Brian Fitzpatrick

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Estes).

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Donovan).

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 1 minute. Mr. Chairman, my amendment restores critical funding to the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of DHS operations. Without this amendment, the OIG will have to reduce its workforce, significantly impairing its ability to complete its mission that everyone on this floor can agree is vital to our national security. Mr. Chairman, these women and men work tirelessly to conduct audits, inspections, and investigations that combat fraud, waste, and abuse in one of our Nation's most critical agencies. With over 147 reports, 370 actions recommended, and 836 investigations, DHS OIG has proven to be not only worthy of every penny, but also a place where dollars spent turn into dollars saved. I am proud to be surrounded by colleagues on the House Homeland Security Committee who join me in supporting the mission of the OIG, and I urge all of my colleagues to vote for this amendment, which is crucial to our national security. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Higgins).

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

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 450, I mistakenly voted ``nay,'' where I meant to vote ``yea.'' Amendment No. 39 Offered by Mr. Grothman

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sophia Boquist for earning her Congressional Award Silver Medal. These awards are given to outstanding young individuals who meet specific standards for voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and exploration. Sophia volunteered in a community award ceremony, cleaned a park trail, volunteered at the Travis Manion Foundation Heroes' Run and worked as a volunteer aide at the Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center. Additionally, Sophia spent time developing her ability as a pianist and her skill as a diver. As a final step, Sophia showed great leadership in planning and executing a two-day canoe trip down the Delaware River. Sophia's commitment to public service and motivation to better herself should serve as an example to all of us.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to praise the work of the Council of Southeast Pennsylvania. The council provides resources and opportunities to reduce the impact of addiction, trauma, and other health-related issues for the five counties in southeastern Pennsylvania through intervention, education, and mobilization. Established in 1997 by the council, PRO-ACT works to provided advocacy and residence for those suffering from the terrible disease of addiction. Through workshops and peer advocacy meetings for afflicted individuals and families, addiction victims can get back on their feet and learn necessary skills for both recovery and entering the workforce. I am proud to work with my constituent, Executive Director Beverly Haberle, and her administrative team, Cindy Mikalauskas and Stacey Conaway. Mr. Speaker, I want to share the words of a man named Jim, who stated that, through PRO-ACT, ``A fire was lit inside of me, my spirit rekindled by hope.'' Recovery from addiction is difficult, and it is up to remarkable associations like the council to serve the southeastern Pennsylvania community and make sure that these people can successfully beat this devastating disease.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Avdhoot Baba Shivandji, a man who has dedicated his life to enriching the lives of others through sacred ancient Indian healing rituals. Also known as Babaji, he has deeply inspired many through his deep belief that each person comes into this world with vast potential. Through the innovative ancient integrative process of Shiv Yog Cosmic Medicine and Shiv Yog Cosmic Farming, individuals learn how to access their vast spiritual potential to create their own destinies. He has shared this knowledge through media and live conferences to millions of citizens from both our country and the world. In addition to educating others on his Indian healing practices, Shivandji teaches English on Indian television. Avdhoot Baba Shivandji is truly a selfless person, always looking to help others, and for that I commend him.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, with my limited time, I just want to say Brendan said it well. He has done a fabulous job working with Congressman Meehan and me, all of whom have districts that have been impacted by this real tragedy, and I stand in full support. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this amendment.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Morrisville 12U Softball Team. These incredible young athletes from our district won the Pennsylvania State title and advanced to the regional tournament in Bristol, Connecticut, to represent the entire State of Pennsylvania. Not only did these young ladies play an incredible season, of which they should be extremely proud, they did so while honoring a member of our community. The team dedicated their postseason play to the memory of Ms. Donna Rossi, a committed league volunteer and supporter who passed away following a battle with cancer shortly before the first district game. Mr. Speaker, I am so proud of the accomplishments of these young ladies: Ainsley McClure; Rowan Mulholland; Katey Brennan; Molly Milewski; Ella Visco; Laney Freiband; Caitlyn Martell; Ahlana Sesar; Quinn McGonigle; Emma Hause; Riley Mahony; Hannah Hawkes; Brielle Crawford; and managers and coaches Joe Sesar, Andy Mahony, and Tim Hawkes. Each one of these individuals should be proud of the example they have set both on and off the field. They do credit to themselves, to their families, and to our community, and we are so proud of them.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, with the fall season fast approaching, Bucks County's robust agricultural community is in full swing with the impending harvests, summer fairs, community projects, and recognition of the important work of the American farm family. In a few weeks, Bucks County will celebrate their 69th annual Middletown Grange Fair. From Wednesday, August 16, through Sunday, August 20, attendees from across our community will have the amazing opportunity to come together to enjoy live entertainment, timeless carnival rides, tons of local food, animal demonstrations, and 4-H projects on display. Crowds will gather to see the antique equipment competition and exhibits in hundreds of categories ranging from a variety of vegetables, tomatoes, fresh flowers, and livestock to handcrafted quilts, jewelry, and woodwork. Mr. Speaker, as an annual attendee, I have seen firsthand how the Grange Fair brings our community together to enjoy the refreshing success of our local agricultural community. It is an event that helps people gain a better appreciation of the importance of agriculture and how the agricultural industry sustains our local economy--not to mention all of the jobs that it creates. We love our farmers in Bucks County. They have contributed so much to our community. They are an indispensable part of Bucks County's past, and they will remain an indispensable part of Bucks County's future.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, as an FBI agent, my job was to keep the American people safe from all enemies, both foreign and domestic. On the national security front, those components include a sound counterterrorism strategy, a sound counterintelligence strategy, a sound cybersecurity strategy, a sound foreign policy, and a sound border security strategy. Before us today, Mr. Speaker, is the issue of border security, an issue that, quite frankly, has been largely ignored over the past several decades by both parties. As a result, our national security remains compromised at a point in time where we live in a more dangerous world now than we ever have. When you combine the fact that our enemies are now both more sophisticated and better funded, coupled with our border security apparatus which is underfunded, outdated, and compromised, this is a recipe for disaster for our Nation. The time is now to act on securing our border: north, south, east, and west--all of its components in all of our geographic regions. As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I have spent time on the border with our brave women and men on the front lines, working with CPB officers and Border Patrol agents. I have spent time both on the ocean and in the sky with brave women and men in our Coast Guard. Mr. Speaker, they are pleading for our help, and shame on us if we do not deliver for them. Their requests are simple: increase their manpower to provide them with a sufficient number of agents to interdict not just drugs and guns from cartels, but also criminals and terrorists who seek to do us harm; invest in the technology that they need to do their jobs, to include drones and aerial surveillance, infrared technology, heat sensors, motion detectors both above and below the ground, and an array of 21st century, high-tech options that serve as force multipliers along the border. They need physical barriers in various forms along various stretches of the border in order to slow down the cartels and allow for sufficient response time for the agents to interdict. Moreover, we must invest heavily in a robust human intelligence program, giving our agents the resources they need to recruit human sources on the other side of the border to provide our agents with the advance notice of both the sources and the methods of criminal conspiracies that are forming along the border. In addition, we must bolster the Office of Inspector General to crack down on border corruption through the use of drug testing, financial screening, and polygraph examinations. Mr. Speaker, the concept of border security is a multipronged challenge that requires action on all fronts, not just one or two, and I urge my friends and colleagues on both sides of the aisle: Please do not politicize this issue. Securing operational control of our border is a national security emergency. My former law enforcement colleagues who are putting their life on the line every day while protecting our borders are asking for our help. Let us not let them down.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, for over a half century, the Lenape Valley Foundation has provided assistance, compassion, and hope to thousands of children, adults, and families within my district. They offer services related to mental health, substance abuse, intellectual disability, and early intervention. I was pleased to meet with community leaders and volunteers during the groundbreaking ceremony at The Lodge at Lenape Valley Foundation, a new construction on the campus of Lower Bucks Hospital. The new facility will provide more outpatient mental health services, including individual group and family therapy, an improved crisis call center, an improved crisis walk-in center, peer support, and Bucks County's only Crisis Residential Program. I am thankful for the leadership of the Lenape Valley executive team: Alan Hartl, Walter Wolaniuk, Sharon Curran, Philip Braun, JoAnne Davis, Mary Dubyk, Mary Jane Fletcher, Traci Gorman, Angela Jacobsen, Marjorie Morgan, and Mary Ann Venezia, as well as board president, Robert Rogala; vice president, Lisa Bodine; secretary, Helene Cevasco Mathern; treasurer, Mark Strasburg; and all the board of directors. I am proud to work with an organization which recognizes that everyone can grow and progress toward personal fulfillment, and we are proud to stand by their side. Honoring United Way of Bucks County

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, the United Way of Bucks County is dedicated to improving the lives through the caring power of communities. We all have a stake in making our communities healthy and prosperous. The United Way of Bucks County is committed to working together, advancing the common good, and creating a better life for all.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman and the ranking member for their leadership on this bill. Since 1944, the GI Bill has provided veterans the opportunity to invest in themselves and their future through access to education benefits. My father attended college on the GI Bill following his service to our country, launching his life and putting our family on the path to success. While the world has changed since 1944, the dedication and service of our men and women in uniform remains constant. These volunteer warriors stand ready to defend our Nation in theaters around the globe. While we can never fully thank them for their commitment, we must endeavor to assist them and their families wherever possible. The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act improves and extends the benefits granted to veterans and their surviving dependents through the GI Bill, helping to ease the transition from Active Duty to civilian life by paving the way with new career opportunities and technical education. This bipartisan legislation is a crucial step to investing in the success of our veterans and advancing the common cause of serving those who have served us so honorably. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman and the ranking member and the entire committee for their leadership.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, for more than 100 years, residents of Bucks and Montgomery Counties have trusted Grand View Health hospital with the well-being of their families. They are dedicated toward leading our community to a healthier future. Following their Community Health Needs Assessment, Grand View Health has identified and prioritized a community health improvement program, which, over the next 3 years, will address health challenges present in their service area. I am proud of the positive impact that Grand View Health has made in our community. I commend their board of trustees for their outstanding leadership and service to our community. Many thanks to Jeffrey Landis, Mary Anne Poatsy, Mark Schlosser, William Aichele, Jean Keeler, Michael Corrado, Marc Freeman, Nicholas Lindberg, Robert Pritchard, Gregory Shelly, and all the doctors, nurses, staff, and volunteers who make this a success. Madam Speaker, Grand View Health's commitment to the people it serves reminds us that we are all in this together, and it is never too late to start living a healthy lifestyle.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County, which is an organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing, locally and worldwide, through constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving homes. This global, nonprofit housing organization, with a local chapter in my district, operates on the principles that seek to put God's love into action. Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County advocates for fair and just housing policies that provide training and access to resources to help families improve their living conditions. The Bucks County chapter of Habitat for Humanity is a motivated team, driven towards service, where they build communities and empower families. I am grateful for the work of Executive Director Florence Kawoczka, Laura Blair, B.J. Breish, Colleen Brink, Stefanie Clark, Candace Clarke, Mike Fallon, Susan Harrity, Josh Hilliker, Theresa Leonard, Sam Martin, Tracy Mulvaney, Karen Reever, and all of the associates and volunteers who make this organization possible. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to work with the Bucks County Habitat for Humanity, driven by the conviction that every man, every woman, and every child should have a simple, durable place to live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter and decent community should be a matter of conscience for all of us.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Middletown Township's two newest police officers: Officer Kassidy Grove and Officer Ryan Morrison. Officers Grove and Morrison, both 23 years old, were sworn in by the Middletown Township Board of Supervisors this week. Kassidy Grove is a graduate of Pennsbury High School and attended Lock Haven University where she played rugby. She went on to work at the Lehigh County Sheriff's Office and for the Yardley Borough Police Department. Ryan Morrison graduated from Neshaminy High School, after which he enlisted as a military police officer. He recently graduated from the Temple University Police Academy. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Kassidy Grove and Ryan Morrison joining the police department of my hometown, Middletown Township, we recognize the larger commitment of all law enforcement to step up and serve their communities. Mr. Speaker, I stand in solidarity with my brothers and sisters of the thin blue line, and I urge all Americans to honor their sacrifice. Together, let us recommit ourselves to the daily ideals and laws that Officers Grove and Morrison and so many others are sworn to uphold.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize KidsPeace, which is a private charity dedicated to assisting children and adolescents experiencing emotional, behavioral, and social challenges in Pennsylvania. Founded in 1882, KidsPeace provides a comprehensive range of residential treatment programs, accredited educational services, and a variety of foster care and community-based treatment programs to help people in need overcome challenges and transform their lives. Last week, I had the privilege of meeting Dominick DiSalvo and Patrick Slattery, advocates of KidsPeace Foster Care in Doylestown in my district, where they work with families affected by the opioid epidemic. Through the power of family living, kids who have emotional and behavioral challenges learn to participate in healthier relationships with adults, experience healthy family functioning, witness positive parenting styles, participate in community life, and learn social skills through positive role modeling. I am proud of the efforts of KidsPeace to help Bucks County's youth receive the information and treatment they need to become healthy adults. KidsPeace reminds us that we can all make a difference in the life of a child.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, this weekend, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, welcomes the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall to Penndel Memorial Field. Fifty years ago, many brave women and men from Bucks and Montgomery Counties were among the tens of thousands who would give their lives in the Vietnam war. The traveling wall is a large-scale replica of the memorial here in Washington, D.C. It moves around the Nation, providing remembrance and healing to local communities like Bucks County, where 136 soldiers were killed or MIA during the Vietnam war. I am proud of the Penndel-Hulmeville Memorial Day Parade Committee, Ed Preston; Mike Fitzpatrick; Rich Rush; Vince and Lori Muscato; Mike Sodano; Tom Preston; Ray Mongillo; Walt Davidson; Vicki McLaughlin; Paul Shanahan; Paul and Alexandria Schnider; Dale Walton, Jr.; Carol Beauchamp; Greg Woodrow; and all the volunteers and veterans for their relentless effort to bring the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall to Bucks County. As we honor those who died in service of our Nation, we, too, thank all of those who have served, and we pause to thank and think of those who are defending our country today.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, perfluorinated compounds, namely PFOA and PFOS, have been found in public and private drinking water wells in communities surrounding over 600 military installations nationwide, including several in my own district, impacting 70,000 Pennsylvanians. While the military does not dispute its responsibility for the water contamination, the response thus far has been unacceptable. For all of our constituents, they all have the right to safe, clean drinking water, and they deserve to know if PFOS or PFOA have compromised their long-term health. The bipartisan amendment I have introduced instructs the Secretary of Defense to consult with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to carry out a study on any health effects experienced by those exposed to PFOS and PFOA at military installations or former military installations. While this study alone will not fix the serious concerns about water contamination, it will provide us with critical information about the health impact these unregulated chemicals may have, and aid the Federal Government in conjunction with State and local agencies to reverse the contamination and protect the health and welfare of our residents. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the mothers, daughters, and wives of my district. I stand here in solemn support for women not only in our community, but across our Nation and throughout the world who experience domestic violence each day. This unacceptable treatment cannot go unnoticed. We must continue to push for better opportunities for those abused in our community. By providing these women with more options, they can begin to find safety, support, and empowerment for a better way of life. Whether this be supporting a child or finding a better job and employment, it is important that their voices be heard. I am proud to work with community-based organizations committed to empowering women and ending domestic violence for all. I commend A Woman's Place in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, for their steadfast commitment to a society where all individuals are safe and can flourish. Mr. Speaker, I thank the leadership staff at A Woman's Place, Mae O'Brien, Lauren Bucksner, Danielle Ferri, and Heather Giampapa, as well as other staff and volunteers committed to promoting peace, quality, and respect in our districts and beyond. Perkasie Park's 135th Anniversary

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, for more than 70 years, the Fulbright program, established by Congress, has forged connections between Americans and emerging leaders around the world. The Fulbright program has provided more than 370,000 participants, chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential, with the opportunity to exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns. Each year the Fulbright program grants students with the opportunity to study, research, or teach English abroad in an effort to internationalize communities and campuses around the world. I rise today to recognize the prestigious accomplishment of students from my district who received Fulbright scholarships for the 2016-2017 grant year. Our proud congratulations to: Kimberly Algeo of Newtown, a scholar in anthropology from Rider University, for her work in Japan; Elizabeth Beavers of Yardley, a student from the University of Maryland, College Park, on an English teaching assistantship in South Korea; Hunter Gabbard of Doylestown, a student in physics from the University of Mississippi, for his work in Germany; Michael Galperin of Warminster, a student from Lafayette College, on an English teaching assistantship in South Korea; William Lescas of Churchville, a student in political science from the University of Delaware, for his work in Denmark; Ivan Simpson-Kent of Levittown, a student in biology from the University of Scranton, for his work in Germany; And Dr. Paul Swann of Doylestown, a scholar in communications from Temple University, for his work in South Korea. On behalf of the Eighth Congressional District of Pennsylvania, to all of our scholars, we congratulate them for their prestigious accomplishment. And just to let all of you know, you continue to make all of us proud. Empowering Women and Ending Domestic Violence

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Perkasie Park on its 135th anniversary and celebrate its new status as a National Historic District. Founded in 1882, Perkasie Park is one of just a handful of intact camp meeting facilities that continue to operate in Pennsylvania. Home to dozens of Victorian-era cottages and buildings, at its height, Perkasie Park was Bucks County's biggest attraction, drawing worshippers and vacationers from Philadelphia and the surrounding region to the quaint, quiet countryside of the Borough of Perkasie. Last year, thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers, residents, and community leaders, Perkasie Park was named to the National Register of Historic Places for its role in the American camp meeting movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Through their dedication, the park joined over 150 Bucks County properties on the National Register, including the 1832 South Perkasie Covered Bridge on the other side of town. I am proud to represent a district that understands and honors its deep-rooted history, and I join with the people in Perkasie in celebrating this momentous anniversary and accomplishment.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chair, the most important duty of this body is to ensure the safety of every American family from foreign enemies who intend us harm. We must advocate for a foreign policy that projects strength and purpose. The threat profile our Nation faces has never been more severe, including from rogue regimes and those who directly and indirectly support the spread of terror. Acting in isolation, each of these threats requires U.S. attention. However, we must also investigate and understand the scope of evil's reach, especially the nexus between Iran and North Korea. Mr. Chair, my amendment would compel the Pentagon to report the extent of cooperation on nuclear programs, ballistic missile development, chemical and biological weapons development, and conventional weapons programs between Pyongyang and Tehran. Only when we understand the complex dealings between these enemies of peace can we outline a plan to combat them. My amendment will provide better, more comprehensive tools for American defense, and I urge my friends on both sides of the aisle to support it for the sake of our Nation's security.