Tim Holden

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of myself and my colleague, Representative Charlie Dent, to honor the 250th anniversary of the Borough of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, and to recognize the many contributions its residents have made to our great Commonwealth. The Borough of Hummelstown was originally founded as Frederickstown by Frederick and Rosina Hummel, who in 1762 purchased a plot of land in beautiful Dauphin County to call home. The Hummels divided the tract into numerous building lots and sold each to German settlers looking to start new lives in the region. Originally serviced by the Berks-Dauphin Turnpike, commerce through the borough was greatly enhanced by the opening of the Union Canal in 1827, which connected the Susquehanna River to the Schuylkill River outside Philadelphia. The Lebanon Valley Railroad later made the community even more attractive to businesses when it arrived in 1858. Hummelstown was soon booming with jobs in stone cutting and shipyard work. With the borough growing and the nation expanding, the Hummelstown Brownstone Company (HBC) quickly became the leading employer of local residents from the late 19th Century to the early 20th Century. HBC owned and operated several quarries that produced Hummelstown brownstone, which at the time was one of the most popular building materials in the United States. Today, Hummelstown is the very picture of the quaint American suburb. With a lively downtown area and genuine small town atmosphere, Hummelstown is home to many Pennsylvanians who commute to jobs in nearby Harrisburg and Hershey. To celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding, Hummelstown's various civic groups, businesses, churches, and other organizations have worked together to organize a busy week of events. These festivities included a parade, community breakfast and picnic, fireworks display, movie night, and family friendly events for children. Heritage Day, walking tours, and other activities showcased the rich history of Frederick Hummel's town and illustrated its bright future as an ideal location for families and businesses. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand alongside my friend, Representative Charlie Dent, to honor Hummelstown on the occasion of its 250th anniversary. I would also like to congratulate the borough's residents on a highly successful anniversary celebration.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great appreciation that I rise today to remember and honor the congressional career of my good friend, Jerry Costello. Jerry and I have served together for the last twenty years. Not only do I consider Jerry a dear friend, but he is also a mentor. He was there to provide sound advice and tutelage when I joined the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the 105th Congress. He is widely seen as a leader in Congress on transportation issues. Jerry and I also worked closely together on matters concerning the people of Ireland. Jerry never forgot his ancestral roots in trying to better the lives for the Irish. It wasn't only in matters before Congress that Jerry provided guidance, but also in life. I had the great fortune of sharing the same travel agent as Jerry which has enriched my life greatly. Jerry, you will be greatly missed in this body and Congress will greatly miss you. I wish you all the best in your next endeavors and know you will bring your pragmatic approach to the task at hand. Mr. Speaker and fellow colleagues, please join me in celebrating my dear friend, Jerry Costello.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the gentleman from West Virginia's motion to instruct conferees to resolve the coal ash provision in the highway bill. There are more co-generation plants in my congressional district than any congressional district in the country. For more than 100 years, coal refuse piles created eyesores throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. These culm banks are now baseball fields and shopping centers. Coal ash is not hazardous. EPA determined that fact in regulatory determinations in 1993 and in 2000. The fact that EPA continues to leave a hazardous waste designation for coal ash on the table--even though these three decades of science and facts point the other way--is directly contributing to the loss of current and future recycling. This designation would harm companies in the still emerging coal combustion byproduct markets that make everyday products like concrete, shingles, and wall board. It will also hinder State departments of transportation that use CCB in job-creating highway and infrastructure projects and overwhelm State budgets and employee resources by more than doubling the volume of waste subject to hazardous waste controls, and translate into increased energy rates for millions of American consumers. As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I see no better way to create jobs than to pass the highway bill. During the last highway bill, Pennsylvania received over $10 billion, which created over 400,000 jobs. The coal ash provision in the highway bill only strengthens job creation. Simply put, highway spending strengthens the fabric of our Nation's infrastructure while creating jobs for millions of Americans. I urge passage of the gentleman's motion to instruct.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of repealing IPAB. However, I speak in opposition to tying this repeal to H.R. 5. This is another act of political theater and disingenuous at best. IPAB relinquishes congressional responsibility to care for our seniors. Passing these decisions off, whether it is to insurance companies or an unelected commission, undermines Congress' ability to represent the needs of our seniors and make decisions on health care policy for Medicare beneficiaries. We must preserve access to quality Medicare while containing costs and replacing the flawed payment system. Simply cutting reimbursements is not the answer. If we truly want to rein in the cost of Medicare and repeal IPAB, we should do it as a stand-alone bill. The Senate has no intention of bringing H.R. 5 up for a vote. Why then are we wasting our time on legislation that has no chance of becoming law? Americans want their elected leaders working together to find solutions to the problems facing our country, not to be active participants in political theater. I urge my colleagues to have an open and honest debate on Medicare reform by bringing an independent IPAB repeal bill to the floor.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to remember and honor the life of my good friend, Frederick J. Giorgi. Fred died on February 18, 2012, of natural causes at St. Joseph Medical Center in Reading, Pennsylvania. Frederick Giorgi was born on December 3, 1930. He was the son of the late Pietro and Elvira Giorgi, natives of Ascoli Piceno, Italy. Fred was a proud 1948 graduate of Reading Central Catholic High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1952 from Villanova University where he majored in Pre-Law/Accounting. He later received a Juris Doctor degree from Dickinson School of Law in 1955. After earning his law degree, Fred served two years in the U.S. Navy before becoming a founding partner in the law firm of Austin, Boland, Connor, & Giorgi in Reading. During this time he worked part-time at the family business, Giorgio Foods Inc., and its related companies. In 1975, he left public practice to fully dedicate his time to the family business. Until his passing, Fred was the chairman of F&P Holding Company with subsidiaries Giorgio Foods, Inc., Giorgi Mushroom, Co., Can Corporation of America, Maidencreek Plaza Co., and other companies in the U.S.A. and Can Pack S.A., with operations in Poland, the United Kingdom, Russia, Ukraine, India, UAE, Spain, France, Morocco, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Turkey, and Brazil. Fred's many personal and professional accomplishments were recognized with a number of awards, including a Career Achievement Award from Dickinson School of Law, an Award of Merit from Penn State University Department of Mushroom Science, and a 2005 Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit by the President of the Republic of Poland for outstanding contribution to the development of the Polish economy. In 2008, he was presented with a 50-year Membership Award by the Berks County Bar Association. Fred's wisdom and energy instilled in his employees the desire and will to achieve well beyond expectations. He regarded his employees so highly that he never missed an opportunity to let them know they were his stars and rewarded them with company trips all around the world. The charitable contributions Fred so quietly contributed to his local community, the international community, and his beloved church are too numerous to mention. Fred will be greatly missed by his family, colleagues, friends, and all of the lives that he touched with his loyalty, compassion, generosity and humor. Mr. Speaker and fellow colleagues, please join me in remembering my dear friend, Fred Giorgi.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a real American hero, United States Marine Mark Fidler, who hails from my congressional district in Berks County, Pennsylvania. On October 3, 2011, while on foot patrol in Afghanistan, an IED exploded next to Lance Corporal Fidler, nearly killing him. He lost both legs above the knee and suffered extensive internal injuries. He survived, largely due to his brothers in arms and a British air unit that got him to the Bastion mash unit in record time. His parents, Stacy and Kermit Fidler, have put their lives on hold to be by his side night and day. Families are the quiet heroes who make such a huge difference in the recoveries of our soldiers. I ask that this poem, written by Albert Caswell in honor of those loving parents, be placed in the Congressional Record. Written on Your Soul All that we so have . . . All that we so hold . . . All that we so are . . . Of which so means the most . . . Is but so written, all on our souls . . . As is yours Mark, something special to behold! But, so lies something far much more precious than mere gold . . . As is so etched upon your heart be told . . . As lies something far much more greater than you could ever know . . . Setting you apart from all the rest, all in what your fine heart so holds . . . 'Oh, but To Be One of America's Finest . . . but, Her Very Best! A Uh . . . Raaaa Jar Head . . . As a United States Marine, no less . . . As is so written upon your soul, as was etched . . . To go off to war, to our nation's freedom's to insure . . . And to so face death no less! How can one ask for more? As our nation Mark, you and your family have so blessed! Than, to lose half of you . . . your best . . . And yet somehow you would so cheat death . . . No, you are not half the man you used to be, for you sum has grown far much greater . . . see! As when courage comes to crest, to so teach us all the more! To so reach deep down inside your heart of courage . . . Amor! As my son Mark, our world you have so blessed! As you've come back from such heartache, and such sure death! Is that not what heaven is so for? As somehow, your fine soul will not give up or in . . . All in its most courageous quest, as we so see where its take you, from where you have been! To but rebuild again, when This Pride of Pennsylvania . . . Had almost nothing left . . . As Mark, you bring The Angels up in heaven to tears at your behest! And all in our Lord's heart Mark, you are now so caressed! And if ever I have a son, I wish he could be like you this one . . . All because of what is now so etched upon your soul! As your great faith and courage and strength, is but something to behold! As now so etched! For Heaven so awaits all of those who give their very best! Who so freely are so ready to give up their fine lives, all in freedom's quest! Who all upon their souls such magnificence is so etched! So etched with such Strength In Honor, and Faith so no less . . . All in your shades of green, Mark you are one hell of a United States Marine! Who our nation has so blessed! Yes, arms and legs we all need . . . But we can get by . . . But, without a heart and soul like yours Mark, we will surely die . . . And Mark its up In Heaven, where you need not even eyes . . . And that's where your going one day Mark, when you rise! With but tears in your eyes . . . And in the coming years, it all seems so very clear . . . That, you have so much more to etch . . . All with you fine heart as left! Moments, are all that we so have! Minutes, only to hearts so grab! To this our world to so bless! As all written upon our souls as etched! What, have we so written . . . As we grow old? What, have we done that which is so worthy to behold? What, have we so given . . . That which is far much more precious than mere gold? That now so lies, all etched upon our souls! As have you Mark, so bestowed! UH . . . RRRRAH, Jar Head . . . All in what your fine life has said, and so continues to so grow! All so written, so on your soul!

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to enter sworn testimony into the record from Brian Aho, whose family was among the thousands who experienced the panic and confusion during the evacuation of the Costa Concordia class cruise ship on January 13, 2012. Mr. Aho and his family have taken multiple cruise vacations and are familiar with many of the safety procedures that are necessary aboard these large ships. Mr. Aho details the failure of safety measures aboard the Costa Concordia, the lack of guidance from the ship's crew, and the absence of accountability demonstrated by the ship's captain. This testimony will hopefully lead to new rules and safety guidelines that can help prevent future catastrophes. Dear Mr. Chairman and Members of the Subcommittee: Thank you for inviting me to testify today. My name is Brian Aho. My wife, Joan Fleser, my daughter, Alana, and I set sail from the Port of Rome (Civitavecchia) on January 13, 2012, aboard the Concordia cruise liner operated by Costa Crociere and its parent company, Carnival Corporation. Though we have been on many cruise vacations with several cruise lines, this was our first European cruise and our first time sailing with Costa. We chose this particular ship and itinerary for our 20th anniversary cruise because of the opportunity to visit many ports in several countries. As experienced cruise passengers, we have fallen into a particular embarkation pattern. Once aboard we locate our stateroom, unpack our luggage (if available) and take a walking tour of the ship. We investigate the theater, the pools, the dining-room to which we have been assigned and the safety features. We made note that our stateroom was on Deck #2 forward, our dining room was on Deck #3 aft, and lifeboat access was on Deck #4. After our investigation, we went back to our stateroom to prepare for a late-seating (9 p.m.) dinner. Once seated-- while our appetizers were being served--the ship began to shudder. The rhythmic vibration quickly became worse and, after a tremendous groan and crash, the ship began to list severely. People were falling, glasses and plates were sliding off the tables and smashing, and people were screaming. The panic got worse when the lights failed. My family formed a three-link chain and we worked our way through the fallen debris toward an outboard gangway leading up to Deck #4 and the lifeboats. The central (Main) entrance to the dining room was blocked with panicking passengers and crew. The only crew member offering guidance was a woman in a showgirl-style gown near the gangway who was showing the passengers the way to the lifeboats. Once on Deck #4, people were panicking and fighting over lifejackets. Once I found and delivered one to my wife, another woman damaged it while tearing it out of her arms. The announcements indicated that it was an electrical problem with the generators and everything was under control. Evidence indicates that some passengers were instructed by crew to return to their cabins. As these announcements were made, the ship was listing more and sinking deeper. Immediately after a similar announcement, we heard the abandon ship signal (six short signals and one long signal). Few people knew what it meant as there was no verbal abandon ship announcement. When a crewmember finally appeared, the panicking passengers pushed their way toward the boat. My wife had to grab my daughter and pull her into the boat as a cowardly man tried to push her out of the way. Once the boat was filled, the crewman had trouble readying and releasing the boat. After much hammering noise, the boat swung away from the Concordia. We were showered with white paint chips as if this boat had not been released since the gear had been painted over. After being lowered, the crew had difficulty disconnecting the boat from the davits. Once disconnected, it was clear that the crew did not know how to pilot the lifeboat effectively. It kept colliding with other boats and, eventually, the pier. There were NO Costa representatives--neither officers nor crew--on the pier to provide guidance to the passengers. The only help we received was from the residents of the island. As experienced cruise vacation passengers, we have recognized significant problems that, in our opinion, made a terrible situation even worse: There were no safety drills or instructions distributed to passengers before sailing out into the open Mediterranean Sea. The public address announcements provided false information. The manning and deployment of the lifeboats was delayed though the ship was in imminent danger. The crew was unable to instruct passengers during an emergency. The crew was unable to launch and operate the lifeboats effectively. According to reports, the captain and senior staff abandoned the ship with passengers still aboard the capsizing vessel. There was no one aboard to coordinate the evacuation. This accident was not caused solely by the actions of a single individual. It has been alleged that Costa and its parent corporation, Carnival, allowed Captain Schettino to divert from the assigned course on previous voyages. Clearly, this course deviation was not due to climatic or safety concerns. It is our opinion that--with today's technology-- central management of the cruise line must have been able to locate the position of--and track the progress of--a massive liner like the Concordia. Either they were aware of its deviation from the pre-determined course and sanctioned it, or they were ill-equipped to manage the operation of this and perhaps other vessels. The courts will determine who or what organization is to blame for the tragic loss of life in January of 2012 off the coast of Tuscany.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 3261.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. I thank my friend from Florida for yielding, and I rise in support of this bipartisan legislation. This committee has just concluded meetings at the International Civil Aviation Organization. Of that organization, that commission, there are 36 votes; 26 of the voting nations have in writing expressed their disapproval of what the Europeans are approving. The only 10 countries in approval are eight European countries and Australia and Canada. We believe that this clearly violates article 1 of the Chicago Convention of 1944. Article 1 states that all signature countries to this agreement shall have control over their own airspace. If the European Union wants to put this scheme into place in the European Union, they're welcome to do that. But they can't tell aircraft leaving O'Hare or Logan or Kennedy or Dulles that they're going to have to start paying taxes there. And the explanation from the European Union doesn't pass the laugh test. They say that the European Union member states are not responsible for a 1944 agreement because the European Union was not in existence in 1944. Their member States were in existence and they are signatories to the agreement and they are bound by it. If the European Union continues to move down this path, they know at ICAO that there are remedies. And they know that there are going to be remedies that are to be sought. So I urge this body to pass this legislation today, and I even more so urge the Europeans to put this aside, come back to the ICAO organization--a vision that FDR had in 1944 to control international aviation--and have a global solution to this problem that we face.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Berks County Deputy Sheriff Kyle Pagerly for his service and sacrifice to Pennsylvania and the United States. Deputy Kyle Pagerly was killed in the line of duty on June 29, 2011. Kyle was a 2001 graduate of Wilson High School in West Lawn, Berks County, PA. Following his graduation he served honorably as a U.S. Army Military Police Officer in Kosovo and Iraq. Upon returning home, Kyle pursued a career in law enforcement and graduated from the Reading Police Academy, Federal Prison Academy, and Philadelphia Canine Academy. Kyle proudly served as a Deputy in the K-9 Unit of the Berks County Sheriff's Department with his German Shepherd partner, Jynx. He loved to be outdoors, hiking, and enjoying nature. He was an active runner and loved to work out. He ran a marathon in 2010 and completed numerous triathlons. On June 29, 2011 Deputy Pagerly was part of a fugitive task force dispatched to serve a warrant in Albany Township. When task force members arrived, the suspect fled into the nearby woods. Deputy Pagerly and his partner Jynx pursued him when the suspect opened fire. Once Deputy Pagerly was hit, Jynx attempted to pull him to safety and alerted other officers of the shooter's presence. Deputy Pagerly was gravely wounded and airlifted to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. Had it not been for Deputy Pagerly and his partner's actions, it is very possible that more lives could have been lost. Deputy Kyle Pagerly died a hero. He dedicated his life to the protection of his fellow man. He gave life, even through his death, by donating his organs and tissues so that others can live. Kyle's death has not been forgotten by the community he loved and served. At Deputy Pagerly's memorial service, Berks County Sheriff Eric Weaknecht retired Kyle's call number and awarded his partner Jynx the Medal of Honor. Deputy Sheriff Kyle Pagerly was later awarded the same Medal of Honor posthumously. A memorial fund has been set up in Kyle's name, numerous benefits have been held in his honor, and thousands of people have joined Facebook pages dedicated to his life and memory. Kyle Pagerly is survived by his wife, Alecia Anne, as well as his parents, his siblings, and his first child, due in January. Mr. Speaker and fellow colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of a true American hero, Deputy Sheriff Kyle D. Pagerly.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. I thank my friend from West Virginia for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2018. The Clean Water Act created a partnership between the States and the Federal Government to keep our waterways healthy. However, the EPA has repeatedly tried to impose Federal standards on individual States. In Pennsylvania, the EPA imposed an unachievable one-size-fits-all standard for water quality that ignores the economic concerns of our farmers, energy producers, small businesses, and local governments. This could cost Pennsylvania thousands of jobs and threaten our energy production. This bill restores the balance between the States and the EPA as coregulators under the Clean Water Act. States and local governments are dependent upon Congress to remove regulatory roadblocks to economic growth and job creation in local communities while protecting our vast natural resources. This legislation is essential to providing much- needed certainty to support investment that will create jobs in American mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and related industries that have borne the brunt of EPA's regulatory overreach and interference with State Clean Water Act permits. Mr. Chairman, I urge adoption of the resolution.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep regret that I rise today to inform the House of the passing of our former colleague and my dear good friend, Frank Mascara. Frank passed away earlier this week and will be laid to rest tomorrow in his beloved Washington County in western Pennsylvania. Frank dedicated his life to public service, serving as county controller in Washington County, followed by 15 years as a county commissioner in Washington County. He then served with distinction in this body from 1995 to 2003, where he dedicated his career to working on transportation issues important not only to his district but to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and all across the country. Frank will truly be missed. We extend our thoughts and prayers to his wife, Dolores, and their children.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of House Joint Resolution 69.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. HOLDEN. Madam Chair, what my amendment will do is restore the $1 billion in cuts to mandatory conservation programs in the underlying bill. Almost half of the total cuts in this piece of legislation come from mandatory conservation programs. That's the largest cut in history. Madam Chair, specifically in this bill there are $210 million in cuts in the Conservation Steward Program; $350 million in cuts in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program; $50 million in cuts in Farmland Protection Program; 96,000 acres reduced in the Grassland Reserve Program; 64,200 acres reduced in the Wetland Reserve Program; and $35 million of reductions in Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program. Madam Chair, to make this budget-neutral as it is scored by the CBO, it is paid for with a 5.88 percent across-the-board cut in discretionary spending in the bill, including the $102 million already reduced in discretionary conservation programs in the bill. Madam Chair, this is shared sacrifice as opposed to not shared sacrifice in the overwhelming, significant reduction of $1 billion in mandatory discretionary programs. Madam Chair, in the farm bill we worked very hard in a bipartisan manner to get the investment in conservation that our producers need all across the country, and they need it now more than ever as they are under significant danger and peril from regulatory agencies, particularly the EPA. They need these conservation programs so they can stay in compliance and they can do the job that they do so well in producing our agriculture all across the country. This is a bipartisan bill. I am honored to be the ranking member on the Conservation Subcommittee and to be joined by the chairman of the subcommittee, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson). And I urge adoption of the amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HOLDEN. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Khojaly tragedy that occurred 19 years ago in Azerbaijan. Over the night from February 25th to February 26th, an unprecedented massacre was committed against the Azerbaijani people in the town of Khojaly. Azerbaijan has been a longtime ally and friend of the United States. On Christmas Day in 1991, President George H.W. Bush announced the recognition of Azerbaijan independence along with other former Soviet Republics. Azerbaijan has been involved in NATO's Partnership for Peace program and has participated in U.S.-led military missions in Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq. During this time of unrest in the Middle East, the peaceful alliance with Azerbaijan is more important than ever. Mr. Speaker, the tragedy of Khojaly was a grim and horrific event and I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering the people of Azerbaijan on this tragic anniversary.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Madam Speaker, on the evening of December 17, 2010, hundreds of friends and colleagues, as well as state and local officials in southwest Germany, will gather to honor one of the most unique business leaders that that I have had the privilege to encounter--Wolfgang Herzog. He serves as the director of utility services for the city of Kaiserslautern, Germany. He has emerged as a leader in German programs designed to further promote and enhance critical host-nation relations with the huge American military components in the region. Kaiserslautern, a city whose U.S. military and business profile is so pronounced that it is now called The American City in Germany, is the home to nearly 55,000 Americans, making it the largest U.S. military outpost overseas. The cooperation of the U.S. military with the leaders of the community is an essential component of overseas forces activities. It is the host-nation city that makes possible the logistical, social, cultural, and infrastructure that provide for workable and meaningful relations between our troops and the people of a foreign nation which surrounds them. Over the last two decades Mr. Herzog has escorted numerous city officials and associates to Washington. He has met with multiple Senators and Representatives to profile the extent of Kaiserslautern's commitment to its American neighbors. Mr. Herzog has also been welcomed at the Pentagon by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well as the Army and Air Force Chiefs of Staff. He has often worked with military staff in providing efficient energy services and protecting environmental standards. Mr. Herzog has received tributes from senior American military leaders in Kaiserslautern. General Roger Brady, Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe presented him with the Medal of Distinction. Army Major General Patricia McQuiston, Commander of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, decorated him with the Soaring Eagle Award. The Lord Mayor of Kaiserslautern, Dr. Klaus Weichel and all of the residents of the region join with me in saying to Mr. Herzog: Ad Multos Annos!

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dominic ``Nick'' DiFrancesco, II, a constituent and friend, who, on August 25, 2010, held his last public meeting as a Dauphin County Commissioner. That public meeting marked the end of a lifetime of public service. Nick's political career began in 1992, when he was elected as the youngest council president in the history of Highspire Borough. In this capacity, Nick's priorities included improving roadways and rehabilitating the municipal buildings and public facilities. In 1996, Nick was elected as a Lower Swatara Township Commissioner, serving as the Chairman of the Lower Swatara Police Committee and as Secretary and Treasurer of the State Association of Township Commissioners. During this time Nick played an instrumental role in the formation of the Modem Transit Partnership. Nick's service with the Dauphin County Board of Commissioners began with his election in November of 2003. He was overwhelmingly reelected to a second term four years later. As Vice-Chairman of the Board, Nick served as the oversight commissioner for many of the county's important functions. He successfully guided the complicated sale of the Spring Creek Health Care Rehabilitation Center, and directed the county's emergency response during numerous tragedies. During his tenure, Nick led the Wellness Committee, spearheaded the annual Ride to Work Day, and partnered with the Salvation Army to host their Red Kettle campaign during the holidays. His leadership earned him and his fellow board members the ``Government Leader of the Year'' Award in 2006 from the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC. Nick also won the ``People's Choice'' for Public Servant of the Year by Harrisburg Magazine in 2008. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to collaborate with Nick on projects such as the Family Group Conferencing Center for the Dauphin County Social Services, modernizing the Harrisburg International Airport, and making improvements and upgrades to crucial roads and bridges throughout Dauphin County. I would like to congratulate Nick DiFrancesco on his lifetime of public service and thank him for his outstanding citizenship in the community.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on H.R. 4785.

Mr. HOLDEN

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Chairman, the manager's amendment contains the following provisions: It prohibits entities with ongoing TARP obligations from participating in the program. It mandates that funds provided by the legislation must be used to supplement and not to supplant other energy efficiency funding. It says that no report has to be filed by the comptroller general regarding the extent to which funds provided by the legislation are used to support commercial or industrial energy measures. It prohibits any additions to direct spending with respect to the legislation. It forbids funds from being used to purchase personal property, including manufactured homes; but allows funds to be used for modifications to manufactured homes. The manager's amendment prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from promulgating regulations regarding a home labeling program. It also prohibits the wrongful use or diversion of program funds, as well as prohibits providing funds to any contractor who employs any person who has been convicted of, or pled guilty to, any form of sexual assault. Finally, it prohibits Federal employees from receiving loan funds if they have seriously delinquent tax debt, have received a payment in violation of LIHEAA, or have been officially disciplined for viewing, downloading, or exchanging pornography on a Federal Government computer or while performing official Federal Government duties. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Perriello).

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Chairman, I have no further requests for time, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina, the chairman of the Budget Committee, Mr. Spratt. (Mr. SPRATT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Clyburn), the distinguished majority whip. (Mr. CLYBURN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)