Mike Kelly

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Thompson).

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Wenstrup).

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, when I got the message of Mr. Pascrell's death, it was, like, that can't be. He was just that type of person that when you looked at him every day, he embodied everything that this Chamber stands for. Paterson, New Jersey, could not have had a better champion than Bill Pascrell because they were one and the same. He never, ever changed his mind on anything because he never made up his mind casually. He knew who he was. He knew where he was from. He knew what he stood for, and he knew everything about the people he represented. When you first get here, you don't know anybody, but I remember walking down the hall and saw this person being interviewed. I said: Who is this guy? They said: That is Bill Paterson--I mean, Bill Pascrell. Well, it is the same thing: Bill Paterson, Bill Pascrell. I said: He is something else. Then I got a chance to serve on the same committee as he did. I don't think you could find a finer example of what it means to be a Representative of a certain place at a certain time, and he embodied it in every simple way you could possibly do it. As we go through life, there are people you are never going to forget. And as long as one of us is alive, we are never going to forget Bill Paterson--I keep calling him Paterson--Bill Pascrell--because I am just so used to him talking about Paterson all the time. Every time I came into committee--Mr. Neal and I were talking about this--the first thing he would ask me is: ``Hey, Kell, how is your wife? I know she hasn't been doing really well.'' I said: ``She is fine, Billy. She is fine. How about you?'' He said: ``You know what? She is down here with me right now, so I think it is working. I think it is working all right.'' Bill's concern was always for somebody else, not for him. It is so hard today to find, in this Chamber, especially, because we have forgotten who it is that we are. We simply represent three-quarters of a million people and what they stand for. You could not find another Member whose heart beat every moment of his life as Bill Pascrell. Because of where I am in my life, I am saying good-bye to people more often than hello. I have watched a lot of my friends pass, and I keep going back to how sad it is to lose them. More importantly, it would have been much sadder if they had never existed. If Bill Pascrell had not sat over there, if we hadn't sat in committee together, if we hadn't been able to talk about the issues--he never spoke casually about anything. He knew what he was talking about, and he made sure you understood him. I could not be more proud and more sorrowful today to have had a friend who was so loyal and a colleague who you could count on. He was somebody who you knew, at the end of every day, his concern, when he finally put his head on the pillow and went to sleep, was for the people he represented, not for himself. I never expected him not to be here. Now, we will look across the dais, and I will see that empty chair. I will think: He may not be in that chair, but his words are still in this Chamber and always will be. Mr. Neal and I, I think, would probably disappoint some of the Members that are here now, the new people, that we get along really well. For some reason, in today's world, you are not allowed to get along with people from the other side, and I think that is unusual. Everything in our lives is depending on each other to come up with the right solutions all the time. I really cherish the time I have been here. I am going to miss this guy incredibly because he was so concerned about other people. We could talk for hours about this, but I keep thinking the same thing. As tragic as it is that Bill will not be here, the greater tragedy would have been if he never was here because he truly embodies everything that a Representative should be. He was solid as a rock all the time. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Neal), my good friend, to talk about our good friend and remember a little bit about those hours and minutes and times that we have spent together.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the topic of this Special Order.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. DelBene).

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Moore). I think all of us could speak for an hour tonight about Billy. I just want to make sure. We will start talking about how much time we are allotting, but that doesn't mean anybody is going to follow it, in true Pascrell fashion. Mr. Moore.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Sanchez).

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I now yield to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer).

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Burgess for this opportunity to finish up as well as Mr. McGovern on the other side of the aisle. I think, at this point, this is not about Republicans or Democrats. This is about a tragedy that happened in a small town in western Pennsylvania, which never should have occurred. I think it is really important, as the American people watched this whole scenario, to answer: How could that possibly have happened? What didn't we know, or what did we know that we didn't react to? Why, at the end of the day, are there more questions than there are answers? We can't get answers that, I think, are very simple. For a person who grew up there, and I know that site so well, I was concerned when that site was picked because I thought it would be a very difficult place to have a rally of that size. This is not a criticism of law enforcement. This isn't a criticism of whoever it is that picked that site. This is an opportunity for this House to work together to settle the doubts that the American people have, the faith, trust, and confidence that they need to have in us that we can work together, both sides of the aisle, when we have a crisis like this. It goes far beyond politics, and it goes far beyond policies. It is truly American in every sense. Mr. McGovern is present with us today, and I thank Chairman Burgess so much, and I think this more than anything else can demonstrate to the American people that we can work together. We can work together as Republicans and Democrats to get answers for the American people, answers that they deserve and answers that they have been wondering about since July 13.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Texas for yielding. Mr. Speaker, tonight, I rise in support of my resolution, H. Res. 1367, which would establish a task force on the attempted assassination of former President Donald J. Trump. First, I will recognize and honor the life of a true hero, Corey Comperatore, who was tragically killed shielding his family from gunfire during former President Trump's campaign rally in my hometown of Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. I also will take a moment to offer our thoughts and prayers for two Pennsylvanians who were also injured during the shooting and continue to recover, Mr. David Dutch of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, and Mr. James Copenhaver of Moon Township, Pennsylvania. I, of course, offer thoughts and prayers to former President Trump and his recovery. He showed incredible strength in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. First of all, Corey Comperatore was a constituent of mine from Sarver, Pennsylvania. Corey graduated in 1992 from Freeport High School and went on to serve his country as a dedicated 10-year veteran of the United States Army Reserves. Corey's passion for his community and his Christian faith led him to serve as an active member at the Cabot Church and a member of the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as chief in the early 2000s. Above all, Corey was a loving husband and father. His obituary reads, ``the quintessential family man and the best girl dad.'' Together, his love for his wife, Helen, and his daughters, Allyson and Kaylee Comperatore, will carry on. We offer our thoughts and prayers to the friends and family of Corey Comperatore. Mr. Speaker, on July 13, 2024, the Nation watched in horror as a gunman attempted to assassinate the Republican Party's nominee for President, former President Donald J. Trump. This day will go down in infamy in American history, but nowhere more so than in my hometown of Butler, Pennsylvania, where it will always be remembered that the assassination of former President Donald Trump took place. I have lived in Butler literally my whole life. I went to high school there. My wife and I have raised our family there. I have coached Little League football and Little League baseball, and our family business is there. Now, I am fortunate enough to represent my town right here in the United States House of Representatives. I can tell you that my community is grieving. They are shocked by what happened in our backyard. The people of Butler and the people of the United States deserve answers. I am proud to introduce this bill to establish a task force to get to the bottom of how this unthinkable tragedy could ever have occurred. This bipartisan task force will have investigative authority, including subpoena power, to thoroughly analyze the circumstances surrounding the assassination attempt and ensure that these failures that occurred that day never happen again. I thank Speaker Johnson, Leader Scalise, Chairman Burgess, and our colleagues on the other side of the aisle for working with us to stand up this task force. When the American people lose faith, trust, and confidence in their government, then the question is going to be who will fix it. The answer is we are. We are. In this House, we are the ones that are going to fix it. The American people deserve to know, and we have the responsibility to find the answers for them. President Trump deserves answers, the Comperatore family deserves answers, and the American people deserve answers. I will not rest until we get these answers for all of our constituents and fellow Americans. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, tonight we talked about the tragic loss of Corey Comperatore. What is more tragic or could have been more tragic, what if Corey Comperatore had never been born? What if there never had been a Corey Comperatore? What if Helen had never had a husband like Corey Comperatore? His daughters would not have had a father. He was called a girl dad. His entire life was built on his strong faith and in service to his community, his country, and foremost, his family. In these times, when our country seems to be so torn apart on everything political, I think it is time for us to take a little more time to reflect on who we are as Americans. We are not Republicans, we are not Democrats, we are not Independents; we are Americans. At the very heart of what it is we are, we are Americans. Mr. Comperatore is exactly the example of those who serve, those who put others above themselves, those who put themselves in harm's way to protect those who are in danger. We come here tonight, and we talk about Corey. That Saturday was a Saturday that his family will never forget. As they made their way from their home to the Butler Farm Show grounds to hear former President Donald Trump at his rally, they were so excited to be there. However, tragically, evil struck, and America was once again reminded that at the end of the day, we are all Americans. Yes, we represent different parties. Yes, we represent different peoples, but at the end of the day, we are Americans. The example that Corey Comperatore puts forward is that of a strong, faithful American, a man of faith, a man who loved his country, a man who loved his community, but above all, a man who loved his wife and daughters. How tragic it would have been if he had never been born. As we mourn his death, we also must celebrate his life. We must say a prayer because I know where he is now. I know where he rests. I know he is in the arms of God. As tragic as this has been for his family, I know his family knows the same thing. I would hope that as we look into what happened, how this possibly could have happened, how in a little farm town in Pennsylvania evil could have prevailed, at least for a moment, but what has happened since then is our firm belief in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and our belief that Corey is now safe at home and will be there when his wife and daughters make that same trip sometime in the future. Madam Speaker, this is a country that has been torn apart for so long by parties that go at each other day in and day out. I would hope that at some point we sit and take a look at the fact that one and a half million men and women in uniform have given their lives to give us the opportunity to be here on this floor and debate policy, and what is in the best interests of the people who sent us here, and that is the American people. At some point, we have to believe the oath we have taken, and we have to fulfill that oath. I hope that as we look at the tragic loss of Corey Comperatore, we also give thanks to God that he was born in the first place, that his wife and daughters had an opportunity to have a loving father and a loving husband, and that now he is safe and at home in the Lord's arms. I thank my colleagues for being here tonight, and I know everything comes from the heart on this. When something like this happens, we need to take a step back, take a deep breath, say a prayer, and ask God to be with us as we make our journey as Representatives of the most incredible Nation the world has ever known, the United States of America. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record a resolution that we will be offering, and entering in now. It is H. Res. 1369. Whereas Corey Comperatore was from Sarver, Pennsylvania, leaving behind his wife, Helen, and two daughters, Allyson and Kaylee; Whereas Corey Comperatore was a respected community leader who dedicated years of service to the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department of Sarver, Pennsylvania; Whereas Corey Comperatore served his country as a veteran of the United States Army Reserves; Whereas Corey Comperatore left behind a legacy of service for his country and his community, a devoted member of the Cabot Methodist Church; and Whereas Corey Comperatore died a hero, protecting his family, shielding his wife and daughter from danger: Now, therefore be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives-- (1) mourns the loss of Corey Comperatore, a husband, father, volunteer firefighter, community leader, and hero from Sarver, Pennsylvania; (2) commemorates and celebrates the selfless and courageous life of Corey Comperatore;

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield to another one of the Pennsylvanians with us tonight, my good friend, Mr. Scott Perry.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield to another member of the Pennsylvania delegation, Dr. John Joyce.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Cartwright).

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson), the chairman of the Agriculture Committee.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Deluzio), Representative from Pittsburgh.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise tonight to honor the life of a true hero, Corey Comperatore, who was tragically killed shielding his family from gunfire during former President Donald Trump's campaign rally in my hometown of Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, July 13. Many of us have come to know a little bit more about Corey over the last week. Tonight, over the next half hour, my colleagues and I will tell you more about Corey's story, who he was, his incredible life of service to his community and his country, and perhaps most importantly, his role as a father and loving husband. I take this moment to offer our thoughts and prayers to the two Pennsylvanians who were injured during the shooting and continue to recover, Mr. David Dutch of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, and James Copenhaver of Moon Township, Pennsylvania, and, of course, to former President Donald Trump in his recovery. He showed incredible strength in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. Who was Corey Comperatore? He was a constituent of mine from Sarver, Pennsylvania. He was a proud 1992 graduate of Freeport High School. He went on to honor his country as a dedicated 10-year veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves. Corey's passion for his community and his commitment to his strong Christian faith led him to serve as an active member at the Cabot Church. Those who know Corey say his faith was the foundation of his whole life. His obituary reads this way: ``He was a man of God who loved Jesus with every fiber of his being. His actions were guided by his unwavering belief, and he inspired those around him to live with purpose and grace. His ability to lift the spirits of everyone he encountered was truly unparalleled.'' Corey also believed in service to his community and to others. He spent much of his adult life as a member of the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department in Butler County where he notably served as the chief in the early 2000s. Above all, Corey was what his obituary calls ``the quintessential family man and the best girl dad.'' I have pictures of Corey with his wife, Helen, and also pictures of his daughters, which we will put up later, but they are always going to be part of his legacy. Helen, his daughters, Allyson and Kaylee Comperatore, will carry on, and so will the small acts of kindness that marked his everyday life. He was quick to help those in need. He never expected anything in return. His impact on the lives he touched was profound. Tragically, Corey's life was cut short at the age of 50. Tonight, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the Comperatore family, their friends, and Corey's family at Buffalo Township Fire Department. God bless you all. Before I introduce my colleagues to speak about Corey tonight, I want to take a few moments to talk about the community where this tragic assassination attempt took place. It is in my hometown of Butler, Pennsylvania. This is an all-American town of about 13,000 people that has been thrust into the national spotlight over the last week. I have lived in Butler County nearly my whole life. I went to high school there. My wife and I have raised our family there. I later had a great opportunity and privilege to coach little league baseball, pony league baseball, and midget football. My family business is here. It has been here since 1957. Now, I am fortunate enough to represent this town here in the United States House of Representatives. Butler Farm Show is where this rally was located. It is usually a family-friendly place. It is just a few miles from my home, just a little over 4 miles, and I drive past it almost every single day. Since 1947, this has been a place of common ground where families and children can show their farm animals and where people gather in the summer for food and fun. It is also a popular spot in the Butler community for so many events. On this morning, I was there with members of the House Homeland Security Committee, and I thank Chairman Green for allowing me to be there with them. I can tell you that my community is still grieving. They are shocked by what happened on what was supposed to be another peaceful, sunny day on these very grounds. I was at the Butler Farm Show with President Trump, with Corey, with David, and with James on July 13. My wife, Victoria, was there with my son, George, and three of our grandchildren. What happened that day is a day like nothing I have ever experienced before. I can also tell you this: The people of Butler and all of western Pennsylvania are incredibly resilient. We always have been and always will be that way. Like so many small towns in America, we are there for each other when the times get tough, and we will get through this. Tonight as we have other colleagues speak, I think our commitment is the American people have the right to know what happened that day at the farm show grounds in Butler, Pennsylvania. They have the right to know, and we have the responsibility to find out for them what happened that day, how this could take place on those grounds, how that could take place in the United States of America, and we will not stop until we get the answers. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Meuser), my dear friend who was there that day with me.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the subject of this Special Order.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the tragic loss we had of a person in Pennsylvania during the Trump rally, Corey Comperatore, who was a husband, a father of two, and a volunteer fireman. His whole life was that of service. He was very tragically one of the people who was struck by a sniper's bullet. Corey died on the spot. Mr. Speaker, I ask to take a moment of silence to honor his memory, the sacrifice, and the terrible things his family is going through right now.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chair, the gentleman from North Dakota was here talking about what was happening in his State. I suggest for our colleagues to please take a look at the aftermath of what having open borders is doing to our country. When we look at the significance of not watching our borders, not guarding our borders, not paying attention to our borders, and totally ignoring the fact that these things really exist as opposed to, No, move on, there is nothing to see here, this legislation provides an increase in funding for the Customs and Border Protection, which will allow them to more effectively do their job. This bill addresses the concerns of the often overlooked northern border. A lot of people say: I don't know why you are concerned about the northern border. I say: Well, here is a little insight. It is 5,525 miles. It is the longest border between two countries in the world. It is virtually unwatched. That is not the fault of the Customs and Border Protection people. They are overworked, underpaid, and very much underappreciated. In fiscal year 2022, U.S. Border Patrol agents had 2,238 encounters at the northern border. In fiscal year 2023, that number more than quadrupled to 10,021 encounters. Through the first 7 months of fiscal year 2024, they have already encountered 9,460 individuals. As the summer months continue, that number will continue to skyrocket. If Members can understand that statement, coming in the northern border during winter is not a good idea. The weather itself is the biggest inhibitor of that. However, it is very porous, it is very open, it is very unwatched, and it is very concerning, and should be, to the American people. The amazement I have, and this is not about Republicans versus Democrats, this is people coming to represent their district in their part of this incredible country. This is not a Republican issue. This is not a Democrat issue. This is an issue about who is it that enforces these laws that are already on the books. When we go home, I hear all the time, you guys better do something about what is happening at the borders. My question always back to them is: Do you know how many laws we have already passed? They say: No, I have no idea. I say: Well, it is the enforcement of the laws that have been passed through the legislature that are going unwatched right now. We can continue down this road and say: Move on, there is nothing to see here. There is nothing going on. There is really not a problem at the southern border. There is really not a problem at the northern border. In the meantime, the recipients of these illegals are the States that they end up in. When you hear about what our citizens are being denied because of taxpayer dollars being spent on a group--while we welcome the world to come to America, if your first act upon entering America is to break one of our laws, that is not a good way to start. When we look at what appropriations is doing, all we are asking for and all we are looking for is funding to protect our own borders. It is incredible to me that we have to have debate over what is actually taking place. One side says: We have a lot of concerns about this. The other side says: I don't know what you are concerned about. The problem doesn't exist. It does exist. It is real. The effect on America is long-lasting, and I don't know what the number is. I have heard it is 10,000, 11,000, 12,000. Most people say: I don't know how many there are, but there are quite a few. The aftermath is the key. When we were in North Dakota, we listened to two sheriffs who were exhausted because they don't have enough people to watch what is going on in their State. It is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week that they are concerned about what is happening. Now, who is the problem? Where is the problem? How do we fix the problem? We use taxpayer money virtually everywhere to protect our country. That is the first obligation of the Federal Government to protect the homeland. However, if you don't admit, or if you don't acknowledge that it is taking place, then you can't fix it. The idea is, if you are going to invest taxpayer dollars, give them a return on that investment. Make sure that we are protecting our very own people first. I welcome people coming to this country because that is how my family got here. They came in the right way, and they participated. We have an incredible dilemma going on right now, and I want people to think about this: 5,525 miles of border that is virtually unprotected. People talked about the balloon from China that came in. I love the way the administration addressed it. They let it come down through Canada, come down through our country, and when it exited out into the Atlantic Ocean, we shot it down there. That is marvelous, but that is too late. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman from Nevada for allowing me to speak on this. I would hope that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle acknowledge what is happening and understand that our first oath of office is to protect the homeland. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. Amendment No. 11 Offered by Mr. Clyde

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chair, as the designee of Chairman Cole, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a local World War II veteran in my district. At 108 years old, Al Klugiewicz of Erie, Pennsylvania, embodies the spirit of America. I had a chance to meet with Al last week during the district work period. He is truly an inspiration. In fact, he is also the 13th oldest living man in the United States. I sat and visited with him while he was in a hospital bed, and believe me, he is still sharp. He was talking to me about all the Presidents he served under. He said: You know what, Rep? I was a member of the cavalry. I said: That is interesting, Al. Why the cavalry? He said: Because I got tired of walking. I would rather ride a horse. He talked to me about his horse. He said the horse's name was Napoleon, and the horse was a great horse. In fact, he said he got to ride that horse when FDR had his second inauguration. You look at this man and see him lying there in a bed but remembering the names of Presidents from decades ago. His dedication to his country was evident. He talked about Normandy and what happened on those beaches in those days. Now, I had the honor of being there a couple of weeks ago when we commemorated the 80th anniversary of Normandy. I wish all Americans could have been there to see the number of people, the French people, who were just so over-the-top thankful and grateful for what our country did for them in World War II. I like to think that somehow those types of things raise in us a political awareness, a love for our country that is always the first responder to anything that goes wrong in the country. This man, Al Klugiewicz, 108 years old, spoke of America with great love and tenderness. He talked about his family. He talked about building a house, his own house. He built it himself. He talked about going to work for GE in Erie when he got back from the war for 43 cents an hour. He talked endlessly about the colleagues he had and about the times he had, but more than anything else, he talked about his gratitude for being an American. He talked about the love he has for this country, for this Nation, and for the people he served so well. Now, at 108 years old, Al is not planning on having many more birthdays. When I finally left him, I said: Listen, I want you to know, I will be praying for you. He said: You know what, Congressman, I want you to know I will be praying for you, and I will be praying for our country because she is in great need of prayer right now. That is a man who is 108 years old. His love of country, his service to country, his sacrifice to country, that is the type of person we want all of us to be. Mr. Speaker, on a more somber note, I also have a friend who passed away. His name is Tim Schell. We just talked about Al Klugiewicz being 108. Tim passed away at the age of 72. Tim Schell was an incredible person. He gave his entire life to helping others. In 1983, he opened TMS Physical Therapy in Grove City, Pennsylvania, owning the operation and operating the practice. He later expanded the business to include clinics across our district. Tim served in leadership positions for the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association, American Physical Therapy Association, and on the Pennsylvania State Board of Physical Therapy. He was a tireless political advocate for his profession, championing legislative changes that have shaped the physical therapy industry. In his personal life, Tim was dedicated to high school sports in Mercer County, where he served on the Mercer County Hall of Fame Board of Directors from 1996 to 2012. This man gave generously. He always told me, Mike, I don't want anybody giving me any credit for this. Please, anonymously, let's just look at it this way because that is what all of us should be doing. It is not that you have to be recognized. The fact is that you have to recognize those in need and try to do everything you can to help them. Today, I had the opportunity to celebrate two incredible people, one who has celebrated his 108th birthday and the other whose loss at 72 years old we mourn. Is it not time for all Americans to take a step back and be thankful for everything we have been blessed with in our lives? It is incredible to me that this country has been blessed with so much for so long by so many. The best time I had last week was with Al Klugiewicz at 108 years old and talking about his horse Napoleon. He told me about a toast he gave to Napoleon, ``Hurray for Napoleon. Yay!'' This is a man 108 years old, lying in a bed talking to me. I hope that I am able to embody that spirit as I grow older. At the end of it all, though, we are truly blessed. We are truly honored to be able to take the time to honor these people.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, this bill would designate the post office facility located at 135 West Spring Street in Titusville, Pennsylvania, as the Edwin Drake Post Office Building. Born March 29 in 1819, Edwin Drake was the first person to successfully drill for oil in the United States. Drake was sent to Titusville on behalf of the Pennsylvania Rock Oil Company, where oil had been gathering from ground-level seepages. He said: There must be a way to somehow get to more volume. The answer was, send Drake. In an attempt to lure local Titusville businesses into investing, the executives sent letters to local businessmen and referred to Drake as Colonel Drake. In July of 1858, he journeyed to Titusville to begin but struggled for nearly a year until he invented the drive pipe. He continued his attempts with many setbacks and refusal from the oil company to provide any more investment. Now, despite many of these failed attempts and the shortage of money, he persisted in his efforts, leading some of the locals and executives to begin calling him Crazy Drake. Finally, on August 27 of 1859, he found success in extracting oil, which was 70 feet beneath the Earth's surface. It had never been done before. Quickly, his well began to produce between 20 and 40 barrels a day, and they ended up using all the whiskey barrels in Titusville to put the oil in. This immediately launched the Pennsylvania oil rush, sparking a massive economic boom in western Pennsylvania. Drake's discovery changed the economies beyond western Pennsylvania and across the world. Titusville quickly became a boomtown, and oil wells popped up all over the place. It is reported that these wells produced up to 4,500 barrels in just the first year. By 1866, the population of Titusville had risen to over 10,000 residents, compared to just 250 people when Drake first arrived. By 1873, Pennsylvania was producing 10 million barrels of oil per year, an incredible amount that nobody could have possibly imagined. Drake would dig two other wells in the months following his invention, but he left the industry the next year due to his declining health, and he became a justice of the peace in 1860. Unfortunately, Drake never patented his invention, and he lost most of his savings in the stock market in the following years. Pennsylvania, though, would never be the same, as people rushed to the Commonwealth, much like the gold rush of California. Drake passed away in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on November 9, 1880, at just 61 years old. He was moved to Titusville, where he remains today. The original tools are on display in Titusville at the Drake Well Museum, on the same site as his initial discovery. Oil continues to be a massive industry in Pennsylvania and across our country. By naming a post office after him in Titusville, this would be a small step in recognizing the man who made it all possible. I urge my colleagues to support this bill to recognize Edwin Drake's contribution to the country by naming the post office facility in Titusville after him. Mr. Speaker, Drake died broke. He had nothing, but he created an industry in America, in Pennsylvania, that has continued to flourish. I would urge my colleagues to please support the naming of the post office for Edwin Drake.