Patrick Meehan

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time. In closing, I want to once again actually appreciate the comments that were made by the other side in the entirety of this debate because they really speak to, in essence, what they are trying to do. And I start again with this effectively unfunded mandate that was put on the IRS by the other side. They talk about funding. They gave them $1.7 billion of responsibility under the Affordable Care Act, but never a penny to pay for it. As my parents used to say when I was a kid: You should have thought about that when you did it. Where was the recognition that these responsibilities that you are putting on them, you have got to pay for them? We have seen costs rise exponentially in so many different factors, but that is the essence of what is being done here. So we are not going to pay for it, but let's create tension and anxiety at the one place where the taxpayers will uprise, because we will stop talking to them. That is the essence of what is being done here. Mr. Chairman, once again, we are not asking for anything radical in response. In fact, we have already responded quite appropriately by putting $290 million more into the very issue that is at stake here. All we are saying is: Come up with a plan. Show us how you are going to do it. Show us how, when 48 million people call you and ask for help with their taxes at a time when they don't have 34 minutes to wait on a phone, to be one of the lucky 30 percent that even get their phone call answered. Do what a number of other agencies already do, give us a plan on how you are going to improve that. It is that simple. Our purpose isn't to punish diligent IRS employees, but rather to compel management to finally put the taxpayers first and take the need to improve the customer service experience seriously. Upon learning that this legislation was in development, the IRS reported to the GAO that they have established a team to consider its customer service recommendations. How about that? After 3 years, no response. The IRS Commissioner himself says service is abysmal. And they say it has been satisfactory up to this point in time. But as soon as this legislation is introduced, we have customer service recommendations and a team being established. I don't think that is a coincidence. Passing the bill into law will ensure that the process continues in good faith. Mr. Chairman, Congress has a duty to oversee the IRS and ensure that it is meeting the needs of American taxpayers. When the IRS fails to meet those needs, it is up to Congress to act. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Chairman, as the designee of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Brady), I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Chairman, this amendment is a technical amendment to clarify section 2 of the bill. This section states that no additional funds are authorized or otherwise made available to carry out the requirement of this bill. The language in the amendment makes it abundantly clear that we are not authorizing a new appropriation here. The IRS needs to create a customer service agency. If they want to claim that they don't have enough money in the budget to be serving the taxpayers with an appropriate topnotch customer service strategy, then we are saying: Give us a plan to do so, and withhold the bonuses until you do so. It is very, very simple. This amendment makes a technical correction to make our intentions here crystal clear. The IRS doesn't need additional funding to make customer service the top priority when, in fact, it has already been given $290 million to do just this. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MEEHAN. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chair, let me just take a moment to say that the National Taxpayer Advocate has a long history of not only working on behalf of taxpayers, but working with the IRS to improve customer service. I think having the National Taxpayer Advocate involved in this process of creating comprehensive service strategy will actually improve the final outcome. I thank the gentleman for taking his time not only to look at the totality of this bill, but to find a way to improve its implementation with that support. I support the addition, and I urge others to vote ``yes'' on the amendment.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joseph Rocks, former Pennsylvania State Senator and Pennsylvania State Representative, who is retiring after a long career in public service. Mr. Rocks served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives before joining the Pennsylvania State Senate. During his decade of service there, Mr. Rocks led the creation of the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, which provides financial oversight for the City of Philadelphia. After retiring from the Senate, Mr. Rocks served as the CEO of NHS Human Services, where he focused on providing specialized services in mental health, addictive diseases, autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, juvenile justice, treatment foster care, and education. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Rocks for his dedication and service to his community both as a member of the Pennsylvania state legislature and as a leader in mental health care. I applaud his many accomplishments and wish him the best of luck in retirement.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Sikh Coordination Committee of the East Coast and its East Coast Sikh Freedom Rally, taking place here in Washington DC. On April 9, hundreds of Sikhs from around the country came to our nation's capital to promote justice for Sikhs around the world. As the co-chairman of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, I speak with the Sikh community regularly about injustices occurring around the world. American Sikhs have contributed to the strength and diversity of the United States for more than 130 years. They play an active role in our local communities and are a strong part of our economy. Whether it's equal opportunity in the U.S. Armed Forces, fair treatment for travelers or religious freedom in the workplace, Sikhs are still facing challenges. The American Sikh Congressional Caucus is working to address some of these issues, and I commend those who will come together in Washington to make their voices heard to their government and fellow citizens. Mr. Speaker, events like the East Coast Sikh Freedom Rally will help Americans and people around the world better understand the issues facing the Sikh community. I thank the organization and its leaders for their dedication to this cause.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 40th anniversary of the Red Rose Transit Authority (RRTA), a public transit organization in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. On April 1, 1976, RRTA began operations to provide public transportation services in Lancaster City and County. The mission of RRTA is to provide high quality transportation services. RRTA operates nearly 20 bus and trolley routes throughout the city and county. The transit agency operates Red Rose Access, a door to door transportation rideshare program for seniors and people with disabilities at a discounted fare. Transit systems like this one provide an invaluable service to our communities, helping middle class families commute to and from work every day and helping seniors visit their doctors, grocery stores and other services. Mr. Speaker, the Red Rose Transit Authority is an important public transportation system for the residents of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and we are grateful for the service of its employees.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 2016 NCAA Men's Basketball National Champions, the Villanova University Wildcats. As head coach Jay Wright is fond of saying, Villanova basketball can be defined in one word: attitude. I might say it is an infectious attitude. Over the course of a magical 3-week run in the NCAA tournament, the Wildcats showed why. It was a run that culminated in one of, if not the greatest championship games in NCAA men's basketball history. It was a game that featured two intensely competitive teams, two of basketball's most talented coaches, and an ending for the ages. Junior Kris Jenkins' championship-winning buzzer beater is the sort of moment that, for millions of kids across this country practicing in the driveways or at their neighborhood parks, dreams are made of. Villanova's program has a long and storied history of success, both on the court and off, and in the classroom. It is a tradition of humility, grace, and integrity that our entire region can be proud of. Villanova is not a large school, but it has built a world-class basketball program deeply rooted in its values. I congratulate National Coach of the Year Jay Wright, his players and their families, and the entire Villanova community on their victory.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud Paul A. Graf, Jr. for his swift and courageous action to protect a family and their pets from an apartment fire. Mr. Graf is a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service. On February 16, 2016 while on his route, he noticed smoke coming from an apartment. He called 9-1-1 and took immediate action to make sure that there was no one inside the apartment. Mr. Graf's actions prevented a possibly life-threatening tragedy. The Ridley Park community he serves and the greater Philadelphia area are grateful for his vigilance and hard work on the job.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Drexel Hill Middle School on the awards earned by its seventh and eighth grade engineering team in the 2016 Future Cities regional contest this week. The Future City competition engages students and teaches math, science and engineering concepts by challenging them with issues engineers and city planners face every day: urban management, planning and environmental sustainability issues to name just a few. The theme for this year's contest was ``Waste Not, Want Not'' and forced students to tackle complex waste management issues. Drexel Hill Middle School's team was selected by its peers for the People's Choice Award, which is given to the best model city. It was also recognized with the Best Residential Zone award for the placement of residences in a way that would improve the quality of life for families. Mr. Speaker, education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields are crucial if our students are to be able to compete in the modern global economy. The Future City competition is an innovative way for students to learn these skills and their real world applications. I congratulate Drexel Hill Middle School's students for their awards.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Homes for Heroes, the Mission First Housing Group's Fund for Veterans' fundraising event for housing for homeless veterans. Homelessness among veterans is a tragic problem nationwide, and many veterans struggle with addiction and other issues that make keeping their own homes difficult. The federal government estimates that nearly 50,000 veterans are homeless on any given night, and another 1.4 million are at risk of homelessness. Seventy percent of homeless veterans face substance abuse issues. And it's a problem that seems to be getting worse: Pennsylvania's homeless population increased by 46 percent from 2009 to 2013. The service of our veterans should never be forgotten, and organizations like Mission First do much to ensure that those individuals and their families who have sacrificed so much for our country have a safe place to call home. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mission First on its work to honor our nation's veterans. Working with groups like Mission First, we can help get veterans off the streets and into safe homes. We owe it to the many veterans who served and sacrificed.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio especially for taking the time to organize this very appropriate tribute to Mike Oxley. Do you ever get one of those people that you walk into a room and you make eye contact, and you just get a smile on your face? That was Mike Oxley. It was just that moment which, that sense of fun was part of that original contact. And I can remember it as fresh today, the first time I met Mike Oxley. But it wasn't as a Member of Congress that I really became aware of Mike Oxley. It was some years ago, in a previous time, when I had been a United States attorney serving in the Department of Justice. It was a very serious time for our country because it was in the immediate aftermath of the Enron crisis, one in which Americans all over the country, and many small investors, began to have a concern about the integrity of the very institutions which they had entrusted some of their resources. As a member of the United States Attorney's Office, I was appointed by the President to be sitting with other U.S. attorneys and a number of cabinet members on something called the Corporate Fraud Task Force. It was the group, under the auspices of Michael Chertoff, which was responsible for initiating the investigations and the prosecutions into those who had committed the corporate misdeeds. But, at the same time, we were aware that while we were going backwards and looking at conduct that had taken place, the real challenge was moving forward. How do you instill a sense of confidence back in the very institutions which people have relied on for their economic confidence? It was a guy on a committee here in Washington, D.C., who understood the essence of what this was all about. And it wasn't a huge, 2,000- page bill with all kinds of regulations en gros; it was a bill that was built on a very simple principle. I think, in many ways, it reflected who Mike Oxley was, from his days as an FBI agent, but somebody who knew that, when you were in a position of power or responsibility, you had that responsibility to those below you, and your obligation and your word needed to be connected with that. And when it really drilled down it, that was the essence of what Sarbanes-Oxley was all about, the idea that you would certify, if you were the fiduciary, that you knew the accuracy but, really, the underlying integrity of that information because it represented the little people. So when I came to see Mike Oxley for the first time, and it was by the good fortune to be part of something called the Ripon Society, and his former chief of staff, Jim Conzelman, runs that program. And I was invited in, as a young freshmen Representative, to become part of this organization which has a tremendous purpose. You see a guy named Mike Oxley for the first time. You know of him, but you have never really met him. And I think about that reputation. Gee, this guy is a pretty important guy. What it is going to be like? But he is the kind of guy that sits you down and says: Hey, why don't you sit here and have a cup of coffee with me. And it's a funny story about a golf game he may have had, a couple of observations about some of the things you might be thinking about as a young Member of Congress, and an arm around your shoulder and says: If you ever need me, let me know. I'm happy to be there for you. Anytime I ever saw Mike Oxley from that point forward, it was that same sense, a little smile, probably a little story about his last round of golf, and always a warm feeling. Mike is going to leave quite a legacy. But when you think about what it stands for, the two things that I saw in him in the very end, first and most significantly, the work that he had done with that bill which will not only bear his name moving forward but will forever leave that sense of responsibility and integrity associated with our fiduciary responsibilities in that financial space. But it was also this powerful guy, Mike Oxley, who used that influence that he had, after he had contracted cancer, to turn that into a positive and make that a part of his mission in life, to use that influence he had to gather other people around him who were powerful and wealthy and, otherwise, to focus on moving forward with finding the way that we can continue to treat and ultimately cure those with cancer. It is a tremendous legacy and one in which I would hope any one of us, as one of my previous colleagues had said, we wish that we could fill that dash between the beginning of life and the end of life with such fullness, with such integrity and such fun. Thank you, Mike, for what you did for all of us.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pine Forge Academy for providing 70 years of exemplary education to Pennsylvania's 7th District. Pine Forge Academy is a co-educational boarding school that serves grades 9 through 12. It is a part of the Seventh-Day Adventist education system, the world's second largest Christian school system. Today, the school remains committed to providing African-American high school students with an exemplary education, a chance to develop their faith and to prepare for a life of service. Mr. Speaker, Pine Forge Academy has been changing the lives of young men and women for the past 70 years. I congratulate the school and look forward to seeing the excellent work it will continue to do in the years to come.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the House passed H.R. 1675, the Encouraging Employee Ownership Act of 2015. This legislation will make it easier for companies to let hardworking employees have a stake in the company where they work every day. Companies who have significant employee ownership regularly realize a boost in the company's performance, because ownership gives the employees a vested interest in the success of the company. I'd like to especially highlight one such organization in my district, Wawa, Inc. Wawa has had an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) since 1992 and has shared ownership with its associates for more than 40 years. Wawa associates own almost 41 percent of the company through the ESOP, and that pride in ownership is on display every single day. From customer services associates to general managers, Wawa employees share in the company's success and are able to accumulate significant retirement savings. It is important to these workers and those across the country who participate in ESOPs that these ownership and retirement programs remain strong.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman. Let me express my support for this, really, through the people that I represent. I try to think about: How does it make a difference in their lives? It does for the person looking for a job. And we see that jobs are created by small business, and this is the kind of a program which we have now given certainty to the entrepreneurs that will create new jobs and, therefore, new revenue by somebody who is back to work. We appreciate teachers who take money out of their own pocket. It is not a big dollar amount, but we say thank you for making your commitment to our children. We appreciate our communities with conservation easement that will allow us to preserve the beauty, particularly in areas in which open space continues to be an issue. But I think it is in the issue of health care, families struggling with diseases, that now we incent the kind of research and development to make a change; and then, ultimately, when we do have the products that we can bring to market, we are not taxing them and driving them further away from the consumer. For all of these reasons, it makes a difference to the people in a positive way, and that is why I urge my colleagues to be supportive.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Carly Imbierowicz and Daulton Pointek. Carly and Daulton were two star students at Octorara High School in Chester County, loved and admired by their entire school community. They were the victims of carbon monoxide poisoning. A faulty automobile exhaust pipe allowed the deadly gas to leak into their car. When they were found, the car keys were still in the ignition. It is important that we spread awareness of this silent killer. The danger of carbon monoxide poisoning is present whenever you combine burning fuel and enclosed spaces, from stoves to gas-powered water heaters and furnaces. These dangers increase in the colder months. The Imbierowicz and Pointek families have been working to educate our community on these dangers and I admire their dedication to this mission. Their efforts to raise awareness about this issue will save lives and protect more families from having to cope with such terrible tragedies.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Marge Lozinak Lawrence of Springfield for her service to our country during the conflict in Korea. Marge was a nurse in Korea, joining the cadet nursing program for $15 a month. She cared for wounded soldiers and did her best to save lives. Marge will be honored tonight at the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association Annual Dinner with the 2015 DCVMA Freedom Medal. It's a fine tribute for someone who has served our nation and our warfighters overseas.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Col. Wylie W. Johnson of the U.S. Army Reserve. Wylie, an Army chaplain, served our nation in five conflicts. He continues to serve today as the Pastor of the Springfield Baptist Church in Springfield, Delaware County, where he's been since 1997. Wylie will tonight receive the Freedom Medal from the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association at its annual dinner. It's a well-deserved tribute for a man who has looked after the spiritual needs of our men and women in uniform for decades.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor an educator who has devoted her life to ensuring our kids have the skills they need to enter the global workforce. Dr. Merle Horowitz will be honored this evening at the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association annual dinner. Dr. Horowitz recently retired after ten years of service as superintendent of Marple Newtown School District. Dr. Horowitz's retirement comes after a 40 year career of educating students, and nearly three decades in Delaware County. She's a respected expert on cyberbullying and has spoken at length on the topic to audiences around the country. Tonight's honor is a fitting one and we are grateful for her service to the young people in our community.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to John Cook, a Marine from Delaware County, Pennsylvania. John joined the Corps fresh out of high school, and served under Col. Lewis ``Chesty'' Puller. John landed with the Marines at Incheon and served in ``Massacre Valley'' during Operation Killer in February 1951. He was discharged in 1952 as a Sergeant, having served his country with honor and distinction. John will be honored with the Freedom Medal tonight at the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association Annual Dinner. It's a fitting honor for a man who served his country ably in Korea.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor U.S. Army veteran Rusty Carter for his service to our country. Rusty is a long-time Delaware County resident who enlisted in the Army in April, 2009. Rusty became a paratrooper with the ``Screaming Eagles'' of the famed 101st Airborne Division. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 and in July of that year came under heavy enemy fire. Rusty was awarded a Purple Heart for his injuries in the battle but just a month later was back in the fight. Rusty was again injured in a Humvee accident in 2011. He'll receive the Freedom Medal from the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association tonight.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Anna M. Wright. Anna has been a longtime champion of our veterans in our community. She was instrumental in the foundation of the Delaware County Veterans Memorial in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania and her support was key to making this tribute to our veterans possible. Mr. Speaker, Anna is being honored this evening with the President's Award at the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association Annual Dinner. It's a fitting tribute to Anna and a well-deserved honor for all she's done to express our gratitude to our veterans.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Charles ``Bud'' Burns, a U.S. Navy veteran who served during the Second World War. A South Philadelphia native, Mr. Burns enlisted in the Navy in 1946. After completing basic training, he was sent to Italy for his first tour of duty on the USS Compton. During his time overseas, Mr. Burns patrolled the Mediterranean Sea before returning to the United States and being honorably discharged in 1948. Mr. Burns received the Good Conduct Medal and the European-African- Middle Eastern Campaign Medal for his admirable service. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Mr. Burns, and I thank him for his service and allegiance to his country.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize William R. Hilton, a U.S. Army veteran whose service during the Korean War earned him three Purple Hearts and one Oak Leaf Cluster. Mr. Hilton was born and raised in Chester County, Pennsylvania. One of ten children, he began his military career at the very young age of 16 years old. Upon completion of basic training in 1950, Mr. Hilton was sent to the frontlines of the Korean War. During his service, Mr. Hilton endured some of the most difficult and horrific conditions of the war. Through three injuries on the frontlines, he continued to fight and act as a leader in battle. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Mr. Hilton for his service and I thank him for the extraordinary sacrifices he has made for his country.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students of Ridley School District for receiving a grant of nearly $100,000 to support community service and work on behalf of their community. For almost 15 years, horticulture classes offered at Ridley High School have provided students the opportunity to grow and harvest fresh fruits and vegetables through the use of greenhouses. A growing interest in these classes has led the school district to expand the program into a year-long student effort to donate their fruits and vegetables to a local food bank. The grant, from the State Farm Youth Advisory Board, will allow the school district to build more greenhouses and expand the program into the summer, when students can volunteer their time to continue working on their harvests. This will mean more food is sent to those who need it and fewer members of the Delaware County community will go hungry. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the students of Ridley School District and commend them on their hard work and community service.