urban Area Security Initiative funding and have requested to host a workshop. Finally, H.R. 3284 requires the participants to develop a summary report after each workshop that includes the key findings and strategies to mitigate the identified gaps. I introduced this bill with bipartisan support, and I am proud to have the backing of two first responder organizations that I trust when working on this type of legislation. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter of support from the International Association of Fire Chiefs and a letter of support from the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association. International Association of Fire Chiefs, Fairfax, VA, July 21, 2017. Hon. Brian K. Fitzpatrick, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative Fitzpatrick: On behalf of the nearly 12,000 fire and emergency service leaders of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), I express our support for H.R. 3284, your legislation to authorize the Joint Counterterrorism Awareness Workshop Series (JCTAWS). These multidisciplinary exercises help local jurisdictions prepare for the threat of complex, coordinated terrorist attacks. The terrorist threat continues to evolve. As terrorist incidents in Mumbai in 2008, Paris in 2015, and Brussels in 2016 demonstrate, complex, coordinated terror attacks using multiple teams and a variety of tactics are a growing threat that local jurisdictions will have to address. Local jurisdictions must be prepared to respond to multiple incidents at the same time involving active shooter incidents, explosives and the use of fire as a weapon. The JCTAWS exercises provide an environment where local fire service, law enforcement, emergency medical service, private sector and other disciplines can plan for joint response to these incidents. The JCTAWS allows federal, state and local partners to collaboratively evaluate their options and learn how to best protect their communities. The exercises also bring together resources from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the National Counterterrorism Center, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to leverage the strengths of these major agencies. After a jurisdiction hosts a JCTAWS exercise, key findings are communicated to the participants as well as mitigation strategies and resources to address gaps in preparedness. The IAFC endorses this legislation and thanks you for authorizing funding for this critical exercise program. We look forward to working with you to pass this legislation this year. Sincerely, Fire Chief John D. Sinclair, President and Chairman of the Board.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I, once again, urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3284, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 20182017-09-12

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, every year for 42 years, Congress has funded the Legal Services Corporation so that low-income Americans might realize our country's solemn pledge of justice for all. For military families, homeowners and renters, families with children, the disabled, the elderly, and nearly 112,000 veterans, investment in civil legal aid is one of the most effective ways to help Americans navigate the justice system. The Legal Services Corporation allows millions of Americans to safeguard their basic legal rights at a minimal cost to the Federal Government. As the late Justice Antonin Scalia emphasized in 2014: `` . . . this organization pursues the most fundamental of American ideals, and it pursues equal justice in those areas of life most important to the lives of our citizens.'' This organization provides direct grants to legal aid providers across our Nation, including eight organizations in my home State of Pennsylvania. I am proud to support the Legal Services Corporation, which allows people access to justice even when they cannot afford representation. We must continue this program.

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HUNGER ACTION MONTH2017-09-12

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, September is Hunger Action Month, a month where people all over America stand together with the nationwide network of food banks to fight hunger. Hunger can affect people from all walks of life. Too many Americans are one job loss or one medical crisis away from food insecurity, and some people, like children and seniors, stand at a greater risk of facing hunger. That is why I am proud of the Bucks County Fresh Connect program, a free farmers market bringing fresh and healthy food to our hungry neighbors. The Fresh Connect program provides reliable and needed food to the 57,000 residents of Bucks County facing hunger, about a third of whom are children. This month I participated in the Fresh Connect program at Solly Farm in Ivyland, where fresh produce was collected and delivered to the Bucks County Community College in Bristol for distribution. I want to thank Philabundance, the Bucks County Opportunity Council, the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger, St. Mary Medical Center, United Way of Bucks County, Rolling Harvest Food Rescue, and Solly Farm for all of their hard work in making this program possible. Mr. Speaker, these organizations and all of their generous volunteers are a tribute to our community and to our Nation.

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CONGRATULATING LOWER BUCKS CAMPUS ON 10TH ANNIVERSARY2017-09-08

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, this year, the Lower Bucks Campus of the Bucks County Community College celebrates their 10-year anniversary. Located in Bristol, this vibrant educational hub provides many services to the lower Bucks County community. Offering day, evening, and Saturday classes, along with a host of cultural activities and civic-minded programs, the local campus provides an accessible, innovative, and engaging learning environment for students, faculty, and our entire community. I am proud to recognize James Ewart, Rodney Miller, William Pezza, and Rose Marie Strippoli as the Lower Bucks Campus champions for their longstanding commitment to Bucks County Community College, the community, and the entire region. They know the value that higher education brings to our high school graduates and many others in the Lower Bucks community. These leaders empower students with the skills and credentials they need in order to secure employment in their fields, arming them with the capability to adapt and respond to the changing needs of tomorrow's economy. Congratulations to each one of them and to the Bucks County Community College on reaching this 10-year milestone.

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RECOGNIZING GIANA ZAMBELLI AND OLIVIA CAMERON2017-09-06

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Giana Zambelli and Olivia Cameron. These two 9-year-old girls from Bensalem, Pennsylvania, spend their free time running a local Kool-Aid stand which they call Kool-Aid for Kenny. The proceeds from their sales benefit the Kenneth Hopkins Memorial Scholarship Fund created in 2016, to award students currently pursuing a career in emergency services. Mr. Speaker, Ken Hopkins was an emergency medical technician with the Bucks County Rescue Squad and a volunteer firefighter with the Croydon Fire Department. He passed away in June 2016, after struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder from his time serving our community and saving lives as a first responder. Mr. Speaker, the selfless acts of Giana and Olivia are truly inspiring to all of us. Their remarkable work continues to make Ken's dream a reality in the hopes that others continue to save lives and help those in need, just as Ken Hopkins did his entire life. Ken, Giana, and Olivia are an inspiration to our entire community.

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 20182017-09-06

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

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