Paul Kanjorski

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to my very good friend Mr. Francis Bonner, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, on the occasion of his 70th birthday celebration. Mr. Bonner has enjoyed an exceptional career in public service and in the advancement of the anthracite coal industry. He has been married to Marie (Clatch) Bonner for more than 40 years. They are the parents of Mary Pat Bonner, whose career in Democratic politics was inspired by her father's lifelong dedication to the Democratic party. Born in Hazleton, Mr. Bonner was a son of Miles and Mary Hannigan Bonner. He graduated from St. Gabriel's High school in Hazleton and Villanova University where he also pursued graduate studies. He also attended Clarion State College Coal Institute, the University of Pittsburgh Coal Gasification Liquefaction and Conversion to Electricity Conference and the Penn State University Coal Combustion Technology Seminar. From 1954 to 1960, he served as International Representative for District 50, United Mine Workers of America. He later served as a field investigator for the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. In the early to mid 1960s, he served as Eastern Regional Administrator for the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. In that position, he conducted investigations and educational functions to insure compliance with legislation guaranteeing equal opportunity in employment, housing, education and public accommodations. He then worked for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as an administrator for federal equal opportunity executive orders. From 1971 to 1979, he served as special personal assistant to Pennsylvania Governor Milton Shapp. In that capacity, he was directly responsible for the administration's energy and fuel development programs; industrial development programs; liaison for labor management relations; liaison to the state House and Senate on matters concerning energy and labor relations; disaster control and relief and industrial development. He later worked for the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission as a fossil fuels coordinator, developing programs to encourage the use of coal in the generation of electric power. From 1982 to the present, he has been president of Bonner Associates of Pennsylvania, a firm that serves as a consultant on governmental affairs with special emphasis on energy, particularly coal use and development, health care, labor management relations and waste disposal and recovery. Honored by the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce and the economic development group, CAN-DO, as ``Hazletonian of the Year,'' Mr. Bonner has served his community in numerous ways, including as assistant director of the Villanova Urban Studies Program, Deputy state chairman of the Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee, member of the Hazleton City Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustment, member of the Philadelphia Fellowship Commission, member of the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority, Governor's Energy Council, United States Department of Energy Anthracite Task Force, Governor's Coal Conference, White House ad hoc Anthracite Task Force, chairman and member of the board of directors of St. Joseph's Hospital, Hazleton; chairman of the Anthracite Health and Welfare Fund and member of the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Board of Review. On a personal level, Fran has been an astute political observer and a trusted advisor to me during my tenure in Congress. I have always valued his insight into the political atmosphere of Northeastern Pennsylvania and I treasure his friendship. Mr. Chairman, please join me in congratulating Mr. Bonner on this special occasion. His achievements reflect a devotion to his community in northeastern Pennsylvania where he has contributed to enriching the quality of life.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Mr. Wes Freedman, recipient of the ``Man of the Year'' award from B'nai B'rith Amos Lodge No. 136. A highly respected and talented businessman and community leader, Mr. Freedman earned a reputation for personal integrity. His community service over the years has benefited both young and old alike. For more than 30 years, Mr. Freedman owned and operated several catalog showrooms in northeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Mr. Freedman served on the boards of directors at Johnson Technical School, PNC Bank and Marywood College. He currently serves on the boards at Mercy Hospital, the Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania, Elan Gardens, an assisted living facility, and the Foundation for the Jewish Elderly of Eastern Pennsylvania. He is currently president of the board of Webster Towers, a high rise apartment complex for the independent aging. Mr. Freedman is a life member of the Jewish Community Center in Scranton and has been a member of B'nai B'rith and Temple Israel for many years. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Freedman on this honor. His commitment to his community reflects a genuine selflessness and devotion to others in need. Mr. Freedman's record of service is exemplary and has helped improve the quality of life for many in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Dr. Robert J. Dillman, president of East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, on the occasion of his being named ``Businessperson of the Year'' by the Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Dillman is the 12th president of East Stroudsburg University and has served in that capacity since July, 1996. Since then, he has initiated ambitious and innovative academic and economic development projects that have made a profound impact on the university and on the quality of life and economic revitalization of the region. During Dr. Dillman's tenure, ESU has become the first university in the United States to offer an undergraduate degree in computer security. At his direction, the university established an award-winning ``Business Accelerator'' that focuses on encouraging economic development and entrepreneurial endeavors in the region and has been successful in generating nearly 100 highly skilled jobs in Monroe County. Dr. Dillman initiated and is leading the planning for the creation of a world class Science and Technology Center on campus. Dr. Dillman has also partnered with the Pocono Record newspaper to develop a Jazzmasters and Broadway Series which was held for 4 consecutive years. Under Dr. Dillman's direction, ESU has added a new graduate degree program, ``Masters in Management and Leadership.'' He also oversaw the creation of the Center for Research and Economic Development in 1999. In recognition of his efforts in community development, workforce training, entrepreneurship and innovation, Dr. Dillman received the Ben Franklin Technology Partners Special Recognition Award in 2004. Under his leadership, university enrollment has steadily increased. Undergraduate enrollment has risen 20 percent while graduate enrollment climbed 33 percent since 1996. And, just this year, Dr. Dillman oversaw the opening of University Ridge Apartments, a new complex that houses 541 students. Dr. Dillman also guided work that produced a new Admissions Welcome Center, Student Recreation Center, Alumni Center and an Enrollment Services Center. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Dr. Dillman on this occasion. His work at East Stroudsburg University demonstrates that he is more than deserving of the ``Businessperson of the Year Award.'' The entire Pocono Mountain community has been enriched by his efforts and it is fitting that he is honored in this way.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Anthony Pecone who is retiring as Pennsylvania State director of the U.S. Economic Development Administration following 39 years of service with the agency. Mr. Pecone has had a distinguished career and has guided the investment of nearly $2 billion in Federal funding throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which has had the effect of creating or retaining tens of thousands of jobs. Mr. Pecone came to the EDA after 11 years of working in the private sector, 2 years of service with the U.S. Army in Germany, 9 months with the Central Intelligence Agency and 16 months with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Goddard Space Flight Center. As State director of the EDA, Mr. Pecone was an invaluable ally for local communities and economic development organizations, guiding them through the economic development process for planning, technical assistance, business loans, construction and special programs for assistance related to natural disasters, base closings and severe industrial dislocations or curtailments. Noteworthy Pennsylvania EDA investments achieved during his tenure include brownfield restorations, creation of a statewide revolving loan fund, base closing assistance, restoration of areas impacted by hurricanes and tornadoes, construction of several technology incubators, workforce development initiatives, construction of many industrial, business and commercial parks, initiatives to combat the effects of job losses in the coal and steel industries and construction of roads, sewage and water systems and bridges. More than 30 years have passed since I first met Tony during the aftermath of Hurricane Agnes, which devastated the Wilkes-Barre area in 1972. His can-do spirit and practical approach to stimulating economic activity shaped my overall impression of the EDA and made me a life- long fan of both Tony and his agency. Always courteous, Tony was also tough and fair in his determination of which projects were worthy of Federal funds. Every applicant seeking EDA funds learned to expect hard questions but also wise guidance as Tony worked to make sure that every EDA project was a successful project. Although few of them know his name or even the name of his agency, thousands of Pennsylvanians have jobs because of Tony's hard work. He will be missed. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Pecone upon the completion of a career that has helped so many people achieve a better quality of life. Mr. Pecone's singular dedication to improving communities deserves special recognition and I am pleased to be able to enter a tribute to him in the Congressional Record.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Chuck Niclaus, president of Niclaus Engineering Corporation in Stroudsburg, PA, on the occasion of being named ``Citizen of the Year'' by the Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Niclaus has been engaged in the engineering field for more than 28 years. His expertise includes civil engineering, land development, environmental sciences and surveying. Extremely active in his community, Mr. Niclaus served as United Way Campaign Chairman in 2004 and has served as a member of the United Way's board of directors. He is a past president of the Rotary Club of Stroudsburg and he served on the board of directors of the Pocono Mountain Chamber of Commerce. He is a past president and member of the board of directors of the Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce and is a past vice president of the Bangor Lions Club. Mr. Niclaus received the United Way President's and Clifford E. Gilliam Awards in 2004 and the Paul Harris Fellow Award from Rotary International in 2003. He was named Rotarian of the Year in 1999. Mr. Niclaus is a member of many professional associations including the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Environmental Assessment Association and the National Association of Environmental Professionals. He has also been an active youth baseball and soccer coach. Having graduated from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Mr. Niclaus received his professional engineering licenses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and possesses operator certificates for wastewater and water systems from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Mr. Niclaus resides with his wife, Maureen, their three daughters, Erin, Mary and Elizabeth and their son, Tim. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Niclaus at this time. His professional and community commitment speaks well of his desire to make the Stroudsburg area and the region surrounding it a better place to live and raise families. The recognition associated with being named ``Citizen of the Year'' by the Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce is well deserved.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Mr. Damian A. Braga, president of Sanofi Pasteur US, located in Swiftwater, Monroe County, PA. Mr. Braga has been named the recipient of the Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce ``Chairman's Business Award.'' Mr. Braga is head of the sole U.S.-based manufacturer of injectable influenza vaccines and other critical immunization products which, last year alone, protected more than 500 million people worldwide. Responsible for operations nationwide, Mr. Braga oversees more than $1.5 billion in revenue at Sanofi Pasteur in Swiftwater and has played a vital role in global strategic planning and implementation. Mr. Braga joined the company in 1988 and moved seamlessly through senior level positions, ultimately reaching the top of the U.S. organization. Well known for his ability to assess challenging issues and identify achievable solutions, Mr. Braga puts strong emphasis on working with organizations that promote the importance of vaccines, encourage economic growth and assist those in need on both a national and state level. Toward that end, Mr. Braga serves as representative of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America for the Center for Disease Control's advisory committee on immunization practices. He is also a member of the executive committee of the Pennsylvania Business Roundtable and the state Advisory Council for the Pennsylvania Academy of Science. Mr. Braga also remains active in the Pocono community. He and Sanofi Pasteur actively support the Pocono Services for Families and Children. A proponent of educational initiatives, Mr. Braga also serves as a member of Northampton Community College's Foundation Board and East Stroudsburg University's board of directors for the Center for Research and Economic Development. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Braga on the receipt of this honor. Mr. Braga and Sanofi Pasteur continually demonstrate how business should contribute to the greater community through a spirit of commitment and service.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Elizabeth Koster, of Smithfield Township, Monroe County, PA, who was chosen by the Pocono Mountain Chamber of Commerce to receive its 2005 Athena Award. Mrs. Koster is president and chief executive officer of Fitzmaurice Community Services, Inc., which has been serving the needs of special populations in the Pocono area for 30 years. Founded by Mrs. Koster's mother, Johanna Fitzmaurice, in 1966, the business strives to crate environments for persons with disabilities that support independence, productivity and inclusion through customized services provided by highly qualified staff personnel. Mrs. Fitzmaurice died in 1978 but the organization she founded has grown over the years under the leadership and vision of her daughter, Mrs. Koster. Mrs. Koster graduated from East Stroudsburg University after which she began her career as a teacher and then as an associate at her mother's company, rising to president and CEO following her mother's death. Today, her company assists hundreds of persons with special needs so they can lead meaningful and productive lives by providing housing, education, recreation and medical services. Mrs. Koster serves on the boards of directors of the Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce, Friends of Eastern Monroe Public Library, Leadership Pocono and the ESU Rehabilitation Services Advisory Council. She is a member of the Kiwanis Club of the Stoudsburgs, advisor for the Kiwanis AKTION Club of Stroudsburg and is past president of the Northeast Providers Association, the Pocono Providers Association and past vice chair of the Mental Retardation Committee for Pennsylvania Community providers Association. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mrs. Koster on this occasion. Athena award winners are chosen on the basis of their professional excellence and service to community. Clearly, Mrs. Koster demonstrates those qualities.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Johanna Weaver, of Monroe County, PA, on the occasion of her being named ``Humanitarian of the Year'' by the Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Weaver served as executive director of Pocono Services for Families and Children for more than 33 years before her retirement last August. Over the years, she has distinguished herself as a community leader, volunteer and mentor to children. She has served the Monroe County Children and Youth Advisory Board, Habitat for Humanity Advisory Board, Drug and Alcohol Prevention Juvenile Task Force, Monroe County Job Center Task Force, League of Women Voters, United Way, Monroe County Association for the Education of Young Children, Welfare Reform Task Force, WNEP-TV Advisory Board, Kiwanis Clubs of the Stroudsburgs, Chamber of Commerce Executive Women's Council and the East Stroudsburg University Women's Center Advisory Board. On a State and national level, she has served the Head Start program, the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Pennsylvania Association of Child Care Administrators. She has also served the East Stroudsburg School District's reading program and was a member of the district's Band, Football and Wrestling Parents Associations. Mrs. Weaver is married to Michael Weaver, a retired professor from East Stroudsburg University. The couple has two children and three grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mrs. Weaver on the occasion of this honor. Her selfless commitment to family and community and, especially, to the welfare of children has enriched the greater Pocono Mountain region. Mrs. Weaver deserves our gratitude and appreciation.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to my very good friends Dr. Joseph and Dr. Rose Mattioli, of Monroe County, Pennsylvania, who have been honored by the Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce as recipients of the Frank Schoelch Community Commitment Award. Both Mattiolis are graduates of Temple University, which is where they met. Dr. Joseph Mattioli practiced dentistry while Dr. Rose Mattioli pursued a professional career as a podiatrist. Both practiced in Philadelphia for about 10 years before they decided to embark on a complete change of careers. The Mattiolis were determined to pursue a dream of bringing automobile racing to the New York and Philadelphia regions. That dream became a reality in 1968 when they opened the Pocono International Raceway at Long Pond in Monroe County. They endured numerous obstacles and hardships during the early days of NASCAR, but they persevered. Since then, the Mattiolis have developed the track into one of the best in the Nation. Today, that track hosts two NASCAR NEXTEL Cup series events each year. In 2002 they were inducted into the Stock Car Racing Hall of Fame. Known as the driving force behind the growth of Pocono Raceway, Joe is credited by his peers for his incomparable knowledge of racing, drivers and, above all, people. Rose is well-known as a gracious lady with an infectious smile. Rose is the ``heart'' of the Pocono Raceway. She was instrumental in providing an area at Pocono Raceway for religious services for race teams and their families. Joe is also a strong supporter of countless charitable groups throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. A veteran of World War II, Dr. Mattioli has been honored for helping the Veterans Coalition and Veterans of the Vietnam War. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Drs. Joseph and Rose Mattioli on this happy occasion. It is, indeed, fitting that this couple should be recognized for their community commitment since they have contributed so much to the greater Pocono Mountain community for so long. I am proud to consider them my friends. Pocono Raceway has hosted hundreds of thousands of guests over the years and has been responsible for generating significant amounts of revenue and jobs that have greatly improved the quality of life throughout the region.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to former Pennsylvania State Representative Joe Battisto, of Monroe County, on the occasion of receiving the first annual Lifetime Achievement Award from the Monroe County Democrats. Joe Battisto distinguished himself during 18 years of public service in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives following a career as public school teacher and chairman of the language arts department of the Pocono Mountain School District. Despite moving to the realm of public service, Joe was well known for maintaining his connection with the youth in his community and frequently served as mentor for young people who were behaviorally troubled. Prior to being elected to the State House of Representatives, Joe served in the public arena first as a borough councilman in the Borough of Mount Pocono, rising to become the council president. He also served as mayor of Mount Pocono Borough. Joe Battisto subsequently was a driving force in the formation of the Pocono Mountain Library and in the construction of a municipal sewage system. He founded the Monroe County Litter Control and Beautification Task Force. During his nearly 2 decades of service in the State House of Representatives, he served on the Education and Appropriations Committees and rose to become chairman of the Transportation Committee. While serving as a State Representative, Joe launched the reconstruction of the Pocono Mountains Welcome Center, led the efforts to build the badly needed Marshalls Creek Bypass, and ensured the environmental cleanup of major industrial and disposal sites in Monroe County. He also obtained funding for an open space trail system and for highway safety and signalization projects. He fought to preserve rights of way for possible future rail service to major metropolitan destinations. In addition, he obtained funding for street lights in downtown Stroudsburg and streetscaping work in the Delaware Water Gap. Joe Battisto was the first lawmaker to receive the prestigious East Stroudsburg University's ``Legislative Fellow'' award created to establish a stronger bond between the university and elected state officials. The award was especially meaningful to Joe because he graduated from ESU in 1956. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Joe Battisto on this auspicious occasion. The quality of life in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, has been made far better due to the achievements of Joe Battisto and others like him. His integrity and commitment to his community serve as wonderful examples of what it means to be a true public servant.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chairman, simply stated, the amendment would ensure a continued independent public voice in the corporate governance of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks. The amendment also has had bipartisan support in the Committee on Financial Services. It additionally now has the support of the National Association of Homebuilders and the National Association of Realtors. The bill before us would make a dramatic change in the board structures of the three government-sponsored enterprises, and this issue deserves a public debate. The charters of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac presently require that the boards of both enterprises shall at all times have five members appointed by the President. Additionally, in order to represent the public interest and provide an independent voice, the charters of the Federal Home Loan Banks require at least six individuals to be appointed by the regulator to serve on each bank board. Unfortunately, the bill before us today would eliminate the requirement for Presidential appointees on the boards of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. It would also abolish regulatory appointees on the boards of the Federal Home Loan Banks. In my view, requiring Presidential and regulatory appointees to serve on the board of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks is entirely appropriate, given the unique nature of their charters and their important public missions. Government-sponsored enterprises by their very nature are public- private entities, and they need to have a public voice at the highest levels of governance. The Presidential and regulatory appointments, therefore, signal that each entity is not only accountable to its shareholders, but also to broader national public policy interests. Additionally, the Presidential and regulatory appointment system gives citizens a needed voice in ensuring the viability of our Nation's housing finance system and that the benefits of this system are widely distributed. Maintaining public representation on the GSE boards is therefore critical to ensuring continued public trust in these very important financial institutions. This amendment would accordingly restore the Presidential and regulatory board appointment systems for GSEs while still preserving important changes made by the bill. These changes include providing flexibility in the size of corporate boards at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and lengthening the terms of service at the Federal home loan banks. The amendment would also make three other minor modifications to the bill related to the boards of the Federal home loan banks. They include raising the number of independent directors, adding community and economic development expertise and allowing appointed independent directors to continue to serve until a successor is in place. This commonsense amendment to retain an independent public voice on the GSE boards received bipartisan support during the markup of this bill. It also has the backing of those who know our housing markets best, like the National Association of Home Builders and the National Association of Realtors. In a recent letter to me about this amendment, the home builders note that ``a diverse governing board of directors that is well balanced in knowledge and expertise in the full range of GSE-related issues and activities is critical.'' They also believe that the amendment ``will help ensure that the GSE's board of directors are best equipped to make informed, sound judgments in fulfilling their duties, including monitoring risk management activities of the GSEs' executives.'' In sum, this amendment is one that deserves the support of everyone who wants to preserve a public voice within the public-private entities and promote good corporate governance. It has the support of the home builders and the realtors. May I say, at the full committee the amendment was offered and had a 35-35 vote at full committee. On the basis of knowing the importance to corporate governance of this body, I urge my colleagues to adopt this amendment.

Mr. KANJORSKI. I yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts.

Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart. We need to have a strong, independent and world-class regulator for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal home loan banks. The committee I serve on, the Committee on Financial Services, has labored for 6 years, 20 hearings, hundreds and hundreds of hours, and hundreds of witnesses to put together what I think is probably one of the best examples of bipartisan activity this House has seen in many years. It is unfortunate that we come here today with the manager's amendment excluding faith-based entities from participating in the Affordable Housing Fund. I am convinced that the overwhelming majority of our friends on the other side of the aisle, if they understood the restrictions in the manager's amendment and the denial by the Committee on Rules of a right to vote on the issue, that is all we asked, it was never considered in the subcommittee. It was never considered in the full committee. It has never had an up-and-down vote or any consideration of this issue. It appeared at the 11th hour to satisfy some political fears of some of the majority party's members, and they felt this was a way of solving it. Maybe it was directed at one entity, but in fact it has encompassed in its grasp the faith-based entities of this country which provide most of the affordable housing. I have to say that with this we are making our religious institutions choose between a joint mission of serving God their number one mission, and then helping the poor. They are going to have to give up helping the poor because if they were to do so, they will be restricted from spending their own funds, not these affordable housing funds, but their own funds, to bring out the vote, to have voter education, and to have even carrying a voter to the polls for people who do not have a ride. We have taken 15 protections in the bill to see that the intended purposes were not abused. We did not need these additional restrictions. They are there, I think, probably for political reaction purposes, and it is unfortunate. As a result, we are going to compromise an otherwise perfectly bipartisan bill that could have shone with great favor in this House at this particular time in our history. I find it unfortunate that we are denied this right to have an up and down vote, and, as a result, I urge my colleagues to vote no on the rule.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Chairman, the Committee on Financial Services has studied the need to reform the regulation of housing Government- Sponsored Enterprises for nearly 6 years. Since convening our first government hearing on GSE reform in March 2000, we have examined these matters extensively. As the ranking Democratic member on the subcommittee of jurisdiction, I have also had the opportunity to participate in more than 20 hearings and to hear scores of witnesses. The legislation to address these matters that the Committee on Financial Services ultimately reported earlier this year was a very, very good piece of legislation. It would, as long as I have advocated, created a strong, world-class, independent regulatory for housing GSEs. The bill also received the overwhelming backing of my colleagues on the committee, passing by a vote of 65 to 5. While I still believe this base legislative package is a good bill, I am concerned about some of the amendments that we will debate today. For example, the manager's amendment that we will shortly consider will add a number of new provisions that will severely restrict the ability of faith-based groups to participate in the new Affordable Housing Fund created by this bill and to participate in our democracy. These changes are controversial, unconstitutional, and immoral. These revisions which were not previously debated in committee, which have generated considerable disagreement, deserve close scrutiny. Because the rule does not allow a clean vote to remove these troubling provisions from the legislation, I must regretfully oppose this bill on final passage. Beyond the concerns I have with the manager's amendment, I have concerns about those amendments which would alter the delicate balance we crafted in committee to create a strong, world-class, and independent safety and soundness regulator for GSEs. These amendments, which I will oppose, would remove the Treasury line of credit for the GSEs, impose capital standards based on competition rather than risk, create arbitrary limitations on GSE portfolios for reasons other than safety and soundness, and alter provisions of the bill that will help middle-income families purchase homes in high-cost areas. Still, there are also a number of good amendments which I will support, including my own amendment to restore the Presidential and regulatory board appointment systems for the GSEs. I hope all of my colleagues will support this target amendment to retain an independent public voice on Government-Sponsored Enterprise boards. This amendment also has the support of the National Association of Home Builders and the National Association of Realtors. In closing, Mr. Chairman, while this bill has many admirable aspects, the process by which we have brought it to the floor is flawed. As a result, I will oppose this bill at the end of the day, but hope to work to improve the legislation as it moves on in the process.

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Chairman, I think we have debated a tough issue. I am sure there are people on the other side that understand why we feel so strongly on this faith-based issue. We have maybe a chance to resolve this and come out of this House with a resounding victory. If we vote down the manager's amendment, we will include the entire manager's amendment in the motion to recommit with three exceptions. We will take out that the prime purpose has to be housing, so faith-based organizations can still consider God as a primary challenge and obligation. Secondly, we will add in the terms that will allow for voter registration and get-out-the vote on a nonpartisan basis. So this will only affect getting out the vote and voter registration in a nonpartisan way. Finally, what I urge my colleagues on the other side to do is vote down the manager's amendment, accept the motion to recommit, have a perfect bill that we can walk out of here today with almost a unanimous approval.

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Gary G. Miller). (Mr. Gary G. Miller of California asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis).

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time. I have a great deal of respect for the proponent of this amendment. I know he is a very serious and thoughtful Member; but I think this amendment goes overboard from the standpoint of during the 6 years of consideration of this bill, we balanced out very well the structure to create a regulator that would be similar to the bank regulators. The powers involved in this bill allow for the regulator to control safety and soundness and to have direction of the portfolio when systemic risk would occur in these particular organizations. This amendment goes far beyond that and allows the latitude to the regulator to get involved whenever there are capital-markets instability, not only housing instability, but capital markets or the financial system instability. What it means is we will always be subject to the whim and fancy of a regulator to require these GSEs to sell assets or sell liabilities at the whim of the regulator's thought that there may be some need to regulate systemic risk, when in fact these organizations suffer no systemic risk. I join with the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis) when he analyzes out that what we would be doing is arming a regulator who may not always be the most thoughtful individual in the world to take actions against our housing industry and our housing GSEs at the most inappropriate time and moment, causing destabilization to the housing market and, in effect, causing further destabilization and systemic risk to the financial markets. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote ``no'' on this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay special tribute to St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary on Oct. 16, 2005. A century and a half ago, a small group of German immigrants joined together to form a church where they could worship in the traditions instilled in them by their ancestors and provide a religious education for their children and for the generations to follow. Their effort took root and quickly flourished. Soon, a small wooden church appeared to provide a place to worship and then a school. Both structures filled quickly and the need to build even larger facilities was evident. In 1883, the congregation started construction on a magnificent Gothic edifice that remains to this day and can accommodate up to 1,200 worshippers at a given service. In 1913, anew, larger elementary parochial school was constructed to accommodate an ever growing number of students. A high school was incorporated in 1928, and an auditorium and gymnasium were built in 1930. The Sisters of Christian Charity, organized in Germany, joined St. Nicholas Parish as the school teachers in the early 1870s and they remain in a leadership role to this day. A new convent was built to accommodate their needs in 1963. The old church rectory was torn down in 1971 and a new residence was built and completed by June, 1972. The parish steadily acquired adjacent properties over the years and, today, occupies nearly an entire city block bounded by Washington Street, Pennsylvania Avenue and the South Street Bridge. Now home to more than 1,300 families, the parish maintains more than 40 thriving organizations that minister to all segments of the congregation and the larger community nearby. Although in existence for 150 years, the parish has had only six pastors, including Monsignors Peter Nagel, Charles Goeckel, Cyriac Staib, Francis Schmitt, Joseph Meier and Joseph Rauscher. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating St. Nicholas Parish on the occasion of its 150th anniversary. A landmark in central city Wilkes-Barre for a century and a half, St. Nicholas Church is well known for much more than just a striking physical presence in the heart of the community. It has been a shining example of a faith community that ministers to its own while reaching out with a welcoming hand to the larger community in a myriad of ways. The pastor and parishioners of St. Nicholas Church have much about which to celebrate and be proud. We extend to them a hearty wish for continued success as a beacon of spiritual inspiration to those throughout the greater Wyoming Valley.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Maureen Moran Bufalino, regional president of Omega Bank in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on the occasion of her receiving the prestigious Athena Award presented annually by the Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry. Mrs. Bufalino is truly deserving of this honor because throughout her career she has exemplified what a true community leader should be. As a former president of the Junior League of Wilkes-Barre, Mrs. Bufalino helped develop many young women for volunteer service within the community. She has served as a role model for businesswomen through her work in the banking industry. And despite her demanding business schedule, she has still found the time to volunteer and serve several non-profit organizations and also raise three children. She is also a charter member of Circle 200, a regional executive women's networking organization, and is a graduate of the Leadership Wilkes-Barre program. Mrs. Bufalino serves as vice chair of CityVest Community Development Organization, a group committed to revitalizing Wilkes-Barre's downtown. She is a graduate of King's College. Mrs. Bufalino was also named one of the top 20 executives under the age of 40 in 2001 by the Northeastern Business Journal, a widely respected business periodical in northeastern Pennsylvania. On a personal note, I have known Maureen and her family for decades. I know her parents Jack and Maureen are extremely proud of her success, not only as a well-respected professional, but also as a dedicated community leader and loving mother. It has been a pleasure to watch her develop into such a fine leader for the next generation. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mrs. Bufalino on this notable occasion. Her spirit and generosity repeatedly propels her into positions of leadership wherever she goes. An outstanding and highly talented woman, she is a model business and civic leader who epitomizes all the qualities required for a recipient of the Athena Award. Our community in northeastern Pennsylvania is far better off because of Mrs. Bufalino's selfless service.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Mr. Lino Marchetti, of Exeter, Pennsylvania, on the occasion of being named ``Person of the Year'' by the Italian American Association of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Born in Bologna, Italy, Mr. Marchetti is the son of the late Samuel and Sylvia Parente Marchetti. Mr. Marchetti served in the United States Army during World War II. He worked for many years at Atlas Chain in West Pittston, Pennsylvania, and is a member of the United Auto Workers, AFL-CIO. An accomplished musician, Mr. Marchetti serves as president of the American Federation of Musicians, Local 140. He frequently provides musical entertainment for residents of nursing homes and for patients at veterans hospitals. He is the adjutant of the American Legion, Post 833, and he serves as vice president of the Italian American Association of Luzerne County. Mr. Marchetti and his wife have been married for 53 years. They are the parents of two daughters and the grandparents of three grandsons. Throughout his life, Mr. Marchetti has been a good citizen, friend and neighbor whose deeds have touched the lives of many in a very positive manner. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Marchetti on this special occasion that recognizes his service to his fellow man and the community at large.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Attorney Paul Mazzoni, of Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, who has been named ``Man of the Year'' by the Columbus Day Association of Lackawanna County. Mr. Mazzoni has enjoyed a very successful career and has distinguished himself as a dynamic crime fighter during the years he served as special assistant attorney general and as district attorney for Lackawanna County. The son of Italian immigrants, he was born in Carbondale, Pennsylvania. His father worked in the coal mines and his mother labored in the factories. A graduate of the University of Scranton, he received his law degree from Georgetown University Law School. After serving as Census Director for the 10th Congressional District, he was named special assistant attorney general. Later, he worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry and, after that, as a workmen's compensation judge. Elected to two terms as district attorney, Mr. Mazzoni prosecuted more cases of election law violations than any previous DA in the history of Lackawanna County. He also prosecuted a murder case involving two juvenile victims that attracted the attention of a national magazine. He also broke up the largest interstate crime ring ever to operate in northeastern Pennsylvania. The case involved organized crime figures from New York and New Jersey and led to solving a murder case and scores of burglaries and robberies throughout the region. The case sparked the book ``Marked to Die'' by Michael Brown. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania awarded Mr. Mazzoni a certificate of merit, the first such award ever presented to a county prosecutor by the state. Having established a law firm with his brother, Robert, who is now a Lackawanna County Common Pleas Judge, Mr. Mazzoni remains engaged in the practice of law at the firm of Mazzoni and Karam. A former president of the Lackawanna County Bar Association, Mr. Mazzoni is married to the former Elaine Seckary. The couple has four children and 11 grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Mazzoni on this happy occasion. The quality of life in northeastern Pennsylvania is better today because of the contributions of men like Paul Mazzoni.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to a former colleague and current Pennsylvania State Senator Raphael J. Musto on the occasion of receiving the ``Lifetime Achievement Award'' from the Italian American Association of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Senator Musto has had a distinguished career in public service dating back to 1971 when he was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in a special election to fill the unexpired term of office of his father, the late State Representative James Musto. Senator Musto was subsequently re-elected to four consecutive terms. In 1980, then-State Representative Musto won a special election to become the Congressman representing the 11th Congressional District of Pennsylvania in the United States House of Representatives. In November, 1982, he was elected to the Senate of Pennsylvania to serve the 14th District. Senator Musto was subsequently re-elected in 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998 and 2002. He served as Senate Democratic Caucus Secretary from 1997 to 2004, a leadership position. Senator Musto also serves as Democratic chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and chairman of the Energy and Environment Committee of the Council of State Governments' Eastern Regional Conference, which encompasses 11 States, five Canadian provinces, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Senator Musto is a charter member of the Pittston Township Lions Club, a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Italian American Association of Luzerne County, the Sons of Italy, the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce, King's College Alumni Association and he is a life member of the Pittston Township Volunteer Fire Company. Senator Musto was honored by both King's College and Wilkes University when the two Wilkes-Barre institutions presented him with honorary doctorates of humanities and humane letters, respectively. In 2000, he was named Conservation Legislator of the year and he received awards for excellence and distinguished service from the National Association of Water Companies, the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association, the Ford Foundation and Harvard University. Senator Musto is married to the former Frances Panzetta and they are the parents of four children and seven grandchildren. On a personal note, it has been a pleasure to work with Ray Musto on many issues of importance to our mutual constituents. He has epitomized the true American success story by encompassing strong family values, dedication to his community, and commitment to the democratic institutions of his community, his State, and indeed, the Nation. He has been a friend for more than half my lifetime. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Senator Musto on this special occasion that recognizes the contributions he has made throughout his distinguished career in public service. Clearly, Senator Musto has made a positive difference in the quality of life for the citizens of northeastern Pennsylvania and we thank him for that.