Patrick Murphy

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss my support of H.R. 6304--The FISA Amendments Act of 2008. From the Revolutionary War to the tragedy of 9/11, America's quest for freedom is what defines us. It is imperative that we never forget those who died for our liberty, nor can we ignore the failures of our own intelligence leading up to that day in September 7 years ago. Balancing civil liberties and protecting our national security has been a 232 year struggle that represents the core of this great Nation. As such, the year-long debate this body engaged in updating FISA has hinged on a question that rests at the heart of American democracy since its founding: how do we keep our Nation safe, while at the same time ensuring the preservation of those Constitutional freedoms that we hold dear? It was Benjamin Franklin who warned that those who sacrifice liberty for a little security deserve neither. When the first effort to amend FISA--The Protect America Act--came before this House in August of 2007, I voted against that deeply flawed bill because it did not ensure proper protection of our civil liberties, nor did it provide the appropriate check over the executive branch. In fact, neither the Protect America Act, nor the subsequent ``Senate compromise,'' included essential oversight provisions. Those bills, rather, sought to minimize the role of the FISA court, removing any form of meaningful judicial oversight over the President and the executive branch. My sense of justice as a former prosecutor and my experience as a constitutional law professor at West Point led me to the inescapable conclusion that our initial attempts to craft the appropriate balance failed. Madam Speaker, the issue of foreign surveillance predates the founding of our very republic--traceable to George Washington, who made effective use of secret intelligence, including the interception of mail from the British. However, I do not need to remind anyone in this Chamber that we have not always gotten this delicate balance right. Hindsight has shown us that too often in our Nation's past we have tipped the scale too far from liberty in the face of outside threats, hostile adversaries, and most-troubling simply outspoken American citizens. We know many of these excesses: the eavesdropping on Martin Luther King, Jr. and anti-war demonstrators, and of course, President Nixon's use of Federal resources to spy on political groups. History has judged those decisions as leaving an enduring stain on our institution and our government--as it should. In the late 1970s, the Church Committee and this institution worked to curb domestic intelligence abuses. Checks and balances were restored among the three branches of government, and the ability of our government to protect all of us from national security dangers was enhanced while at the same time respecting our privacy rights. These efforts led to the passage of the original Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, placing--for the first time--accountability and oversight of domestic intelligence gathering in the hands of courts and Congress. FISA also put an end to the practice of warrantless domestic wiretapping for national security reasons, mandating that domestic ``national security'' wiretaps be authorized by a court of law--creating a separation between domestic law enforcement and foreign surveillance for national security concerns. Again, with that historical perspective in mind, I opposed those original proposals and I am glad that the House of Representatives staved off partisan ploys to push this body to rubber stamp those misguided efforts. I believe that the bill we ultimately passed was a significant improvement in nearly every aspect over the Senate's or the President's proposals. Madam Speaker, Mike Schmidt, the greatest third baseman who ever wore a glove for the Philadelphia Phillies once said, ``Philadelphia is the only city where you can experience the thrill of victory and the agony of reading about it the next day.'' I empathized with Mr. Schmidt when I opened my morning paper the day after we voted on this critical piece of legislation. That is why, Madam Speaker, I thought it necessary to elaborate on why I supported the bill, and clarify some common misconceptions about the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and the bipartisan changes we recently passed. Madam Speaker, my decision to vote in favor of the FISA Amendments Act was not one that I came to lightly. As a former prosecutor charged to keep our community safe, somebody who has taught constitutional law for years to our future military leaders at West Point, and proudly served this country in uniform, I thought and prayed long and hard about the best course of action. Now, as a member of Congress, it is still my duty to defend the constitution and work to keep our community safe. I believe, Madam Speaker, that this House and this bill ultimately struck the right balance. The FISA debate in the 110th Congress has been pushed by two events: the first, President Bush's unauthorized ``terrorist surveillance program,'' conducted outside the scope of FISA; and the second, a FISA court decision that most people, including myself, thought was wrongly decided and undermined our intelligence capabilities abroad. It is widely agreed that no warrant should be necessary to tap the phone of a foreign national talking to another foreign national on foreign soil. The major point of contention, however--what this year- long wrangling has been about--is what to do when targeting, for example, a terrorist sect in Pakistan whose communications end up hitting American soil. Certainly it would be overly cumbersome and perhaps dangerous to require an individualized warrant for every foreign target in the off-chance their contacts involve an American; but correspondingly, assurances must be put in place to ensure that all U.S. citizens who might be caught in such surveillance are given the protections that they are due as Americans. This, Madam Speaker, was the needle we were required to thread. The bill ensures that--in order to protect the rights of Americans-- foreign surveillance targeting of non-U.S. persons abroad must be approved by the FISA Court prior to the start of any intelligence collection to ensure sufficient oversight of executive branch activities. This requires the administration to show how they determine that the targets of surveillance are actually foreigners and are actually located outside the United States. Additionally the FISA Court must approve the minimization procedures in place before surveillance can begin. Minimization is the process where the NSA prevents the dissemination of inadvertently collected information about U.S. persons. The bill also establishes a general prohibition against using FISA to ``reverse target'' Americans. Additionally, the bill requires individual warrants from the FISA Court in every single case, based upon probable cause, to conduct surveillance of U.S. persons, whether at home or traveling abroad. While this provision has not been widely reported, this is an expansion of protections under the original FISA bill. For the first time, Madam Speaker, an individual probable cause determination and court-approved order will be needed to conduct surveillance of every American citizen, regardless of where they are located. Perhaps most importantly, Madam Speaker, the bill restores FISA and existing criminal wiretap statutes as the exclusive means to conduct surveillance--making it clear that the no President will be able to sidestep the exclusivity provisions of FISA and disregard the civil liberties of the American people. Under this legislation the current President's illegal program of warrantless surveillance will officially come to an end, thereby firmly reestablishing basic judicial oversight over all domestic surveillance in the future. The other major provision of the bill, Madam Speaker, is title II-- defining the role of liability litigation procedures for telecommunication companies. Madam Speaker, to be frank, as a former Federal prosecutor and the son of a Philadelphia police officer the issue of immunity has always been a tough pill to swallow. Growing up in Northeast Philadelphia and schooled at St. Anselm's Parish, I was reared in somewhat ``black and white'' terms--wrong-is-wrong and punished accordingly. But quickly I learned, as a judge advocate and special assistant United States Attorney, that at certain times legal immunity is an unfortunate necessity to encourage cooperation and testimony against those more culpable of committing the underlying offense. Madam Speaker, I have never liked seeing people get away with only a slap on the wrist, but I have grown to understand it can be a necessary tool to insure that justice is served. If the telecom companies are ultimately shielded from litigation by United State District Courts for their involvement with the current administration's illegal warrantless wiretapping program, they should be forthright and cooperate with congressional investigators pursuing those in the Bush administration who are truly to blame for the violation of our constitutional rights. But more importantly, Madam Speaker, a principal reason for immunity in this instance is to keep civil lawsuits, or the fear of them, from establishing Federal policy on a matter of grave national concern--both because of the security interests and because of the civil liberty interests. This policy should be established and enforced through the actions of congress and the executive branch. And just to be clear, Madam Speaker, nothing in this bill confers immunity on any government official for violating the law. In fact, this bill requires the inspectors general of four major national agencies to conduct a comprehensive review of the President's warrantless surveillance program and report back to the Intelligence and Judiciary Committees. I promise the families in my district and across the country, that as long as I sit on the House Intelligence Committee, and as long as I serve in Congress, I will fight every day to demand answers and accountability from those who have held themselves above the law. Madam Speaker, above all, I would like to note that the bill that passed this House was a much needed compromise. And as is the nature of any compromise, concessions were made and agreements reached in the effort to advance this piece of legislation. While it was not a perfect bill, nor is it the one I would have written, it is without question a significant improvement over prior flawed proposals. Madam Speaker, I would like to take a second to read a quote: ``The art of compromise, which is essential to democracy, seems to have gone out of style in recent years of angry all-or-nothing politics . . . the result is often no legislation, and many issues are left to fade or fester.'' That quote, though eerily reminiscent of our modern political paralysis, was published in a Time Magazine editorial--on March 29, 1976. The editorial, however, continues on and heaps praise on Congress and the executive branch for their efforts in overcoming partisan gridlock to do what we seek to do--limit unwarranted wiretapping done under the auspices of national security. It was a compromise crafted by Attorney General Edward Levi and a Democratic Congress. A compromise that Time noted ``beats showy confrontation, veto and stalemate.'' I think most of us, Madam Speaker, can agree that this sentiment rings just as true today. Let me be clear. I am no Attorney General Levi, nor do I portend to know how history will judge us or this legislation. But I can promise that I sincerely believe that this bill--this compromise--threaded the needle and I am proud of our efforts. Some of my friends on the left are not happy; some on the far right are not either. But we all take seriously, the incredible responsibility we are given. I hope and pray that history proves our fidelity to our Constitution, as well as our commitment to protecting the safety of those we serve.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield myself 2 minutes. Mr. Chairman, families across the country are facing record gas prices and increased congestion on our roadways. We hear it every time we go home. And as Members of Congress, we have a responsibility to do what we can do to make things better. This amendment is about making sure that our public transportation resources are being used as effectively and efficiently as possible. Through this measure, we require Amtrak to take a hard look at passenger rail service at two important rail stations in our districts. Our hope is that they will find a way to help commuters and rail passengers in our districts by either expanding passenger rail service through increasing the frequency of stops or by reducing prices. For years, the Cornwells Heights and Princeton Junction stations have been hubs for commuters who work in New York City. Amtrak then cut the number of trains at these stations in half. Then they increased prices for our commuters. Mr. Chairman, countless families rely on the Cornwells Heights and Princeton Junction stations, and as a result of Amtrak's train cuts and fare hikes, families have been forced to drive longer distances or pay much higher fares. Today, our region is making economic progress, and Amtrak has a chance to keep moving us forward. Mr. Chairman, in these troubled times, our local economy can't afford to take anymore hits and we can't allow commuters to use more time on crowded highways when they could be home with their families. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, at this time I would like to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt).

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of our time. Mr. Chairman, it now costs a Cornwells Heights commuter $972 per month just to get to work and back. More importantly, the cuts in service have put more cars on our clogged highways, more exhaust fumes in the air, and forced our hardworking constituents to spend more time getting to and from work and less time at home. That means more time on a train or in traffic and less time at home with the ones that they love. Mr. Chairman, our region is experiencing the economic revitalization. Increased rail service and more riders means progress, while more cuts means going backwards. I would like to thank the chairman, Chairman Oberstar. I would like to thank my colleague from Pennsylvania, Mr. Shuster. I would like to thank my colleague from New Jersey, Mr. Holt, and also my other colleague from Pennsylvania, Ms. Schwartz, for their support on this important measure. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Chairman, I rise today in support of the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act. I want to thank Chairman Miller and the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Baird) for his efforts to modernize technical schools. Madam Chairman, faced with record gas prices and a dangerous dependence on foreign oil, we must harness new technology to meet our energy needs. To do this, we must prepare students of today to power the green collar workforce of tomorrow. I am honored to have worked with Chairman Miller and Mr. Baird to ensure funding for this act goes toward modernizing career and technical schools, especially for the renewable energy industries. By giving technical schools a chance to modernize, we will help even more students become innovators, work together to end global warming, and bring green energy jobs to the American economy.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Bucks County resident Robert ``Bob'' Sugarman for his lifetime of extraordinary accomplishments. Among his many accolades, Mr. Sugarman is an internationally recognized environmental litigator for his practice, Sugarman & Marks, LLP. Mr. Sugarman has protected countless local, State, and national natural resources, including the Great Lakes, the Hudson and Delaware Rivers, and many irreplaceable local treasures. In addition to his environmental litigation accomplishments, Mr. Sugarman has also worked tirelessly to protect numerous historic sites throughout Bucks County and the city of Philadelphia. Thanks to his incredible efforts, future generations will be able to experience, appreciate and enjoy the charm, history and beauty of southeastern Pennsylvania. Besides serving the local and State communities through his involvement with various organizations, Mr. Sugarman was also appointed by President Jimmy Carter to represent America as the United States Commissioner for the International Joint Commission for United States and Canada. In this post he helped found Great Lakes United, an international and interstate effort to protect the precious Great Lakes. Madam Speaker, Mr. Sugarman is an extraordinary citizen who has helped protect the invaluable natural resources and history of the United States. His efforts have preserved these resources for the future, and he has truly affected the international, national, and local communities in wonderful ways. I am honored to recognize my close friend and mentor, Bob Sugarman, for his many accomplishments.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Warwick Fire Company Station 66 on their 50th Anniversary. This all volunteer fire company has provided outstanding service to the residents of Warwick Township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and they deserve our praise and appreciation. The Warwick Fire Company was formed in 1958 by Mr. George P. Forte, together with his brothers-in-law, Mr. John Turco. and Mr. Watson E. Wright. Mr. Forte was elected the first president with Mr. Albert Jamison, Jr. as Fire Chief. On June 12, 1958 a certificate of incorporation was granted and the Warwick Township Fire Company No. 1 commenced operations. As the son of a former Philadelphia police officer, I know how committed those who put their lives on the line for our safety truly are. Volunteer fire companies across America, just like the Warwick Fire Company, work hard every day to keep our cities and towns safe. The Warwick Fire Company's commitment to our community is undeniable. As their representative, I am proud to be just as committed to providing them and other fire companies with the tools and resources they need to do their jobs. After all, true homeland security means supporting those who keep our families safe. Madam Speaker, the Warwick Fire Company and the other volunteer fire companies throughout our country need--and deserve--our continued support. On behalf of my family and the families of the 8th District of Pennsylvania, I want to thank the Warwick Fire Company for their tireless and life-saving efforts.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. I thank the gentleman from New Jersey. I rise in support of the gentleman's amendment from the great State of New Jersey. I rise because this debate is personal to me. Madam Chairman, as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division, I saw American heroes at their finest, gaining vital intelligence the right way. We have all seen images of what happens when young soldiers are left without clear leadership at the top. Simply put, the treatment of detainees is a strategic imperative to every servicemember wearing the uniform and every American we took an oath to support and protect. In the first Gulf War, over 100,000 Iraqi soldiers surrendered to American forces because they knew that they would be treated humanely by the American forces. Thousands who did not hide behind street corners with RPGs or IEDs. The treatment of detainees is what set America apart as a global leader, and it is how we begin to restore the reputation squandered by President Bush and the tragedy of Abu Ghraib. Madam Chairman, there is nobody in this chamber who supports the vigorous interrogation of suspected terrorists more than me, but it must be done the way that reflects the greatness of America and in a way that protects our fighting men and women. Madam Chairman, this amendment helps do just that. One of my heroes, General Colin Powell, once said: The world is beginning to doubt the moral basis of our fight against terrorism. Will this amendment fix all our problems? Of course not. But it certainly is a start. I urge my colleagues to vote for the gentleman's amendment.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Would the gentleman yield?

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Chairman, I have great respect for the gentleman from California, and that he is also a paratrooper. But, Madam Chairman, I would suggest that those were my same concerns. In that letter we address those concerns that the Under Secretary said; that in forward operating bases in the environment, there is no mandate in this bill that would require them to videotape the interrogations. It is only at the strategic level in theater, only where they go. In my case in al Rasheed, Baghdad in 2002, 2004, Madam Chairman, we would interrogate them at a forward operating base, then we would bring them up to the Baghdad airport, then they would go to somewhere else. It would only be at that higher level, not at the forward operating base. And we put that language in this bill to address those exact concerns. So although I respect greatly the service and the commitment of the gentleman from California and his concerns, those concerns were addressed in this bill. And that is why I support our amendment.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Chairman, I rise in support of the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania's amendment. In the post-9/11 world, we must utilize all the tools at our disposal to keep our country safe and secure. That is why Congresswoman Schwartz and I, along with our Governor and the majority of the Pennsylvania delegation, are fighting to form a homeland security hub at Willow Grove. Strategically located near Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington, D.C., this air base must continue to serve as a strategic asset for our regional and national security. Madam Chairman, our amendment is simple: It prohibits the base from becoming a commercial, cargo, or passenger airport. Maintaining Willow Grove's strategic focus ensures that we continue to keep Pennsylvania families safe. This is a commonsense, bipartisan way to secure our region. It's a matter of national security. I thank the Pennsylvania delegation, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this amendment.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Thank you, Chairman Obey and Chairman Murtha. As a solemn and distinguished body, we again stand ready to break with President Bush and demand change in Iraq. And again, we have a chance to do what is right after years of pursuing the wrong strategy, a misguided strategy, that I saw firsthand and a battle my fellow paratroopers are still fighting today. Today, we can come together to do what is right. Today, we can change direction in Iraq, refocus on al Qaeda in Afghanistan and give our troops the GI Bill that they have earned. The question before us is clear: Do we proceed in a bipartisan way with the support of military experts and American families? Or do we continue to allow more political posturing and more of the same while American troops are stuck refereeing a religious civil war? That is the choice we all must make. And to those who stand in the way of change and accountability in Iraq, the American people are paying attention.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand with those who want a change. I am proud to fight for accountability in our foreign policy and proud to fight until our brave veterans get the benefits that they deserve. A year ago, I called on my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to stand ready for change. I renew that same call today. Neither our troops nor our veterans can wait for us to change our foreign policy in Iraq, not until next year's sixth anniversary, or the seventh anniversary, or the tenth.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 10 recipients who have achieved the rank of Eagle from Boy Scout Troop 10 in Lower Makefield, Pennsylvania. This troop has a long and notable history of improving Bucks County through various service projects and community outreach programs. On May 4, 2008, 10 members of the Boy Scout Troop 10 will receive their Eagle Badge at the Troop's Eagle Court of Honor ceremony. Becoming an Eagle Scout is the highest honor a Boy Scout can receive and reflects the high expectations the Boy Scouts of America have of their members. Only about 5 percent of Boy Scouts will go on to receive their Eagle Scout rank. This award reflects proficiency in several areas such as leadership and outdoor skills as well as years of dedication and hard work serving one's community. The dedication of Troop 10 to the principles of scouting is evident in the hard work and dedication the Scouts showed in completing their various Eagle Scout service projects. Max Lee Telsey, Assistant Quartermaster, worked on several construction projects to improve the Cornerstone Church in Philadelphia. Stuart Nyal Taylor, Senior Patrol Leader, restored a historically accurate fence at Pennsbury Manor. Benjamin Lawrence Caggia, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and Troop Guide, spray painted house numbers on the street curbs for emergency service responders in the Heather Ridge and Yardley Run neighborhoods. Owen Lynn, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, assembled and delivered 346 meals for Aid for Friends. Jacob Robert Vandenburg, also an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, constructed a shelving unit for the American Red Cross's new Disaster Services readiness storage unit in Lower Bucks County. Jared Michael Slaweski, Troop Guide and Quartermaster, renovated a community nature trail and worked on bridge and sign construction for Lower Makefield Township. Ryan Mathew Bender, Quartermaster, designed and built an outdoor family recreation area at the Bucks County Housing Group. Andrew Maxwell Sing, Quartermaster and Troop Scribe, installed shelves in the childcare supply closet, reconditioned a resident bathroom and organized the donation room for the Levittown American Red Cross Shelter. Robert James Pennington, Troop Guide, reconditioned a community nature trail for Lower Makefield Township. Colin Steuart Johnston, Quartermaster, organized and collected $1,500 worth of snacks for the healthy snack food drive for the American Red Cross of Lower Bucks County. Boy Scout Troop 10 of Lower Makefield and its 10 recipients of the rank of Eagle are exceptional examples of how a group of dedicated individuals can truly better the lives of those around them. The outstanding work of Troop 10 and the Eagle Scouts has significantly improved the Bucks County community. Madam Speaker, I am proud to represent Boy Scout Troop 10 and grateful for the opportunity to recognize those attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker. I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary of Lenape Middle School in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. This school has a long and notable history of educating Bucks County's youth as well as helping the greater community. Lenape Middle School began its service to Bucks County when it opened on September 4, 1957. Originally serving all of Central Bucks School District, Lenape Middle School now educates students living in Doylestown, Doylestown Township, and parts of New Britain Township. Despite being the smallest of the Central Bucks School District's middle schools, Lenape Middle School is proudly one of the most diverse schools in the district. Lenape Middle School is also home to several important scholastic programs. Lenape serves as the regional school for various district special education programs as well as serving as the host school for all English as a Second Language students. In honor of its notable academic work, Lenape Middle School was named a ``School to Watch'' by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform in April 2007. In addition, Lenape Middle School boasts distinguished participation in community service and outreach. Lenape is deeply involved in the 40 Assets project. This program seeks to recognize students for making a difference in the lives of one of their peers, teachers, or neighbors. Also, Lenape students actively participate in various community service organizations such as Ponds for Kids, the Relay for Life, and Recycle 4 Relay Campaign. Lenape Middle School is an exceptional example of an outstanding academic institution. The outstanding work of both Lenape's students and teachers significantly improves the Bucks County community. Madam Speaker, I am proud to represent Lenape Middle School and grateful for the opportunity to recognize Lenape's 50th anniversary.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary of the Nottingham Fire Department in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. This fire department has a long and notable history of protecting the residents of Bucks County. In 1956, sensing the need for another fire company in Bensalem Township, a group of concerned Bensalem residents filed an application with the Bucks County Courthouse to establish an additional fire department. Despite facing strong opposition, the Nottingham Fire Department was formally established on April 25, 1958, following a lengthy legal battle. The original members of the Nottingham Fire Department were instrumental in setting up the company and creating the framework the department still maintains today. At personal cost and sacrifice, the founding members established the department's first station, purchased its first tanker, and elected officers to run the company's business. Since its beginning, the Nottingham Fire Department has used cutting edge technology and practices to improve its service to the community. The fire department was the first in the county to initiate pre- designated fire fighter bucket assignments. To accommodate the growing demands on its firefighters, the department also took the initiative to start an organized bunk-in-program, a live-in-program and duty crew nights. In addition, the fire department was the first to establish formal Standard Operating Procedures and have them compiled into a training manual, and the first in the area to institute a first responders unit. The Nottingham Fire Department is proof that a group of concerned citizens can truly make a difference in the lives of those in their community. Madam Speaker, I am proud to represent the Nottingham Fire Department and grateful for the opportunity to recognize their significant 50th anniversary.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary achievements of Mr. Norman Moorhead. Mr. Moorhead is being recognized by the Newtown Township Police Department, honoring his retirement from the force after 40 years of hard work and dedication to his community. A longtime resident of Bucks County, Mr. Moorhead began his exceptional service to others in 1963. After graduating from Council Rock High School, Mr. Moorhead enlisted in the Air Force and began basic training that following September. During his time in the United States Air Force. Mr. Moorhead was trained as a Power Production Specialist. He used his specialized skills and knowledge and served for 18 months as part of a Vietnam support base in Okinawa, Japan. Mr. Moorhead was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1967. After, he returned to Bucks County he continued his work on behalf of our community. Mr. Moorhead joined the Newtown Township Police Department in 1968, beginning his decades-long commitment to improving the safety of Bucks County. Over the years, Mr. Moorhead established himself as an outstanding public servant, undertaking various special tasks necessary to keep the police department running. Years later, as a sergeant for the Newtown Township Police, lie worked to establish the Newtown Youth Aid Panel. The Youth Aid Panel is a volunteer organization established to help police officers with juvenile offenders and other related problems. In 1989, Mr. Moorhead was promoted to Captain and, in addition to his other responsibilities, he undertook the duties of planning various special events in Newtown, such as First Night. First Fourth, and local parades. As his outstanding work and achievements show. Norman Moorhead dedicated his life to helping those in his community and beyond. Through his extensive efforts. Mr. Moorhead has worked hard to make Bucks County a safer place. Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize Mr. Moorhead for his extraordinary accomplishments and outstanding service to his community.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 322, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel. Last summer, I was fortunate enough to visit Israel for the first time. For me as a practicing Catholic, it was a humbling experience to walk the same streets that Jesus walked over 2,000 years ago. Israel is a Jewish state, but Jerusalem is at the center of three world religions and when I was there, I felt like I was among friends. I know first hand how badly America needs allies and friends in the Middle East. Having served in Iraq, I understand how important the Israeli-American relationship is. They are our most important ally and one of our great friends. They are our partners in peace and in war. And while we do not shrink from the fight against terrorism, we also recognize that this global battle is one that cannot be won without diplomacy. The 60th anniversary of Israel's founding is a landmark moment. In her brief history, great soldiers, noble statesmen and women and inspiring leaders have made history by refusing to back down in the face of great adversity. As we celebrate this historic day, we must also take time to remember those that have fallen in her defense. Brave men like my fellow paratrooper and fellow Pennsylvanian Michael Levin. Michael's story serves as an inspiration to me as he embodied and personified the values that America and Israel hold in common: Loyalty, honor and sacrifice. He left the comforts of America to serve in the Israeli Defense Force--and he died protecting the country and the people he loved. Americans and Israelis alike will always remember his courage and keep his memory in our hearts. Today is also a day where we must pray for those Israeli soldiers being held captive by Israel's enemies. As a former soldier myself, my thoughts and prayers are with Gilad Shalit, Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev and their families. We pray for their safety and hope for their swift return. Mr. Speaker, this significant moment is a time where we should also pray for peace and understanding around the world--but especially in the Middle East. We pray that in the near future, Israel and her neighbors will live side-by-side in peace and that no more lives will be lost in this needless cycle of violence and hate. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in Congress and all of the families in my district as we pledge to always support efforts to maintain Israel's identity as a Jewish state with secure borders. We also commit ourselves to work diligently towards the creation of a viable and independent Palestinian state, living in peace alongside of Israel. Mr. Speaker, Israel is truly one of our greatest allies and most trusted friends. She stands as a beacon of democratic values in a region of the world where those values are largely absent. Today, we celebrate the friendship that exists between our two Nations and look forward to strengthening and expanding our bond in the future.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary achievements of Mr. John Doster. Mr. Doster is being recognized by the Bristol Borough Traffic and Crowd Control Advisory Council for his hard work and exceptional accomplishments in working to better his community. A lifelong resident of Bucks County, Mr. Doster's long and exemplary career of service to his community began 75 years ago and continues to this day. In 1934, Mr. Doster joined the Edgley Fire Company, and he has been a member ever since. Mr. Doster has held many important community leadership positions throughout the years, serving as the fire chief of the Edgley Firehouse, the fire marshal for Bristol Township, the president of the Fire Chiefs Association, and a fire school instructor. Mr. Doster's dedication to keeping those in his community safe is also evident through the numerous awards he has received. In 1977, he received the Distinguished Hero award for his brave actions in saving the lives of two people trapped in a burning building. In 1999 and 2000, he received the Most Active Firefighter Award from the Edgley Fire Company. Mr. Doster was also the recipient of the Commanders Club Award in both 2001 and 2004. In addition to his commendable service to his community. Mr. Doster has also dedicated himself to serving his country. He was a member of the United States Army, serving as a corporal in North Africa from 1942 to 1945. During his service in the Army, Mr. Doster received various commendations celebrating his heroic actions. He received the Purple Heart, the Bronze Leader Award from the Disabled American Veterans, the Silver Star Award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Legion Honor Award from the Chapel of Four Chaplains. As his outstanding resume shows, John Doster has pledged his life to helping those in our community and our Nation. Madam Speaker, as a fellow United States Army veteran and Bucks County resident, I am proud to recognize the remarkable achievements of Mr. John Doster, and I am honored to serve as his Congressman. Through his tireless work, Mr. Doster has unequivocally changed Bucks County and America for the better.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Leona Sassaman, longtime Tinicum Township resident. Ms. Sassaman is being recognized by the Tinicum Democrats on April 6th for her hard work and exceptional achievements in working to better her community. Born in Uhlerstown, PA in 1925, Leona Sassaman has a long history of service to her community. Beginning her community involvement, Ms. Sassaman worked for 25 years making parts for RCA. During this time, Ms. Sassaman was an active member of the International Glass, Plastic, Pottery, and Allied Workers Union, Local 173A. Ms. Sassaman served as chief shop steward, union treasurer, secretary and president, laboring to make the workplace safer for she and her colleagues. Ms. Sassaman has also worked for years to improve the safety of her community through her involvement with the Delaware County firehouse. A member of the firehouse for over 50 years, Ms. Sassaman was involved in the firehouse's construction in 1958. Throughout the years, Mr. Sassaman has contributed to countless fundraising events and activities for the firehouse, such as bake sales, Friday night spaghetti dinners, and rummage sales. Adding to her distinguished work, Ms. Sassaman is an active member of the political process within her community. A member of the Board of Elections for 30 years, Ms. Sassaman was elected and served as minority clerk to the board until 2006. Ms. Sassaman has been an active member of the Democratic Party for many years, while also serving as a reliable political resource for those in her community of any political party. As her outstanding efforts show, Leona Sassaman has pledged her life to helping those in her community. Through her tireless work, Ms. Sassaman has clearly bettered the lives of those around her. Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize Ms. Sassaman for her extraordinary accomplishments and extremely honored to serve as her Congressman.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of William H. Eastburn III. Mr. Eastburn passed away on March 7, 2008, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Mr. Eastburn lived an honorable and noteworthy life, dedicating himself to helping those in his community. Mr. Eastburn began his career of service to others as a prosecutor at the Bucks County District Attorney's office and then later at the state Attorney General's office. After his work as a prosecutor, Mr. Eastburn became a fourth generation member of the law firm of Eastburn and Gray, Bucks County's largest law firm. In addition to his distinguished legal career, Mr. Eastburn will be long remembered for his philanthropic work within Bucks County. Mr. Eastburn founded and served as chairman of the board for the Voice of Reason, an organization dedicated to ending gun violence. He served for several years as the chairman of both the Bucks County Commission on Violence Prevention Task Force and the Bucks County Implementation Commission on Violence Prevention. Mr. Eastburn also dedicated his time to the Heritage Conservancy, Western Health Foundations, First Service Bank, and the Free Clinic of Doylestown Hospital. Madam Speaker, Mr. Eastburn spent his life working to improve, not just Bucks County but the larger American community as well. He established and participated in various organizations that benefited people all across the United States. Along with his wife Connie, Mr. Eastburn helped found the Americans for Native Americans, which raised money and gathered supplies for Native Americans living in the Southwest United States. Mr. Eastburn helped organize and lead the Bucks-Mont Bay Waveland Katrina Relief Project which raised over $2 million for the hurricane ravaged area of Hancock County, Mississippi. As his outstanding work and achievements show, William Eastburn III dedicated his life to helping those in his community and beyond. Through his lifelong efforts, Mr. Eastburn has transformed Bucks County and America for the better. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Mr. Eastburn for his lifetime of extraordinary accomplishments.

Mr. PATRICK MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, as we prepare to mark the 5-year anniversary of the war in Iraq, I would like to take a moment and offer a moment of silence for the brave and the fallen, including 19 members of my unit, the 82nd Airborne Division, who never made it home. On this somber occasion, we are united behind our troops. We honor the memories of thousands, and we pledge our support for those still fighting for our freedom.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Nancy Porter Morrill--the 2008 recipient the Bucks County Women's History Month Award. Ms. Morrill is being recognized by the Bucks County Women's Fund for her hard work and exceptional achievements in working to improve her community. Ms. Morrill has a long and distinguished career of service to Bucks County. Committed to improving Bucks County. Ms. Morrill dedicated herself to working for various organizations, such as Community Development Advisory Council, Human Services Advisory Council and the Operations Review and Evaluations Committee. Ms. Morrill has also worked to improve the scholastic and cultural environment of Bucks County. She was an important member of both School Works! and the Pennsbury School District, working to advance the relationships between businesses, teachers, students, and parents. She has had an impact on the arts as well. She helped create the Arts and Cultural Council of Bucks County and the Food and Wine Festival in Bucks County which she co-chaired for 5 years. Ms. Morrill was also an active member of the Pennsbury Arts Foundation and the Art Committee of the Phillips Mill Community Association. Of all Ms. Morrill's outstanding achievements, her most important work has been done fighting for women's rights in Bucks County. Over many years, Ms. Morrill worked tirelessly for the Planned Parenthood organization. She was head of the fundraising committee for the Planned Parenthood clinic in Doylestown and she went on to serve as the president of Bucks County Planned Parenthood organization. Also, Ms. Morrill was named the secretary of the board of the Family Planning Association of S.E.PA, and helped to build the Bucks County Women's Fund. As her outstanding resume shows, Nancy Morrill has pledged her life to helping those in her community. Through her tireless work, Ms. Morrill has changed Bucks County for the better. Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize Ms. Morrill for her extraordinary accomplishments and extremely honored to serve as her Congressman.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a teenager from Ben salem, Pennsylvania for whom mental health care came too late. I rise in favor of a health care system that works for those in need. This legislation not only promotes fairness for those with mental illness, it also will not pre-empt stronger State laws. Laws, such as Pennsylvania's Act 106, which has saved countless lives. I stand with a Republican State representative from my district--Gene DiGirolamo--as we fight to preserve these critical laws in conference. Mr. DiGiralomo of Bensalem is a leading advocate for mental health parity and has worked tirelessly for health care laws that are fair and just. Mr. Speaker, this bill is bipartisan and long overdue. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for it. The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act is designed to end discrimination against those seeking treatment for mental illness. This discrimination is real, and it affects the lives of millions of people every day. We have all heard the stories of the negative stigma surrounding post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury from veterans returning from battle, and each of us has a family member or friend who has struggled at one time or another with mental illness. Reauthorizing this important measure has waited for more than a decade--that is too long. I am proud to be supporting it today and proud to have fought to include provisions that will keep this bill from pre-empting stronger State laws. Act 106 is an example of a life-saving, crime-reducing law in Pennsylvania that will be preserved because of this important bill. Act 106 not only helps addicts regain control of their lives, but also makes our State a safer and more pleasant place to live. This protection is just one of many important items included in this bill, and Act 106 is just one of many State laws that we should preserve. Mr. Speaker, this bill is critically important and while I am proud to support it, I must register some reservations about how we go about paying for it. As a fiscally conservative Blue Dog Democrat, upholding the PAYGO rules are important, but the offsets chosen for this legislation are ones that have been used for another piece of legislation. We are a Nation at war and a Nation in debt. Each person in this country owes more than $30,000 in debt because of the reckless spending habits of the past. We need to make sure we pay for the bills we pass, but I have some serious concerns about passing two bills--two Democratic priorities-- that are paid for with the same money. I urge our leadership, that as we go to conference on both of these pieces of legislation we ensure that we have a fiscally responsible approach that is also equitable for all those involved. Mr. Speaker, this bill is a great step forward, and it has the support of doctors, nurses, and families across the country. I am proud to cast my vote in favor of the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act.