Patrick Murphy

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support this critical amendment that we are offering with my good friend Mr. Pallone of New Jersey. Right now in districts across America companies are trying to skirt the law and put our communities at risk. In my district in Bensalem of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a company is trying to construct a waste transfer facility despite widespread public opposition. A few months ago I stood with the leaders of Bensalem, Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo and State Representative Gene DiGirolamo, as we urged Congress to close this loophole that allows this end-run around local and State laws. This is not a partisan issue, as these two Republican leaders of Bensalem will attest to. After all, ensuring that our neighborhoods are kept clean and safe isn't about politics; it is about doing what is right. With this amendment, we have an opportunity to protect our neighborhoods. I urge swift passage of this important amendment.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Illinois. I rise today with pride to honor one of our Nation's finest sons. Nathaniel DeTample, Nate to his friends and family, Baby Boy to his National Guard unit, died in Iraq on August 9, 2005. He was 19 years old. Nate was an Eagle Scout, an Eagles fan, a standout wrestler at Pennsbury High School, and a friend to all who knew him. Today, we pay tribute. Madam Speaker, the legislation before us today will name the post office building in Morrisville, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the Nate DeTample Post Office Building. I am proud that this will be the first Pennsylvania post office named after an Iraq war veteran. His name will appear for all to see at 950 West Trenton Avenue, a sign of the spirit we honor. Madam Speaker, today we give thanks to Nate and to his family for their service to our Nation. Nate joined the Pennsylvania National Guard to serve. He planned to be a police officer like his dad, but he never got that chance. He was always first in line to wrestling practice and always had a positive attitude. Bucks County Police Chief Ken Coluzzi said Nate was a nice boy and a fine young man who was going to be outstanding. It seems that is who is over there, overseas. There are a lot of outstanding young men and women who just want to do the right thing for their country, outstanding young heroes who put their lives on the line every single day. Nate served in the Pennsylvania National Guard's Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 111 Infantry, a unit that proudly traces its roots back to the founding of our Nation and the Minutemen of the Revolutionary War, a rich history that Nate honored with his unforgettable spirit. Madam Speaker, his friend said in tribute that Nate was one of the nicest guys ever. You never saw him down. You didn't have to meet Nate to know what kind of man, what kind of soldier he was. When it came time for him to be laid to rest, scores of people lined the streets to say goodbye and to give thanks, a true testament to his spirit, his sacrifice, and the impact he had on the lives that he touched. Madam Speaker, Nate's mom and dad, Kim and Glenn, asked at Nate's funeral that all of us pray for Nate's fellow soldiers and their families. Today, before this great body, with great pride, I repeat their request, and ask that we make it our mission to honor the fallen and stand up for those who are still fighting. With his service, Nate DeTample showed us true energy, faith, and devotion. His memory will light our world. In closing, I want to share how Nate signed one of his letters home from Iraq: ``Rock Steady, Nate.'' Madam Speaker, I hope my colleagues join me in honoring one of those rocks of our community, Nate DeTample. Rock steady.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, the rules of the House do not allow me to remove myself from cosponsor at this time of H.R. 811, but this statement serves that I am not to be perceived as a cosponsor of this bill at this time.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2295, to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for the establishment of an Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Registry. ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a particularly cruel disease and is always fatal, usually between two and five years after diagnosis. One of the very few trends researchers have been able to identify is that veterans are twice as likely to die from ALS as those who have not served in the military. However, Madam Speaker, it can strike at any time, regardless of age, race, gender or nationality. This fight is personal for me, as my good friend Shelbie Oppenheimer, and her husband Jeff have long been advocates for those with ALS. Shelbie was diagnosed when she was just 28 years old and has since spent countless hours educating friends, family, community members and elected officials. Shelbie has been fortunate--still fighting after 10 years. The Oppenheimers have created a wonderful organization based in my district in Bucks County, Pennsylvania: Shelbie.org. Along with many community partners, they work tirelessly to provide opportunities for the children of ALS patients. Jeff and Shelbie, along with their daughter Isabel, are a constant inspiration to me and I join them in the fight to turn ALS from a disease to a memory. It is for Shelbie, Jeff, Isabel and countless others that I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bill. This legislation will create, through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a single, nationwide ALS registry. This Registry is essential to advancing the search for treatments and the cure. Since we don't know the cause or the cure of ALS, research is the key. Enabling researchers, doctors and patients to understand the trends and history of the disease is vital to moving forward. The Registry will gather data on the environmental and occupational factors that may contribute to the disease, including the age, race and ethnicity of individuals with ALS, the patients' family histories and other information that may be beneficial to advancing research and care. Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join this fight and support the ALS Registry Act and vote yes on H.R. 2295.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Bucks County Rescue, Squad on their 75th Anniversary. Their outstanding service and dedication providing life saving emergency medical services to the residents of Bucks County, Pennsylvania deserves our praise and appreciation. Bucks County Rescue Squad was founded 1932 in Croydon, Bucks County by a group who saw the need for a rescue unit when a young man drowned in the nearby Delaware River. To prevent future tragedies, the rescue squad became a reality. Over the years the Bucks County Rescue Squad has accomplished a great deal. Their first vehicle was a hearse parked at the Croydon Fire Department. In 1956, a local facility of the Rohm and Haas Company donated land so they could build a station. The Rescue Squad also worked tirelessly to raise the money to establish the Lower Bucks Hospital. Today, the Bucks County Rescue Squad is located on the campus of the Lower Bucks Hospital, with their support. As the son of a former Philadelphia police officer, I know how hard America's first responders work to keep our cities and towns safe. The Bucks County Rescue Squad's commitment to our community is undeniable. As their representative, I am proud to be just as committed to providing them, and our other rescue squads 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 my family and the families across Bucks County, I want to thank the Bucks County Rescue Squad for their tireless and life-saving efforts. The Bucks County Rescue Squad and the emergency services units throughout our country need--and deserve--our continued support.

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 2 minutes. I come before you today, Mr. Chairman, on behalf of Anne Beck of Erwinna, Pennsylvania; Tony Plescha of Yardley, Pennsylvania; Nancy Rees of Yardley, Pennsylvania; and thousands of families across my district of Bucks County who have been hit by three floods in 3 years. Mr. Chairman, I ask my colleagues to picture a family distraught, a home in tatters, and rain that just won't stop. If that family asked for help, either from their insurance company or from FEMA, they would face a maze of bureaucracy instead of relief. As of right now, there is no one who will fight for families or business owners who seek assistance in rebuilding after a catastrophic storm. We are trying to change that here today. With this amendment, we are looking to create the Office of the Flood Insurance Advocate, someone to fight for all of us when we need help the most. Modeled after the successful Taxpayer Advocate Service at the IRS, this office would fight the battles for weary, rain-soaked families and businesses looking to rebuild. In creating the Flood Insurance Advocate, our measure would help cut through the red tape. The National Flood Insurance Advocate would do two major things: the first, report to Congress about problems facing the flood insurance program; and, second, determine the most effective way to create the Office of the Flood Insurance Advocate nationwide. Mr. Chairman, families and businesses back home need our help. I now yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from New York, a colleague in the Blue Dog Coalition, Mr. Mike Arcuri.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Chairman, in closing, I want to tell you about Nancy Rees of Yardley, Pennsylvania. Over the last 3 years, Yardley was hit with three floods. Mrs. Rees came to our office because her insurance policy was rated with the wrong formulas. This seemingly simple mistake cost her an extra $10,000 per year in insurance premiums. $10,000 more a year. Thankfully for Mrs. Rees, after countless hours of working with our staff, she was successful. But in this case, a flood insurance advocate could have stood up for her in the wake of a major flood. That is why we need to pass this amendment.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, it is my great privilege to rise before you today to commemorate the Richboro Bucks County Nike Missile Base PH-07 and the many brave individuals who staffed this base during the cold war. Set in historic Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the now closed base was operational during the cold war in order to protect Philadelphia from Soviet missile attacks. Now, 30 years later, these same individuals are working to ensure this base receives recognition through the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission's Historic Site Program. In a time when fear of missile attacks plagued the entire country, the military built the Nike missile base in our quiet Philadelphia suburb. Currently, the base lies dormant beneath batting cages and other sites from a modem community. Children run over it, unsure of exactly what it is. Though many are unaware of its significant cultural and historical importance, the missile base still retains much of its former integrity. The workers employed there during the cold war underwent extensive military training and carried a strong sense of camaraderie and pride for their country. They worked together to ensure the base was efficiently run and to protect Philadelphia from an imminent Soviet attack. Madam Speaker, for these reasons, on October 5, 2007, this site will become part of the Bucks County Historical Society. The efforts of the great people who worked here will be forever remembered in a timeless plaque that describes the role of this base and the importance it held for our country during trying times. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking those who worked tirelessly to make this honor possible and those who fought to protect our community. Madam Speaker, I proudly recognize the Nike missile base for its historical significance.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Second Baptist Church, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania on its one-hundredth anniversary. For 100 years, the Second Baptist Church has served, with dedication, the Bucks County community. Initially chartered on April 29, 1874, the Second Baptist Church also has its roots in the St. Mark C.M.E. Church of Doylestown, Pennsylvania. A church that originally consisted of a small congregation first expanded and purchased its own building from Abraham Geil on October 1, 1887. Then, on September 26, 1907, the St. Mark C.M.E. Church changed denominational affiliations and was incorporated under the present name of Second Baptist Church of Doylestown. Since that day, the Second Baptist Church and its congregation have been committed to improving the community. Madam Speaker, a strong community can shape the lives of children and young adults--something I saw firsthand growing up in a working class family in Northeast Philadelphia. The Second Baptist Church provides a place for our community to come together and work together, especially with the ongoing growth of the congregation. Over the last century, the Second Baptist Church has grown in numbers and in spirit. They have formed deep connections to our community that are significant to so many. The Second Baptist Church has many friends and neighbors across our area. When the Second Baptist Church was constructing a new building and was in need of a place to worship, the Christ Community Church of Plumstead, Pennsylvania opened its doors. Their impact on our community is hard to measure but it is all of our hope that it will only grow over the next 100 years. Madam Speaker, the Second Baptist Church is a model for our community and our Nation. Those who worship there today are continuing the legacy of their founders a century ago. I join many in Doylestown and across the 8th District of Pennsylvania in offering congratulations to the Second Baptist Church of Doylestown on its 100-year anniversary.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the Southampton Fire Company No. 1 and the Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad for their outstanding service and dedication to protecting our community. Everyday, they willingly and selflessly risk their lives to protect our families, friends and neighbors. They set an example with their inspiring courage and devotion and their sacrifice deserves our sincerest thanks and utmost respect. Madam Speaker, as the son of a former Philadelphia police officer, I know how hard America's first responders work to keep our cities and towns safe. They bravely face considerable danger and peril for the safety of families across our community. As their proud representatives, we ought to be just as committed to providing our first responders with the tools they need to do their jobs. True homeland security means supporting those who keep our families safe. Madam Speaker, the members of the Southampton Fire Company No. 1 and the Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad serve tirelessly to protect our community and we should do everything possible to give them the support they need to keep us safe.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to pay tribute to Curtis ``Lumpy'' Baxter, a much beloved icon of Levittown, Pennsylvania. Over the last year as I traveled to events across Bucks County, it seemed that wherever I went, ``Lumpy'' would be there, with a big sandwich and an even bigger smile. Far and wide, ``Lumpy'' was known for slinging the best barbeque around. Madam Speaker, while it may have been the delicious barbeque that won him so many awards, it was his warmth and friendliness that endeared him to thousands. One glimpse of him beaming in front of his trophies would always be enough to lift my spirits and the spirits of so many others. Madam Speaker, no event at the beautiful Bristol waterfront will ever feel quite complete without his cart and long lines of people waiting for his delicious food. A devoted grandfather, father, and husband, as well as a member of the Hope Lutheran Church, Lumpy was always someone who put the community first. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring this kind man, whose big smile and seemingly limitless strength will be loved and remembered in the hearts of many.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 257, supporting the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. By increasing awareness, we look to shine a spotlight on a disease that has historically received little attention from the Federal government: pancreatic cancer. It is the fourth most deadly cancer for both men and women, but research on pancreatic cancer is decades behind other cancers. I was fortunate to have a group of my constituents from the 8th District of Pennsylvania teach me more about this devastating illness. They work with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and are fighting hard to raise awareness and improve patient services to beat this disease. They told me that this year more than 37,000 Americans will be diagnosed and almost as many will die from the disease. It is difficult to recognize and with no early screening test, symptoms are often mistaken for other ailments. Because of this lack of early detection, 75 percent of those diagnosed don't survive longer than a year and only 5 percent survive more than 5 years. Pancreatic cancer shows no signs of slowing--with diagnoses and deaths increasing every year. Men and African-Americans are particularly at risk, but with no significant improvement in survival rates in the last 25 years, every American needs to be aware. A number of treatments are in development. Patients can undergo chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or experimental treatments such as chemotherapy drugs or vaccines. While doctors and scientists are working hard to find a cure, they need our help to fund their important research and assist in educating the public. Mr. Speaker, with so many Americans diagnosed each year, we must act with urgency. We must increase awareness in our communities and across our country in order to intensify our focus to find a cure. Through educating the public about this quiet killer, we can increase early diagnosis and improve the prognoses and treatment of the disease. Mr. Speaker, it is time to face this disease head-on and fight back.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Hepatitis B Foundation and its founders for their many accomplishments in Hepatitis B advocacy. The foundation, which this year celebrated its 15-year anniversary, also recently unveiled the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center right here in Bucks County. The Hepatitis B Foundation started in 1991 around a kitchen, as an effort to help a local family suffering from Hepatitis B. Today it is a one- of-a-kind, world-renowned organization. Over 2 billion people are infected with Hepatitis B world-wide, including 12 million people in the United States. The disease causes liver infections, leads to cancer, and is particularly dangerous for children. Hepatitis B is 100 times more infectious than HIV, but safe and reliable vaccines are available, Because Hepatitis B can be prevented and treated, the Foundation has always believed that education is just as important as research. The Hepatitis B Foundation is the only nonprofit organization solely dedicated to Hepatitis B education, research, and advocacy. The Foundation's O'Liver the mascot, hotlines and multilingual literature all promote awareness and understanding of Hepatitis B. Partnerships with government officials helped Pennsylvania become one of the first states to require student vaccinations. Madam Speaker, because of the efforts of ongoing Hepatitis education, there are now 47 States that have Hepatitis B vaccine requirements. The new Biotechnology Center opened in October of 2006 as a result of a partnership between the Hepatitis B Foundation and Delaware Valley College. Their scientists conduct research in molecular biology, drug discovery, and early detection of cancer in order to find treatment options and a cure. Madam Speaker, I would like to individually recognize Founders and Board Members Paul and Janine Witte, Timothy and Joan Block, and Executive Director Molly Conti for their dedication to Hepatitis B awareness and medical achievements. I thank them on behalf of the countless people who have learned and benefited from the Foundation. Their compassion for one family truly became a desire to change the world for the better.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to pay tribute to Susanne McKeon, the Lower Southampton Township manager and the president of the Playwicki Farm Foundation. I share the grief felt by the entire community in the wake of Sue's passing, but it is important that in these trying moments we remember the tremendous legacy she leaves behind. Madam Speaker, Sue's work earned her the utmost admiration and respect from those she served, the goal of any public servant. Sue became part of the Lower Southampton Board of Supervisors in 1984 and worked tirelessly to better the community. Serving as chairman and vice president, her leadership led the way for lasting successes for the township. She was a supervisor when in 1994 the Township finalized the purchase of the property from the estate of Elizabeth Snodgrass that preserved the last large area of open space in Lower Southampton. In September 1996, the Board of Supervisors established the Playwicki Farm Foundation and at its first meeting, Sue was elected president. She served in that capacity ever since. Her work was selfless as she strived to improve her township. She was extremely dedicated to her various roles in the community which has benefited greatly thanks to her efforts. Her strong leadership started long before the Board of Supervisors. In the 1970s, she started the story hour at the Southampton Township library and served as a member of the library board. She was also a founding member of the ``Friends of Lower Southampton Library'' and the 2007 chairperson of the Bucks County Planning Commission. Sue's commitment to hard work and public service earned her the high esteem of those around her. Sue was an advocate for her community, inspiring others to become leaders and devote time to their community in the way that she did. Sue is owed a debt of gratitude for her many years of service. Madam Speaker, Susanne McKeon's legacy as a community leader is one her husband, children and grandchildren can be proud to carry on. Sue will be remembered for her devotion, selflessness and commitment to the residents of Lower Southampton Township in Bucks County, PA.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I am proud to join my colleague from Pennsylvania, Mr. Dent, in supporting the goals and ideals of National Teen Driver Safety Week. I signed on as an original co-sponsor of this important initiative because I believe that teen driver safety--especially in Pennsylvania--deserves our support and our attention. This is an important piece of legislation and I urge my fellow Members of Congress to support it today. I am also proud of the research and prevention efforts of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, which includes a campus in my district. We should all applaud their commitment to keeping our teens and roads safer and I hope that the establishment of Teen Driver Safety Week will bring attention to this important issue in communities like mine across the United States. Madam Speaker, the figures are daunting: Almost 7,500 drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 were involved in fatal crashes in 2005 and the fatality rate for teens is four times the rate for drivers between 25 and 69. The good news is that we can do something about it. The majority of teen driver crashes in our country are due to avoidable mistakes like speeding or cell phone use. The research shows that involvement from parents, educators and peers can make the difference in saving young lives. In my own district, an organization called Central Bucks Cares is leading the charge to engage teen drivers in safe driving practices. After the tragic deaths of Laura Lauterbach and James Ogden, both students at Central Bucks East High School, the nonprofit community coalition assembled a roundtable discussion on teen driving. Following the roundtable, student intern Sarah Canavan of Buckingham helped Central Bucks Cares to draft a contract that teen drivers and their parents could agree to. Teens agree to responsible driving practices, including courteous behavior towards other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians, as well as adherence to traffic laws and road signs. Parents agree to serve as good role models in their own driving and to encourage safe driving practices by enforcing the terms of the contract. Sarah's younger sister Amy and her mother were the first teen/parent pair to sign and fully support the agreement. I hope that many more families in Pennsylvania and nationwide will follow their example in making a commitment to safer teen driving. Madam Speaker, I see the difference that Central Bucks Cares is making in my district and I hope that this legislation will help other communities to do the same.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Arkansas. It is an honor for me to be here tonight. I would like to say to the gentleman from Arkansas, that is exactly right. One of the things I plan on talking about tonight are really two things, the small business tax cuts that we established in this Congress this past May, and also the Iraq Accountability Act, because I think it is telling. There are a couple of housekeeping things if I may mention, Mr. Speaker. I know the gentleman from Tennessee was just speaking about an Eisenhower moment and talked about reaching out to those Americans from both sides of the aisle and letting them know about this common sense leadership we are trying to propose. What he mentioned was we need to listen and look at some common sense solutions. I think that is what people appreciate about the Blue Dogs. We are willing to reach across the aisle when need be to move our country in a new direction. I know there are a lot of folks back home I know, some of which are my wife right now. My wife Jenny is at home. I left this morning. I spoke at the Rotary Club and I was at a school for the first day of classes starting back today back in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Then I had a meeting, and then I rushed down here in Washington. It is an honor for me to be here tonight. It is tough as far as leaving your wife, and we are blessed with a 9 month old daughter Maggie Murphy, who we had her swimming out there yesterday. She was adorable. I know this is a different form of public service. I know the gentleman from Arkansas mentioned that I served in the military. I am very proud of my military service. I am very proud that I wore that U.S. Army uniform for the first time back in 1993, and now that we are here in 2007, I am proud to be a Member of Congress. This is a different form of public service, but one just as important. I know the sacrifices that we have to give up, leaving our families to come down here to Washington and then to go back home on the weekends. It is a tough schedule, but one that we promised to do to the best of our abilities. I know my colleague over here from New York, Mr. Arcuri, Mike Arcuri just got married the other day. I want to congratulate him on his marriage. I think he believes in what we all believe in, that we love our troops so much, I think he spent his honeymoon going over to see those troops in Iraq, leaving his new wife, Sabrina, to go over to those troops. We had a conversation on this floor tonight when we were voting talking about his trip over there, how he went and let those troops know, especially the ones that are from New York, from his district, that he cares about them, that he took the time out of his schedule to be there with them, to break bread with them and let them know that he is fighting for them here in Washington. I believe those troops understand what the stakes are right now. They understand that this United States House of Representatives, this body supports the troops 100 percent. We may disagree with our colleagues on the foreign policy and the foreign aspects of it, but never question the commitment and the honor that our troops are serving with. I believe that is why we all take time out of our schedules to let them know we care for them, to make sure that we draft the most effective policy to support them and do everything possible to make sure their families back at home know we are supporting them 100 percent. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to talk first, because after I left that Rotary Club this morning and then I was at that opening day of school at the Abrams Hebrew School in Yardley, Pennsylvania. I went down the road to two small businesses that are in Yardley, Pennsylvania. My district, as you know are, is all of Bucks County, northeast Philadelphia and a small slice of Montgomery County. But when you look at Bucks County, there are 60,000 small businesses in Bucks County. Ninety-nine percent of our businesses are small business. And what we passed in this House, I am very proud about, is $1.3 billion in tax cuts for those small businesses. We did it not just writing a blank check and passing that debt that we talk about to our kids, we did it in a fiscally responsible way, the way that Blue Dogs believe, a pay- as-you-go system. Everyone is real quick to write tax breaks and tax cuts, but never figure out to how to pay for it. Just increase our debt. Increase our debt. When the President signs $1.7 billion in tax cuts, it sounds great. Everyone wants a tax break. I want a tax break. But how are you going to pay for it, Mr. President? Not on the backs of our kids. Not on the backs of the next generation. We need the pay-as-you-go. So when my daughter was born 9 months ago, when Maggie Murphy was born, she was born in Lower Bucks Hospital, she was born in this country owing $29,000 to our national debt. We owe $9 trillion in this country. A lot of that debt we owe to foreign countries, China, Korea, Japan. We borrowed $367 billion from Mexico. So that means per month, per month we average about $21 billion just to pay the interest on this debt. It is like a credit card. You have to pay interest on your credit card before you even get into paying the principal off. Per month we have to pay $21 billion in interest. To make a comparison, budgets are choices. Budgets are moral documents. Per month in the Federal Government we spend $21 billion just on the interest, but we only pay $5 billion on the Federal level on education. And to keep America more competitive, we need to invest in education. So that is why it is important that we partner with small businesses. That is what we do with the $1.3 billion in tax cuts. How it worked out, I had two business owners, one was a CEO, his name is Neil Matheson today, and when he started a business, he was the only employee. You fast forward it, now it is a 250 person business. They have 140 of those employees in my district, and I am proud that many of them live and work in Bucks County. I talked to him. And another president of a small business was Kevin Kruse. I talked to Neil Matheson and I talked to Kevin Kruse, and I talked to them about the challenges they faced before I was running for Congress and then I talked to them when I became a Member of Congress. We passed this, and they talked about how important this bill was that we passed. Per year, they commented, Kevin Kruse specifically commented, big corporations which employ Americans, big corporations can sell if they needed some money infusion, they can sell stocks or go public. Small businesses don't have that option. So they have to worry about their cash intake and their cash flow. So what Mr. Kruse said today when I was with him, he said this tax cut that the Democratic Congress passed, that the Blue Dogs championed, saves my business $13,000 more in deductions per year now because we established it through the IRS Tax Code through a pay-as-you-go system. That is serious money. That is serious money. That is why they stood with me today when we talked about it. Before I joined the House of Representatives, Mr. Speaker, I talked about more accountability and greater oversight in Iraq and over the Iraqi war operations. I am a proud Member of the Blue Dog Coalition. I have been calling for accountability in Iraq on the floor of this great body for 8 months now. In fact, some of my Blue Dog colleagues have been demanding common sense oversight on the floor of this House for more than 4 years before I even got here. Well, Mr. Speaker, the problem with these repeated calls for action is they seem to be falling on deaf ears down the road at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue at the White House. Mr. Speaker, the American public and our families at home are demanding some answers. Earlier this year we introduced House Resolution 97, to set up a Truman-type commission to track fraud, waste and abuse in Iraq. This was after the reports from the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction came to the House Armed Services Committee, came to the committee that I have the honor to serve on, and he said there is $9 billion missing and 14,000 weapons that are missing in Iraq. But recently, the Government Accountability Office, again, nonpartisan, came and reported that now the number of weapons that are missing in Iraq went from 14,000 to 190,000. Think about that; 190,000 weapons, and 110,000 of those weapons were AK-47 rifles. Now, when I was in the military when I joined, I used to sing a cadence when you are running in the morning, we call it PT, physical training. The cadence said, ``Used to date a beauty queen; now I date my M-16.'' See, you held that M-16 rifle to you as if it was your girlfriend or your loved one, because you can never miss it. When you are in the field at night and you fell asleep and you had a few hours to catch some shuteye, you tied it around your leg so no one would steal it from you. That is called accountability. That is what the Blue Dogs stand for. That is why I joined this organization when I came to Congress. I was honored to be selected and to be part of them. You think about 110,000 weapons just missing in Iraq. Just missing. Imagine those weapons in the hands of Muqtada al-Sadr's militia. The accountability is not happening in Iraq. It is not our troops' fault, it is the Iraqi people's fault, because they are not stepping up to the plate. You know, you lose a weapon in the U.S. military, you are probably going to be court-martialed. In Iraq, you are probably given a new one. That is a major difference and one that we can't stand for. These rifles are like the ones I used to carry when I was in Baghdad, Iraq. When I was there four summers ago, Mr. Speaker, August was called fire month. The month of August in Iraq is called fire month because it gets so hot. Imagine our troops over in Iraq right now, in 130 degree weather, with all that equipment on, every day working their tails off to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America, that oath that they took when they became members of our great military. You look back at January when the President made the decision to escalate our troops over there. I spoke out against it. I thought it was the wrong policy. But the President overrode our decisions in Congress and he said, just give us 6 to 9 months for a political solution. You look now, and I said then I am against the policy but I hope this surge works. I hope the escalation of troops works. I want our troops in Iraq to succeed. I spent months of my life there, and I care for the Iraqi people and I love our troops. But now it has been 9 months. Now you look at what is really happening. They said 6 to 9 months to allow a political solution to happen. Nine months later, you had the Iraqi Parliament take a summer vacation. Take a summer vacation, when our troops are fighting every single day. You had the Shia government that is in power now, before the Sunnis were in power, now it is the Shia, it is a democracy, they have to reach across the table and work with the Sunnis. They have got to put their personal beliefs aside for one Iraq. So the Shia leadership, President Maliki said, okay, we are going to reach these benchmarks. We are going to do these commonsense things that we pledged to do now for years. They still haven't done them. Things like sharing oil revenue with the Sunnis, they haven't done them. So what political solution do we have right now, Mr. Speaker? We have the Sunnis saying I quit. I quit. You don't see our troops quit. You see our troops standing up every single day. For those listeners at home, you make sure when you see a troop, whether it is in a restaurant or airport or train station, you don't have to give them a long speech. You might not agree with the foreign policy of the United States of America. But I ask my fellow Americans, Mr. Speaker, to make sure that you tell those troops when you see them out there in every day America, say thank you very much for serving our country. That is all you need to say. It means the world to them. I took my wife out, I had a date night the other night. I took my wife out, we went to Red Lobster. My wife's grandmother watched our little daughter. We went to date night, and, Mr. Speaker, after dinner she went to the restroom to use it at the Red Lobster. I am waiting in the car, and waiting to get into the Red Lobster was a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard. He was there with his family. I took the keys out of the car. I ran up to him real quick. I was dressed not like a Congressman, I was just like a regular guy, just a regular shirt and I had shorts on him. I said to him, I said, hey, troop, I just want you to know that I appreciate your service to our country. Then we started talking a little bit and at the end I told him I was a congressman and gave him my card. I said, If there is anything I can ever do, you let me know, and I will keep you in my prayers. He got choked up and said, Thank you, Mr. Congressman, I appreciate that. I told him, Just call me ``Patrick.'' You don't have to call me ``Mr. Congressman.'' We have meetings in Washington on the Armed Services Committee. I am also honored to serve on the Intelligence Committee. We also have meetings of the Blue Dog Democrats. We talk about these things at the Blue Dog Democrat meetings. We care with every fiber of our being for these troops. Mr. Speaker, I was at a meeting with the Blue Dogs at 5:00, or 1700 as they say in military time. I passed around a sheet talking about how can we take care of our troops. When troops get orders to deploy, sometimes they don't have a lot of time. Sometimes they have rent. Well, they don't need to have an apartment if they are in Iraq or Afghanistan for 15 months, so they want to break their lease. There is Federal law, there is the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, so they can break their lease. It is a commonsense bill that this Congress passed. There is a bill that says expand that now to allow our troops who have cell phones, a 1-year or 2-year program, why not allow the troops to break their cell phone contracts. Their cell phones are from Verizon or Cingular, and they don't have cell phones over in Baghdad or in Afghanistan. That commonsense approach says let them break their cell phone lease under Federal law. That is the type of backing that they need. To get back to the Iraq Accountability Act, Mr. Speaker, you look at what this Iraq Accountability Act has done to shed light on fraud, waste and abuse. The report that I just mentioned about the 190,000 weapons is a disgrace when you talk about accountability. Last month, there were a total of 73 criminal investigations related to contract fraud in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan; 73 criminal investigations. That is 73 investigations on contracts totaling $5 billion. That is billion with a ``b,'' Mr. Speaker. The charges so far identify more than $15 million in bribes. If there is ever a time for a new direction in Iraq, now is the time, Mr. Speaker. If there is ever a time for accountability and oversight, now is the time, Mr. Speaker. And as long as my fellow Blue Dogs and I are here in the House's great body, we will keep calling, we will keep fighting for what American families and what American troops deserve, and that is civilian leadership that is just as smart and savvy as those troops on the ground. I want to thank again the gentleman from Arkansas, Mr. Ross, for allowing me to speak. I appreciate your leadership role with the Blue Dog Democrats. When I was home, Mr. Speaker, and I was talking to those families in Bucks County, many told me, Mr. Congressman, I like that are you a Blue Dog and that you are standing up for fiscal responsibility and you stand up for change. I like the fact that you stand up for a new direction. I like the fact that you talk about that $9 trillion in debt that we have right now and how it is immoral to pass it on to our kids, because it is. I like the fact that the Blue Dogs stand up and say you have a pay-as-you-go system, not a pass-the-buck system. That is what happened before. That's leadership. And, Mr. Speaker, to the gentleman from Arkansas, to my colleague from the great State of New York, it is a great honor to be among your midst as a fellow Blue Dog.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give voice to a terrible injustice. On any given night in America, nearly 200,000 veterans go homeless and twice as many will go homeless over the course of the year. This is shameful. In my district in southeastern Pennsylvania, this problem is very real. There are more than 3,300 homeless veterans in Pennsylvania and at least 550 in the greater Philadelphia area alone. These are veterans who saw combat in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq. As someone who spent 10 years in the Army and walked the streets of Baghdad, I cannot stand by while more of my fellow soldiers go hungry and seek shelter. Over the last 3 years, as many as 1,300 veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan have participated in homeless outreach programs by the VA in their community. Who knows how many others went without help. That's why, Mr. Speaker, I proudly support the Veterans' Health Care Improvement Act, which looks after those who have sacrificed so much for our country. This much-needed bill makes permanent a program to identify at-risk servicemembers to prevent them from ever becoming homeless once they leave the military. With the rapidly increasing number of women veterans, the bill also instructs the VA to make their programs for homeless veterans more accommodating for female veterans. I was proud to introduce these important provisions, and I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Filner), and the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Michaud), for bringing this bill to the floor and their leadership on this issue. These brave American veterans, who once faced down our enemies, shouldn't have to face one more night out on the street.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the 2008 Departments of Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. This bill funds domestic priorities that are important to all Americans and invests in our Nation's future. To help keep our families and neighborhoods safe, it provides a much- needed increase to the COPS program. To support American competitiveness and improve science and technology education, this bill increases funding for the National Science Foundation. In a global economy, investment in American innovation and regional development must be a priority. Madam Speaker, I am pleased that this appropriations bill provides over $300 million for the Economic Development Administration and encourages new investment in green technologies to reduce energy use. Over the past 50 years, my district in Bucks County, Pennsylvania has lost most of its manufacturing jobs. While towns in my district still struggle with these dramatic economic changes, I am encouraged by forward thinking plans that have brought high-tech and green energy companies to my district. Fairless Hills, Bucks County, once home to heavy steel manufacturing, now boasts one of Pennsylvania's premier examples of industrial revitalization. Twenty-four hundred acres in Fairless Hills, known as the Keystone Industrial Port Complex (KIPC), are designated a Keystone Opportunity Improvement Zone by the State of Pennsylvania. The important economic incentives available at KIPC, coupled with its strategic location on the Delaware River, make the site attractive to new companies. Two renewable energy companies have already located there. Public and private economic development professionals continue to work hard at every level to attract new investment, support workforce development and improve regional infrastructure. I am a proud partner in these endeavors because I know the enormous potential of this project to revitalize the region. The United States must look to the future and support proactive regional initiatives that not only create jobs, but advance our Nation's commitment to energy independence. New investments for the Economic Development Administration will go a long way toward achieving these goals. Mr. Chairman, by passing this bill, we provide our communities with the resources necessary for successful development and we invest in America's future.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I want to add a word of my support of Mr. Pallone's amendment. The issue of companies circumventing the law and the wishes of cities and towns in this Nation deserves to be addressed. In my district, in Bensalem, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a firm wanted to build a waste transfer station. Given the potential environmental and health risks, both the local community and even the State voiced their objections to the proposal. As an end run around this, the rail company that would service the proposed waste transfer facility applied to the Federal Surface Transportation Board, or the STB, to, in effect, have the waste transfer facility declared a rail facility. This was an attempt to supersede the rulings of the State and local entities that had already rejected the proposed waste transfer station. Fortunately, the rail company's application was rejected, but they can reapply to the STB at any time. Just yesterday I stood with Bensalem Mayor Joe DiGirolamo and Pennsylvania State Representative Gene DiGirolamo and opposed this facility. Mr. Chairman, people in the local, State and Federal level are all opposed to this end run around the law. Mr. Chairman, when Congress created the STB, it was never intended to allow decisions by the STB to be used to override the wishes of cities and towns across the country, and certainly not as a means of superseding health and environmental regulations of State and local governments. Yet that is exactly what is happening. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentleman from New Jersey for his excellent leadership on this issue, and thank Chairman Olver for providing me the opportunity to speak today and stand up for the residents of Bensalem and the Eighth District of Pennsylvania.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, for the sixth time, I rise calling for a change of direction in Iraq. For the sixth time, I call on the President to stop sending our brave men and women to referee a religious civil war. For the sixth time I call on this administration to focus our efforts in fighting the central front on the war on terror by killing Osama bin Laden and destroying al Qaeda in Afghanistan. Mr. Speaker, last week countless folks back in Pennsylvania stopped me and asked, Aren't you frustrated by this President who refuses to listen to Congress and the American people? I told them, I am frustrated that our President refuses to follow the advice of military experts and the will of the American people. I am frustrated because my fellow paratroopers are still fighting and dying in the 138-degree heat of a Baghdad summer. I told them that I will refuse to stop fighting for the best policy for our troops and our families back here at home. Mr. Speaker, leaving our troops in the middle of a religious civil war isn't resolute. It's reckless. No question that change is slow, but take heart, America. Change is coming. Congress is not going to stop. President Bush, the legislative branch of government is back and we are not going to go away. We will change the course in Iraq and fight for a smarter global war on terror. Some Republicans have questioned the patriotism of my fellow Democrats. Even former soldiers here in the House floor. But those types of Republicans are the exception and not the rule. In my short time in Congress, I have learned that most of my colleagues across the aisle are good, decent, and patriotic Americans. Mr. Speaker, I know how much pressure my friends across the aisle are under from the President, from their party leaders to just stay the course. But I ask you as a soldier, as a father, and as a colleague to acknowledge what the status quo entails. That means additional warnings, walking to our desks here in the Halls of Congress, holding our breath and hoping we don't get word of another fallen soldier. Mr. Speaker, I implore my Republican colleagues who know in their heart that we need a change. I implore you to think about how many more of these calls you have to make, how many more calls to wives, to fathers, to mothers we all will be forced to make if we don't take action. I have heard the other side say 4 more months. This President has had his 4 months. He has had his 4 years and 4 months. In 2004, the President said we are turning the corner. In 2005, the Vice President said the insurgency was in its last throes. In 2006, that was the year in transition. And now in 2007, the President says just be patient. In the last month alone in Bucks County, we have buried four of our finest sons. Four names have been added to the memorial board outside my office. I, for one, don't want to add any more names. My Republican colleagues, you have the power today to stop these tragic phone calls, to stop adding faces and names to our memorials. Let's change the direction in Iraq and get back to fighting a smarter war on terror together, not as Democrats and Republicans, but as Americans. Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Kucinich).

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

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

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlelady from Texas for her leadership on this issue and the gentlelady from Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer a resolution to let the world know that this House stands opposed to anti-Semitism and reaffirms our support for academic freedom. It is sad that in this day and age I would have to offer such a resolution, but the actions of a misguided group thousands of miles away have forced this body to act. Madam Speaker, in May the leadership of the University and College Union, or UCU, the main union representing 120,000 British college teachers, called for a boycott of Israeli academic institutions. As a former professor myself at the United States Military Academy at West Point, I know how wrong this action is from an academic and diplomatic perspective. This boycott will sever academic contacts and exchanges of personnel between British and Israeli academic institutions, as well as have a significant economic impact, given that the union enjoys significant influence in Britain. The reasons given by the leadership of the UCU for endorsing a boycott consist of the same tired propaganda and inflammatory rhetoric typically used by the enemies of Israel and do not deserve to be repeated on the floor of this distinguished body. This call for a boycott by the UCU is even more disturbing, given that Britain's National Union of Journalists called for a similar boycott this past April. It should come as no surprise that these boycotts have drawn harsh criticism. In a recent editorial entitled ``Malicious Boycotts,'' the New York Times called them nonsense, writing, and I quote, ``Who would respect the judgment of a scholar who selects or rejects colleagues on political grounds? Who would trust the dispatches of a reporter who has openly engaged against one side of a conflict? Critical thinking and well thought-out criticism are intrinsic to good scholarship and good journalism. These boycotts represent neither.'' The criticism, though, does not end there. Now former Prime Minister Tony Blair has criticized the boycott saying, ``I hope very much that decision is overturned because it does absolutely no good for the peace process or for relations in that part of the world.'' Madam Speaker, the former Prime Minister is right. We need to build dialogue and trust in the Middle East and we cannot do that without our greatest ally there, the State of Israel. Israel is a stable democracy that shares our values. This is rare in a region of the world where few nations have democracy, rule of law and religious freedom. As an Iraq war veteran, I know firsthand just how dangerous that part of the world truly is. That's why when Israel comes under attack from hatemongers, it's the American values that are also under such attack. Today, by passing this bipartisan resolution, we're stating with one voice that this Congress will stand up and defend our friend, the State of Israel. Specifically, my resolution condemns the decision by the UCU leadership to boycott Israeli academia and urges the general membership to reject the boycott. It also urges the academic community and individual governments to reject any call for a boycott of Israel and to reaffirm the importance of academic freedom. Limiting academic exchange and shrinking the marketplace of ideas only hinders our ability to bring peace to the Middle East and to help solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Madam Speaker, in closing, I want to make sure that I thank some of my distinguished colleagues who were instrumental in bringing this resolution to the floor today; the chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe, Robert Wexler; and the chairman and ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Tom Lantos; and Ms. Ros-Lehtinen. These three distinguished Members have proven themselves to be leaders in standing up for Israel, and I thank them for all their work in bringing this resolution to the floor. With that, Madam Speaker, I will conclude by urging swift passage of this critical resolution.

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Herb Crouthamel for nearly half-a-century of service to the families of Bucks County. On Friday, June 15--after 46 years of driving a school bus for Central Bucks West and Our Lady of Mount Carmel schools--Mr. Crouthamel drove his final route. During those 46 years driving the bus and the 81 years he has been a member of our community Mr. Crouthamel has developed lasting, personal relationships but most importantly, he has protected our children. Madam speaker, Mr. Crouthamel served our country as a member of the U.S. Navy in World War II and went to school on the GI Bill after his return. He started his route by chance, supplementing his work as a car salesman, but soon it became one of his life works. Students, parents and school administrators all hail Mr. Crouthamel's devoted commitment to students. He impresses the students he drives by knowing all of their names and his record shows his dedication to student safety, both on and off the bus. Mr. Crouthamel may be giving up the bus route but he isn't giving up his service to our community. He plans to continue work for his local country store and he will also volunteer at the Doylestown Hospital after his retirement. Madam Speaker, Mr. Crouthamel's commitment to children and the community is an inspiration. His years of service come with public acclaim for his attention to both safety and the lives of local families. On behalf of the community and all the lives he has touched and protected, I would like to thank Mr. Crouthamel for his life-long commitment to excellence and service.