Jim Gerlach

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the East Pikeland Elementary School on its 75th anniversary and for its exemplary dedication and service to the children of the East Pikeland Township and the Phoenixville School District. Originally, East Pikeland School was a one-room schoolhouse that in 1928 followed the national trend of school consolidation, in consolidating with two other schools, the Schuylkill School and the Charlestown School. This consolidation was made possible through the generous philanthropy of a local entrepreneur, Frank B. Foster. In its early years, the East Pikeland School was one of the first In Pennsylvania to start an elementary school newspaper. In 1932, Miss Helen Ottinger created ``The Tattler'' and the newspaper later won an award for being the best elementary newspaper in the Commonwealth. Beginning in the 1970s, the East Pikeland School further exhibited its excellence in teaching and learning when students in grades five, eight, and eleven were required to begin participating in the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment. Each year, the East Pikeland School students' scores were among the top in Chester County and the state in both reading and math. This outstanding performance by the students led to numerous awards, including a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. In the year 2000, the School was recognized by the East Pikeland Township for ranking highest among Chester County schools in reading and math. In 2000-2001, East Pikeland received a Maintenance of High Standards Award for maintaining high scores for three consecutive years. In 2002-2003, East Pikeland received an achievement improvement award from the East Pikeland Township for increased scores in reading and math. Aside from an impressive academic record, the East Pikeland School has also excelled in extracurricular activities starting as early as 1946. Basketball was a popular sport, with the East Pikeland boys' team winning the West Chester playoffs in 1946. And in 2004, an old tradition of basketball games between Phoenixville area schools was reinstated. Fourth and fifth grade boys named ``the Future Phantoms'' represented East Pikeland in the tournament. Along with participation in sports, the students of East Pikeland participate in band and chorus and perform twice a year in the winter and spring concerts. In 2000, the East Pikeland Chorus won a superior rating in its first participation in the Music in the Parks competition in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Two years later in 2002, the tradition of a second grade play began with all students singing and acting in the spring performance. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing the East Pikeland School for its 75 years of dedication and excellence in teaching and for its considerable contributions to and unparalleled achievement within the East Pikeland community.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Downingtown Area Senior Center for its 30 years of dedicated service to the senior citizens of the Downingtown, Pennsylvania area. The Downingtown Area Senior Center has existed since 1974 to serve the nutritional, social, and educational needs of the people aged 60 and older and to enhance their dignity, independence, and encouraging involvement in the community. The Senior Center began as a Meals Together program with four seniors from the Downingtown United Methodist Church. The Downingtown Area Senior Center rented space from the Church until April, 2002. In August of that same year, the Downingtown Area Senior Center moved into the Ashbridge Commons. In this location, the Senior Center was responsible to continue and improve services to seniors. They did so by outfitting a kitchen, arranging a telephone system, networking a computer system, and creating a new living space. The new Downingtown Area Senior Center opened its doors in October 2002 and has continued a tradition of excellence in providing for the senior citizens. Ongoing programs and activities are perhaps one of the most important aspects of the Downingtown Area Senior Center. The Center participates in: an AARP driving class, arts and crafts, audiologist visits, ballroom dancing, blood pressure/weight checks, exercise classes, consumer awareness classes, historical presentations, income tax preparation, golf tournaments, and volunteer opportunities. These programs indeed foster and improve the quality of life of all participating seniors. In addition, the Downingtown Area Senior Center has created a program for seniors called ``Fit and Fun.'' The Fit and Fun program concentrates on health and wellness, while it also supplies its members with timely information and support to increase the likelihood of a longer, happier, and more fulfilling life. Seniors participate in ``body recall'' to improve muscle tone, line-dancing for aerobic activity, and yoga sessions to balance the mind and body. Weekly seminars are also given on Medicare supplement programs, chronic diseases management, and home health care. These seminars are critical for seniors if they are to continue to live healthy and active lives. As of June 2003, 2,150 people participated in the Fit and Fun program. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing the Downingtown Area Senior Center for its dedication to the health and well-being of senior citizens in the Downingtown community and for their service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 4181, a straightforward piece of legislation that will provide permanent marriage penalty tax relief. First, I would like to express my gratitude to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Weller) and his staff for the tireless work that they have done regarding marriage penalty relief over the past years. The dedication of the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Weller) to providing married couples with tax equality is admirable. I would also like to convey my gratitude to the gentleman from California (Chairman Thomas) and the Committee on Ways and Means staff and members for their expertise and knowledge in developing and moving forward with this legislation. Their actions over the past years to eliminate the marriage penalty and to increase the child care tax credit has greatly benefited American families and our economy. Prior to 2001, the Tax Code penalized many married couples by forcing them to pay higher taxes after they married. Two unmarried people living in the same home frequently paid far less in taxes than a married couple with the same income. The 2001 Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act set out to rectify this situation. These penalties would be phased out beginning in 2005. By 2010, the standard deduction and the 15 percent tax bracket for joint filers would be increased to double those for single filers. However, the bill included a sunset provision that eliminated all of these benefits after 2010. Last year, this Congress took even greater steps to provide tax relief for 35 million hard-working married couples by accelerating this relief. Married couples in 2003 and 2004 received twice the standard deduction for single filers, and the 15 percent tax bracket was doubled to twice that for single filers. Unfortunately, the accelerated relief provided last year will expire after the 2004 tax year, and all penalty relief is due to expire after 2010 as a result of the 2001 act's sunset provision. Let me illustrate the effect of our tax policy. In 2001, Mr. and Mrs. Smith each earn $27,000 for a total household income of $54,000. If they filed individually, they would each have a standard deduction of $4,550, or a total of $9,100, and both would fall into the 15 percent tax bracket under the marginal rates at that time. However, if they filed jointly in 2001, they would only receive a standard deduction of $7,600, because the standard deduction for married couples in 2001 was just 167 percent of the individual standard deduction. Further, the joint income of $54,000 would put them in the 27.5 percent marginal tax bracket. So if they both filed as individuals, their total tax would be $6,734. If they filed jointly, their tax would be $7,110, a marriage penalty of $376. Under the 2003 act's tax cuts, Mr. and Mrs. Smith could file a joint return in 2003 and 2004 tax years and receive the standard deduction for a married couple of $9,500. This is equal to twice the standard deduction for individuals. They would also fall into the 15 percent rate bracket. As joint filers, they are treated no differently from an unmarried couple. What will happen to Mr. and Mrs. Smith in tax year 2005? If the standard deduction for the individual remains the same and the Smiths filed separately, they would each have a deduction of $4,750. Their total deduction would be $9,500. That would put them in the 15 percent rate bracket. As a married couple in that tax year, their deduction would be 174 percent of the individual standard deduction. This works out to $8,265. If the 15 percent rate bracket income limit for single filers remained the same, they would return to the 27.5 bracket. Over the next few years, Mr. and Mrs. Smith would make out better as the phase-in of the marriage penalty relief continued. In 2010 they would return to what they remember as the ``good old days'' of 2003 and 204 when they were treated the same as unmarried couples. Unfortunately, in the following tax year, the rug would be pulled out from under them, and the Tax Code would treat the Smiths in the same inequitable and unfair manner as it did before 2003. H.R. 4181 will ensure that the marriage penalty relief is not reduced next year and that the relief stays in the law permanently. As a result of this legislation, couples will no longer have to worry about incurring a tax penalty just by getting married. If we fail to act, more than 35 million married couples will see an average tax increase of $300 in the 2005 tax year. In 2011, 35 million married couples would see a tax increase of more than $700. In many of our districts, that is the equivalent of a month's rent. As we all work to help our economy to continue to recover, the greatest error we could make would be to allow an increase on taxes on our families. At a time in our allocating of Federal funds to promote marriage for public assistance beneficiaries, how can we even consider allowing the return to a Tax Code that penalizes married couples? In conclusion, this is the right bill, this is the right time, and I request all of our Members to support the legislation on final passage.

Mr. GERLACH. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge opposition to the Rangel substitute here today. It is unbelievable that just as the economy in our Nation is starting to turn around, seeing increasing jobs, lowering the unemployment rate, higher rates of home ownership, that we are going to be asked through this amendment, through this substitute, to raise taxes on our job creators. According to the Joint Committee on Taxation, this substitute will hit approximately 200,000 individual returns, 75 percent of those returns having small business income, income that can be used to plow back into those small businesses, plow back into increasing the number of jobs at that small business, plow back into that small business for better equipment, better technology, a larger physical facility to handle the operations of that small business. That would be cut. That would be adversely impacted by this substitute. The substitute also reverses the effects of the President's 2001 and 2003 tax relief. At a minimum, affected families and small businesses will pay a marginal tax rate of 38.6 percent. Mr. Speaker, now is not the time to stifle economic growth in this Nation through higher taxes. Now is the time to continue economic growth through lower taxes. I would urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the Rangel substitute.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the founder and artistic director of the Berks Classical Children's Chorus, Mr. Donald Hinkle. Mr. Hinkle has a long and distinguished career in music. He received a Bachelor of Music degree from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and a Master of Sacred Music from Wittenberg University. Post-graduate studies include time spent at Union Theological Seminary School of Music in New York City and Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey. He was the Director of Music at Trinity Lutheran Church in Reading, Pennsylvania from 1969 through 1996. In 1992, Mr. Hinkle decided to use his talents and establish a musical organization to train young singers. Twelve years and hundreds of singers later, the Berks Classical Children's Chorus (BCCC) continues to educate vocal artists from grade school through high school. An ensemble of over 125 professionally and rigorously trained young men and women perform with the BCCC in concerts, competitions, churches and civic organizations. Many members of the Chorus have grown up singing with the BCCC, and the experience has been life changing. Through the BCCC, these young men and women learn to read music, master a diverse and challenging repertoire, use, their voices properly, and become poised and confident performers. They learn an appreciation for a wide variety of cultures through the music they study and perform. But even more importantly, they learn the life lessons of self-discipline, personal responsibility, self-expression, teamwork, and self-confidence. For Mr. Hinkle, the BCCC is about more than singing. It is his vehicle for building character through disciplined and professional artistic expression. Donald Hinkle has always been and always will be a man with a mission. His students are the fulfillment of that mission. They are not only accomplished singers, but also better human beings. Mr. Hinkle inspires them to strive for and achieve their personal best. His uncompromising pursuit of excellence transforms all of his students. I congratulate him on these accomplishments.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library on its 210th anniversary. The Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library was founded in 1793 as the ``Norristown Library Company'' by 90 families residing in Lower Merion, Norriton, Plymouth, Providence, Whitemarch, Whitpain, and Worcester Townships in Pennsylvania. The Library was formally incorporated in 1796. One of the signers of the Library's new charter was Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Thomas McKean, who was one of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence. The first library building was constructed in 1824 on land given by the Pawling family members, who were among the Library's founders. The cost of construction was $153.43. From 1898 through 1937, the Royersford Free Public Library, the Conshohocken Free Public Library, the Schwenksville Library, and the McCann Library were founded and all went on to eventually become branches of the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library. In 1942, the Library officially changed its name to the Norristown Public Library with the financial backing of the Norristown Borough Council. The name was changed again in 1968 when it merged with the Montgomery County Free Library. The Library was then given its present title of the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library. In addition to the Library's impressive growth throughout the years, the Library has a history of contribution to the community. The Library established the Backyard Library Van program, along with launching programs like the ``Mini-Bookmobile'' for senior citizens, and ``Books- Go-Round,'' a bookmobile for children in day care. In 2001, the ``Books and Me'' program began at the Library under a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act administered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library for its exemplary service to the Montgomery County community and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the hard-working nurses of Montgomery Hospital in Norristown, Pennsylvania in anticipation of the upcoming National Nurses Week from May 6-12, 2004. Though National Nurses Week gives us an opportunity to celebrate all nurses in this country, particularly those serving in the armed forces, I want to specially recognize the nursing staff and nursing leadership of Montgomery Hospital in Norristown, Pennsylvania. Their tireless commitment to providing quality care is exemplary and I want to say ``thank you'' on behalf of the people of the Norristown area and Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Outside of Philadelphia, Montgomery Hospital is the oldest general hospital in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The original hospital was located in a vacant school at Powell and Basin Streets in Norristown. Originally named ``Charity Hospital of Montgomery County,'' the Hospital opened its doors on January 1, 1891 with a staff of just six. Today, Montgomery Hospital Medical Center occupies two city blocks in the heart of Norristown. It is Norristown's largest private sector employer with over 1,300 individuals on staff. The entire staff at Montgomery Hospital, including its nurses, remains committed to providing the highest quality of care to all their patients. As Montgomery Hospital has changed, so has the nursing profession. Nurses today require more and more training and education. Their jobs are also much more specialized. In fact, 49 states now allow advanced practice nurses to prescribe medications. In the future, as our healthcare systems continue to evolve, I am certain the nursing profession will as well. One thing is clear, nurses will play a vital role in the future of healthcare in America. Today, there are nearly 2.7 million registered nurses in the United States. These nurses are working every day to save lives and maintain the health of millions of Americans. As a profession, they are one of the most respected and admired for their hard work and commitment to their fellow citizens. Mr. Speaker, National Nurses Week is an appropriate way to honor the work of all our nation's nurses and I urge my colleagues to join me in this regard. And to the dedicated nurses at Montgomery Hospital, I say thank you for your efforts.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lankenau Hospital on the 50th anniversary of its move to Wynnewood, Pennsylvania and for its 50 years of dedication and service to the Wynnewood community. Established in 1860, Lankenau Hospital is an acute care teaching hospital with an affiliated medical research center on its campus. In 1953, Lankenau moved to its present location in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania where it continues its contribution to the overall quality of life in communities throughout the entire Delaware Valley. Lankenau Hospital is known for its pioneering vision in the field of medicine. Its specialties include: a heart center, a neonatal intensive care unit, accredited sleep medicine services and a cancer center. Lankenau Hospital offered the first cobalt radiation unit in the Philadelphia area and the fourth in the country. It opened the first hospital-based health education museum in the country, while also creating the first suburban kidney transplant program (now in its tenth year) and the area's first suburban heart failure and transplant program which recently performed its first transplant on a patient from Philadelphia. Above all, Lankenau Hospital has a history of an outstanding medical staff, including physicians who are internationally-recognized innovators in the treatment of cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, and other disorders. For example, it was a Lankenau physician who developed the first digital hearing aid. The Hospital is proud to have served hundreds of thousands of patients during the past 50 years in Wynnewood. The community has benefited greatly from the outstanding contributions of Lankenau Hospital and its staff and area citizens, look forward to a bright future of medical achievement and service. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Lankenau Hospital for its 50 years of exemplary service to the Wynnewood community and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the constituents in my district who, through years of service, have made the Foster Grandparents Program a tremendous success in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The Foster Grandparent Program is a pairing of low income elderly over the age of 60 with special needs children. There are currently over 140 men and women who volunteer 20 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, giving love, guidance, tutelage, and the wisdom of their years of experience to children from infants to eighteen years of age at numerous locations throughout Montgomery County. The Foster Grandparent Program brings countless benefits to the senior citizens and to the children with whom they interact. This program allows the volunteers to remain active and involved in their communities, as they are needed and valued by everyone with whom they interact. The children the senior citizens work with are developmentally delayed, physically handicapped, homeless, abused, neglected, teen parents, delinquent, learning disabled, or born to mothers addicted to drugs. Through this pairing, the children increase their academic skills, enhance their self-esteem and learn to cope with their disabilities and special problems. Thus, through the program, they gain the knowledge that they are special and cared for as we all attempt to make the world a safer, less violent place to live. The Foster Grandparent Program is a very successful and worthwhile program that puts the time and talents of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania's senior citizens to work benefiting special needs children. The program is 32 years old and, for 28 years, it has been sponsored by Montgomery County Family Services. Nationally, the Foster Grandparent Program is 39 years old with 350 Foster Grandparent Programs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Many of the people that have volunteered their time for the Foster Grandparent Program in my district have done so for several years. Mary Refino has participated in the program for 24 years; Elizabeth Baccke for 16 years; Dot Scandone for 15 years; Ann Dippolito for 11 years; Dolores Fogel, Rosa Lee Randall, Juanita Gray and Eldora Smith for 10 years; and Mary Banks, Betty Glover, Louise Watson and Ann Maire Williams for 5 years. It is the continuing dedication and commitment by these individuals that allows the Foster Grandparent Program to be such a success and help so many people. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues join me today in recognizing the Foster Grandparent Program and all of their volunteers in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania and across our nation.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Briana Rudy for being honored by the Boyertown Area Times and the Boyertown Jaycees as the Boyertown Area High School Outstanding High School Senior. Briana Rudy is an invaluable member of her school and her community. As a member of her senior class, Briana participates in many extracurricular activities. She is involved in fund-raising events to help disabled children, including those with cystic fibrosis, and she also serves as the treasurer of the school's Art Expo Committee that plans the school's annual art show. Briana writes for her school newspaper, The Cub, and is also a staff member of the school magazine, The Accent. In addition to her extracurricular activities, Briana works two part- time jobs and participates in several service clubs. In her free time, Briana volunteers with children at the Boyertown Area YMCA. She has been a volunteer there since age 12 and, when she turned 16, she was hired to teach gymnastics, preschool dance, and youth sports. Over the summer, Briana also works as a YMCA camp counselor. In the fall, Briana plans to attend West Chester University in Pennsylvania and major in social work where she will continue to work during the summers as a volunteer with children in the YMCA program. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Briana Rudy for her years of exemplary service to her school and the Boyertown community and wish her well in her future at West Chester University and beyond.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michael J. Maggio for being honored by the Boyertown Area Times and Boyertown Jaycees as the Boyertown Citizen of the Year for his contributions to the greater Boyertown region. Michael Maggio relocated to the Boyertown area with his wife Sue in 1966. A physicist, he worked for 23 years at Cabot Corporation as a research group leader and a plant technical services manager. Michael Maggio graduated in 1949 from Welsey Junior College in Dover, Delaware, where he was the captain of the basketball team. He went on to receive his B.S. in physics from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1952. Upon moving into the Boyertown area, Michael became involved in the community and has been an active member of the Boyertown Lions Club for 24 years. He served twice as the president of the Club and he also served eight years as a member and treasurer of the Boyertown Lions Community Ambulance Board of Directors. In 1997, he was awarded the prestigious Melvin Jones National Award and, in 2001, he was named the Lion of the year. Michael Maggio also has made an impact in the community outside of his activities in the Lions Club. A member of the St. Columbkill Roman Catholic Church, Michael was a religious instructor and also volunteers as an usher. Michael has served as a catalyst for ongoing service to and support of the Boyertown community by serving as the Emergency Management Coordinator and a member of the Boyertown Board of Health. Further, he is serving as the Co-Chair of the Lions Ambulance Organization's new building fund. In his spare time, Michael enjoys bicycling, golf and photography. Well-known throughout the community as a family man, Michael has five children, fourteen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Michael J. Maggio for his many years of exemplary service to the Boyertown community.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sergeant Gregory L. Miller of the Boyertown Police Department for being honored by the Boyertown Area Times and the Boyertown Jaycees as the Boyertown Police Department's Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Sergeant Gregory Miller began his career with the Boyertown Police Department March 3, 1982 as a part-time officer. He eventually became a full-time officer with the Department in 1984. During Sergeant Miller's 22 years of service, he has made a great impact on the Boyertown community. In 2001, he was recognized for his involvement in the prevention of a suicide. A year later, in 2002, Sergeant Miller was named the Police Liaison Officer of the Year for his work with the Berks County Youth Aid Program. In 2003, he was recognized for his bravery in an incident involving a knife-wielding man. Sergeant Miller was also the driving force behind starting up the new bike patrol in Boyertown. Aside from his service in the Boyertown Police Department, Sergeant Miller is also an active member of his community. He has been a member of the Friendship Hook and Ladder Fire Company since he was 16 and he volunteers with the Boyertown Lions Community Ambulance Company. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Sergeant Gregory Miller for his many years of exemplary service to the Boyertown community.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Richard Becker, Jr. for being honored by the Boyertown Area Times and the Boyertown Jaycees as the Outstanding Firefighter and Emergency Management Services Person of the Year in Boyertown, Pennsylvania. Richard Becker has been a volunteer at the Friendship Hook and Ladder Fire Company and the Boyertown Lions Community Ambulance Company since he was 16 years old. Now at 42, Richard Becker is being recognized for 25 years of service to the Boyertown area community. Richard Becker currently serves as the Assistant Financial Secretary at the Friendship Hook and Ladder Fire Company, in addition to his full-time job as a computer programmer in Conshohocken. Richard is also attending Lehigh Valley Paramedic School and will graduate in December upon completion of 1,500 hours of school and practical work. The Boyertown community has benefited greatly from Richard Becker's service. He provides learning experiences for the children in the community during Fire Prevention Week when he allows the children to come to the fire house and learn the essentials of fire safety. The students are also given the opportunity to learn about the different kinds of equipment used by firefighters during an emergency. Richard feels that Fire Prevention Week is a way to encourage future emergency services volunteers with younger members of the community. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Richard Becker for his many years of exemplary service to the Boyertown Community.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joan Kelsch for being honored by the Boyertown Area Times and the Boyertown Jaycees as the Educator of the Year for 29 years of dedicated service as a teacher at the Saint Francis Academy in Bally, Pennsylvania. Joan Kelsch, a graduate of West Chester University in Pennsylvania, has been teaching at Saint Francis Academy for 29 years. She began her career teaching fourth graders and has consistently demonstrated her dedication to education. While on maternity leave after the birth of each of her two children, she continued her teaching efforts as a substitute. In 1982, recognizing her dedication and passion, Joan was asked by Father Joseph Fricker to create a kindergarten program for St. Francis Academy. Joan eagerly took on this task and created the first kindergarten class for the school consisting of thirty students. Joan has been credited with creating an exciting and enriching learning environment for her students, while also enhancing the curriculum of several programs throughout the school. Her students have art work decorating the rooms and, not only does this artwork display the abilities of the children, but it also highlights the talent that Joan possesses as a teacher. Joan has created several learning devices for children, such as literature tea parties, where the students learn etiquette while also challenging their reading skills and vocabulary with students from the fifth grade. In this challenge, the students are also encouraged to use their imagination by creating new words and new definitions. As a teacher in a Roman Catholic school, Joan also has the responsibility for aiding the spiritual guidance of her students. She prepares the students for the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Communion. In addition, Joan is also a religion coordinator for St. Francis Academy. She attends yearly meetings to help update textbooks and curriculum for Catholic school students. Outside of the classroom, Joan acts a Staff Liaison to the Home and School Association where she attends monthly meetings. Joan also spends her time volunteering in her community. Each summer, Joan and her husband, William, volunteer at the annual church carnival and, every fall, Joan works at the Santa Secret Shop at the annual bazaar for the school. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Joan Kelsch for her many years of exemplary service to St. Francis Academy's community.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Richard F. Furia, the 2004 Man of the Year of the Ivy Ridge Lodge 251, Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, of the Order of Sons of Italy in America, for his dedication to the people of the greater Philadelphia area and for his work in the Italian-American community. A resident of Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County, Rick Furia has practiced as an attorney in Southeastern Pennsylvania since 1971. He succeeded his father, the late U.S. Magistrate Edward W. Furia, Sr., into the profession and has served as a leader in many professional, fraternal and community organizations. Currently, he serves on the Philadelphia Bar Association's Board of Governors, Executive Board of Volunteers for the Indigent Program (VIP) and is Co-Chair of their Solo and Small Firm Committee. Rick is also a member of the Philadelphia Bar Foundation's Hamilton Circle, the charitable wing of the Association. He is an active member of the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and American Trial Lawyers Associations and the American Bar Association. He is also a member of several other local organizations and institutions, including the Executive Board of the Lawyers Club of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Defense Institute, Russell Conwell Society of Temple University School of Law, the Amici Society--Center for Italian Studies of the University of Pennsylvania and the Opera Company of Philadelphia's Bravi Circle Advisory Board. As a proud member of the Italian-American community, Mr. Furia has served on many committees and organizations to which he has so tirelessly volunteered time and support. He has not only played an active part in the rejuvenation of Ivy Ridge Lodge 251, but he has held national and state offices within the Order of Sons of Italy in America, including President of the Pennsylvania Commission for Social Justice (CSJ), the anti-defamation arm of the OSIA. The CSJ was founded to fight the stereotyping of Italian-Americans by the entertainment, advertising, and news industries. Rick is past Chancellor of the Justinian Society of Italian-American Lawyers and has served as a board member since 1984; and as board member of the Justinian Foundation since 1996. Additionally, with the Order of Sons of Italy in America, Rick served as National Orator, Chairman of the By-Law Committee, National Secretary for the Commission for Social Justice, and Ivy Ridge Orator for more than a decade. He is also a member of the National- Italian American Foundation, Counsel of 1000. Richard Furia is an active member of the community in supporting the arts, education and culture. He is an active member of The Pennsylvania Society, Barnes Society of the Barnes Foundation, Free Library of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Union League. He was honored with the Millay Club Alumni Achiever Award from the Southeast Catholic/Bishop Neumann/Saint John Neumann High School Alumni Association in 2000. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Richard F. Furia for all his years of exemplary service to the Order of Sons of Italy in America, his community and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant Francis R. Bason for his 14 years of service with the Montgomery County, Pennsylvania District Attorney's Detective Bureau. Lieutenant Francis Bason has been employed by Montgomery County since July 9, 1990 as Supervisor of the Narcotics Enforcement Team. He has served a total of 42 years in law enforcement; 14 with Montgomery County and 28 years with the Pennsylvania State Police. In 1958, Francis Bason began his proud service in the United States Army Dental Corps before being honorably discharged in 1961. He returned to Pennsylvania and started his career in law enforcement as a traffic officer. In 1965, he became part of the State Police's Criminal Intelligence Unit, Youth Aid Division, headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1971, Frank was promoted to Corporal and assigned to the Patrol Division that he ultimately supervised. That same year, he became the Pennsylvania State Police's, Drug Law Enforcement Division Regional Supervisor where he was the director of undercover operations for a six-county area in Southeastern Pennsylvania. During his years with the Pennsylvania State Police, Francis Bason continued his education and, in 1977, graduated magna cum laude from West Chester State University with a bachelor of science degree. Two years later, he received his master in science degree from West Chester as well. In 1990, Frank became a Narcotics Enforcement Detective for the Montgomery County District Attorney's office, in March of 1993, he was promoted to Detective-In-Charge of the Narcotics Enforcement Team. One year later, he was promoted to Lieutenant. Over the years, Lieutenant Francis Bason has been recognized by his peers, both locally and nationally, for his tremendous achievements in law enforcement. In 1982, he received the Award for Exceptional Service from the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration. In 1988, he was recognized as the Outstanding Police Officer of the Year by the Pennsylvania State Police and, one year later, received the Pennsylvania State Police Commendation Medal. His tremendous knowledge and experience was also recognized by the United States Congress in 1980 when he was asked to testify before the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control on various drug-trafficking and law enforcement issues. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Lieutenant Francis R. Bason for his many years of exemplary service to his community, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and our nation.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the importance of the new Medicare-endorsed prescription drug discount card. Starting in May, seniors across America will have the choice to enroll in a drug discount card plan. At this time, over 100 companies have applied to offer a prescription drug discount card. In June, older Americans can begin using those cards to save anywhere from 10 to 25 percent on their prescription drugs. Low-income seniors who choose to enroll in a drug discount plan will receive $600 of Federal assistance in 2004 and 2005 to further defray the costs of their medications. The discount cards enable seniors to save money on their prescription drugs now while work is being done to implement the new Medicare Part D benefit. For those older Americans with no prescription drug coverage, waiting is not an option. It is vital that we communicate to seniors their options regarding prescription drug assistance. I encourage all of my colleagues to reach out to seniors in their districts to explain the choices and benefits that older Americans now have. I encourage seniors to visit Medicare on the Web at www.medicare.gov or to call Medicare's 24-hour toll-free information line at 1-800-MEDICARE to get the answers to any questions they may have about their benefits.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the American Legion's Eighth District Commander and Wawassan Post 422 Post Commander Alfred P. Gerhardt, Jr. Alfred P. Gerhardt, Jr. received his draft notice on Pearl Harbor Day, December 7, 1966 and spent three months and ten days at Fort Lewis, Washington when he was honorably discharged on April 27, 1967. In 1968, he went to Baptist Bible College in Clarks Summitt, Pennsylvania as a part-time student during the spring semester and eventually went on to work as a nursing assistant at the Coatesville Veterans Administration Hospital in Coatesville. He subsequently retired from there after 15 years of service on March 28, 1998. In the summer of 1977, Mr. Gerhardt transferred his American Legion membership to Wawassan Post No. 422 in Honey Brook. He was elected and installed as Post Chaplain on the night of his official transfer and held that post until he became the 43rd Post Commander on September 15, 1980. He then was appointed Post Adjutant and served in that office continuously for all but two years. Even during his tenure as Post Commander, he more than often handled many of the responsibilities of the Post's Adjutant. On September 13, 1982, Alfred Gerhardt became the 55th Chester County Commander and was only the second member of his Post to hold this office. He later served as Chester County Adjutant and as Deputy District Commander for many years. His service as Post Commander resumed again on two separate occasions from September 19, 1994 through September 16, 1996 and from September 21, 1998 through September 18, 2000. Throughout many of his years of service, Alfred was the acting Post Service Officer and Post Historian. It was in July of 2002 that he became the Eighth District Commander. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Alfred P. Gerhardt, Jr. for all his years of dedicated and exemplary service to the American Legion and his fellow veterans.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in an effort to dispel continuing myths which have been propagated with regard to the role of Iraq in the larger war on terrorism. While many Democrat Members have worked hard to promote these myths, it is time that we who know and understand the truth come forward to fully explain it. Let me be perfectly clear. The war against Iraq is a central component in the global fight against terrorism. The Hussein regime's support for terrorism, within and outside of its borders, its appetite for the world's most dangerous weapons, and its openly declared hostility to the United States were a combination that was a gathering and growing danger to our country. In light of the September 11 terrorist attacks, ending this regime was central to the war on terrorism and central to ensuring that more attacks on American soil, like the September 11 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, never occur again. The Hussein regime established significant and numerous ties with terrorist organizations like al Qaeda for over a decade prior to September 11, 2001. This included the provision of training, financing and sanctuary. In fact, the Iraqi foreign minister admitted in March 2003 that Iraqi funds were sent to families of Palestinian suicide bombers who attacked and killed innocent Israeli citizens, and also 12 Americans in Israel in 2003. Even the Clinton Administration agreed and repeatedly asserted connections between al Qaeda and Iraq, and explicitly said that Hussein posed a threat to the United States itself. By ending the Hussein regime, the United States has taken away yet another incubator of terrorism. Terrorist groups benefited for years from support of Saddam Hussein and his regime. Further, by acting decisively in Iraq, the United States has sent very strong signals to other nations that have been or could be terrorist sympathizers. Had the United States not acted in Iraq, Libyan leader Muammar Qadhafi would likely not have declared his weapons programs, submitted to international inspections and voluntarily dismantled its programs. In addition, it is very likely that United States action in Iraq caused Iran to open its nuclear facilities for international inspection and suspend its uranium enrichment activities. The list goes on and on, from Syria to North Korea. We are seeing changes in the way these nations deal with terrorism because of our actions in Iraq. Those who like to spread misconceptions and myths often point to the fact that no weapons of mass destruction have yet been found in post- war Iraq. They say the President and his administration deceived the American people and the international community. However, David Kay, our chief weapons inspector, has stated repeatedly that it was prudent to attack Iraq, and that as the inspection process continues, as it does, we will find that Iraq was more dangerous than we actually understood at the time because the regime was collapsing and Iraq was a country that had capabilities to develop weapons of mass destruction that terrorist groups have sought repeatedly. Had the Hussein regime lost control completely, Iraq would have become a breeding ground for international terrorism, much like Afghanistan was under the Taliban, the only difference being that Iraq had the wealth and the resources necessary to build weapons that could have been directly threatening to the United States and our allies. Further, not only the United States, but the French, British, Germans and the United Nations all thought Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction before the United States intervened. There is also the myth that the United States and our allies intervened in Iraq solely based only evidence of weapons of mass destruction. This is not true. Again, according to David Kay, Iraq clearly was in violation of United Nations Resolution 1441. This resolution required Iraq to come clean and report on all of its activities. To date, hundreds of cases have been found that show Iraq was engaged in activities that were prohibited under that resolution and under the initial resolution, 687. Our case for war was and remains clear. The majority of the American people understand that, the House of Representatives understood that when this body agreed in the 107th Congress by passing H.J. Res. 114 by a vote of 296 to 133, and our allies around the world understood that and continue to share our resolve. Clearly, there are those Democrat candidates who are using this election year for partisan politics to cloud the truth. These tactics will ultimately fail because we all understand that the United States is safer today and our citizens are far less likely to be victims of domestic terrorist attack because we have removed the Hussein regime and are on the way to helping establish and ally in the Middle East. Mr. Speaker, it is also important to remember that who made this security possible. The thousands of American sailors, soldiers and airmen who drove the once powerful dictator to cower in a hole are owed the praise of the entire Nation. I would ask that all Americans take a moment to think about our friends, sons, daughters, mothers and fathers who are serving proudly in Iraq and around the world as part of the global war on terrorism. They are ensuring our safety and working hard to make sure that another day like September 11 never happens again. To Members of our armed services, I say thank you. I would also remind them that no matter what they hear to the contrary from Democrat politicos, their actions in Iraq are justified and necessary.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rabbi Jay Stein, the newly installed Rabbi at Har Zion Temple in Penn Valley, Pennsylvania. Rabbi Jay M. Stern received his ordination, an M.A. in Jewish Education and a B.A. in Jewish Philosophy from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. In addition, he received a B.A., Sociology from Columbia University. From 1990-1991, he served as an Alef-Alef Fellow in Jewish Education at Tel Aviv University. In 1993, Rabbi Stein was awarded The Lowenfeld Prize in Practical Theology from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. In 1995, Rabbi Stein was named a Wexner Rabbinic Fellow. He served as Rabbi at Temple Beth Ahm and currently serves as Senior Rabbi of Har Zion Temple in Penn Valley, Pennsylvania. He is also the Vice President of and has written the constitution for, the New Jersey Region of the Rabbinical Assembly. He has co-published articles on the subject of domestic violence in the Rabbinical Assembly Newsletter and Outlook Magazine, as well as authored a chapter in the Resource Guide for Rabbis on Domestic Violence published by Jewish Women International. Rabbi Stein serves as a national consultant in the area of Jewish supplemental high school education, as well as the Rabbinic Advisor to the Israel's Ministry of Tourism. Currently, he heads up a regional think tank for rabbis serving as spiritual leaders in Solomon Schechter Day Schools, and is a certified counselor in chemical dependence. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues join me today in recognizing Rabbi Jay Stein and wish him the best of luck in his new position.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 39 and 40, I was inadvertently detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to ask for my colleagues' support on a bill I recently introduced. The bill will remedy a great injustice inflicted upon numerous taxpayers as a result of the operation of the Alternative Minimum Tax, AMT, system on the sale of shares of stock acquired by the exercise of incentive stock options, ISOs. Many companies offer ISOs to reward the innovation and loyalty of their employees. Instead of being a reward, however, this generosity can result in an exorbitant tax burden on the employee. To illustrate, imagine an employee chooses to exercise his or her ISO to purchase 1,000 shares at $10 each when the fair market value of those shares is $100 per share. On paper, the employee just made $90,000. At the end of the tax year, the AMT forces the employee to pay a tax on the $90,000 gain of more than $25,000, based on a taxpayer earning $75,000 per year and supporting a family of four. ISOs often require an employee to hold shares for a certain period of time. In my illustration, the employee is finally able to sell his shares a year later when, as has been the case many times over during the recent years, the unpredictability of the market forces the stock price down to $40 per share. The employee gains $30 per share for a total gain of $30,000. The employee, however, already paid taxes on a $90,000 gain. The tax liability on a $30,000 gain is just over $9,000-- approximately $16,000 less than what was paid in the year the ISOs were exercised. Due to the complicated nature of the AMT tax system, it could take the employee up to 11 years to recover that additional money paid to IRS on a liability that he did not really owe. That is money that our economy badly needs to be reinvested. My bill will rectify this injustice in our tax system by amending the Internal Revenue Code to allow an immediate refundable credit in the tax year a taxpayer sells his or her shares, when that sale is made at a fair market value which is less than the fair market value used to determine the tax in the year the ISO was exercised. This refundable credit will merely be a return of money that the individual taxpayer paid into the general revenue but which he or she did not actually owe. I ask all Members to join me in this effort to rectify this unbearable and unjustified tax burden from many middle-income families.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Matthew J. Burns, the ``2004 Delaware Valley Engineer of the Year,'' and commend him on his tremendous achievements in the field of engineering. Matthew Burns is the President of Burns Engineering Inc. and a resident of Exton, Pennsylvania. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth and has over 20 years of professional experience in the Philadelphia area. Matt oversees the activities at Burns Engineering, a Philadelphia- based engineering design and construction management firm which was founded by his father, Robert C. Burns. Under Matt's guidance, the company has expanded to five offices in the mid-Atlantic region. Burns Engineering was recognized as the ``Service Company of the Year'' by the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce in 2002. In addition, the company has been named as one of Philadelphia's ``100 Fastest Growing Companies'' for the past three years. Matt's service to his profession and community is extensive. His professional service includes the following leadership roles: President of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Pennsylvania (ACEC/ PA), President of the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers (PSPE) and Delaware Valley Engineers Week Council (DVEWC), and Chairman of the Engineering Achievement Awards. He is also an active member in several other technical and professional societies. In his community, he is involved in the Saint Phillip and James Church, serves as a volunteer leader with the Boy Scouts, and is a chief for the YMCA's Indian Guides/Princess program. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Matthew J. Burns for all the work he has done in the field of engineering and as an active member and leader in our community.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dentists in my district, as well as those throughout the nation, who will be participating this week in the ``Give Kids a Smile!'' program. On Friday, February 6, 2004, the nation's dentists are providing free oral health care services to thousands of low-income children across the country. The ADA's second annual ``Give Kids a Smile!'' national children's dental access day, during National Children's Dental Health Month, will enhance the oral health of large numbers of needy children. The ``Give Kids a Smile!'' initiative is designed to nationally promote the numerous charitable education, screening, prevention and comprehensive treatment programs already in existence by having many of them coordinated and occurring on the same day. At the same time, the campaign has provided a framework for identifying, cataloging and recognizing the many access programs that take place throughout the year. In Chester County, Pennsylvania over 30 local dentists will be doing their part to provide a wide range of dental services for underserved children. These dentists and their staff members will be volunteering their time in the dental clinic at the Community Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM) facility in West Chester. They will be providing much-needed free dental care to between 75 and 100 uninsured or underinsured children in the County. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the dentists in Chester County, as well as those throughout our country, who are volunteering their time and services so nobly on Friday to provide dental care to thousands of uninsured and underinsured children.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize Karen L. Martynick for her twelve years of service as Commissioner on the Chester County Board of Commissioners. Karen Martynick has been a Chester County Commissioner since 1992 and has served as Chairman of the Board for five years. As Commissioner, Ms. Martynick oversees a budget of $450 million and a workforce of 2500 employees and is responsible for administering and funding a wide array of departments, programs and services. Under Commissioner Martynick's leadership, Chester County implemented a new comprehensive land development plan called ``Landscapes'' which has received numerous awards and been cited as a model for other counties around the Commonwealth and the country. Her land use work resulted in her selection by Governor Ridge to participate on his Sound Land Use Advisory Committee. Ms. Martynick was also selected by her colleagues to chair the Sustainable Communities Task Force, a special initiative of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania. In addition, she also serves on the Board of Directors of the Association and has chaired the Legislative and Community and Economic Development Committees. In 1999, Commissioner Martynick was elected to the Board of Directors of the National Association of Counties. During her tenure, she has been named to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's ``Honor Roll of Women'' and in 1998 was selected by her colleagues throughout the state as the Outstanding County Commissioner of the Year. In addition to her duties as County Commissioner, Karen Martynick has served for ten years as a member of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). As a SEPTA Board Member, Commissioner Martynick has been an advocate for increased public transit in the suburbs and pushed for improved service to Chester County. She has served on the Operations Committee and the Budget and Planning Committee of SEPTA and currently chairs the Administration Committee. In 2001, Ms. Martynick was named by Administrator Christie Todd Whitman as one of 15 local officials from around the country to serve on the EPA's Local Government Advisory Committee. Karen Martynick has been active in her community for many years. She has served on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Chester County, the People's Light and Theatre Company and as President of the Friends of Historic Goshenville, where she was instrumental in raising money to preserve two historic buildings. She was active for many years with the Boy Scouts of America, most recently serving as a Merit Badge Counselor and as a member of the District Executive Search Committee. She also served on the Capital Campaign Committee for the Goshen Fire Company, the Women of Achievement Dinner Committee for the March of Dimes and has taught Sunday school at her church. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues join me today in recognizing and honoring Karen L. Martynick for the hard work and civic dedication she has demonstrated over the years in making Chester County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania a better place to live.