Stephen Lynch

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. LYNCH. I yield the gentleman 1 more minute.

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I am pleased to recognize the gentlelady from New York (Mrs. McCarthy) for 2 minutes.

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, at this time, it gives me great pleasure to recognize the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Scott) for 3 minutes.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 110) congratulating the National Football League champion Pittsburgh Steelers for winning Super Bowl XLIII and becoming the most successful franchise in NFL history with their record 6th Super Bowl title.

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, may I inquire how many more speakers the gentleman has?

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, we continue to reserve.

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, at this time I would like to yield 2 minutes to Mr. Scott of Virginia.

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, at this point, I would like to yield to the chief sponsor of this resolution, the gentleman from Pittsburgh, Mike Doyle, for 5 minutes.

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I now yield myself such time as I may consume. As chairman of the House Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Post Office, and the District of Columbia, and on behalf of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, I'm pleased to join my colleagues from the State of Pennsylvania, even though this may be a little painful for me as a New England Patriots fan, but I do heartily join them in congratulating the Pittsburgh Steelers in the consideration of House Res. 110, which provides for the recognition of the National Football League's champion Pittsburgh Steelers for winning Super Bowl XLIII and for becoming, indeed, the most successful franchise in NFL history by capturing their sixth Super Bowl title. I also want to take this opportunity to welcome our new ranking member, Mr. Chaffetz from Utah, in his new role as ranking member of the committee. House Resolution 110 was introduced by Representative Mike Doyle of Pennsylvania, of Pittsburgh, on February 3, 2009, and currently has the support of over 60 Members in cosponsorship, including myself. Also through the courtesy of Chairman Towns, the measure has been considered and approved by the Oversight Committee and now comes to the House floor as a means of highlighting the Steelers' successful 2008-2009 NFL season and their Super Bowl victory. Mr. Speaker, the Pittsburgh Steelers stand as one of sporting history's greatest franchise stories. Founded back in 1933 during the heyday of Pittsburgh's steel-producing era by the legendary Art Rooney, or who many refer to as ``The Chief,'' the Steelers are the fifth oldest NFL franchise. And as a result of their remarkable win against the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII, the Steelers are now the most successful NFL team with six Super Bowl rings. Led by Coach Mike Tomlin, the youngest coach to capture the coveted Lombardi trophy, the Steelers road to Super Bowl XLIII was lined with its fair share of advancements and challenges as the Steelers moved through the hardest ranked 2008-2009 NFL schedule, a road that I must mention, came through Foxboro, Massachusetts, the home of my beloved New England Patriots. And that road ended in Tampa Bay, Florida, with the unforgettable game winning touchdown pass from Ben Roethlisberger to Santonio Holmes in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter. For this accomplishment, Mr. Speaker, we stand to commend the Pittsburgh Steelers, their franchise, their organization, the players, coaches and the Rooney family, and of course, the supportive fans that make up the ``Steeler Nation,'' on a job well done. As the city of Pittsburgh and its surrounding countryside continue to celebrate its 250th anniversary, I'm certain that the Steelers win in Super Bowl XLIII only adds to the occasion of such a historical landmark. In closing, I urge adoption of House Resolution 110. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, again, I stand with my colleagues, especially our sponsor, Representative John Barrow of Georgia, in full support of H.R. 663 to designate the ``Yvonne Ingram-Ephraim Post Office Building,'' and I urge my colleagues to do the same. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve.

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I now yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, as Chair of the House subcommittee with jurisdiction of the United States Postal Service, I am pleased to present for consideration H.R. 663 which renames the postal facility located at 12877 Broad Street in Sparta, Georgia, as the ``Yvonne Ingram-Ephraim Post Office building.'' A lifelong public servant, Yvonne Ingram-Ephraim rose from public school teacher to become the first African American elected to serve on the city council of Sparta, Georgia. H.R. 663 has the support of the entire Georgia congressional delegation, and the measure was authored by my friend from Georgia, Representative John Barrow, who at this moment I'd like to yield to for 4 minutes to speak further on the bill.

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I urge that all Members join us in supporting the underlying resolution. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, at this time I'd like to recognize the gentleman who is the lead sponsor of this resolution, the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hare), for 5 minutes.

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I now yield myself as much time as I may consume. On this exact day 200 years ago, the great Abraham Lincoln was born in a small cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky. Therefore, it is with extreme honor and admiration that I stand before the American people today to call up House Resolution 139, which celebrates both the life and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln which he left behind. House Resolution 139 was introduced by Representative Hare from the Land of Lincoln--the State of Illinois. It is cosponsored by some 63 Members of Congress. I thank the gentleman for introducing the measure which gives us the opportunity to, once again, highlight the accomplishments and greatness of our 16th President. Born into very humble beginnings, Abraham Lincoln was a self-educated man who would rise from his midwestern roots to lead our Nation through its most divisive moments. A fervent believer in the principles of the Declaration of Independence, Abraham Lincoln fought for the rights of all Americans and for the preservation of the Union, the very union that makes us one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. It was in this same spirit that Lincoln wrote in his second inaugural address that it is ``with malice toward none, with charity for all; with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in.'' Madam Speaker, as we tackle our country's economic crisis, let us be reminded of Lincoln's famous words and work together to carry out the people's business in order that we may form a perfect Union. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, again, I join my colleagues across the aisle in supporting the underlying resolution (H. Res. 112), and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I now yield myself such time as I may consume. On behalf of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, under the leadership of our new chairman, the Honorable Edolphus Towns of New York, I am pleased to stand in support of House Resolution 112, which expresses support for the goals and ideals of both the American Heart Month and for National Wear Red Day. The measure now before us was authored by Representative Chris Lee of New York, and it enjoys the cosponsorship of nearly 60 Members of Congress. On Wednesday, February 11, the House Oversight Committee took up House Resolution 112 and reported the bill favorably, which brings us to today's consideration of this thoughtful, commemorative resolution. Madam Speaker, House Resolution 112 is designed to support the goals of American Heart Month, which is annually commemorated during the month of February as a way of highlighting the devastating impact of cardiovascular disease on our Nation. In fact, heart disease, including stroke, serves as the number one killer of Americans. Since 1963, the American Heart Association and Congress have worked collectively to draw our attention to the causes and effects of heart disease, and I am happy to be joining the gentleman from New York today as we continue to emphasize the need for greater research and awareness of heart disease through House Resolution 112. In addition to American Heart Month, House Resolution 112 also expresses support for National Wear Red Day, which this year was held on Friday, February 6. National Wear Red Day is designed to support the fight against heart disease in women by encouraging Americans to wear red at their workplaces, in places of worship, out in their communities or at home. While a simple concept in theory, in practice, National Wear Red Day is a powerful way of raising awareness among our population of heart disease and stroke among women. Madam Speaker, given the worthy causes prompted by the American Heart Month and by National Wear Red Day, I stand in full support of House Resolution 112, and I urge my colleagues to do the same by voting in support of the resolution. I now reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Francesco ``Kid'' Fratalia, in recognition of his remarkable life and outstanding career in the boxing ring. Born in 1926 in his beloved hometown of Citivavecchia, Italy, ``Kid'' Fratalia, nicknamed by his dear friend Rocky Marciano, began his amateur career in 1939 at age 13. As an amateur welterweight, Fratalia had 81 fights in a 10-year period, during which time he became the regional state champion of Lazio, Italy, from 1946 to 1948, and was selected to represent his country in the Olympic Games. He celebrated the joy and endured the agony of a boxing career that stretched 15 years and spanned 3 decades, included 112 fights, and covered 2 continents. Fratalia's professional career led him to the United States in 1949, specifically, to Brockton, Massachusetts, where he met and began a lifelong friendship with the legendary Rocky Marciano. More importantly in 1949, he met the love of his life, Gloria Vena, of Roxbury. Within 55 days they married and subsequently raised 6 wonderful children; Ernest, Vincent, Stephen, Francesca, Robert, and Christopher. ``Kid'' Fratalia's American experience included noteworthy undercard bouts, once to a Joe Louis main event and twice to Rocky Marciano's main events. He returned to fight in Europe in 1951, and in that year solidified his reputation as a fighter's fighter. But it was to America, his new home, that he returned in 1952, to complete his career and raise his family. When all was said and done, ``Kid'' Fratalia battled his way to 92 wins against 14 losses, along with 6 draws. In his 112 amateur and professional fights, one thing was certain: he emptied his bucket every time; there was nothing left when the final bell rang. For ``Kid'' Fratalia, a true warrior, win, lose or draw, it was about effort and valor in the face of a challenge. In October of 2008, Francesco ``Kid'' Fratalia was inducted into the Massachusetts Ring 4 Boxing Hall of Fame. Bestowed by his peers, this recognition was an honor that he and his family were deeply proud of, and that he cherished to the end. The real winners in this remarkable life and career were ``Kid's'' family and friends, both home and abroad, who were so very proud of him. Hard work, fearless determination, respect for others and unwavering devotion to family was what mattered most to him. Francesco ``Kid'' Fratalia was truly a man to be reckoned with, a man to emulate, a man to respect, a man to fear, a father and husband to love, a true friend to count on in time of need and a man of character and uncommon kindness. His gifts of family values and his tireless work ethic truly defined him as a man and will be his lasting legacy. Francesco ``Kid'' Fratalia passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2008. He and his kind spirit will never be forgotten. Madam Speaker, in closing, I offer this; to ``Kid'' Fratalia others of his time and era, may you rest in the eternal peace and light of the Almighty. We thank you for making this world a more interesting and better place.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Peter Smyth and the Bordes Family, for their outstanding dedication to Greater Media of Braintree, Massachusetts, and to mark the great achievement of being presented with the 2009 Broadcasters Foundation of America Golden Mike Award. Greater Media was co-founded in 1956 by Peter A. Bordes and is one of the last remaining family-owned broadcasting companies in the United States. Now parent company of 23 AM and FM radio stations in the Boston, Charlotte, Detroit, New Jersey and Philadelphia markets, Greater Media continues to be a shining example of good corporate citizenship in the fast paced and ever evolving media industry. From its beginning, Greater Media has stressed the autonomy of local management, dedication to local community service, and leadership in developing and adapting new technology and services to improve media communications. Greater Media consistently seeks to improve the lives of their listeners and readers, and the communities in which they live. In 1986, Peter Smyth joined the Greater Media family. In October 2000, Mr. Smyth was named President and Chief Operating Officer, and in March 2002, was promoted to Greater Media's President and Chief Executive Officer. He was named Chairman of the Board in October 2008. Since his arrival at Greater Media, Mr. Smyth has received such prestigious honors as ``America's Best Broadcaster'' and has been named one of the 40 ``Most Powerful People in Radio'' for eight years. Most recently he was honored with the ``Radio Executive of the Year'' award. Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize Mr. Smyth and the Bordes Family for their commitment to excellence in broadcasting and journalism. I applaud their success, and I wish them the best in their future endeavors.