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 Mr. Neno Sartini, of Wilkes-Barre, PA, who is being honored for his many years of service to military veterans that stems from his unyielding love of country and those who serve to protect it. Mr. Sartini graduated in 1948 from Plains Township High School. He subsequently enlisted in the United States Air Force and is a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He retired after 26 years of service with the rank of TSgt. During his military service he was stationed in Greenland, Guam, Japan, and several stateside bases. Mr. Sartini is a recipient of the Bronze Star, Republic of South Vietnam Medal of Honor, Army/Air Force Good Conduct Medal with silver clasp, Air Force Commendation Medal with silver clasp, and the Vietnam Campaign Service Medal with two stars. In 1977, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the highest peacetime award given by the U.S. Air Force. Mr. Sartini is a recipient of the ``Chapel of Four Chaplains'' Legion of Honor Award, the American Legion's William Brace Award for Public Service, and the American Spirit Award for patriotism and service to country. Mr. Sartini has logged more than 2,300 hours of volunteer service at the Wilkes-Barre Veterans Medical Center over a period of 13 years. He was a driving force in the creation of the Luzerne County Vietnam War Memorial that reposes on the south lawn of the county Courthouse in Wilkes-Barre. Mr. Sartini has been a tireless advocate for all military service veterans and he has been an active member in the Italian American Veterans of Luzerne County where he served as commander. He served as vice commander of the Veterans of the Vietnam War Post 2 and is a member of the Korean War veterans of Luzerne County, Plains Township American Legion, Order of the Sons of Italy and Masonic Lodge, No. 61. Mr. Sartini has been cited repeatedly over the years for his aggressive style of approaching all challenges, whether it be keeping military operating equipment in peak electrical condition and readiness; recruiting other young men and women for service in the United States Air Force; advising community leaders on important issues of the day, or volunteering his time and expertise to improve the quality of life in northeastern Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Sartini. His love for this Nation and the men and women who have served in uniform to protect this land and the freedoms we enjoy as United States citizens knows no bounds. Clearly, Mr. Sartini has improved the quality of life for all with whom he comes into contact and, as such, he has earned our respect and deepest gratitude.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Scranton Tomorrow, an organization celebrating its 15th anniversary and whose mission it is to establish the city of Scranton as the premier urban center in northeastern Pennsylvania. As part of Scranton Tomorrow's celebration, they are honoring their past presidents, who include Monsignor Joseph Quinn, Judge Terrence Nealon, Attorney Barbara Sardella, William Bender, Phil Condron, Glenn Pellino and Carlon Preate. Scranton Tomorrow has launched several initiatives designed to fulfill its mission including Artspace, City Pride, the Lackawanna Riverfront Revitalization, First Night and support for the Scranton Business Alliance. Artspace is a project designed to produce affordable space for artists to live, work, perform and conduct business while creating a sustained economic impact for the city of Scranton. City Pride is an annual cleanup and beautification effort that showcases the extraordinary community pride underlying the effort to make Scranton a visually attractive city. The Lackawanna Riverfront Revitalization project and the Downtown Heritage Greenway project involve a coalition of major stakeholders, including the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority, the Scranton Area Foundation, the Lackawanna River Corridor Association, the Scranton Office of Community and Economic Development, Lackawanna County government, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, as well as riverfront property owners. The stakeholders are committed to creating a master plan for the revitalization of the river corridor. First Night is an initiative aimed at celebrating the arrival of the New Year in a safe and family friendly environment that features food, fun and entertainment and brings together the business and residential communities in a festive atmosphere. The Scranton Business Alliance is a collective of more than 200 city businesses dedicated to improving all aspects of the central business district through solid economic management, strengthening public participation, and making downtown a fun place to visit. By building on the central city business district's inherent assets, rich architecture, a solid infrastructure, a core of financial, government, and human/social service outlets, and a firm sense of place, the Scranton Business Alliance aims to rekindle entrepreneurship, cooperation, and civic concern. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Scranton Tomorrow and those who have inspired it. Their zeal to return the city of Scranton to a prominent place in the region has captivated the imaginations of Scranton's citizens and has been an important catalyst for the renaissance Scranton is currently enjoying.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Seth S. Gross, who was named ``Man of the Year'' by the B'nai B'rith Amos Lodge No. 136 of Scranton, PA. Mr. Gross graduated from Scranton Central High School in 1959 and received his bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1962. After attending the College of Insurance, he worked for Chubb and Son in New York City before returning to Scranton to join his father, Abraham, his mother, Lillian and his uncle, Bernard Gross, in Gross- Brown Associated Agencies, Inc. He remained associated with Gross-Brown until 1994, when it merged with Chamberlain Insurance. Mr. Gross continues to be associated with Chamberlain and Reinheimer Insurers, Inc. He is a past president of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters and has taught classes for the CPCU designation. Mr. Gross has served as president of many Jewish and community organizations over the years, including the Scranton Lions Club, the Lackawanna Audubon Society, Jewish Family Service of Lackawanna County, Junior Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Temple Israel of Scranton and the Scranton Jewish Community Center. He is currently president of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania and he serves on the boards of Jewish Family Service, the JCC and Temple Israel. Mr. Gross previously served on the board of the Scranton Hebrew Day School and on the United Way allocations panel. He has also worked on the Pennsylvania Film Festival/Scranton Tomorrow Committee and the First Night Celebration in Scranton. Mr. Gross was the recipient of the Scranton Jewish Community Center Young Leadership Award, its Man of the Year Award and its Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Gross is married to the former Sheryl Jacobowitz. The couple has two daughters and three grandchildren. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Gross. His contributions to the business and community sectors in Scranton and the northeastern Pennsylvania region have earned him well-deserved respect and admiration, which are reflected in this honor being bestowed on him by B'nai B'rith Amos Lodge No. 136.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Mrs. Donna Doherty, this year's recipient of the Sam and Jane Cali Star Award presented by the Broadway Theatre League of NEPA in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Each year the award is presented to a distinguished community leader who has demonstrated exemplary dedication and service to the arts in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Named for the current president of the Broadway Theatre League of NEPA, Sam Cali and his late wife, Jane Nicolais Cali, the award is sponsored by the Fidelity Deposit Discount Bank and will be presented this year at the BTL's season opening gala on November 3. Married to Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty, Donna Doherty has a long history of dedicated service in promoting the arts. In addition to serving on the board of trustees of the Everhart Museum in Scranton, Mrs. Doherty served as Scranton coordinator for ``Miles of Mules,'' an initiative of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor that combined history and art, linking communities in eastern Pennsylvania. Her long-standing enthusiasm for the arts is evidenced by the success of her numerous arts related community efforts. In 2001, Mrs. Doherty committed herself to ``Art and Jazz on the Ave,'' a project that showcased the energy, diversity and skills of the region's many artists. Using empty retail stores on a historically preserved block of downtown Scranton as gallery space, the event offered juried competition that included over 100 local artists. Accompanied by a street festival featuring local jazz musicians and culinary stylists, the event attracted the attention of thousands of people. Mrs. Doherty has also served as co-chair of ``Arts in Bloom,'' a fund raising event that benefits the Everhart Museum. Mrs. Doherty is currently the owner of Heart to Art, a full service design and marketing company dedicated to building better communities through collaborative art experiences. Mrs. Doherty and her husband are the parents of six children. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mrs. Doherty on this auspicious occasion. Her selfless devotion to the arts has been an enriching experience for so many and has had a lasting positive impact on improving the quality of life for all who live and work in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Rev. Louis S. Garbacik, pastor emeritus of St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church in Hazleton, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, who will be the guest of honor at a celebration hosted by the Greater Hazleton Area Polonaise Society on Sunday, October 14, 2007. Father Garbacik is being honored for his dedication and support of Polish tradition, heritage, and culture during his 53 years in the priesthood. A son of Polish immigrants, Father Garbacik grew up in a loving home where his mother cared for the family while his father labored in the anthracite mines of northeastern Pennsylvania and also worked as a talented carpenter making and repairing violins. Throughout his years as a parish priest, Father Garbacik has endeavored to educate his parishioners in the customs and traditions of Poland. From numerous trips to the country of his ancestors, Father Garbacik has collected a variety of Polish artwork which he proudly displays in his church rectory and shares with all who express an interest. Father Garbacik was honored when he met with the late Pope John Paul II, himself a native of Poland and the only non-Italian to hold the position of Pope since the 1520s. Committed to teaching members of his parish about Polish spiritual traditions, Father Garbacik routinely shares with his flock information about Polish worship services rooted in his ancestral homeland. A humble man who enjoys the love and devotion of his parishioners, Father Garbacik demonstrates through his own life the true meaning of Christian love which leaves those whose lives he touches inspired and comforted. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Father Louis Garbacik and the Greater Hazleton Area Polonaise Society which has recognized the value of Father Garbacik's ministry.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to J.A. Reinhardt and Company, Inc., of Mountainhome, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, on the occasion of its 60th anniversary in business. From humble beginnings in 1947, two brothers, Jack and Bob Reinhardt, from Brooklyn, New York, returned from military service in the United States Army to relocate to Mountainhome in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. There, armed with only a dream and a small bank loan, they began manufacturing engraved signs for local resorts and banks in the basement of the family home. By 1950, the company had expanded to 2,400 square feet and was supplying components to major aircraft manufacturers. Over the next half century the firm would undergo dramatic growth to meet the needs of customers. Today, J.A. Reinhardt and Company, Inc., is proud to be associated with some of the premier aerospace and high technology firms in the world. Now at 75,000 square feet, the company boasts such customers as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Harris and ITT, as well as clients as far away as Israel and Turkey. Before Jack Reinhardt passed away, he witnessed the company he and his brother founded develop into a premier producer of precision machined and fabricated products. Since this world-class company was founded in the entrepreneurial spirit that helped build this great nation, it has provided hundreds of people with an opportunity to earn family-sustaining wages. J.A. Reinhardt and Company, Inc., has also generated business for its neighbors and has become a major force in the economy of the Pocono Mountains. All this because two young men were willing to take a risk six decades ago, were willing to work hard and were blessed with the ability to encourage the best from themselves and their employees. The J.A. Reinhardt Company, Inc. has truly been a partner in the defense of the United States. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Bob Reinhardt and the late Jack Reinhardt for having the determination and fortitude to persevere so that the business they founded could survive and flourish and serve as an example to aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Robert C. Cordaro, Commissioner of Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, who was named ``Man of the Year'' by the Lackawanna County Columbus Day Association. Mr. Cordaro is a 1979 graduate of Dunmore High School where he was a member of the National Honor Society, senior class president and a first team all league football player where he held the position of linebacker. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Rochester in 1983 with a bachelor's degree in history. At the University of Rochester, he was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. He also was a member of the first team academic All-America Football Team where he held the position of linebacker. In 1986, Mr. Cordaro graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Law. Mr. Cordaro went on to work for United States Congressman Charles F. Dougherty, Republican, of Philadelphia, before becoming a practicing attorney. He was a founder of Landmark Community Bank where he served as a member of its board of directors. Mr. Cordaro is a partner in Cord Realty, the owner and manager of a diversified real estate portfolio. Mr. Cordaro was elected to the Lackawanna County Board of Commissioners in 2000 and was re-elected in 2004 after which he was named to the chairmanship of that board. In 2006, Lackawanna County was the recipient of the National Award for County Arts Leadership, a first for Pennsylvania counties due to a program established in part by Mr. Cordaro. According to Americans for the Arts, an innovative Education and Culture fee was created to encourage and support artistic endeavors within Lackawanna County, revenues from which are used to fund regional arts assets as well as arts and education activities. The Lackawanna County Commissioners dedicated funds from this revenue source to support the Scranton Cultural Center, the Everhart Museum and the Lackawanna County Library System. ``We believe that fostering arts and cultural activities is critical to our area's revitalization and growth,'' said Mr. Cordaro. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Commissioner Cordaro. His commitment to his community is reflected in the fact that he has been chosen for this distinguished award.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Joseph and Joan Przywara, of West Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, as they celebrate 50 years of marriage. On September 14, 1957, Mr. and Mrs. Przywara were joined in marriage at St. Mary's of the Immaculate Conception Church in Wilkes-Barre. Mr. Przywara began his working career at first in the anthracite coal mines in the Wyoming Valley and then worked for General Motors in New Jersey, McGregor Sportswear in Nanticoke, Woodlawn Farm Dairy in Wilkes-Barre and Dairylea in Scranton. In 1974, he established the West Side Dairy and the couple's two sons, Joseph and Robert, soon joined him in business. In 1982, he acquired the Dream Whip ice cream business in Nanticoke. Mr. Przywara has served his community in several capacities over the years, not the least of which was his many contributions of time and energy to promote Democratic Party principles and candidates. He was also highly instrumental in establishing the Plymouth Township Recreation Association on land he helped acquire from the Glen Alden Coal Company. He coached little league baseball for many years and also served as a PIAA baseball and softball official and as an ASA softball umpire. Mrs. Przywara worked at Pennsylvania Wholesale Drug Company, Heavenly Shoe Company, the United States Social Security Administration and the United States Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration for many years. She currently manages Dream Whip Ice Cream which employs nine people. She is a past member of the Plymouth Township Recreation Association Auxiliary. Mr. and Mrs. Przywara had three children, Joseph, who is deceased; Robert and Lisa Bonar. They also have four grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Przywara are shining examples of hard working, family and community minded Americans who enrich the quality of life not only for themselves but for all whose lives they have touched. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Przywara on this special occasion.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Pasquale ``Pat'' Bangor, of Hazleton, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, who was named ``Person of the Year'' by the Italian American Association of Luzerne County. Mr. Bangor is a son of the late Neil and Phyllis Cerullo Bangor. He has two sisters, Camella O'Donnell and the late Rose Realo and one brother, John. He was married to Dorothy Gutosky Bangor for 30 years until her death in 1983. He has been married to Vanda Molinaro Bangor for the past 21 years. Mr. Bangor has three daughters: Patricia Conahan, Carol Ann Brown and the late Jacqueline Cardillo. He also has three step-daughters: Rose Esposito, Wanda Rosenbaum and Lydia Hunsinger. He is also blessed with grandchildren, step-grandchildren and great grandchildren. A graduate of Hazleton High School in 1946; he served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Following his military service, he was a self employed printer in the Hazleton area for more than 40 years. In retirement, Mr. Bangor has remained active by driving a school bus for special needs children in the Hazleton Area School District and working part-time at a local carpet store. He has been an active member of Our Lady of Grace Church in Hazleton all his life and has served on the church's financial council. Mr. Bangor was a member of the Hazleton Elks Club for several years and has been an active and dedicated member of the Italian American Association of Luzerne County where he served many years on its board of directors. Mr. and Mrs. Bangor spend much of their time with their children and grandchildren. They also enjoy dancing and world travel. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Pat Bangor on this auspicious occasion. Mr. Bangor is a shining example of a family and community minded citizen whose contributions of time and energy has improved the quality of life for all whose lives he has touched.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Sandy Insalaco, of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, who is this year's recipient of the ``Lifetime Achievement Award'' given by the Italian American Association of Luzerne County. A principal of Insalaco Development Group, Sandy's company develops, owns and operates commercial real estate in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. He is president and chief executive officer of Nature's Way Purewater, a bottler of private label spring, distilled and reverse osmosis water for supermarket chain stores and other clients throughout the United States and Canada. Mr. Insalaco is chairman of the board of directors of Landmark Community Bank headquartered in Pittston, Pennsylvania, and with offices in Forty Fort, Scranton and Stroudsburg Pennsylvania. He is a past chairman and now a member of the board of trustees of Misericordia University. Mr. Insalaco has served on the board of trustees of the Mercy HealthCare Foundation since it was established by the late Monsignor Andrew J. McGowan and he served as chairman of that foundation. Mercy HealthCare Foundation supports health initiatives for the underserved in northeastern Pennsylvania. Mr. Insalaco started his business career in 1957, joining his brother, Michael, in the retail food business. The company grew from one small store to 14 supermarkets located in Luzerne, Lackawanna, Monroe and Wayne Counties in Pennsylvania. The company was sold in 1993. Mr. Insalaco served on the board of directors of the former United Penn Bank in Wilkes-Barre. He also served as chairman and a member of the board of directors of Affiliated Food Distributors, Inc., Scranton, Pennsylvania. He has been actively involved with fund-raising for St. Maria Goretti Church, the Greater Hazleton Philharmonic Society, the Greater Pittston Memorial Library, Mercy HealthCare Foundation and Misericordia University. Mr. Insalaco and his wife, Marlene, have 2 sons, Sandy Jr., and Michael. They also have five grandchildren. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Insalaco on this special occasion which honors a lifetime of extraordinary achievement that has touched the lives of many people and improved the quality of life throughout northeastern Pennsylvania.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 658) supporting the goals and ideals of Federal Credit Union Month and recognizing the importance of Federal credit unions to the economy, and their critical mission in serving those of modest means.

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material thereon.

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my thoughts about House Resolution 658, of which I am proud to be a cosponsor. House Resolution 658 would designate September as National Credit Union Month. America's credit union movement began during the Great Depression with the passage of the Federal Credit Union Act. With its mission of helping people of modest means, the credit union movement has blossomed, and these financial institutions help to keep our economy vibrant. Today, credit unions serve more than 89 million members at more than 9,000 State and federally chartered institutions. These financial entities are cooperative organizations that are owned and controlled by their members. From my perspective, the credit union movement represents democratic capital of our society. The movement also represents the grass-roots of our democracy. Among other things, credit unions provide much-needed services to young families and small businesses, often offering mortgages and startup loans at low rates. In addition, credit unions invest in the areas where they are located by assisting in community revitalization and economic renewal efforts, as well as working with underserved populations to help them gain access to our Nation's banking system. More than 9 years ago, we passed the Credit Union Membership Access Act, which I helped to introduce. This legislation modernized Federal credit union laws. Unfortunately, however, it also imposed severe restrictions on credit unions in several areas like capital standards, business lending, and the ability of some credit unions to provide services to underserved areas. From my perspective, we should revisit these areas and work to help credit unions operate more effectively and efficiently in the years ahead. In closing, I am proud to be a supporter of the credit union movement and am pleased to speak in support of recognizing September as National Credit Union Month. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the Forty Fort Meeting House which is celebrating its 200th anniversary as a place for citizens to congregate for the purpose of worshipping God and serving their communities. A national historic landmark, the Forty Fort Meeting House, located in the Wyoming Valley of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, is the oldest existing house of worship in northeastern Pennsylvania. Two hundred years ago, the colonists viewed the discussion of religion and politics as fundamental to the success and prosperity of their community and they created an institution strictly for that purpose--the meeting house. The origins of the Forty Fort Meeting House are rooted in colonial New England where members of the local community gathered inside plain wooden structures twice on Sunday to worship and during the midweek to discuss community affairs and elect local officials. The Forty Fort Meeting House served as a place of worship until 1837 when the Presbyterians and Methodists built their own churches, leaving the Meeting House and adjoining cemetery to become neglected. In 1860, the Forty Fort Cemetery Association was established and with it came a renewed sense of responsibility for stewardship of the Meeting House. William Swetland, the association's first president, replaced the roof, painted the exterior and repaired the fence. For the next 130 years, the structure received only cosmetic repairs to the exterior. Today, efforts are underway to restore the structure through an endowment project that seeks to raise funds for the work and to continue preservation well into the future. The Forty Fort Meeting House stands as a legacy to the spiritual fortitude, fierce determination and moral courage of the Connecticut Yankees who settled the Wyoming Valley. Madam Speaker, please join me in celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Forty Fort Meeting House and in urging citizens from throughout the region to support the ongoing preservation project fund raiser to insure that a vital part of our Nation's past remains intact so future generations can appreciate how their ancestors laid the foundation for our present great society.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support this resolution setting forth the terms of debate for considering H.R. 2761 on the House floor. The adoption of this rule will allow the House to debate this must- pass legislation to extend the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program. We need to move this process forward as quickly as possible. I know that some participants in today's debate will raise concerns about the structure of the rule concerning the method by which it addresses issues related to the PAYGO rules. I must concede to them that the proposed rule is imperfect in this regard. Throughout the debate on this legislation, the chairman of the Financial Services Committee, the gentleman from Massachusetts, and I have agreed that the Terrorism Risk Insurance program is very important. It protects America's economy from terrorist attacks. Certainly, the Federal Government has a role in protecting our Nation from terrorist events. Moreover, this Federal backstop only responds to an emergency situation and only becomes implemented after a terrorist attack. Because TRIA plans ahead for an emergency caused by terrorists, Congress should treat spending under this law as an emergency. PAYGO is an important rule that keeps Congress fiscally responsible. PAYGO, however, should not apply to all pieces of legislation, especially those bills that plan ahead for national emergencies caused by terrorists. My view is that all legislation should be fiscally responsible to the maximum extent possible. Accordingly, I have had concerns about costs throughout the development and debate of this legislation. In fact, I voted, in many instances, to control those costs, such as limiting the length of the extension and increasing the private sector's responsibilities after a reset. TRIA is not an entitlement program. It is a program for protecting the economic security of our Nation. H.R. 2761 is a necessary piece of legislation that will maintain stability in our economy after a terrorist attack on our Nation, rather than waiting for the government to develop an ad hoc plan after an event. While we cannot predict when or where the terrorists may choose to attack us, we can prudently plan ahead for such a possibility. Like many participants familiar with this debate, I have concerns about the requirement in this rule to have a separate vote of Congress on funding for the program after an attack. With Federal payments conditioned on a congressional vote even under expedited procedures, much of the certainty of the program is taken away. It is my hope, therefore, that we will continue to work on a better solution before this bill comes back to the House floor in a conference report. That said, Mr. Speaker, we must move the process forward. I, therefore, urge my colleagues to support this rule on H.R. 2761.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 2761, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Revision and Extension Act. Because the supply of terrorism reinsurance has not returned to its pre-September 11 levels, we must now act to extend TRIA before the law expires on December 31. Terrorism insurance plays a critical role in protecting jobs and promoting our Nation's economic security. While this legislation may contain a few provisions that cause me concern, passage of this bill today will move the process forward. This extension makes several meaningful and necessary reforms to the program. First, this bill eliminates the distinction between foreign and domestic acts of terrorism. Terrorism, regardless of its cause or perpetrator, aims to destabilize the government. We must protect against that risk. Second, H.R. 2761 incorporates group life insurance as a covered line. The original TRIA did not include group life. I am pleased that this House, as it did in 2005, has decided to correct that oversight. We need to protect individuals, not just buildings they work in, by adding group life to TRIA. Third, the bill improves protection against acts of nuclear, biological, chemical and radiological terrorism. This coverage properly represents the most significant reform of this extension effort. We designed TRIA to protect the economic security of our Nation against terrorist threats. Congress, therefore, should address the possible threat of an attack by nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological means. Recognizing insurers' difficulty of modeling and pricing these events, this package limits the exposure of insurers on this risk, but allows the market to grow over time. H.R. 2761 further allows Treasury to exempt certain small insurers from this requirement. We need each of these prior modifications in order to sustain our Nation's economic recovery after a terrorist event. This legislation is not about helping the insurance industry. The Terrorist Risk Insurance Program is about the continued availability and affordability of terrorism coverage and keeping America's markets strong. That said, I do have some lingering concerns about some provisions in the product before us. When considering this legislation in the Financial Services Committee, I recognized the need for a longer extension period, but a 15-year extension is too long in my view. Additionally, we should improve the bill's reset mechanism going forward. A reset mechanism can help both the area suffering an attack and the Nation to recover after a terrorist event. It can also help insurers to rebuild capacity. However, we ought to make sure that the size of the reset is in proportion to the size of the loss and to rebuild private capacity as quickly as possible. In closing, Mr. Chairman, this is not a Democratic or a Republican issue. As I have previously said on this floor, it is an American issue, a business issue, an economic security issue. I encourage my colleagues, including Mr. Baker, to put your doubts aside and help us move this process forward so that over the next 110 days we can provide the coverage necessary to keep the American economy growing.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the Building Industry Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the members of which are celebrating their 50th anniversary. From humble beginnings a half century ago, this group, the first of its kind in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the ninth largest among 39 similar groups across the State, has committed itself to professionalism and consumer advocacy. At 450 members, the BIA today continues a tradition established by its founders to represent the interests of those associated with the building industry and to provide a source of information and protection for those seeking quality, affordable housing. Peter Restaino, the president of the BIA, is committed to honoring the group's origins and to connect current members with that proud tradition. He has directed Matthew Hodorowski, a former BIA president, to compile a history of the organization that will be shared with those participating in the anniversary celebration to be held at the historic Wilkes-Barre Westmoreland Club. Mr. Restaino has stated that the BIA's focus has been to consistently represent the interests of the building community and to assure an adequate supply of quality housing at fair prices across northeastern Pennsylvania. Services provided by the BIA include education, a group insurance program and sharing information about the interests of members with all levels of government. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Building Industry Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania for 50 years of service to the people of northeastern Pennsylvania. Their commitment to the principles of professionalism, tradesmanship and honorable business practices has earned them an enviable reputation throughout the northeastern Pennsylvania region.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Parliamentary inquiry, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the late CAPT Ann Bernatitus of Exeter Borough, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, on the occasion of the placement of a monument in her memory in front of her hometown municipal building. Captain Bernatitus is being honored by the people of Exeter because of her extraordinary service as a United States Navy nurse during the battles of Bataan and Corregidor in the Pacific theater of combat during World War II and also because she was the first person to receive the prestigious Legion of Merit award that was authorized by Congress in 1942. Others who were awarded the Legion of Merit include Dwight D. Eisenhower, George Patton, and Colin Powell. Captain Bernatitus served as a nurse in the Philippines at the outbreak of the war, always on the front lines of combat. In the citation that accompanied the Legion of Merit award, it was noted that ``Nurse Bernatitus courageously withstood the dangers and rigors of tropical combat, rendering efficient and devoted service during the tense days of the prolonged siege and evacuation.'' Then a Navy lieutenant, she gained nationwide attention because of her dramatic rescue aboard a U.S. Navy submarine from Corregidor shortly after Japanese forces occupied the island. Her epic journey aboard the USS Spearfish began on May 3, 1942, when Bataan had fallen and Corregidor's fall was imminent. She and 12 other nurses were evacuated and as soon as they were on board the vessel, it was forced to dive to escape the searching lights of the invading Japanese. During their 17-day saga, the submarine continually ran on the surface from dusk to dawn and submerged during the day to avoid the threat of Japanese surface warships. Following her arrival in Australia, she was sent home aboard a troop ship, arriving in the United States in July 1942. She was then assigned to Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland, eventually working with the Navy's public relations department assisting in bond drives. After 22\1/2\ years in the Navy, she retired April 1, 1959, with the rank of captain after which she returned to her home in Exeter. She died in March 2003 at the age of 91. Captain Bernatitus exemplified a life of fearless and selfless devotion to country and compassion for her fellow Americans. Her personal determination, coupled with her highly skilled nursing ability, was responsible for saving the lives of many American warfighters committed to answering the call to duty following the horrific events at Pearl Harbor. Madam Speaker, please join me in remembering the many sacrifices made by Captain Bernatitus on behalf of a grateful Nation and in celebrating her life of service.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to William and Esther Davidowitz who are being honored as Amudei Tzibur, or Pillars of the Community, by Temple Israel in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Davidowitz will be formally honored at Temple Israel's annual dinner to be held Wednesday, June 13, 2007. Mr. and Mrs. Davidowitz are regarded as exemplary role models due to their achievements in both the Jewish community and the greater Wyoming Valley community. Born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, Mr. Davidowitz served in the United States Army during World War II and later attended Penn State University where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He joined his family's shoe business in Hazleton and later moved to the Wilkes-Barre area to establish the Penn Footwear Company in Nanticoke. Mr. Davidowitz is a past chairman of the United Jewish Appeal and he remains active in the Jewish Federation and he is a trustee at the Jewish Community Center in Wilkes-Barre. He has served on the boards of Temple Israel, the Jewish Community Center, Fox Hill Country Club and Penn State University, Lehman Campus. Mr. and Mrs. Davidowitz were instrumental in the creation and dedication of many community projects including the United Hebrew Institute Art Room, the Davidowitz Lounge at the Jewish Community Center and the building addition to the United Hebrew Institute in 1980. The Seligman J. Strauss Lodge of B'nai B'rith presented Mr. Davidowitz with its Community Service Award and the trustees of the Luzerne County Community College recognized his efforts as vice chairman of the building authority responsible for the construction of the Nanticoke campus. Mrs. Davidowitz serves on the board of the Jewish Community Center. She is a past board member of Temple Israel and Wilkes University and has held leadership roles at the Northeast Ethics Institute, Luzerne County Area Agency on Aging, King's College, Ballet Northeast, College Misericordia, Wyoming Seminary, John Heinz Institute, Penn State Lehman Campus, Northeast Pennsylvania Philharmonic, United Hebrew Institute and the Wyoming Valley Jewish Campaign, which she chaired in 1990. Mrs. Davidowitz is a member of the Klezmer Band, ``Freilox and Bagels,'' where she has played both the harp and the flute. She has served as the non-governmental representative to the United Nations for the National Council of Jewish Women and as a local representative to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council. Mrs. Davidowitz has received tributes from the Greater Wilkes-Barre Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith, the National Council of Jewish Women, the Jewish Federation of Greater Wilkes-Barre and the Seligman J. Strauss Lodge of B'nai B'rith. Mr. and Mrs. Davidowitz are the parents of four sons, Jeffrey, Ivan, Steven and Benjamin. They now have nine grandchildren. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Davidowitz on this auspicious occasion. Their inexhaustible energy and devotion to family and community is an inspiration for all. Their volunteer service is an extraordinary example of how two people can make a huge difference in the quality of life in America.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Monsignor John J. Bendik, pastor of the parish community of St. Casimir, St. John the Baptist, St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph in Pittston, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, who is celebrating his 40th anniversary in the priesthood. Over the years, Monsignor Bendik has distinguished himself as a priestly shepherd to his many parishioners, and most especially, as a staunch advocate of education at all levels. A son of the late John and Helen Sterbinsky Bendik, Monsignor Bendik was born in Wilkes-Barre and graduated from St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana before his ordination on May 27, 1967 by Most. Rev. J. Carroll McCormick, then bishop of the Scranton Diocese. Monsignor Bendik served parishes in East Stroudsburg, Stroudsburg, Delaware Water Gap and Bushkill. He taught at Notre Dame High School and ministered to the students at East Stroudsburg University. Later, he served as chaplain to students at College Misericordia in Dallas, Pa. During his long campus ministry, he served in many local, State and national leadership roles. He was the first president of the Pennsylvania Campus Ministry Association and was a founding member of the National Association of Diocesan Directors of Campus Ministry and the National Catholic Student Coalition. He served as team member for the Frank J. Lewis Campus Ministry Training School and also was a member of the Northeast Regional Ministry in Higher Education and the Associates for Religion and the Intellectual Life. Prior to his current assignment, Monsignor Bendik also served at Our Lady of Snows in Clarks Summit, St. Benedict in Newton Township and St. Mary of Czestochowa in the Greenwood section of Scranton. Monsignor Bendik serves on the Board of Trustees at College Misericordia, the Board of Regents of the University of Scranton and the Board of Trustees at St. Meinrad School of Theology. He has also served as a member of the Board of Pastors of Seton Catholic High School and the Greater Pittston Ministerium. Monsignor Bendik also serves in many capacities on the diocesan level including the post of Dean of priests for northern Luzerne County. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Monsignor Bendik on his 40th anniversary as a Catholic priest. His selfless service and wise counsel to his many parishioners and students will be forever remembered and respected. Monsignor Bendik has truly enriched the lives of so many as he has labored to improve the quality of life throughout his community.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Chairman, I would like to extend my congratulations to Chairman Frank and to Ranking Member Bachus, two individuals that may sound more in disagreement today than they really are. I want to talk about, particularly, the passage of this bill, and let us understand that since March of 2000, we have had hearings and have attempted to get to a new regulator for the government-sponsored enterprises of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and ultimately the Federal Home Loan Banks. We came very close 2 years ago. We passed it through this House. It didn't make it through the other body. We have an opportunity in this Congress to accomplish that. As a matter of fact, one of the compliments to Mr. Frank is he didn't run out there wholesale and create all kinds of new gadgets in this bill. Basically, this bill is 99.44 of 100 percent the same as we did in 2005. What will it accomplish? It is going to get us a world-class independent regulator, as the ranking member said, for $4.9 trillion worth of securities. I think that is important. Here the major opposition that is being discussed is really philosophical in nature. I think Maxine Waters was very correct in that analysis. We are arguing over $500 million a year, and we are talking about an institution that has $4.9 trillion that we have to regulate, and know that in the last several years, there were errors and mistakes and potentially even fraud committed in these organizations as a result of the weakness of our regulators. So we went to great lengths in a bipartisan way to have these hearings over the last 7 years and to say, let's create a regulator that we can all be proud of. But more than being proud of, that we can be relatively certain that the securities market and the investments of the United States in the real estate area are going to be safe and secure, and I think this bill does that. Now this little argument that we have over the trust fund, $500 million a year potentially, if you think about it, it amounts to about a day and a half of what we spend in Iraq every damn day. A day and a half. Now you can argue that we don't need any housing in the United States, and I think you can credibly make that argument if you are of that philosophical bent. And of course, on this side of the aisle, because we probably are closer to the people who do need that housing, we can make the argument that there is need. But never in anybody's mind should an argument of that minute an amount stop the passage of legislation which will allow us to get control and containment over $4.9 trillion of American taxpayer money.

Mr. KANJORSKI

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

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Chairman, this amendment is drawn for the purposes of clarifying the process used by the new regulator's advisory committee to recommend candidates to serve as independent directors on the boards of each of the Federal Home Loan Banks. This proposal is a simple, yet important, corporate governance reform. Today, the Federal Home Loan Banks benefit from the service and the guidance of individuals appointed by the regulator to serve on the boards of each of the Federal Home Loan Banks in addition to those board directors elected by member financial institutions. Because the public-private partnership in guiding and monitoring the activities of a Federal Home Loan Bank is an important one, H.R. 1427 would preserve the election and appointment systems for constituting the Federal Home Loan Bank boards. Under the bill the advisory committee would recommend a list of individuals to serve as appointed independent directors to the head of the new regulatory agency. This individual would then make the final determination about whom to appoint to the independent director seats on the boards of each of the Federal Home Loan Banks. Independent directors help to focus a Federal Home Loan Bank on its statutory mission. These public appointees also help to ensure that each board has the knowledge, skills, and expertise needed to properly direct and supervise the management of the Federal Home Loan Bank. For this appointment system to work best and for independent directors to perform the role that Congress intended, the director of the new regulatory agency overseeing the housing government-sponsored enterprises should have a choice among a variety of qualified candidates when making appointments just as the voters should have a choice of candidates in elections. My amendment would allow such a choice to occur via two specific methods: First, it would allow the advisory board to establish its own independent process for identifying individuals to serve as appointed directors. Second, the amendment would build on the rulemaking recently adopted by the existing regulator that has the boards at each of the Federal Home Loan Banks recommending individuals to serve as independent directors. Under this second route, each board of directors at a Federal Home Loan Bank would put forward at least two candidates for each vacant independent director seat. If a board submitted just one name for consideration, we could create a system by which the independent directors could become beholden to the group that nominated them. For the appointed directors to remain effective and push the system's mission, we need to make sure that we keep their independence in place. By mandating that a Federal Home Loan Bank board provide at least two recommendations, we will help to prevent these unusually cozy relationships from ever developing. In sum, Mr. Chairman, my amendment refines the processes to be used by the Federal Housing Enterprise Board in recommending individuals to serve as appointed directors on the boards of the Federal Home Loan Banks in a way that helps to preserve their independence and to ensure that they help a Federal Home Loan Bank to achieve its intended mandatory objectives. I urge the adoption of this proposal.