Patrick Murphy

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. I thank my colleagues for taking the fight and leading the fight here. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a teenager from Bensalem, 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 preempt stronger State laws, laws such as Pennsylvania's Act 106, which has saved countless lives. I stand with the Republican State Representative from my district, Gene DiGirolamo, as we fight together to preserve these critical laws in conference. Mr. DiGirolamo 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 us in voting for it.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Lower Southampton Fire Department on the occasion of its 77th anniversary. The Lower Southampton Fire Department has a long and commendable history of public service. Since receiving its charter on July 31, 1931, the Lower Southampton Fire Department has supported and protected the residents of our community dutifully and honorably. When called upon, the firefighters of the Lower Southampton Fire Department have not been daunted by even the most dangerous of challenges. Their daily efforts to ensure the safety of the people of Lower Southampton are inspiring, and that is why I am proud to recognize them on this important anniversary. Just recently, several of these firefighters once again displayed the courage and heroism that has been so characteristic of their department. While preparing for an Advanced Swift Water Class, the firefighters observed a man, alone and without a lifejacket, who had flipped his kayak and appeared to be in distress. Despite the rapid speed and low temperature of the water, the firefighters acted quickly, with little concern for their own safety, and performed a successful rescue. The courageous members of the Lower Southampton Fire Department who were involved in this rescue included: Acting Chief Steven Krippel, Assistant Chief Stephen Brookes, Dive Team and Swift Water Manager Lt. James W. McGuire III, Lt. Christopher Hawraney, Firefighter/Rescue Diver Marc Kaman, Firefighter/Swift Water Operator Nick Owarzani, and Firefighter/Swift Water Operator Adam Noel. In addition, Firefighter/ Swift Water Operator William Martin, of the Southampton Fire Company, participated in the rescue. Were it not for the efforts of each of these brave men, the victim would likely not have survived. Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize the Lower Southampton Fire Department and all of its members for their consistently outstanding service and their heroic acts in the face of danger. These fine public servants are worthy of our commendation, and I am honored to serve as their Congressman.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Bucks County resident Todd Stone, the founder of the Gallows Run Watershed Association. Mr. Stone is an example of how an ordinary citizen can make a change to benefit our entire community. Mr. Stone's involvement with this issue resulted in the establishment of a clean water advocacy group committed to improving our water quality and environment. And that is something we can all be proud of. The Gallows Hill Watershed Association was founded by Todd Stone in 2002 and consists of representatives from a wide variety of private and government groups, all with the common goal of improving our environment. This group's educational outreach, scientific research and active participation in the legal system effecting local land use have brought key people together with a shared objective. Madam Speaker, Todd Stone is an extraordinary example of community advocacy. His passion for improving our environment and his tireless community involvement is undeniable. His work is inspiring and I am honored to recognize him for his many accomplishments.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 275th anniversary of Warwick Township, Pennsylvania. Warwick has a long and notable history, serving as the location for several crucial events in the birth of our Nation. Warwick Township was formed by petition on February 13, 1733. Located in central Bucks County, the township served as an important fixture in colonial life in the 18th century. York Road, one of the major roads running throughout the township, served as the major connection between New York and Philadelphia. During the American Revolution, York Road was used as a passage for the American Army during northern campaigns. Warwick Township was also home to General Washington's headquarters. The township welcomed Marquis de Lafayette and Count Pulaski to join the American Army, where they later became critical to the American victory over the British. The nearby Neshaminy Church was transformed into both a hospital and a location for court-martials throughout the American Revolution. Today, Warwick Township continues its historic tradition of hospitality and community. The township offers its residents and visitors a variety of public parks, sports fields, pavilions, playgrounds and ponds. Community Park proves the township's residents with a children's summer day camp program, as well as public Sunday evening concerts throughout July and August. Warwick Township also features a public golf course, the Neshaminy Valley Golf Club. Warwick Township serves both as an outstanding reminder of our Nation's history, as well as an exceptional example of a modern American town. Madam Speaker, I am proud to represent Warwick Township and grateful for the opportunity to recognize their momentous 275th anniversary.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, today, with this bill, we will vote to make a real difference and put a college education within reach of more students than ever before. My colleagues, Chairman Miller, Chairman Hinojosa, Mr. McKeon, and Mr. Keller, put forth legislation that we could all be proud to support. This is just the latest measure in the 110th Congress that has put forth more help for students to reach the American dream. Mr. Chairman, it's time to be straight with American families about how much a college education is truly going to cost. We have seen the numbers and met the families who sit at their kitchen table and struggle to find a way to send their kids to school. One thing, though, we don't hear much about, what is just as devastating to families, is the dramatic fluctuation in tuition from year to year. College costs have risen 40 percent over the last 5 years, but in several cases around the country a sharp jump in prices comes between the end of classes and the following fall. How are families supposed to plan when between finals and the first day of school tuition goes up more than $6,000? Mr. Chairman, this amendment is about planning and predictability. With this measure, students and families will know how much their education is going to cost from the start, and that means fewer surprise tuition hikes and plenty of time to plan financially. We not only give parents and students the time that they need, but we also give colleges and universities options and incentives for helping kids plan for and to afford college. Our amendment gives colleges and universities two options on how to better inform students and families. Schools can either provide a fee schedule up front for all 4 years or a single-year fee schedule with detailed information about future costs, including financial aid. Through either of these options we can make planning for college a little easier. Mr. Chairman, I don't believe it's too much for families to ask the university for a best guess as to what their child's education will cost. After all, families can figure out how much they're going to pay for a house, how much braces will cost for their kids' teeth, or what it costs to buy a car or plan for their retirement. They should be able to plan more appropriately for college. I thank my colleague from North Carolina, Congresswoman Myrick, for standing with me on this amendment and being a leader on college affordability, and for my colleague from California, Congressman Cardoza, for his support. I'd also like to thank Chairman Miller for his leadership and his tireless efforts to help families and students realize the American Dream. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to stand with us to put a stop to the uncertainty families face and give them this truth in tuition. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to my friend and colleague from North Carolina (Mrs. Myrick).

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Janet Myers on her retirement after decades of dedicated service to her community. Twenty four years ago, Janet Myers was elected to the Penndel Borough Council in Bucks County Pennsylvania. While on the council, Mrs. Myers served her community on the police, finance, building and maintenance and streets committees. Her leadership and activism after more than two dozen years will be missed. Fourteen years ago, Mrs. Myers was one of the founders of the Penndel Activities Committee, which organizes a number of community events each year. Some of the community events include annual festivals, such as the Holiday Tree Lighting Program on the first Saturday in December, the Penndel Holiday Decorating Contest, the Easter egg hunt, a senior's birthday dinner and the Halloween parade. Mrs. Myers shaped the Penndel community with wonderful festivities every year and continued to make an impact even after she left the Activities Committee. Madam Speaker, we are proud to have Mrs. Myers as a leader in our community and with her retirement, she leaves behind legacy that many will try to follow. Her devotion, selflessness, and commitment to the residents of Penndel Borough in Bucks County, Pennsylvania is unwavering. I ask my colleagues to join me today in thanking Mrs. Myers for improving the lives of so many and as we, in Bucks County, wish her well for the future.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Bucks County resident Gustavo I. Perea, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce 2008 Business Person of the Year. Mr. Perea is a living example of the American Dream. He arrived in the United States 46 years ago from Cuba, he is a graduate of Spring Garden College and he served in the United States Navy. He and his family settled in Doylestown--in Bucks County, PA--and he has worked for Adams-Bickel Associates, one of the largest construction firms in the Philadelphia area. Today, he serves as Chief Operating Officer for Adams-Bickel. Mr. Perea's accomplishments don't stop with his professional career. He is a true community leader, serving on the Doylestown Borough Planning Commission, the Doylestown Borough Building Code Committee and the Bucks County Historical Society Grounds and Building Committee. His more recent community work includes his involvement with the Bucks Mont Katrina Relief Project, a community organization helping flood victims in Hancock County, Mississippi. Madam Speaker, Gustavo I. Perea is an extraordinary example of the American Dream come true. His passion for his profession and his tireless community involvement are shining examples. His work, both professionally and in the community is inspiring, and I am honored to recognize him for his many accomplishments and contributions.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Eastern Montgomery County Emergency Management Group for their outstanding service and dedication. They provide world-class regional training symposiums, multi-jurisdictional field training exercises and specialized training in disaster management to emergency responders throughout Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District. Formed in 2001, in response to the tragic events of September 11, the Eastern Montgomery County Emergency Management Group has been helping the community prepare for emergencies. The group consists of emergency management officials from across our community who are committed to work together as partners on all emergency management issues and incidents. These dedicated individuals are responsible for coordinating the community's preparation for, response to, and recovery from man- made and natural disasters. As the son of a former Philadelphia police officer, I know how hard America's emergency responders work to keep our cities and towns safe-- especially in disaster situations. The Eastern Montgomery County Regional Emergency Management Group's commitment to our community is undeniable. As their representative, I am proud to be just as committed to providing them, and our other emergency management groups 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, on behalf of the families across Eastern Montgomery County, I want to thank the Eastern Montgomery County Emergency Management Group for their tireless and lifesaving efforts. They and other emergency management groups throughout our country need--and deserve--our continued support.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this has been a very powerful and emotional debate today, and the issue is very close to my heart. I did not mean to offend anyone across the other side of the aisle. And I ask the Speaker and the other side for unanimous consent to withdraw the paragraph that may have given offense to some Members that were on the floor.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the RESTORE Act and to set the record straight on an issue that is close to my heart. In May of 2007, three men from the 10th Mountain Division were captured in Iraq. They're names are Specialist Alex Jiminez, Private First Class Joseph Anzak, and Private Byron Fouty. I recite their names because the right wing attack machine never does. But these are the facts, and they're not pretty. The intelligence community stood ready to help find these three soldiers. But for 5 hours, for 5 hours, the Bush administration could not decide what to do. When they decided to go ahead, no Bush administration official could authorize it, could be found to authorize it. But when they finally found the Attorney General in Texas, it took an additional 2 hours to authorize the surveillance, even though he could have granted the authority in just minutes. Hours of indecision and incompetence while these three soldiers went missing. * * * * * While the RESTORE Act can solve many problems posed by the current FISA law, it will not solve the problem in these soldiers' situations.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the U.S.-Peru Free Trade Agreement. I oppose this bill because I come from a part of our country that has seen all the drawbacks of free trade without any of the supposed benefits. I oppose this bill on behalf of the countless Americans who spent years of their lives working in a steel mill or manufacturing plant whose lives were uprooted in the wake of NAFTA and CAFTA. I represent the 8th District of Pennsylvania. My State has been one of the hardest hit by free trade agreements and the unfair trade practices of nations, such as China, that don't play by the rules. Bucks County was hit hard. Manufacturing jobs used to number in the tens of thousands, but by 2005, they had fallen nearly 35 percent. This devastation included major employers like US Steel, Jones Apparel, and Rohm and Haas--companies that now employ a fraction of what they once did. Each one of those lost jobs represents a worker and his or her family whose lives were turned upside down by so called ``free trade.'' Madam Speaker, free trade is not free if it costs American workers their jobs. I believe that when everyone plays by the rules, American workers will beat out foreign competition every time. Unfortunately, not every nation plays by the rules and even worse, the Bush administration has done nothing to protect American workers from unfair competition. In fact, the President has gone out of his way to sign free trade agreements, like CAFTA, that harm American working men and women. Madam Speaker, it is for that reason that I must oppose this bill. While this agreement paid heed to labor, health and environmental concerns for the first time in years, we need to back up words with action. Supporters of this bill are saying all of the right things and I am glad that these concerns were taken into account. However, when the livelihoods of American families are at stake, words simply aren't good enough. We need concrete action and this bill offers us no guarantees. We are debating this bill under ``fast-track'' rules. That means that the Congress gets no say in the details of the agreement and that we simply must trust that the President is going to do right by American workers. This President has broken his word over and over again throughout his time in office and we cannot trust him again. We have seen the Bush administration repeatedly putting the interests of the few ahead of the needs of the many. For example, if we had the ability to amend this trade agreement, I would fight to include the provisions of a bill I have introduced that would require national security reviews of trade deals before we agree to them. My bill, The Trade-Related American National Security Enhancement and Accountability, TRANSEA, Act also would allow for the suspension of existing trade agreements if the safety, health, and welfare of Americans are in doubt. I think these provisions would have made a vast improvement to the Peru Free Trade Agreement, but unfortunately because of fast track rules, we are prohibited from even trying to offer changes to make the bill better for American workers. Madam Speaker, I am not an anti-trade crusader. Certainly, if trade is done the right way, with attention paid to labor, environmental and health standards, then it can benefit everybody from workers to business owners, both in the United States and other parts of the world. Unfortunately, with President Bush's disastrous record, we cannot trust him, to enforce the agreement in a way that will be fair to American working men and women. It is for these reasons, Madam Speaker, that I oppose this trade agreement.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 162) expressing the sense of Congress that Congress and the President should increase basic pay for members of the Armed Forces, as amended.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the concurrent resolution under consideration.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today for a simple yet important purpose. I rise alongside my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to say that we support a 3.5 percent pay increase for the brave men and women of our Armed Forces. Madam Speaker, when I was serving in Baghdad, I fought alongside Specialist Juan Arevalo, or ``RV'' to his friends and fellow paratroopers. RV is a quick-witted and fearless Texan who had the trust of everyone in our brigade and would say things to make us laugh or make us think, even during war. We used to joke that RV signed up for active duty in the Army without even knowing that soldiers got paid. The joke was that he was so innocent, he thought the only compensation he received was training, housing, and three square meals a day. Serving in Iraq and making just over $15,000 a year, RV told everybody he was the richest man in Iraq. Even though RV would have worked for free in our military, he shouldn't have to, and neither should the families who depend on their loved ones overseas. More than 1.6 million soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of them multiple times. These are the brave men and women whose pay we seek to raise today, a pay raise that is long overdue. Madam Speaker, there are more than 3 million family members who count on someone serving on active duty in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today we fight not just for those soldiers but for their families as well. Our resolution points out that there is currently a 4 percent pay gap between members of the Armed Forces and those in civilian life. At a time when our Armed Forces are stretched so thin, we need to offer more comparable pay to the private sector to retain the most qualified service men and women. Our resolution also gives thanks for their valiant service to our Nation. Madam Speaker, this is a commonsense measure. But, unfortunately, our President has called this pay increase ``unnecessary.'' And yet 2 weeks ago President Bush said, ``America should do what it takes to support our troops.'' The President criticizes the spending priorities of this Congress but stands in the way of a pay increase for our troops. I say the President should do what it takes to support our troops. This pay raise is long overdue and it is necessary, and President Bush's opposition to it is simply unconscionable. Madam Speaker, with a 3.5 percent pay increase, we aren't talking about a lot of money. But for a private in Iraq making less than $16,000 a year in basic pay, that small increase would make all the difference in the world. For enlisted men with bills to pay and young children to support, several hundred dollars a year more is a big deal. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones) for his courageous support, Chairman Murtha, Chairman Obey, Chairman Snyder, as well as Chairwoman Davis and Chairman Skelton for their leadership on this issue. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my friend and colleague, the gentlelady from New Hampshire. There is no greater advocate in the House of Representatives than Ms. Shea-Porter, a proud Member, and a fellow member of the House Armed Services Committee.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I now yield 3 minutes to my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kagen).

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Thank you to my colleague, Mr. Walter Jones. I appreciate that. I appreciate the gentleman's service for the citizens of our country and the citizens in North Carolina. We owe it to those protecting our Nation and fighting for our rights to make sure that we support them and their families who are waiting at home. This pay raise may mean less than $1,000 for some enlisted men and women, but for those with bills to pay and young children to feed, several hundred dollars is a big deal. Madam Speaker, I strongly support this pay raise, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. By passing this bill, we tell our troops that we support them, and send a message to the President that this pay raise is not only necessary, it's our responsibility.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, this is the last speaker on our side. And I now yield 3 minutes to my friend and colleague, a fellow Blue Dog, the gentleman from Indiana, Mr. Joe Donnelly.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, 4 years ago I served in Baghdad, Iraq, with the 82nd Airborne Division, and I am proud of my service. In 2006, the election was about change: change in Iraq, change here at home, change how we treat our veterans. Well, these are the problems that we addressed in this Congress: One, the Walter Reed tragedy. Our answer? We passed the Wounded Warrior Act. Two, underfunding of veterans in past Congresses. Our answer? We passed the largest increase in Veterans Administration history. Three, the two signature injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan are PTSD, posttraumatic stress disorder and TBI, traumatic brain injury. Our solution in Congress, $600 million more than the President asked for to address these two injuries. Later today, this House will take up our bill with Congressman Walter Jones to give our troops a 3.5 percent pay increase. Don't listen to the rhetoric. The President says that increase is unnecessary. I think it is exactly what this Congress should be addressing.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support much-needed economic redevelopment through the Trade and Globalization Assistance Act. This forwarding-thinking legislation will ensure that America's workers receive the training and assistance they need to compete in the global economy. Globalization has had a significant impact on the American workforce, but our national policies have not kept pace with international economic changes. Gone are the days when men and women began and ended their careers at a steel or textile mill. Now, even customer service professionals and software engineers are losing jobs to overseas competition. Thirty years ago, in my district in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, more than 46,000 people were employed in manufacturing jobs. Like many other working-class communities, my district suffered severe job loss when foreign competition forced major employers like US Steel, Jones Apparel and Rohm and Haas to shut-down most of their operations. By 2005, manufacturing employment in Bucks County had fallen 34 percent. The departure of manufacturing jobs resulted in vacant properties, abandoned buildings and contaminated land--and in Bristol, Pennsylvania, crumbling roads and poor drainage put families at risk during a recent flood. But most of all, the decline in manufacturing jobs decline left thousands of middle class workers out of a job. Mr. Speaker, the Trade and Globalization Assistance Act makes substantial improvements to the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program and gives communities like mine a chance. Through the Manufacturing Redevelopment Zone Program, this legislation will provide important tax incentives to cities and towns like those in my district that have suffered substantial reductions in manufacturing employment. Communities designated as manufacturing redevelopment zones will have a second-chance to revitalize their economy by attracting new investments that will create family- sustaining jobs. This program will help lift-up some of our Nation's poorest communities, but it is also a chance to demonstrate our commitment to American innovation. While towns in my district still face many challenges, lower Bucks County has begun to turn the comer. Over the past 5 years, we have worked hard attract new investment, support workforce development and improve infrastructure. The ongoing redevelopment at a former US Steel site is an outstanding example of my community's potential. Through incentives and a commitment to revitalization, that site is now home to a clean wind power manufacturer that employs over 800 people. More high-tech, green energy companies plan to open facilities in the near future. We have made great progress, but there is more work to be done. The additional incentives provided under a manufacturing zone designation would allow towns in lower Bucks County to make infrastructure improvements, cleanup brownfields, attract new investments and create jobs. Through ingenuity and good old fashioned American competitiveness we will move even closer to economic revitalization and energy independence. Mr. Speaker, Lower Bucks County has enormous potential and I pledge to do everything I can to encourage economic growth and support middle class families in my district. Towns in my district are still struggling and I am proud to partner local leaders and the business community to support economic development. By passing this bill, we give hard working Americans the support they need and strengthen a foundation for economic leadership. I urge my colleagues to support this critical piece of legislation.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Chad Block, businessman and volunteer firefighter, for his heroic acts on the afternoon of March 24, 2007. On this date Mr. Block passed by a car accident where a box van was on fire on Route 202 in Bucks County, PA. Acting quickly, Mr. Block positioned his vehicle to prevent other cars from reaching the fire. Suddenly, the fuel tank exploded on the box van sending it down the road toward an outlet store full of customers and workers. Without hesitation or regard for his own life, Mr. Block pulled a wheel chock from his own truck and placed it under the wheel of the burning van stopping its movement. Moments later, as the heat from the burning van overcame the wheel chock; the burning van began to move again down the road. Without hesitation, Mr. Block placed his own truck in the path of the burning van until fire crews could secure the van and extinguish the fire. Madam Speaker, Mr. Block's bravery goes above and beyond what we expect from our citizens; but as a dedicated volunteer firefighter with concern for the safety of his community, he acted fast and with great daring. He acted without regard to his own life to ensure the safety of others. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Chad Block for his heroism.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Bucks County Commissioner Sandra Miller, a dear friend and committed public servant. Commissioner Miller has served Bucks County for over 16 years. First elected to the County Commission in 1991, Sandy was re-elected again 1995, 1999 and 2003. As a Bucks County Commissioner, Sandra Miller was responsible for a county operating budget of over $450 million and a workforce of 2,800 employees. Through her efforts, she was responsible for preserving over 12,000 acres of open space. She also made significant improvements to the emergency management system including the 9-1-1 emergency call system. The Commissioner and I both attended Bucks County Community College. While I stayed just 1 year, she finished what she started--she graduated from BCCC and went on to the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science. Sandra was the first graduate of the Community College to serve on its board of trustees. Commissioner Miller was also a pioneer--she was the first woman to serve on the Middletown Township Zoning Hearing Board. As a member of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, she is a past chair of the Democratic Caucus and was a member of the Tax Reform Committee. Madam Speaker, Commissioner Miller is not just a great public servant; she is also a close friend. She has stood with me through tough times--times when others weren't around. She is second to none in her knowledge of Bucks County. She is a trusted advisor, a loyal friend and the dean of our county. Madam Speaker, Commissioner Sandy Miller has led our community with distinction and her legacy is a source of great pride, both to the Miller family and to all of Bucks County. Her selfless devotion to the residents of Bucks County, Pennsylvania has been unwavering and her work to make Bucks County an even better place to live will no doubt continue after she leaves the County Commission. I urge my colleagues to join me today in thanking Commissioner Miller for a career of dedicated service as we wish her luck as she leaves public service and enters private life.