Melissa Hart

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate William L. McCarrier on his election to the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite of Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America. William has been active in the Masonic community for almost 40 years, and has served as the commander in chief of the Scottish Rite Bodies of the Valley New Castle, and as the vice president of the New Castle Benefit Fund. William has also served as a county commissioner for Butler County, and is a trustee of the Butler County Community College. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring William McCarrier. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute citizens such as William who make the communities that they live in truly special.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to honor Sister Candace Introcaso, on being named the seventh President of LaRoche College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Sister Introcaso became the President of LaRoche College on July 1, 2004. A member of the Board of Trustees since 2001, Sister Candace takes over an institution, founded by women that believed religion held a very important place in the landscape of higher education. Sister Introcaso brings a very diverse background to her leadership role, having received a B.A. in psychology from Shippensburg University, an M.A. in sociology from Fordham University and Ph.D. in Higher Education from the Claremont Graduate University. Her experience includes a prior position with LaRoche College from 1986-1991, where she was the Director of Grants and an Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs. From 1997 to 1999, Sister Candace served as the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs at Heritage College on the Yakima Indian Reservation in Toppenish Washington before moving on to serve as the Vice President for Academic Affairs at Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida. Sister Introcaso will be honored with an Installation Ceremony on Friday, April 8, at 2:30 p.m. on the East Campus of LaRoche College. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring Sister Candace Introcaso. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute citizens such as Sister Introcaso, who make the communities that they live in truly special.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Gertrude Bagnall for her courageous and selfless actions, which resulted in the rescue of a human life. Mrs. Bagnall, with little regard to her own safety, raced into a church building in Farrell, Pennsylvania that had, moments earlier, exploded. Gertrude rushed to the aid of Pastor Barbara McCrae and parishioner Bruce Davis. She was able to assist Pastor Barbara McCrae from the building and into a waiting ambulance. Gertrude uncovered Mr. Davis from debris that had fallen on him in the explosion, allowing him to be rescued by emergency workers that arrived on the scene. Gertrude's bravery will be recognized at the ``Celebrate a Hero'' banquet to be held in her honor on Saturday, March 19, 2005 at the Hermitage Fire Hall. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring Gertrude Bagnall. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute citizens such as Gertrude that display such selflessness and courage.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Pregnancy Care Centers on its 20th Anniversary, and recognize the exemplary performance of service that the organization provides the 4th District of Pennsylvania. Founded in 1985, the Pregnancy Care Centers have provided over 7,000 women with free pregnancy tests, and have counseled its clients to find alternatives to abortion. The Pregnancy Care Centers have helped to teach the message of abstinence and have provided post abortion Bible studies to dozens of women who have sought healing and forgiveness. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the Pregnancy Care Centers. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute the service of organizations like the Pregnancy Care Centers which provide such valuable services.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Illinois for yielding me this time, and my colleagues who are so eloquently expressing the impact that Pope John Paul II has had on all of us and on the world, and hopefully on all of us here in this House. He became Pope in 1979, when I was a teenager. In a quiet Catholic community, one that was quietly prayerful, quietly service-oriented, but quietly, he inspired us not to be so quiet. He inspired us to change that quiet prayer into exuberant song. He inspired us to get involved, to step out of the churches, step out of our own communities, and give more direct service, become more directly involved with those afflicted with illness, with those afflicted in poverty, with those with other problems, emotional concerns, and active the Church became. I could not even describe the difference in the church I grew up in in Pittsburgh from 1979 to today, inspired by Pope John Paul II. Young people, everyone mentions that the Pope has a very close connection with young people. World Youth Days around the world were so widely attended from children around the world that it gives me great hope for the future of the world. A young priest at my church, who is now probably about 33 or 34, had taken a delegation to the World Youth Day last year or the year before and had come back with a pretty amazing story. In this world of corporal comfort, one of the young men in the group had complained to him that it was so crowded, he had to stand next to a pile of stinking garbage in the hot sunshine. And he was waiting and waiting and smelling the garbage and waiting and thinking, why am I here? This is so uncomfortable. And then finally the Holy Father took the podium. It was raining, it was wet. But when the Holy Father took the podium, the sun shown through. This young man conveyed to my priest what I think was the Holy Father's point all along. This world is not perfect. This world can be made more perfect through our action, our prayer, our involvement. This young man, I am sure to this day, is a very faithful and active Catholic and a faithful and active servant, one whose attitude that day was transformed from himself to generosity and interest in others, one that I hope we all take as his legacy. A man who grew up in such a difficult time, in a difficult oppressive time, in an area where obviously his faith was not quite permitted, was such an inspiration to world leaders, Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, working hand in hand with them because he understood that the fundamental connection between redemption and human freedom was real, and he needed to participate. He showed us that every human has value. His own personal suffering is a testament to the vital sacredness of all human life. He called special attention to the unborn. We still struggle in not paying enough attention to the unborn. Just recently we demonstrated, unfortunately, how our society does not pay close enough attention or concern to the incapacitated, the infirm. I hope this reflection today will help us do so. The Pope said that each man in his suffering can also become a sharer in the redemptive suffering of Christ. We are wise to remember him, his legacy, especially his teaching, through his powerful words, but mostly through his powerful actions.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I submit this article for the Record. This bill must be passed. This Congress is right to stand up for a woman who is incapacitated to some extent yes, but does not require extraordinary measures to live. We must allow a thorough review of her case. The love of her family is so great we should honor it. [From the Pittsburg Post-Gazette, Mar. 20, 2005] Starving for the Truth (By Dennis Roddy) When Mary Jane Owen thinks of Terri Schiavo, she remembers a day in 1986 and the hospital in Washington. Pneumonia was filling Owen's lungs. Owen cannot walk and is half deaf. At the time she was also blind. The doctor leaned into her good ear and said, ``Don't ask for antibiotics. Pneumonia is a friend of the elderly. It's a great way to die.'' Without enough breath to shriek, Owen, in her early 60s at the time, had to speak clearly enough to let this doctor know he was fired. ``Get out of my room,'' she told him. ``Get out of my life.'' Pneumonia might be a great friend to those who want to die. Owen, who took antibiotics, was later cured of her blindness and currently works as a disabled rights advocate in Washington, D.C., wasn't in the mood to chumbuddy with death. Possibly, because she arrived in a wheelchair, doctors assumed she'd prefer to leave on a gurney. That's why she wonders about Terri Schiavo, whose husband wants her out of not only his life, but her own, too. Described alternately as in a ``persistent vegetative state'' and ``a locked-in'' condition, Schiavo, who has lived with brain damage since 1990, either does or does not understand what is going on around her. Her husband, Michael, says she is an empty vessel who would not have wanted to remain present in body only. Her parents and some former caregivers say she reacts to their voices, seems to recognize them. On Friday, a Senate committee, trying to forestall the withdrawal of feeding, subpoenaed her, though unsuccessfully. The action is not as silly as it sounds. At one point, after she presumably became vegetative, Terri Schiavo was taken to a shopping mall. When it comes to the disabled, or at least those too disabled to advocate for themselves, deliberation about their fates resembles property law. Michael Schiavo, as Terri's husband--who has started a new family with a fiancee--holds the powers of guardianship over his wife. He has persuaded a Florida judge to allow hospital workers to withhold nourishment and allow Terri to die. Judge George Greer has declined a request by the family to allow Terri to be fed and given water orally. That is to say, Terri Schiavo's parents think she can be fed by mouth and the judge in the case declines to find out if this is so. On Friday, Judge Greer reinstated an earlier order and Schiavo's feeding tube was removed. One former caregiver, Heidi Law, has said under oath that ``on three or four occasions I personally fed Terri small mouthfuls of Jell-O, which she was able to swallow and enjoyed immensely.'' It is one thing to withdraw a feeding tube; another entirely to withhold that day's meal tray. That is why debating Terri Schiavo as a right-to-die argument misses the point. ``Would it seem inappropriate at some point to emphasize that people with disabilities feel threatened by the idea that a `flawed' life can be judicially eliminated?'' Owen asked. It only seems inappropriate because the arguments being made about the ``right'' of the brain dead to die are being framed around a woman whose brain death is far from proven. The facts are these: Terri Schiavo collapsed in 1990. She has been in hospitals and nursing homes since then. Videotapes depict a young woman who seems to respond to some voice stimuli, but does not communicate. At least three affidavits are on file from former nursing home attendants who insist Terri showed some hope of making progress, but that her husband insisted she be given no rehabilitation. One nurse, Carla Sauer Iyer, said Terri ``spoke on a regular basis, saying such things as `Mommy' and `help me.' `` Iyer said that when she put a washcloth in Terri's hands to keep her fingers from curling together, ``Michael saw it and made me take it out, saying that was therapy.'' Michael Schiavo's reticence could well have been an unwillingness to open himself to the cruelties of false hope. Terri's family is convinced he wants rid of her so he can marry his live-in girlfriend and use up the $50,000 or so that remains of a $1 million medical malpractice settlement. The underlying argument for protecting Terri Schiavo is predicated on the idea that life, at its core, is sacrosanct, something with which we interfere at peril to our own places in the universal order. The problem with Terri's most prominent defenders is that they seem to find it easiest to defend someone who cannot interfere with the debate by expressing her own views. Televangelist D. James Kennedy wants a law passed. Christian Defense Coalition head Patrick Mahoney warns of a ``rescue'' attempt at the nursing home. Militia extremist Bo Gritz said he is going to Florida to perform a citizens arrest of Michael Schiavo and Judge Greer. None of them has pledged money to a trust fund to care for Terri Schiavo and, more saliently, the many more just like her. They are in this because of their politics, which appears to be indistinguishable from their theology, which appears to be self-promotional. Owen worries that the sanctity of life issue misses the point that Terri Schiavo is not vegetative and not a fetus. She falls nowhere into the realm of what medical ethicist James J. Hughes described as ``socially dead.'' ``Most of the people in the disability community certainly are not `pro-life' in the classical meaning of that, but we sure as hell are against killing people with disabilities,'' Owen said. ``Terri was certainly, I think, rehabilitatable in the early months and years of her travail. How far she can come back now is a question. But I think she should certainly be given a couple months trial before Michael's allowed to kill her.'' After 15 years of despair, a few months of hope might tell us something about ourselves.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to salute all the officers who took part in implementing a disaster relief plan on January 31, 2005 in East Deer. The members of the State Department of Environmental Protection, Coast Guard, Allegheny County hazardous materials experts, along with surrounding fire companies, police, mayors, and other elected officials in the East Deer area all responded in a way to prevent the disaster from spreading to surrounding communities. At 5:30 a.m. on January 31, a Norfolk Southern train derailed, causing a car of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride to begin leaking. Fortunately, by 6 a.m., police and firefighters began evacuating homes. Bridges in the surrounding area were closed before the morning rush hour, further isolating the leaking car. Those members who responded to the call that morning exemplify the ideals of leadership and bravery. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring these brave offices. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute those citizens who prevented a dangerous situation from escalating into a disaster, and demonstrating public service and the meaning of bravery.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the officers and members of the Emsworth Borough Volunteer Fire Department on the occasion of the Department's 100th Anniversary. The members of the Fire Department have unselfishly served the citizens of Emsworth for the greater part of the past century and now look forward to continuing their brave service in the 21st century. The community of Emsworth cites the Volunteer Fire Department as ``an organization that has become the backbone of the community.'' From its inception in 1905, the department has served as a valuable resource to the community. In 1995, the department expanded into providing service for Glenfield Borough, proving that its commitment to service includes not only its citizens, but its local neighbors as well. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the Volunteer Fire Department of Emsworth. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute citizens such as the Emsworth Volunteer Firefighters who truly embody the spirit of public service and the meaning of bravery.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the officers and members of the North Hampton Volunteer Fire Department on the occasion of the Department's 50th Anniversary. The members of the Fire Department have unselfishly served the citizens of Hampton for half a century and now look forward to continuing their brave service in the 21st century . The members of the North Hampton Volunteer Fire Department plan to celebrate their 50th anniversary with a dinner and dance event on Saturday, March 12, 2005 with cocktails beginning at 6:00, and dinner at 7:00 at the Hampton Banquet Hall. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the Volunteer Fire Department of North Hampton. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute citizens such as the North Hampton Volunteer Firefighters who truly embody the spirit of public service and the meaning of bravery.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Beaver Valley Branch of the American Association of University Women on its 75th Anniversary, and recognize the exemplary performance of service that the organization provides the 4th District of Pennsylvania. Founded in 1930 by seventeen women at Geneva College, the Beaver Valley Branch of the American Association of University Women has worked to promote equality for all women. They have tirelessly advocated for lifelong education and positive social change, and have met on the first Thursday of every month since 1930. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the Beaver Valley Branch of the American Association of University Women. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute the service of organizations like the Beaver Valley Branch of the American Association of University Women that personify civic pride and make the communities that they live in truly special.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman for the opportunity to speak on this bill today. He has been leading a very important discussion and one that I am very pleased has finally come to fruition. Mr. Speaker, there has been a lot of discussion today about class actions and what they do to the economy; class actions, what they have done to law, because State courts are making national law. But I think the most important point about a class action is that a class action's purpose is to award the plaintiffs who have been injured. The intent of these suits is to allow large groups who were similarly harmed by something to recover damages. Unfortunately, it is the attorneys who have been recovering more money. The injured plaintiffs in many cases are recovering basically nothing. First, they are denied real relief, and then the attorneys pocket huge amounts of money. Examples, Bank of Boston case, the lawyers got 8.5 million. The plaintiffs actually lost money. In the Blockbuster case, the lawyers, 9.25 million. The plaintiffs got $1 off their next movie. The Coca-Cola case, the lawyers got 1.5 million; the plaintiffs, a 50-cent coupon. Obviously, these lawsuits are not helping their intended beneficiaries. This act will create a consumer class action bill of rights. It will protect consumers from the egregious abuses of the class action practice today. The plan will require the judges carefully review the settlement and limit the attorneys fees when the value of the settlement received by those class members is minor in comparison or when there is a net loss in the settlement, such as this example where the class members could end up losing money. It also will ban settlements that award some class members a large recovery because they live closer to the court. It will also allow Federal courts to maximize the benefit of class action settlements by requiring that unclaimed settlement funds be donated to charitable organizations. Mr. Speaker, it is just obvious to me that this is a long-overdue bill. I encourage my colleagues to support it. I encourage my colleagues to ensure that the plaintiffs actually receive their due in these cases.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to commemorate the sacrifices made by Mercer County's prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action, as well as the families who mourn them. Tonight, January 27th, 2005 will commemorate the 21st annual POW/MIA ceremony at the Mercer County Courthouse. This date was chosen to commemorate the signing of the Paris Peace Accords on January 27, 1973, which effectively marked the end of the Vietnam Conflict and commenced the withdrawal of American troops. Since World War I there have been over 125,000 soldiers Missing in Action, including 2,005 soldiers who served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam Conflict. Our Nation will continue its commitment and concern to remembering and resolving as fully possible the fate of Americans still prisoner, missing and unaccounted for during military operations in Southeast Asia. I believe ceremonies such as the POW/MIA vigil in Mercer County, Pennsylvania is one way of ensuring that America never forgets our heroes. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the 2005 Mercer County POW/MIA vigil and honoring the sacrifices of all of America's Prisoners of War and Missing in Action.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Kenneth McGlumphy on his retirement after 31 years of service to the Social Security Administration. Mr. McGlumphy started as a clerk and worked his way up to the position of District Manager of the Butler Field Office. Kenneth has a long standing relationship with my office, and has always been pleasant and courteous. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Kenneth McGlumphy. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute citizens such as Kenneth who truly embody the spirit of public service and make the communities they live in special.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the Wimodausis Club of New Castle, Pennsylvania for their selflessness and generous philanthropy towards the people of the 4th District. Founded in 1905, the Wimodausis Club of New Castle was formed for the purpose of ``creating an organized center for woman's work, thought, and action advancing her interests, promoting civic improvement and providing a place of meeting for its members. . . .'' Since 1958 the Wimodausis Club of New Castle has donated over $124,000 to various services in their community. These donations have aided the Girl and Boy Scouts of America, the Salvation Army, and a number of other organizations that work to better our community. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the Wimodausis Club of New Castle. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute the service of organizations like the Wimoudausis Club that personify civic pride and make the communities that they live in truly special.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Frank J. Likar of Pittsburgh on his retirement after 34 years of service to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District. A luncheon will be held in his honor on Friday, January 21, 2005, in Pittsburgh. Frank has been the Deputy District Engineer for Programs and Project Management in the Pittsburgh District since June 2003. Prior to this, Frank held several supervisory and management positions throughout the Pittsburgh District in engineering, construction, operations and project management. Frank began his federal career in the District in 1971 after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and in 1976 he was one of four selected for the District Executive Development Program. A graduate from the University of Pittsburgh in 1971, Frank is a registered Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania, and a member of the Chi Epsilon national civil engineering honors fraternity. I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in honoring Mr. Frank J. Likar. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute the service of citizens like Frank Likar who personify civic pride and make the communities that they live in truly special.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to wish the membership of the Organization of Chinese Americans a healthy and happy New Year for the year 4703, the year of the Rooster. The New Year is a time for reflection and thanksgiving for the joys of life and loved ones and I am thankful for the richness that this organization brings to my region. Chinese Americans have made great contributions to Western Pennsylvania and to our nation as a whole and I am very honored for this opportunity to wish them the best year yet in 4703. I encourage my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in wishing the members of the Organization of Chinese Americans a very happy and prosperous New Year.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, the REAL ID Act completes the mission of the 9/11 Commission recommendations by implementing common sense reforms to strengthen our borders security and better protect our homeland. Implementing Much Needed Driver's License Reforms Driver's licenses have become the primary identification document in the United States, enabling individuals to get other identity documents, transfer funds to a U.S. bank account, obtain access to federal buildings and other vulnerable facilities, purchase a firearm, rent a car and board a plane. Lax standards and loopholes in the current issuance processes allow terrorists to obtain driver's licenses--often multiple licenses from different states--and abuse the license for identification purposes. The Sept 11th hijackers had, within their possession, at least 15 valid drivers licenses and numerous State issued identity cards with a large variety of addresses. Identification documents are the last opportunity to ensure that people are who they say they are and to check whether they are terrorists. The REAL ID Act would require applicants to provide proof they are in the country legally. Currently, eleven states do not have such a requirement, meaning a majority of states have already recognized the need for tighter standards, but unnecessary and dangerous gaps in the system still exist. The REAL ID Act would require identity documents to expire at the same time as the expiration of lawful entry status, preventing those who have illegally entered or are unlawfully present in the U.S. from having valid identification documents. States would still issue driver's licenses and identification cards and would control their own driver database. closing asylum loopholes The 9-11 Commission's staff report on ``9-11 and Terrorist Travel'' found that ``a number of terrorists . . . abused the asylum system''. Examples of Terrorists Abusing Our Asylum Laws: The ``Blind Sheik'', Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman, led a plot to bomb New York City landmarks. Rahman used an asylum application to avoid deportation to Egypt after all other means of remaining in the U.S. failed. The 9/11 Commission staff report noted than an immigration judge held a hearing on Rahman's asylum claim weeks before his followers bombed the WorId Trade Center. During the Republican Convention last August, an illegal alien from Pakistan was picked up and arrested for attempting to bomb the Herald Square subway station and plotting to bomb the Verrazano Narrows bridge. He was quoted as saying that ``I want at least 1,000 to 2,000 to die in one day.'' The alien had applied for asylum. A number of courts, specifically the 9th Circuit Court has severely undermined current authorities by limiting the factors that judges can consider when assessing the credibility of an alien seeking asylum. This impairment encourages asylum fraud. The REAL ID Act would strengthen judges' ability to determine whether the asylum seeker is truthful. This provision codifies the factors immigration judges use to assess credibility and prevents the 9th Circuit from further undermining our national security. defending borders In 1996 Congress approved building the 14 mile long San Diego Border Fence on the Mexico-U.S. border, right next to a major U.S. Navy base. The San Diego Sector covers an area of more than 7,000 square miles and contains 66 linear miles of international border with Mexico. Directly to the south of the San Diego Sector area of responsibility lie the Mexican cities of Tijuana and Tecate, which have a combined population of more than two million. For decades, this area had been the preferred corridor for entry into the United States by unknown or undocumented persons due to the highly populated cities north and south of the border, as well as relatively quick access to national transportation hubs such as LAX. Construction of the fence was halted when radical environmentalists claimed that the area was a habitat of a rare bird. As a result, eight years later, the fence remains incomplete and is an opportunity for aliens to cross the border illegally. This incomplete fence allows border security gaps to remain open. We must close these gaps because they remain a threat to our national security. The REAL ID Act will require the completion of this important security fence. strengthening deportation laws Under current immigration laws, prohibitions on some terrorist- related activities only apply to aliens who are trying to enter the U.S., but not to those who already reside within our borders. Therefore, if an alien seeking a visa has been found to participate in certain terrorist-related activity, he/she is prohibited from entering the U.S. But if an alien is found to have participated in the same terrorist activity in the U.S., he/she may not be deportable. The REAL ID Act would finally make the laws consistent by providing that all terrorist-related offenses and making aliens inadmissible which would also be grounds for their deportation. The REAL ID Act provides that any alien contributing funds to a terrorist organization would be deportable.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Boy Scout Troop 733 of New Wilmington, Pennsylvania on its 75th anniversary. For the last 75 years, Troop 733 has provided invaluable direction for boys of all ages, turning them into fine young men and leaders within their communities. To honor this special occasion, a dinner will be held at 6 p.m. on February 12, 2005, at the New Wilmington Presbyterian Church in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. Following the dinner will be a presentation on the history of Troop 733, presided over by former Scoutmaster Dr. Jack Reed, Troop Committee Chairman Steve Kulik and current Scoutmaster Michael Banko. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring Boy Scout Troop 733 of New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, as they celebrate their 75th year. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute organizations such as Troop 733 who provides such valuable services to the community.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Church of Lawrence County, Pennsylvania on its 160th anniversary. This past December the church celebrated the anniversary of its foundation in 1844 and stands as the oldest African American church in Lawrence County. St. Luke's is a source of inspiration and symbol of strength for all its members and the Lawrence County community as a whole. In order to mark the special occasion Reverend Kevin Lee, assistant pastor of the Second Baptist Church of New Brighton, spoke at the 11 a.m., Sunday worship. Reverend Robert Lewis Sr., former pastor of St. Luke's and current pastor of St. James of Massillon, Ohio, spoke following a 4 p.m. catered dinner. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the congregation of St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Church in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute an enduring institution like St. Luke's.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the Seneca Valley Girl's Volleyball team, this year's Class AAA WPIAL Champions. Head coach Heather Haff, lead the Seneca Valley Raiders to the WPIAL Championship game, where they defeated the Mount Lebanon Lady Blue Devils. The Lady Raiders ended the season with an impressive 18-1 record. I am happy to see such spirit, dedication, and teamwork flourishing in the congressional district that I represent. I wish the members of 2004 Seneca Girl's Volleyball team continued success. I am proud to have such talented young athletes in the 4th Congressional District of Pennsylvania, and I ask that all of my colleagues in the House of Representatives join with me in recognizing their great achievement.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Passavant Retirement Community in Zelienople on its 100th year celebration. For the past century the Passavant Retirement community has provided valuable services to the senior citizens of Zelienople. The centennial celebration will be marked with numerous events in the coming year including lectures and the annual light up night that kicks off the holiday season for members of the retirement community. This year's light up night was different however, because the staff and members of the community planned something special for the event. Pat Goetz, the director of the Main Street Community Life Program and resident Chuck Miller decided to construct homemade lanterns for the occasion. Miller used Goetz's design to fashion over 200 lanterns that were hung throughout the retirement community. The entire Passavant staff also wore vintage clothing dating back to the early part of the 20th century when the community was founded. The Passavant Retirement community was founded in 1905 by a board of directors consisting of 15 individuals who organized the Old Peoples Home of the Pittsburgh Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Initially the community consisted of six residents, but now has over 600 members on a 42 acre campus. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the Passavant Retirement Community in Zelienople on its 100th anniversary. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute organizations such as the Passavant Retirement community which provide such valuable services.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Thomas Larkin on his retirement after 40 years of service to the Ohio Township Volunteer Fire Department. Thomas held the position of Fire Chief, and oversaw 75 volunteer firefighters. Thomas will continue to serve as the Ohio Township Fire Marshall, and sit on the planning commission for Ohio Township. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring Thomas Larkin. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute citizens such as Thomas who truly embody the spirit of public service.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Jim Conner on being named the 2005 President of the Pennsylvania Builders Association. Jim is the owner of Conner Construction in New Castle, Pennsylvania and has been a member of the Pennsylvania Builders Association for 18 years. Prior to being elected President he has served as regional vice president, director, treasurer and secretary not to mention serving on the membership and bylaw committees. In 2001, Mr. Conner was named the Pennsylvania Builders Association's Small Contractor of the Year. Locally, Mr. Conner has served two terms as President of the Lawrence County Builders Association, 5 years as a national representative and has been on the board of directors for the past 10 years. Mr. Conner is also an active member of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, of the New Castle Mahoning Lodge 243 and the Coachmen Conservation Club. He is married to his wife Kathy and has two sons, Patrick and Justin. I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in honoring Jim Conner. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute citizens such as Jim who make the communities that they live in truly special.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Melissa Sieg, on being elected the 2005 President of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors. On January 25, 2005 Melissa will be inaugurated as the 82nd president, only the sixth woman in the 85 year history of the Association to be named to the position. Melissa is an associate broker who, along with her husband Bill, owns and operates the Prudential First Choice Realty located in State College, Pennsylvania. Besides her participation in the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors, Melissa has also been actively involved in the Centre County Association of Realtors where she has served on the Board of Directors, as vice president and also as president. In 1996 she was named the Centre County Association of Realtors' ``Realtor of the Year.'' Besides being professionally active, Melissa finds time to give back to her community as a YMCA swimming. official and as the Bellefonte High School varsity swim coach. She has also served on the community boards for the Bellefonte YMCA, the Centre County United Way and served as Vice President for the Marion-Walker Youth Baseball League and as President of the Bellefonte YMCA Swim Team Parent's Association. I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in honoring Melissa Sieg. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute citizens such as Melissa who make the communities that they live in truly special.

Ms. HART

Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Frank J. Likar of Pittsburgh on his retirement after 34 years of service to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District. A luncheon will be held in his honor on Friday, January 21, 2005, in Pittsburgh. Frank has been the Deputy District Engineer for Programs and Project Management in the Pittsburgh District since June 2003. Prior to this, Frank held several supervisory and management positions throughout the Pittsburgh District in engineering, construction, operations and project management. Frank began his federal career in the District in 1971 after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and in 1976 he was one of four selected for the District Executive Development Program. A graduate from the University of Pittsburgh in 1971, Frank is a registered Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania, and a member of the Chi Epsilon national civil engineering honors fraternity. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring Mr. Frank J. Likar. It is an honor to represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a pleasure to salute the service of citizens like Frank Likar who personify civic pride and make the communities that they live in truly special.