Jim Gerlach

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Chairman, I rise to engage the gentleman from Iowa, Chairman Latham, in a colloquy.

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Fleetwood Volunteer Fire Company #1 of Berks County, Pennsylvania on its 100th anniversary of exemplary service to the Borough of Fleetwood by setting the gold standard for personnel training, emergency services, and community involvement. This is a great milestone and a considerable accomplishment and I take great pleasure in being able to honor the men and women of the Company for their dedication and outstanding service. For 100 years, the men and women of the Fleetwood Volunteer Fire Company have proudly and capably served and protected the thousands of citizens of the Borough of Fleetwood and Berks County. The nearly 70 active members of the Company bear the responsibility for firefighting, rescue and EMS services for the Borough of Fleetwood and surrounding areas These courageous volunteers have received extensive training in fire suppression, automobile extrication, general rescue, first aid, hazardous materials, aerial operations, and fire police duties. In addition to training and serving the community during emergencies, Fleetwood Volunteer Fire Company is also extremely active in various community events, including funding high school graduation scholarships, providing fire prevention programs at local schools, assisting in traffic control during special events, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE), and the Prom Night Out program. Mr. Speaker, in light of its 100 years of outstanding service to the greater Fleetwood area, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Fleetwood Volunteer Fire Company #1 for its invaluable contributions to the quality of life and safety of the citizens of Berks County, Pennsylvania.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the members of the Downingtown East High School Academic Team of Chester County, Pennsylvania on winning the Pennsylvania state academic competition on Friday, May 2, 2014. This year marked the first time a Downingtown high school academic team has made it to the state competition since 2003 when the senior high school was split into two schools, Downingtown East and Downingtown West High Schools. Downingtown East advanced to the state competition following a thrilling first place victory in the Chester County Academic Competition. With this state championship win, the Team is now eligible to participate in the National Scholastic Championship held in Washington, D.C. on May 24th and 25th. The Downingtown East High School Varsity Team includes: Neel Alex, Angela Cai, Varun Giridhar, Vis Lanka, Victoria Pan, Sarah Schieferstein, Neil Vinjamuri, Zack Weber and Nicholas Wu. The Junior Varsity team consists of: Erin Breslin, Nellie Butler, Megan Harley, Kaushik Manchikanti and Matt Roberts. The Teams are ably led by coach Daryl McCauley. Mr. Speaker, in light of their outstanding accomplishment and commitment to academic excellence, we ask that our colleagues join me today in recognizing the members of the Downingtown East High School Academic Team of Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleagues, Representative Lou Barletta (PA-11) and Representative Bill Shuster (PA-9), to congratulate the players and coaches of the Dickinson College Red Devils Men's Basketball Team of Carlisle, Pennsylvania on their incredible season which was capped by their advancement to the ``Elite Eight'' in the 2014 NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament. The Dickinson Red Devils won a program-best 24 games, including establishing a record of 15 wins in Centennial Conference play. The Red Devils scored a school record 2,335 points during the season and broke the single game record for three-point shots (17) in their win over nationally ranked Guilford College on December 28, 2013. The Red Devils' 2013-2014 roster includes: Brandon Angradi, Jonah Brooks, CJ Burke, Steve Collins, Chris Cox, Zacc Dwan, Brian Erhhart, Brian Gerney, Ted Hinnenkamp, Adam Honig, Matt Jackson, Tucker Landy, Brian Lissak, Tom McInerney, Robert Picka, Gerry Wixted, and Pete Yingst. The Red Devils are ably led by Head Coach Alan Seretti, Assistant Coach Ethan Stewart-Smith, Student Assistant Adam Spinella and Scorekeeper Madeline Kern, with dedicated administrative support by College Athletic Director Dr. Les Poolman. Additionally, as a result of their terrific performances, both senior guard Adam Honig and junior forward Gerry Wixted achieved individual honors by being named to the D3hoops.com All-Mid-Atlantic Region Team. Head Coach Alan Seretti likewise was named Mid-Atlantic Region Coach of the Year. Mr. Speaker, in light of their outstanding accomplishments and history-making season, we ask that our colleagues join me today in recognizing the players and coaches of the Dickinson College Red Devils Men's Basketball Team of Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate East Bradford Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania on receiving the Growing Greener Communities Award bestowed by Natural Lands Trust and the Chester County Association of Township Officials. East Bradford Township's 30-year-old Open Space Initiative, designed to protect natural areas and connect them through a trail network, has resulted in 6,000 acres of permanently protected land, 16 parks, and 26 miles of trails. In 2013 alone, the Township secured county funding for conservation easement on more than 80 acres of Township land, spearheaded a volunteer effort to plant 750 trees, commissioned stewardship plans for three of its sixteen parks, constructed more than two miles of trails, and organized the second annual Trail Blazer Race, the proceeds of which will be used to fund trail construction and maintenance. Mr. Speaker, in light of the community's long-standing commitment to conservation and land preservation, and on the occasion of being honored with the Growing Greener Communities Award, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing the outstanding efforts of East Bradford Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. I thank the chairman. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of this legislation that strives to restore the coequal balance of power between the legislative and executive branches and would establish a procedure for making sure all Presidents are accountable for meeting their constitutional obligation to faithfully execute all duly-enacted laws. Chairman Goodlatte, Congressman Gowdy, and members of the Judiciary Committee have done an outstanding job highlighting the need for such legislation and explaining to the American people why it is important to ensure the legislative and executive branches are functioning as intended by the framers. The bill before us today represents a collaborative effort to craft an effective legislative response to a series of unilateral actions by the President that he has taken in the last few years to selectively apply, enforce, and ignore duly-enacted laws. The Affordable Care Act--or ObamaCare--a law written and enacted exclusively by the President and Members of his party, has been delayed, amended, and effectively rewritten about two dozen times in the past year. The law hasn't changed by coming to Congress and working with us on reasonable changes or following the legislative process we were taught in high school civics. No, the law was modified because the President and his administration simply declared it to be changed, in most cases, on late Friday afternoons or right before a major holiday like Thanksgiving. Today's vote is not about rehashing the debate over ObamaCare. The President has also unilaterally acted to suspend enforcement of immigration laws, stop the prosecution of nonviolent drug offenses, and nullify sections of Federal laws and education. It is as if the President thinks our laws are written in pencil and it is his job to take a giant eraser to the parts he doesn't agree with and then scribble in some new words that fit his agenda; or as George Washington University Law Professor Jonathan Turley noted during his testimony recently: President Obama's become the very danger the Constitution was designed to avoid, the concentration of power in any one of the branches. If a President can unilaterally change the meaning of laws in substantial ways or refuse to enforce them, it takes offline that very thing that stabilizes our system. After that hearing, I was able to introduce legislation to create a fast-track independent judicial review process that would settle disputes over whether a president has exceeded his constitutional authority and whether he has met his duty to faithfully execute the law. The legislation today before us accomplishes those same goals. It represents a commonsense procedural reform that establishes a practical, effective solution to resolve serious questions of Executive overreach. Our system of checks and balances was designed to prevent a President--or any other branch of the Federal Government--from being able to unilaterally declare a law by whatever that individual says it is at that point in time after the law was enacted. No doubt Madison, Jefferson, and other Framers understood that allowing a concentration of power in one branch was a recipe for chaos and instability; so if Congress does not act and fails to hold a President accountable for executing the laws as written, how can we expect citizens to have any respect for the laws passed by this Chamber? Therefore, I urge my colleagues to support this bill to restore and preserve the delicate constitutional balance among the three branches of our Federal system and to take an important step in restoring the confidence of the public in our system of governance.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Molly K. Morrison on the occasion of being honored with the Eighth Annual Rebecca Lukens Award by The Greystone Society of Coatesville, Chester County, Pennsylvania. As an outstanding candidate for this recognition, Molly was chosen for this honor for the same love of community she has as the award's namesake, Rebecca Lukens. A Chester County native, Molly Morrison learned to appreciate the importance of land preservation by spending time on her grandparents' farm in northern Chester County, a place where her German immigrant ancestors had been farming since the early 1700s. After pursuing an English degree at Ursinus College and Masters in Communications at Syracuse University, Molly worked at the Brandywine Valley Association and then for Chester County, where she served in a variety of positions over a 21-year period, most recently as Director of Policy and Planning. In that role, she oversaw the development and implementation of the County's nationally recognized open space program, as well as the policy development of and program implementation for planning, parks, water resources, and community development. As President of Natural Lands Trust, she has been instrumental in creating conservation strategies for complex land transactions, including the acquisition of the 1,263-acre ChesLen Preserve in Newlin Township. In addition to providing strategic leadership and fundraising for a staff of 60, Molly oversees a network of 42 nature preserves and 361 conservation easements, totaling more than 44,000 acres. Molly has also served on a variety of boards, including the YMCA of Greater West Chester, the Chester County Art Association, and the Chester County United Way, among others. Mr. Speaker, in light of her years of immeasurable contributions to the community and litany of outstanding accomplishments, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Molly K. Morrison on the occasion of her being honored with The Greystone Society's Rebecca Lukens Award.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, on February 25, 2014, I missed two recorded votes on the House floor. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 63 and ``yea'' on rollcall 64.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. I thank the gentleman from New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today because, every now and then, we are reminded that there are still people around the world fighting fiercely to secure the same individual liberties and foster the very same democratic traditions that Americans have been blessed with for nearly 238 years. During the past 3 months, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian citizens have taken to the streets of Kyiv and other cities in peaceful protest of a government that has ignored the will of the people and steered the country away from closer ties to democratic allies and supporters. The initial response from Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych was brutal. Government forces attacked protesters, resulting in at least five reported deaths. Furthermore, President Yanukovych enacted harsh new laws aimed at snuffing out dissent by making it a crime to peacefully protest against the government. Thanks to the vigilance of my colleagues in the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus and the leadership of Congressman Engel, Chairman Royce, and Subcommittee Ranking Member Keating, the actions of President Yanukovych have not gone unnoticed here in the United States Congress. Many of us have individually condemned the use of violent, repressive tactics against the protesters. Those of us in the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus have tried to convey to those fighting for democracy in Ukraine that their efforts are not in vain, and that totalitarianism must not be allowed to rise again in any fashion. Today, all of us in the House have a chance to stand united with our friends in Ukraine who desire greater economic opportunity and individual liberty. So I urge my colleagues to pass this resolution to let the world know the United States will not stand by and allow repression, violence, and political intimidation to prevail in Ukraine. Let's adopt this resolution for all those in Ukraine who wish for a government that is transparent, honors the fundamental human rights of its citizens, and respects the dignity of all Ukrainians, regardless of political affiliation. I thank the gentleman from California for introducing this resolution. I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for recognizing me.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, on February 3, 2014, I missed two recorded votes on the House floor. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 32 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 33.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, on January 13, 2014, I missed two recorded votes on the House floor. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 12 and ``yea'' on rollcall 13.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, on December 5, 2013, my vote on the House floor was not properly registered. Had my vote registered, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 625.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Rotary Club of Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania, on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. The Rotary Club of Reading was chartered on December 1, 1913 and was the 88th Rotary Club of over 30,000 now to be chartered. Throughout its proud 100 year history, the Reading Rotarians have committed themselves to making a difference in the community by providing meaningful service to those in need. Among the many projects the members of the Rotary Club of Reading have undertaken and completed include: establishing Rotary Park for the enjoyment of the citizens of Reading and Berks County; performing roadside cleanups; and awarding scholarships to Reading High School students. The distinguished volunteer service by the members of the Rotary Club of Reading over the last 100 years has served to significantly improve the quality of life in the Greater Reading community. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of its 100th anniversary, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing the Rotary Club of Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate East Pikeland Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania on the occasion of its 175th anniversary. In 1705, William Penn granted 10,000 acres of Pennsylvania land to his friend and fellow Quaker, Joseph Pike of Kilcreagh farm, County Cork, Ireland. ``Pike's Land'' was the first name given to this acreage. By the end of the 18th century, the character of various portions of Pike's Land had become divergent from each other and so a division into the Townships of East Pikeland and West Pikeland was agreed upon to reflect these differences. East Pikeland Township's rich history includes playing a key role in the Revolutionary War. During the ``Philadelphia Campaign", East Pikeland's farms, mills and cottage industries were important sources of food and supplies for the Continental Army. The Continental Powder Mill at Rapps Dam on French Creek proved a key element in munitions supply as well. Today, East Pikeland Township and its citizens continue to make invaluable contributions to the quality of the economic and social life of Chester County while, at the same time, preserving the rich and storied heritage of their past. Mr. Speaker, in honor of its 175th anniversary, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing East Pikeland Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, and its long and storied history.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate The Clinic of Phoenixville, Chester County, Pennsylvania on reaching the incredible milestone of having provided medical care amounting to over 100,000 visits. Founded in 2001, The Clinic began as the dream of Dr. Lorna B. Stuart and the Reverend Marie Z. Swayze to create a medical center that would provide comprehensive health care to the uninsured. Operating with a donation of $200,000 from an anonymous donor, The Clinic collaborated with St. Peter's Episcopal Church to establish a home for The Clinic in the former Rectory of the Church. Additional money was raised to furnish and complete the medical facility and St. Peter's generously allowed the Rectory to be leased for one dollar a year for The Clinic's first ten years of operation. The daily work and caring dedication of the 11 professional staff members and over 115 volunteers have allowed The Clinic to serve the medical needs of so many individuals throughout its history. Mr. Speaker, in honor of having provided medical care amounting to over 100,000 visits, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing The Clinic of Phoenixville, Chester County, Pennsylvania, and its continuing mission to provide comprehensive medical services to the uninsured of Phoenixville and the surrounding communities.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, on October 14, 2013, I missed three recorded votes on the House floor. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 547, ``yea'' on rollcall 548, and ``nay'' on rollcall 549.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Phoenixville, Chester County, Pennsylvania, on the occasion of its 175th anniversary. St. Peter's Episcopal Church, boasting a rich history stretching back to February of 1838, is part of the Phoenixville Historic District and is particularly famous for its 19th Century Gothic Revival architecture. St. Peter's is also well-known for providing a home for The Clinic, a free-service medical facility for the uninsured located in the former rectory next to the Church. The St. Peter's Food Pantry, sponsored by Church volunteers, feeds more than 80 people every other week from its Prospect Street entrance. These are just two programs sponsored by St. Peter's that have had an enduring, positive impact on the Phoenixville community. Since the day the Church doors opened 175 years ago, St. Peter's has always been a place that the Phoenixville community could look to for support and assistance in times of need. Mr. Speaker, in honor of its 175th anniversary, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Phoenixville, Chester County, Pennsylvania, and its long and storied heritage of worship, fellowship, and community service.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, on September 17, 2013, I missed three recorded votes on the House floor. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on Rollcall 460, ``yea'' on Rollcall 461, and ``yea'' on Rollcall 462.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sydney Madison Binnington, a true goodwill ambassador who concludes her two-year term as the International Sweetheart of the Sigma Chi Fraternity on June 29th upon the conclusion of the Sigma Chi Fraternity's 79th Grand Chapter here in Washington, DC. Since 1946, the International Sweetheart of the Sigma Chi Fraternity has been a role model to the Fraternity's undergraduate and alumni members and a liaison to non-members throughout the world. In 2011, Sydney was selected from hundreds of nominees to receive this honor-- and since that time, she has dedicated herself to her role as a leader and ambassador of the Fraternity--having traveled thousands of miles from her hometown of Toronto, Ontario to visit more than thirty undergraduate chapters, attend numerous international alumni events, and raise awareness for the Fraternity and its designated charity, the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. A 2012 graduate of the University of Western Ontario, Sydney was a campus leader during her time there, excelling in academics as a student in the University's Baccalaureate Honors Program and serving her campus community as a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority, a bible study leader, a literacy advocate, and a fundraising volunteer for the Huntsman Cancer Institute. For the past two years, Sydney has dedicated herself to the Fraternity's core values of ``Friendship, Justice and Learning'' and fulfilled her duties with strong character and personality, poise, and grace. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and fellow Sigma Chi brothers serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Sydney Madison Binnington for her tireless and dedicated service to the Sigma Chi Fraternity and wishing her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 475 is a great bipartisan, bicameral bill that will help protect our Nation's children and seniors from flu. I want to thank my friend from Massachusetts (Mr. Neal) for his cooperation and work on this legislation. I also would like to thank Dave Olander and the Ways and Means staff, Anne Dutton, my chief of staff, and especially Lori Prater, my Ways and Means counsel for their great work on this legislation. I also thank Senator Hatch and Senator Baucus on the Senate side for their work in moving this legislation in that Chamber. With the 2013 flu season on the horizon, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 475 to ensure that the public has access to the newest four-strain flu vaccine. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise to urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation that my colleague from Massachusetts (Mr. Neal) and I believe will help make the upcoming flu season less miserable for millions of Americans and avoid expensive hospital stays for those suffering with the flu. Last December, in the midst of a flu season in which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 12,000 people hospitalized with flu complications and 149 deaths among children under the age of 18, the Food and Drug Administration approved a new vaccine developed to fight the four-strain flu virus. But despite this development, it is imperative that we pass this legislation if we want to guarantee the most up-to-date four-strain flu vaccine is available to patients who need it. That's because under the current law, the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program--a no-fault system for compensating injuries or death caused by vaccines--covers flu vaccines that only protect against three viral strains. This bill would add vaccines that protect against four viral strains to the program and ensure that the most up-to-date and effective flu vaccines are available in time for the start of the flu season this fall. Without the liability protections of the compensation program, civil litigation from the use of this vaccine could explode and disincentivize vaccine producers from making this new medicine available. The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program was created in 1986 because at the time fears of frivolous lawsuits that could wipe out businesses and bankrupt health care providers were causing vaccine manufacturers to leave the market, thereby leaving the general public without access to the best medicines available. So getting this new vaccine on the program list is essential. One other note: it's important to understand that this bill is not, as some media have inaccurately reported, a ``flu tax.'' This legislation does not create any new taxes. The bill before us does not raise tax rates. And there's absolutely no evidence that flu shots will cost one penny more if this bipartisan bill becomes law. In fact, the nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation analyzed the legislation and concluded there would be no new taxes or windfall to the Federal Government. That's because under the current law, 75 cents goes into the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program every time someone gets a flu shot or any number of other vaccines used to protect the public against all kinds of diseases. The truth is that every one of the estimated 135 million Americans who received a flu shot during this past flu season paid 75 cents into the fund, and that 75 cents charged today would also apply to this new vaccine. If you think 75 cents is an exorbitant amount to pay, consider that in my home State of Pennsylvania the average cost of a hospital stay ranges from $649 per day to $1,921 per day, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Without this legislation, taxpayers would be picking up the tab for flu-related hospitalizations for seniors and others enrolled in Medicaid and Medicare. The only way the Federal Government will collect more money next flu season is if a greater number of people voluntarily get flu shots. And most medical professionals will tell you getting a flu shot improves public health and lowers the risk of racking up expensive medical bills, especially for children and seniors. Vanderbilt University Medical Center, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, found that flu vaccine reduced the risk of flu-related hospitalization by 71.4 percent among adults of all ages and by 76.8 percent in study participants 50 years of age or older during the 2011-2012 flu season. In closing, I would ask my colleagues to support this legislation so that our doctors and hospitals can offer the public the very best and latest protection against constantly evolving strains of the flu virus this fall. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GERLACH. I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the subject of the bill under consideration.

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 475) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to include vaccines against seasonal influenza within the definition of taxable vaccines.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Charlestown Historical Society on the occasion of its 40th anniversary. The Charlestown Historical Society was founded in 1973 at the home of Ms. Betty Stonorov to discover and maintain the rich historical heritage of Charlestown Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania. The Society currently boasts over 160 members and is led by President John W. Pittock, who has served in that capacity since 2007. The Society meets at the historic Wisner-Rapp House, which was built in 1835 by Revolutionary War soldier Jacob Wisner. The Charlestown Historical Society has supported the preservation, repair and stabilization of the Woolen Mill, which was established in 1725 and acquired by the Township in 2002. In 2011, the Society published a book entitled ``Historical Sketches of Charlestown'' which highlighted the historical roots of the Township. This book contains the original manuscript written in 1943 by resident Harman D. Rees and includes additional sketches and art by Charlestown Historical Society members and Township residents. Mr. Speaker, in honor of its 40th anniversary, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing the Charlestown Historical Society, Chester County, Pennsylvania, for its contributions to exploring and maintaining the rich historical heritage of Charlestown Township.