Paul Kanjorski

Mr. KANJORSKI

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

Mr. KANJORSKI

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

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Chairman, simply stated, my amendment would ensure a continued independent public voice in the corporate governance of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This amendment also has the support of the National Association of Home Builders and the National Association of Realtors. The bill before us would make a dramatic change in the board structures of the two 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. Unfortunately, the bill before us today would eliminate the requirement for presidential appointees on the boards of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In my view, requiring presidential appointees to serve on the boards of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac 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 appointments, therefore, signal that each entity is not only accountable to its shareholders, but also to a broader national public policy interest. Additionally, the presidential 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 board appointment assistance for the GSEs. It would also restore a change made in the bill that passed the House in the last Congress by a voice vote. This change provides flexibility in the size of the corporate boards that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac established. This commonsense amendment to retain an independent voice on the GSE boards also has the backing of those who know our housing markets best, like the National Association 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 GSEs' 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 these public, private entities and promote good corporate governance. It has the support, as I said before, of the homeowners and the realtors. Mr. Chairman, I urge its adoption.

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 Mr. Sam Bianco, of Vandling, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, who was chosen by the United Way of America to receive its prestigious ``Joseph A. Beirne Community Services Award.'' Established in 1974 by the United Way of America, the award annually recognizes a union member or labor leader who has rendered outstanding service to a local United Way community. The award is named in honor of the late Joseph A. Beirne, co-founder of the Communications Workers of America International Union and the first union member to ever serve as board president of United Way of America. Mr. Bianco has been a staunch volunteer and supporter of the United Way of Wyoming Valley since 1955. At that time he served as a campaign solicitor at International Ladies Garment Workers Union shops. He also served as business agent for the Pittston ILGWU and, later, as district manager for the Wilkes-Barre ILGWU. He currently serves on the United Way of Wyoming Valley's board of directors, finance committee, campaign cabinet and he has chaired the labor participation committee for the past 27 years. Under Mr. Bianco's volunteer leadership, the Greater Wilkes-Barre Labor Council and United Way of Wyoming Valley were named the 1998 recipient of the ``National AFL-CIO Model Cities in Community Services Award'' for the outstanding partnership created between the local labor movement and United Way in jointly addressing and meeting human service needs. Mr. Bianco, as president of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Labor Council, has partnered with the United Way of Wyoming Valley on numerous community service projects including the National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive; creating the ``Unions in the Community Girl Scout Patch'' and being a co-sponsor of the annual United Way Labor Christmas Project. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Bianco for giving his community so many years of devoted service. His contributions to the quality of life in northeastern Pennsylvania are legendary as is his love of helping people in need.

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 Ms. Kate Fanning, who has been selected as ``Woman of the Year'' by the Lackawanna County Federation of Democratic Women. Ms. Fanning resides on North Bromley Avenue in Scranton, PA. She is a daughter of James Fanning and the late Patricia Fanning. She attended West Scranton High School, where she was a member of the school's marching band. Ms. Fanning graduated from Lackawanna Junior College and later from the University of Scranton where she earned a degree in criminal justice. Ms. Fanning has been employed as a sergeant by the Lackawanna County Prison for 17 years. She is an active member of St. Patrick's Church in West Scranton, PA, where she has been a life member. Ms. Fanning has been active in politics for many years, having helped to reinvigorate the Young Democrats of Lackawanna County 14 years ago. She has served as a Democratic committee-woman in West Scranton for many years. She has also served as treasurer and is a veteran member of the Lackawanna County Federation of Democratic Women. In addition to her political volunteerism with the Democratic Party, Ms. Fanning worked tirelessly for the Scranton Tomorrow ``Winter in the City'' project. She is also a member of the Society of Irish Women. Ms. Fanning also enjoys her role as aunt to her three nieces, Jennifer, Erin and Ellen and her nephew, James. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Kate Fanning on the occasion of this special honor. Her commitment to community service, citizenship and volunteerism serves as an inspiration to all and deserves the singular recognition she is receiving from the Lackawanna County Federation of Democratic Women.

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 Rev. Patrick J. Sullivan, C.S.C., of King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on the occasion of being named as ``Man of the Year'' by the Wilkes-Barre Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. Father Sullivan has been lecturing at King's College since 2000 and is associated with the college's Sociology and Public Policy Research Institute. Having earned his bachelor's degree in philosophy and American history at the University of Notre Dame in 1952, he received theological training at Holy Cross College in Washington, DC from 1952 until 1956. He received his master's degree in sociology from Fordham University in 1959 and his doctorate degree in sociology from Catholic University in 1971. Father Sullivan has served on the faculties of the University of Notre Dame and King's College. He has taught and written extensively on subjects including labor and management in American society, the role of the Catholic Church in labor and management issues and social justice for U.S. workers. He served as director of urban affairs for the U.S. Bishop's Task Force on race and poverty. From 1976 to 1979, he worked to gain support from the Catholic Church, groups and individuals for impoverished textile workers in the southeastern states. From 2002 to 2004, he served as national chaplain to the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Father Sullivan has accomplished significant research on issues ranging from welfare entitlement to the history of the Josephite Fathers, a religious community begun after the Civil War to assist impoverished African Americans. He also studied ethnic fraternal organizations and how they helped the families of coal miners in the nineteenth century before the development of strong labor unions. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Father Sullivan on the occasion of this special honor. Throughout his teaching career, Father Sullivan has cultivated a sincere love for the contributions of working Americans and the need to establish and promote social justice. He has used his research, training and passion for teaching to encourage a similar appreciation in his students. Through his teaching, Father Sullivan has enriched the lives of his students and the entire community of northeastern Pennsylvania.

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 Mr. James F. Bannon of Pittston, Pennsylvania, who has been chosen by the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick to receive their Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Bannon was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Frank and Jule Gaffney Bannon. He received his early education at Holy Rosary School in Scranton and later graduated from Pittston High School in 1936. He served in the United States Army before becoming associated with Bright Construction Company where he worked for 46 years as a masonry foreman. He was also a member of the Bricklayers Union No. 5, Harrisburg. After retiring, he worked as a consultant for Reilly Associates. Mr. Bannon also served as a member of the Pittston Area School Board. He is a past president of the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and is a fourth degree member of the John F. Kennedy Council 372, Knights of Columbus, Pittston. He also served as president of the Council's Home Association. He is currently a member of the Pittston Planning Commission. Mr. Bannon has been married for the past 70 years to the former Frances Bright. They are the parents of two daughters, Ann Gallagher, Indiana, and Kathy Sulima, Pittston. They also have four grandsons, five great grandsons and two great granddaughters. Mr. and Mrs. Bannon are members of St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Bannon on the occasion of this honor. Mr. Bannon's lifelong service to his family, church and community illustrate his commitment and selflessness and serve as an example for others to emulate.

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 Honorable Thomas F. Burke, Jr., on the occasion of being named ``Man of the Year'' by the Greater Pittston Pennsylvania Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. Judge Burke serves on the Luzerne County Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas, the 11th Judicial District of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A native of West Pittston, Judge Burke was appointed to the bench by former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge. He was unanimously approved by the Pennsylvania Senate. Judge Burke took office May 22, 1998, and was elected to a full 10-year term of office by the voters of Luzerne County in 1999. Prior to his judicial appointment, Judge Burke was engaged in the practice of law for 25 years and, for several years, was a partner with his brother, Atty. Joseph D. Burke, in the law offices of Burke and Burke. He served as a member of the executive committee of the Wilkes- Barre Law and Library Association. He was also a director and president of the First Bank of Greater Pittston and served as a director of successor banking institutions. A summa cum laude graduate of West Pittston High School, Judge Burke was inducted into the Wyoming Area Football ``Ring of Pride'' in 2005. Judge Burke is an honors graduate with a BA degree in finance from Lehigh University and he received his Juris Doctor degree from Villanova University School of Law. Judge Burke is a veteran of the United States Army and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service in the Republic of Vietnam. Judge Burke is a former chairman of the board of trustees of Marywood University and was awarded the presidential medal from that institution in 2004. He is also a past president of the board of directors of the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce and he served as chairman of the board of directors of Catholic Social Services of Wyoming Valley. He formerly served as a member of the President's Council of King's College and as vice chairman of the board of directors of the Luzerne Foundation. Judge Burke served three terms on the board of directors of the United Way of Wyoming Valley and also chaired the capital campaigns for the Greater Pittston YMCA and the Salvation Army, West Pittston, where he also served as a member of the Advisory Council. Judge Burke and his wife, Peggy, are members of the parish community of St. Casimir, St. John the Baptist, St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph where they serve in the Baptismal Ministry and where Judge Burke serves as a lector and as a member of the parish financial council. They are the parents of five children: Tom, a student at Harvard Law School; Bill, a student at Fordham Law School; Margy, a student at Boston College; Katey, a student at Lehigh University; and Patrick, a student at Scranton Preparatory School. Since 1992, the Burke family has hosted students from Ireland, Japan and France. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Judge Burke on this fine honor. The enormity of his contributions to the law, his family and community speaks volumes about his dedication, stamina and commitment and serves as a shining example for others to emulate.

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 Dr. Thomas D. Meade, M.D., who is the recipient of the 2007 Swingle Award from the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. Dr. Meade is an orthopedic surgeon and the senior managing partner and president of OAA Orthopedic Specialists, the oldest incorporated medical group in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania. He created and serves as medical director of the OAA Human Performance Center, a nationally recognized medical fitness facility with over 3,500 members. He received the 2002 Founders Award from the prestigious Medical Fitness Association for his lifetime contributions to the field of medical fitness and the Sir John Charnley A ward for Orthopedic achievement. Dr. Meade is a 1975 graduate of Pittston Area High School where he was awarded numerous academic distinctions and still holds the high school diving record. He graduated from Penn State with High Distinction where a diving injury launched him on a career in orthopedic surgery. After nine years in Philadelphia at Jefferson Medical College and five years at Thomas Jefferson University, he traveled to Connecticut to complete a knee and sports medicine fellowship. Dr. Meade is an avid cyclist and competitive swimmer. He has held top 10 U.S. Masters Swimming rankings and shares national and world records in men's freestyle events with fellow OAA physician, Dr. Charles Norelli. As an author and educator, Dr. Meade has published articles and books and produced videos on sports injuries, nutrition and fitness related topics. He has also lectured extensively on those topics. He is currently the host of two popular cable television shows on orthopedic and medical issues. He also holds two academic posts at Thomas Jefferson University and Pennsylvania State University and he serves as director of orthopedic trauma residency education at Lehigh Valley Hospital. He is a recognized expert in the field of knee ligament reconstruction, knee replacements and has developed surgical techniques and instrumentation as part of a national research and education team. The Philadelphia Eagles have retained Dr. Meade's services as a consultant for summer camp since 1998. Last July he realized his most ambitious vision by developing a 300,000 square foot integrated health campus offering traditional and alternative therapies in a holistic environment to improve quality of life and longevity. The facility is located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and is a national showcase model for the future of private practice medical care. Dr. Meade resides in Allentown with his wife and three children. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Dr. Meade on this special honor. His contributions to the field of medicine reflect his deep passion and commitment for improving the quality of life and the standards of human health care.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the overwhelming majority of American people, the Congress and many top U.S. military commanders to voice my opposition to President Bush's ill-conceived plan to send more American troops into the middle of an ongoing civil war in Iraq. The President's plan, which has been attempted before on four separate occasions and failed, is simultaneously too little and too much. 21,500 troops is too little to make a difference in a city of 6 million who are unwilling to see beyond their sectarian differences, and too much burden to place on an American military already stretched to the breaking point. Mr. Speaker, in October 2002, I voted in favor of the legislation to allow President Bush to defend the national security of our country against the stated threats posed by Saddam Hussein. In large part, I based my decision on the information I learned in several classified briefings with high-level administration officials about the capabilities of the Iraqis to deliver weapons of mass destruction to the United States. These officials pointed to an imminent threat posed by Saddam Hussein and his potential use of unmanned aerial vehicles to deliver weapons of mass destruction to our shores. Of course, we now know that these weapons, as well as the Bush administration's claims regarding Saddam's ties to al Qaeda, were fictional. The consequences of our action, however, are quite real. To date, the Iraq war has come at a terrible cost to the United States. More than 3,100 servicemembers have been killed and greater than 23,400 have been wounded. My home State of Pennsylvania has lost 149 soldiers and over 1,000 have been wounded. Moreover, the United States has spent almost $380 billion to date, with hundreds of billions of dollars more requested by the Bush administration. The war in Iraq has also diverted much-needed resources away from fighting the war on terrorism and eradicating al Qaeda. The focus on Iraq and away from the real threat of al Qaeda has resulted in an increasing number of deadly attacks launched by Taliban and al Qaeda forces in and around Afghanistan. On Tuesday, The Washington Post reported that NATO's top commander, General John Craddock, does not have enough forces for the anticipated spring offensive by the Taliban. The general warned that ``failure to send reinforcements was weakening the mission and jeopardizing the lives of soldiers fighting'' in Afghanistan. More than 135,000 troops are currently serving in Iraq. Many have completed their second or even their third tour of duty. Multiple tours of duty for the National Guard and Reserve members have created hardships for many families in my district and throughout the United States. Currently, these brave American forces are caught in the middle of a religious dispute that began in the 7th century between rival Muslim factions. These underlying sectarian hostilities have come to the fore in Iraq and have grown into a full-blown civil war. Bringing stability to Iraq cannot be achieved through an escalation of our military involvement in that country. Rather, Shiites and Sunnis must decide for themselves to forge a political solution to this crisis in which the interests of all Iraqis are represented. Nevertheless, President Bush is ignoring the advice of his top generals, the bipartisan Iraq Study Group, the majority of Congress, and, most of all, the American people by announcing his intention to send an additional 21,500 American troops into harm's way to continue pursuing a flawed policy. Mr. Speaker, I oppose this escalation of our troop presence in Iraq. The time for more troops was 4 years ago when General Shinseki presciently warned of the need for hundreds of thousands of military personnel to stabilize post-war Iraq. But the President, the Vice President, and the former Secretary of Defense believed they could fight this war on the cheap, with too few troops, too little armor, and too little help. They were wrong, and now it is too late. Mr. Speaker, from my perspective, the resolution before us today has been long overdue. The American people have called on this Congress to express their disapproval of this war of choice in Iraq and this President's prosecution of it. To that end, I will support this resolution and urge my colleagues to do the same.

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 Pennsylvania State Rep. Thomas M. Tigue, who retired this year after serving 26 years in the Pennsylvania Legislature. Mr. Tigue represented the 118th Legislative District which includes Pittston City, Bear Creek, Buck and Jenkins Townships and Avoca, Bear Creek Village, Dupont, Duryea, Hughestown and Laflin Boroughs in Luzerne County and Chestnuthill, Eldred, Polk, Tobyhanna and Tunkhannock Townships in Monroe County. Mr. Tigue was a member of the United States Marine Corps from 1968 to 1971. He served in the Vietnam War and earned the Silver Star. He was later elected to the Pittston Area School Board before being elected to the state House in 1980. During his tenure as an elected state lawmaker, Mr. Tigue's accomplishments included sponsoring the PACE preservation law, securing funds to replace the dam at Brady's Lake, working to bring about property tax reform and addressing numerous education issues. Mr. Tigue was meticulous about being responsive to matters of concern and interest to his constituents. He frequently advised his younger colleagues in the House to listen to voters. He would admonish them to be flexible, put aside partisan politics and be willing to compromise to get things done. Mr. Tigue believed that voters expect their elected officials to make tough decisions. Mr. Tigue was born in Pittston, Pennsylvania, to Michael and the late Joan Walsh Tigue. He graduated from St. John's High School, Pittston and earned a bachelor's degree in public administration from King's College in Wilkes-Barre. He was a Legislative Fellow at East Stroudsburg University. While serving in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Mr. Tigue served as the Democratic chairman of the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committees and the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee. Mr. Tigue was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Marine Corps League, Knights of Columbus, Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. He is married to the former Dianne Walsh and the couple has four children: Thomas, Tracy Ashby, Kristin Lazevnick and Colleen. They also have seven grandchildren. On a personal note, let me add that it has been an honor and a pleasure to work with Tom on countless occasions through the years. I could always count on him to be thoroughly informed and willing to do the hard work necessary to solve what sometimes appeared to be intractable problems. Always a straight shooter, Tom never hesitated to tell the hard truth, not always what our constituents wanted to hear. His candor is all too uncommon, and his retirement is a great loss to the Legislature and to Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Tigue on a very successful career in public service. His commitment to community service contributed greatly to improving the quality of life throughout northeastern Pennsylvania.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Speaker, I ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Mr. Frederick A. Lohman, senior vice president of real estate and asset management for the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry, who recently announced his resignation to accept a position with Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services. During his 19 years with the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry, Mr. Lohman has been responsible for all aspects of real estate development including planning, financing, development, management and disposition of real estate assets. He also served as the executive vice president of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Development Corporation and the Greater Wilkes-Barre Industrial Fund, Inc. The Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry is a community, economic development and business service organization charged with the mission of collaborating with community and regional partners to create quality employment and business opportunities and improve the area's quality of life through strategic planning, programs and investments. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Lohman worked successfully with talented coworkers and dedicated volunteer community leaders to change the economic landscape of the greater Wilkes-Barre area. He joined the chamber in 1987 as business manager. He later served as vice president, controller, senior vice president, chief financial officer and senior vice president of real estate and asset management. Mr. Lohman contributed toward the expansion of the Crestwood and Hanover Industrial Parks and the construction of three new parks including the Corporate Center at East Mountain, Hanover Crossings and Highland Park, home to the Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza. The chamber was responsible for redeveloping the former Pomeroy's Department Store building into what is now Public Square Commons, a first class office building, and the former Woolworth's Five and Dime Store, which is now home to the Innovation Center, a business incubator, as well as a joint collegiate bookstore, Barnes and Noble College Booksellers. Mr. Lohman played an integral role in one of the chamber's most aggressive efforts--the Northampton and Main Redevelopment Project, a 160,000-square-foot urban mixed use, entertainment-based, commercial and residential complex containing a 14-screen cinema, retail space and loft housing. Lohman is a 1976 graduate of Wilkes College, now Wilkes University, and received his master's degree in 1986 from Marywood University. He previously served as municipal manager for Edwardsville Borough and Towanda Borough and as director of the Wilkes University's Small Business Development Center. On a personal note, let me express my sincere appreciation for all the assistance Fred has provided to me throughout the years. Whenever I have called on him to assist in furthering the progress of any project that would bring jobs to the region, he has been unfailingly generous with his time and expertise. He is a truly talented professional, and I am pleased to also call him a personal friend. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Lohman for his years of service to the Greater Wilkes-Barre community. The talent and dedication he brought to his role as a business development executive has paid many dividends that have improved the quality of life throughout the region, and I wish him well in his new position in the private sector.

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 Leonard A. Verrastro, a prominent businessman and community leader in the borough of Dunmore, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. Mr. Verrastro was selected by the Columbus Day Association of Lackawanna County as their 2006 ``Man of the Year,'' an honor he truly deserves. Born in 1923, Mr. Verrastro was one of eight children of the late Dominic Verrastro and the former Vita Grace Bochicchio. His father was a veteran of World War I and then worked in the anthracite coal mines before starting Leonard's Bar and Grill in Dunmore. Leonard was the oldest of six boys, five of whom served in World War II. Mr. Verrastro was educated in Dunmore public schools after which he attended the University of Scranton. Mr. Verrastro founded Best Dry Cleaners and later operated Leonard's Bar and Grill. He also founded the Dunmore Hoagie Shop and later went into the real estate business where he acquired many homes and converted them into remodeled apartments. He is the last surviving charter member of the Dunmore Lions Club. He is also a member of the Dunmore American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Saint Anthony's Holy Name Society, the Willow Club, the Dunmore Senior Citizens Center, the Lackawanna County Columbus Day Association and the San Cataldo Club. Mr. Verrastro is also well known for his political activity, having been first elected to the Dunmore Borough Council in 1963 where he has served for 44 years. He also served as Dunmore's representative on the Scranton Sewer Authority and as Lackawanna County Treasurer for two years. He continues to serve as deputy treasurer. Mr. Verrastro was married to the former Angelina Mecca, who died in 1996, and the couple had three children: Vita Grace Masucci, Carmel Ann Biko and Dominic Verrastro. He has seven grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Verrastro on being selected as ``Man of the Year.'' His contributions to his community demonstrate his selflessness and commitment to improving 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. Gus Genetti, owner of the Genetti Hotel and Conference Center in Wilkes- Barre Pennsylvania, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Redington Hotel. Mr. Genetti acquired the Redington Hotel in 1963 and proceeded to renovate and expand that facility into a landmark haven of hospitality in Wilkes-Barre's downtown. Built by John Redington, the hotel was opened October 11, 1906, at the corner of East Market Street and South Pennsylvania Avenue. The lavish seven story hotel was designed by the prominent architectural firm of McCormick and French. The facility contained many modern conveniences, such as a dining room, telephone exchange, public bath, barber shop, butcher shop and bakery. Many notable visitors stayed at the hotel including comedians Abbott and Costello. In October, 1922, John Redington retired and leased the hotel to the Keystone State Hotel Association. In 1930, Mr. Redington with his son, John A., Jr., resumed management of the hotel until John Senior's death on January 24, 1941. In February, 1942, the hotel was purchased from the Redington estate through a sheriff's sale by Conrad F. Goeringer. Goeringer sold the hotel to Morgus Enterprises on May 20, 1960. With the decline and eventual termination of the Lehigh Valley Rail Service, changing hotel standards and the opening of motels on the outskirts of Wilkes-Barre, the Redington fell on hard times. The hotel changed hands once again at sheriff's sale, eventually being purchased by Mr. Genetti in July, 1963. The hotel was subsequently upgraded, modernized and reopened in September, 1963, as the Genetti Hotel. The hotel was again renovated after the Agnes flood of 1972 and has been continually improved and enlarged since then. The hotel's frontage now extends along the entire second block of East Market Street. Despite the Agnes flood of 1972 and a fire on New Year's Day in 1999, the Genetti Hotel has maintained its position as a premier lodging, dining and meeting destination in Wilkes-Barre. On a personal note, I have known the Genetti family for more than 50 years and Mr. Genetti's prominence as a hotelier and restaurateur parallels that of his father, who was equally well known and respected throughout the region. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Genetti on this milestone occasion. Throughout adversity and success, Mr. Genetti has proven himself to be one of Wilkes-Barre's outstanding businessmen and community leaders. His commitment and dedication to Wilkes-Barre's economic development is exceptional. And, for that, he deserves the gratitude of the entire 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 Mr. Gus Genetti, owner of the Genetti Hotel and Conference Center in Wilkes- Barre Pennsylvania, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Redington Hotel. Mr. Genetti acquired the Redington Hotel in 1963 and proceeded to renovate and expand that facility into a landmark haven of hospitality in Wilkes-Barre's downtown. Built by John Redington, the hotel was opened October 11, 1906 at the comer of East Market Street and South Pennsylvania Avenue. The lavish seven-story hotel was designed by the prominent architectural firm of McCormick and French. The facility contained many modem conveniences, such as a dining room, telephone exchange, public bath, barber shop, butcher shop and bakery. Many notable visitors stayed at the hotel including comedians Abbott and Costello. In October, 1922, John Redington retired and leased the hotel to the Keystone State Hotel Association. In 1930, Mr. Redington with his son, John A. Jr., resumed management of the hotel until John Senior's death on January 24, 1941. In February, 1942, the hotel was purchased from the Redington estate through a sheriffs sale by Conrad F. Goeringer. Goeringer sold the hotel to Morgus Enterprises on May 20, 1960. With the decline and eventual termination of the Lehigh Valley Rail Service, changing hotel standards and the opening of motels on the outskirts of Wilkes-Barre, the Redington fell on hard times. The hotel changed hands once again at sheriff's sale, eventually being purchased by Mr. Genetti in July, 1963. The hotel was subsequently upgraded, modernized and reopened in September, 1963, as the Genetti Hotel. The hotel was again renovated after the Agnes flood of 1972 and has been continually improved and enlarged since then. The hotel's frontage now extends along the entire second block of East Market Street.

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. Walter Conway, mayor of Delaware Water Gap, Monroe County, Pennsylvania. Mayor Conway has been named ``Citizen of the Year'' by the Delaware Water Gap Chamber of Commerce and will be honored at an award dinner Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the Water Gap Country Club. A graduate of St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Mayor Conway and his wife, Cathy, have two children, Cathleen Conway and Mrs. Wendy Scott. Mayor Conway is a veteran of the United States Army, having served in Vietnam where he distinguished himself and was the recipient of numerous medals and commendations. Mayor Conway began his community involvement in Delaware Water Gap in 1997 as a member of the Planning Commission. He has been chairman of the Planning Commission since June, 2004. During this time, he has been instrumental in revising numerous zoning ordinances. Mayor Conway is active in the Delaware Water Gap Chamber of Commerce and is the backbone of the current annual golf tournament. He also sponsors a Mayor's Cup Golf Tournament. Mayor Conway has obtained over $485,000 in grant money for the borough and other related organizations, such as the Antoine Dutot Museum, the police department and the fire department. And even though he resides in the borough's flood zone, he is well known for helping his neighbors even before he works on his own home. He also coordinates all flood recovery efforts. He was a past member and president of the Kittatiny Lions Club. He is currently a veteran member of the Kiwanis Club. He served as Lt. Governor for Division 17 in 1993 for the Pennsylvania District of Kiwanis International. He was also a recipient of the Pennsylvania Kiwanis International Keystone Award. For the past 15 years, he has been involved with golf tournament fund raising for the Geisinger Children's Heart Program. He is also active with the Children's Miracle Network. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mayor Conway on this happy occasion. His commitment and service to the Borough of Delaware Water Gap has greatly enriched the quality of life in that community.

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 John L. Churnetski, Willard G. Kresge and Lee W. Eckert, founders of Quad Three Group, Inc. in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Quad Three Group is a full service architectural, engineering and environmental science firm that has grown from a single proprietorship in 1967 to a firm employing 70 people today in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton and Pittsburgh, PA. From 1967 through 1987, the company was a multidiscipline professional engineering firm known as Utility Engineers which served a large number of architectural firms, commercial and industrial clients and municipalities. A large part of the firm's growth came from contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense. In 1987, Utility Engineers, which had employed 35 people, merged with the largest architectural design firm in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area, Pyros and Sanderson, which employed 15 people, to form Quad Three Group, Inc. Noteworthy regional projects they completed included Blue Cross Blue Shield of Northeastern Pennsylvania headquarters, Luzerne County Community College Technology Building, Penn State University Wilkes- Barre and Hazleton campuses, Martz Trailways Office Building, InterMetro Industries Corporate Headquarters Building, the environmental impact study for the Francis E. Walter Dam Hydroelectric Project, Newport, Rhode Island and Lakehurst, New Jersey Naval Base Utility System Upgrade and the $85 million Steamtown Mall project in downtown Scranton. They also completed the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard Base Re-Alignment and Closure project, ten major K-12 and higher education projects, the $45 million Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza and the $30 million Mount Laurel Center for the Performing Arts. Mr. Churnetski received his bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from Notre Dame University. Mr. Kresge received his bachelor of electrical engineering from Penn State University and Mr. Eckert received his bachelor of science in civil engineering from Penn State University. Between the three founders, they have 127 years of combined engineering experience. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating these three talented men who have distinguished themselves in the engineering world as well as in their northeastern Pennsylvania community. Their commitment to excellence and professionalism has benefited everyone associated with Quad Three Group and has contributed to improving the quality of life in the entire 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 Mr. Don Cooper, retiring executive director of the Wyoming Valley Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Federation in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, PA. During his tenure, Mr. Cooper developed an active and involved membership that included commitment and participation from all elements of the community. He also enhanced JCC programming in all areas by developing and encouraging an outstanding, competent, productive and loyal staff. Mr. Cooper made exceptional contributions in the areas of day care, elder programming and leadership development. He has protected, improved and expanded the JCC facility in downtown Wilkes-Barre and its day camp facility nearby. He has overseen successful fundraising and grant writing applications that have assisted in securing the financial future of the JCC. Mr. Cooper received a BA in sociology and economics from the University of Cincinnati and a MSW; ACWS in community organization from Western Reserve University. During the course of his career, Mr. Cooper served as a field worker in the Greater Cleveland Neighborhood Centers Association; assistant executive director for the Lenox Hill Neighborhood Association in New York; assistant executive director for the Jewish Federation and Council of Greater Kansas City; executive director for the Tampa Jewish Federation/Jewish Community Center; and as executive director for the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford. Mr. Cooper is affiliated with the Academy of Certified Social Workers, National Association of Social Workers, National Association of Jewish Community Organization Personnel, CJF and UJA regional and national planning committees; professional advisory board of Joint Distribution Committee; University of Pennsylvania School of Social Work Board of Visitors; and the Beth Israel Zion Synagogue in Philadelphia. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Cooper on the occasion of a well deserved retirement. The contributions he made to the Jewish community as well as the community at large have been responsible for improving the quality of life for so many people, a fact for which Mr. Cooper should be justifiably proud.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, rise today to ask you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the Millennium Circle Fund of the Luzerne Foundation in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, the members of which perform philanthropic work that benefits the community in many ways. The Millennium Circle Fund is a special group of donors whose gifts of $2,000 play a pivotal role in helping identifying significant unmet community needs. October 2006 has been designated as Millennium Circle Month in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Members of the Millennium Circle Advisory Committee have held a series of events in recent months to help spread the word about the good works of the organization and to introduce the concept of perpetual giving. Since 2001, the Millennium Circle Fund has granted $65,000 to non- profit organizations throughout Luzerne County. In 2001, a $10,000 grant was used to present 28 ``Follow Your Dreams'' motivational presentations to local high school students. In 2002, a $10,000 grant was presented to the Diamond City Partnership for downtown Wilkes-Barre revitalization. In 2003, a $10,000 grant was presented to Candy's Place, a community support center for cancer patients and their loved ones. In 2004, a $15,000 grant was presented to Friday's Child, a Jewish Community Center of Wilkes-Barre program for autistic children in the region. In 2005, a $20,000 grant was presented to the McGlynn Center to support educational programs for at-risk children in the city of Wilkes-Barre. Members of the Millennium Circle Fund are urged to recommend needy causes for grants and then the members vote in order to choose grant recipients. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating members of the Millennium Circle Fund for their unyielding devotion and commitment to the community in which they live. Members of the Millennium Circle exemplify their motto, ``Local People . . . Identifying Local Needs . . . Providing Local Solutions.'' Clearly, this organization has contributed toward improving the quality of life in northeastern Pennsylvania and, for that, the entire community is grateful.

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. C. Richard Hartman, who is retiring as president and chief executive officer for the Scranton Pennsylvania Community Medical Center. Dr. Hartman has served at the helm of Scranton CMC since January 17, 1996. During his tenure, Dr. Hartman made many improvements to CMC including a fully accredited Regional Level II Trauma Center. He also introduced a comprehensive vascular service line that includes open heart surgery and interventional cardiology. He established a partnership with Maternal and Family Health Services for women's and children's services. He also established a partnership with the Children's Advocacy Center and he was responsible for a newly expanded emergency department. Dr. Hartman has kept CMC at the forefront of the many changes and challenges facing health care today. Mr. William E. Aubrey II, chairman of the board of CMC Healthcare Systems, noted that in addition to his responsibilities as President and CEO, Dr. Hartman served on many boards and displayed a dedication to the entire community. He also noted that Dr. Hartman was part of the effort to reform medical malpractice liability, Medicare reimbursement and, most recently, was part of the effort aimed at developing a new medical college in northeastern Pennsylvania. Prior to serving at CMC, Dr. Hartman was vice president of medicine and academic affairs at St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio; vice president of medical affairs for the Washington DC Hospital Center; professor of Medicine for George Washington University and several posts at the University of Kansas Medical Center including chief of staff; Vice Chancellor of Clinical Affairs and Emergency Services Director. Dr. Hartman is a fellow of the American College of Physicians. He is board certified in internal medicine and endocrinology and he completed his medical education, residency in internal medicine and fellowship in endocrinology through the University of Kansas Medical Center. Dr. Hartman's memberships include diplomat status in the American College of Healthcare Executives; president and board member of the American Heart Association, Lackawanna Division and board member of the United Way, the Scranton Everhart Museum and the Hospital Association of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Non Profit Organizations, Lackawanna Industrial Fund Enterprises through the Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Keystone College President's Advisory Council; the Lackawanna County Medical Society and the Pennsylvania Medical Society. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Dr. Hartman on the occasion of his retirement. His tireless efforts to improve medical care and treatment has enhanced the quality of life for thousands of people in northeastern Pennsylvania and, for that, we are all grateful.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 3850, the Credit Rating Agency Reform Act. This investor protection bill will create a new regulatory system for identifying and overseeing the nationally recognized agencies that issue credit ratings. A robust free market for trading debt securities relies on an independent assessment of financial strength provided by credit rating agencies like Moody's, Fitch, and Standard & Poor's. Sound financial regulation also depends on the work of these raters. Since the Securities and Exchange Commission created the concept of nationally recognized statistical rating organizations in 1970, the term, with its inference to credible and reliable ratings, has become embedded in nearly 10 Federal statutes, about 100 Federal regulations, approximately 200 State laws, and around 50 State rules. Many private parties have also included references to national recognized agencies in the terms of their contracts, corporate bylaws, and pension trust agreements. Foreign governments and international bodies have used the concept in their accords and codes, too. In considering any bill to modify the process for identifying and overseeing nationally recognized agencies, we must therefore keep in mind the need to maintain the integrity of ratings. It is this credible and reliable standard on which investors and regulators rely. We should not lightly abandon this benchmark. The critics of the present designation system have also long raised legitimate concerns about competition. In any legislative effort to increase the quantity of raters, I have long advocated that we should refrain from sacrificing the quality of their ratings. Unlike the bill the House considered earlier this year, S. 3850 has found the right equilibrium on these matters. It balances the desire to increase the quantity of approved agencies with the need to ensure quality ratings. S. 3850 is a considerably better legislative product than H.R. 2990 in several significant ways: First, unlike H.R. 2990, the bill before us would allow the commission to reject an application for registration as a nationally recognized agency if the entity lacks sufficient financial and managerial resources. This major improvement helps to ensure consistent high quality ratings. Second, unlike H.R. 2990, the bill before us would require applicants for national recognition to provide to the commission written certifications from at least 10 of their institutional customers and a list of their 20 largest issuers and subscribers by the amount of net revenues received in the previous year. These important adjustments help guarantee that ratings used for regulatory purposes are accepted and used in the market. Finally, unlike H.R. 2990, the bill before us would instruct the commission to issue rules on conflicts of interest and the misuse of nonpublic information. This helpful change advances investor protection. Now that we are nearing the end of the legislative process, I want to clarify the legislative record on two specific provisions contained in S. 3850. First, in the manager's amendment to S. 3850, the Senate added a preemption that gives exclusive oversight authority to the Securities and Exchange Commission to register, license, or qualify as a nationally recognized agency except in cases of fraud. This preemption, based on existing language in the Investment Advisers Act, should be viewed narrowly as limiting a State's authority to regulate the day-to-day activities of credit rating agencies. It should not be taken to apply to typical State governmental functions in which States, their localities, and their agencies are users of credit ratings. Accordingly, States will continue to have the ability to continue to oversee their departments, programs, and political subdivisions with respect to debt issuance conditions, contract specifications, and investment standards for governmental funds, such as pension portfolios and financial reserves. The preemption also should not be taken to apply to the regulation of insurers and bank solvency standards and generic business licensing requirements normally applied to entities performing business within a State. Finally, while many States often currently use the ``nationally recognized'' designation as their standard for defining rating agencies, this legislation should not be read as compelling them to do so for all purposes going forward. Second, S. 3850 gives clear authority to the Commission to reject those applicants for national recognition who lack adequate financial and managerial resources to produce credit ratings with consistent integrity. The bill also explicitly details a number of requirements for an application and authorizes the Commission to add additional conditions via the rulemaking process. Accordingly, it is my expectation that the Commission will expeditiously complete a rulemaking to require the production of documents related to the financial and managerial resources for any and all applications. In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, Congress wisely adopted standards in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act to strengthen financial reporting and assure the integrity of our capital markets in the wake of the bankruptcies of Enron and WorldCom. Although many observers criticized the ``nationally recognized'' agencies for their failure to identify these insolvencies more expeditiously, we could not decide at that time how best to proceed on improving the oversight of the credit rating agencies. Four years later, however, we have reached a consensus and determined the best way to address these prior shortcomings. Because this consensus will protect the quality of credit ratings, I encourage my colleagues to support S. 3850. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I have no other requests for time, and 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 tribute to Magee Rieter Automotive Systems of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, on the occasion of their being named worldwide ``Supplier of the Year'' to General Motors for the 14th consecutive year. Of GM's 30,000 suppliers, Magee Rieter Automotive Systems is the only company in North America to achieve this remarkable record, a fact that should make its nearly 800 employees exceedingly proud. Magee Rieter is the leading supplier of carpets to General Motors in America. The company has been in business in Bloomsburg since 1889 and has been supplying General Motors for more than 90 years, first with hand draped tapestries for Fisher Body carriages and, today, with fully molded carpet floors and integrated acoustical systems. For more than a century, the company has endured and overcome numerous challenges including floods, fires and the rapidly changing business environment. After World War II, the company received the Army/Navy ``E'' award for excellence in recognition of its production of high quality materials for the war effort. Magee Rieter records annual sales in excess of $175 million and has an annual payroll of more than $37 million that provides its employees with family sustaining incomes that average about $39,000 annually. Overall, Magee Rieter is responsible for a $168 million annual impact to the local economy. The current employees of Magee Rieter are carrying on traditions of pride and success handed down by their parents, grandparents and great grandparents who worked at this remarkable company. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Magee Rieter for demonstrating superior performance and for serving as a shining example for other businesses to emulate.