Frank Pallone

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Butterfield).

Mr. PALLONE. How much time do I have remaining, Mr. Speaker?

Mr. PALLONE. I will ask if the gentleman has any additional speakers.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Murphy).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Castor).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Lujan). (Mr. LUJAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Jain Center of New Jersey as its constituents gather to celebrate their newly constructed temple in Franklin Township, New Jersey. Their dedication to further enhance the environment for members of the Jain community is worthy of this body's recognition. The Jain Center of New Jersey, JCNJ, was founded in 1981 and remains one of the oldest Jain organizations in North America. For thousands of years, Jains have believed in meditation, vegetarianism, environmentalism, equal rights for women, respect for other cultures and forgiveness. The Jain community in New Jersey has continued to grow exponentially and has further developed the need to construct the first all-marble temple in North America. The new temple, constructed with architectural designs from famous temples throughout India, continues to promote the positive themes of truth, non-violence, love, peace and proper conduct. The new worship site will also continue to provide opportunities for members of the community to faithfully commit to the Jain lifestyle that encourages happiness, challenge, discovery and spiritual growth. The construction of the new temple will provide culturally enriching experiences for the community and further disseminate the message of peaceful cooperation amongst others. Mr. Speaker, once again, please join me in recognizing the Jain Center of New Jersey and congratulating its members on the inauguration of their new temple.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, today is a great day for the American people. The Supreme Court's decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act reaffirms our Nation's commitment to make sure that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care and health insurance. For the millions of Americans who have gone without health insurance; the seniors who have struggled due to inadequate coverage; the women, children, and young adults that have been denied coverage for preexisting conditions, the Court's ruling is not only a victory but a validation that they deserve to have the most basic of human needs met--and that is access to health care. The ACA addressed so many gaps in the American health care system, from closing the Medicare part D doughnut hole to stopping the practice of denying those with preexisting conditions insurance coverage to claiming womanhood as a preexisting health condition to allowing young adults to stay on their parents' coverage. This law has changed the way our country manages and delivers all phases of our health care system, and I'm proud to have been part of its creation, and prouder still today to learn that the Court's decision was to uphold its constitutionality.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mrs. Margaret Riker of Fair Haven, New Jersey. Mrs. Riker is the 2012 Count Basie Theatre's Summer Soiree honoree. Mrs. Riker is a loving mother, professional business woman and active member of the community. Her work and the recognition she is receiving from the Count Basie Theater are truly worthy of this body's recognition. Margaret Riker hails from Bergen County, New Jersey and later moved to Fair Haven, New Jersey in 1989. Mrs. Riker is a proud member of the University of Vermont's class of 1981 where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and English. Mrs. Riker was previously employed in marketing and sales promotion. Mrs. Riker was married to the late William Riker, and is the proud mother of three children, Katie, Jack and Teddy. The Riker family moved to Bermuda in 1993 to support Mr. Riker's professional endeavors, returning to the United States in 2003. The Riker family currently resides in Rumson, New Jersey. Margaret Riker is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in our local community. She currently serves as President of The Rumson Community Appeal and is a Foundation Board Member of Riverview Hospital. Mrs. Riker also serves as a Community Services Board Member to the Visiting Nurses Association of Central New Jersey, Gala Committee Member to Prevention First and supports The Rumson Country Day School and The Lawrenceville School. She passionately represents the mission of these various organizations as a mentor, advocate and leader. Maggie is also an active member of area clubs including the Sea Bright Tennis and Cricket Club and the Coral Beach Club. Mrs. Riker is committed to the success of the Count Basie Theatre as a result of her passion for the performing arts. Her philanthropic efforts dedicated to maintaining and improving the Count Basie Theatre and the arts will continue enhance future performances. Mr. Speaker, once again, please join me in congratulating Margaret Riker for serving as honoree at the Count Basie Theatre's Summer Soiree. Mrs. Riker's contributions to her family and community continued to resonate with the constituents throughout Monmouth County, New Jersey.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Thank you, Chairman Waxman. I want to say I'm very proud to support the bill before us, which would reauthorize and revitalize a number of different programs at the FDA. This bill really represents a great compromise between the House and the Senate and strikes the right balance by including strong provisions that will be good for both innovation and patient safety. When we passed the House version of this bill, I spoke highly of a great cordial process, and I'm happy to be able to echo those sentiments again here today. This process should be a model for congressional bipartisan cooperation in the future. Not only did we all work so well together, staffs were able to rectify the differences among the two Chambers' versions of the bill in a matter of 2 weeks. That's commendable. It's a clear indication that Congress is certainly capable of greatness if we just allow ourselves to set politics aside and simply legislate. I want to thank Chairman Upton and Ranking Member Waxman for your leadership. And to all the staff who worked around the clock--and of course particularly Tiffany Guarascio, who is my staff person--they were all dedicated to achieving a comprehensive and consensus product, and they've done just that. The bill before us today provides the FDA with more than $6 billion over 5 years to pay for the timely and efficient reviews of medical products. Together, these agreements will ensure that Americans have access to safe and effective new medicines and medical devices. It will reduce the drug costs for consumers by speeding the approval of lower cost generic drugs with the establishment of a new user fee program for generic drugs and for lower cost versions of biotech drugs as well. It also includes promising provisions that address the safety of the supply chain, help to foster the development and safe use of prescription drugs for children, increase efforts to address drug shortages, change conflict of interest rules so that the FDA has access to the best expertise on their advisory panels, and other provisions which are important to the pubic health of our Nation. This bill is good for the FDA; it's good for industry; it's good for patients alike. I'm confident we will pass this critical bill overwhelmingly today and that the Senate will act early next week so we can send it to the President for his signature as soon as possible. I urge all Members to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. DeGette), who worked very hard on the drug shortage provisions of the legislation.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Moran).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I inquire of how much time remains on both sides.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Markey).

Mr. PALLONE. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I won't use all the time. I just want to stress, again, that the process of getting this bill passed and moved both here and in the Senate has been just a great model, if you will, for what we can do when we want to get together and work together on a bipartisan, bicameral basis. So I can't say enough about everyone who was involved on both sides of the aisle and staff for making this happen today. I also want to reiterate some of the things that some of my colleagues have said about how important this is. Because it's on a suspension, some people may say, Well, how important is it? It is extremely important. And some of those sentiments have been echoed by those who talk about the drug and medical device industry, which is really so important to this country. We pride ourselves on innovation. As some of you know, many of these companies are in my district. And we pride ourselves on the fact that Thomas Edison had his lab at Menlo Park, in my district, and that we are an innovative area in New Jersey, and New Jersey as a whole. But innovation can't continue to happen in this industry unless we continue to have an FDA process that runs smoothly and effectively. The fact of the matter is that this legislation is designed to make sure that that continues to happen, that the money is available so we can have an efficient process that continues to make the United States the innovator in the area of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. I'm very proud to have been part of this today. I urge everyone to support the bill. I thank my colleagues. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. I now yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Butterfield).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to our chairman emeritus, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell), who worked so hard on this bill, particularly with regard to the safety provisions. (Mr. DINGELL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers, so I will reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) Health Group as its employees gather to celebrate its 100th anniversary. VNA Health Group members continue to exemplify outstanding dedication to the promotion and restoration of the health status of community individuals. Their service is truly worthy of this body's recognition. The Visiting Nurse Association Health Group was established in 1912 in Lincroft, New Jersey. Within its first decade, the organization completed a study of mentally handicapped children in public schools, launched child welfare programs and established a mobile health clinic to assist constituents throughout Monmouth County, New Jersey. The organization adopted the name Monmouth County Organization for Social Services (MCOSS) in 1918 and maintained their focus on improving healthcare needs for women and children. The agency acquired the Visiting Nurses Association in Middlesex County in 1988 and expanded their services to include the constituents of Middlesex County; later that year, the New Jersey hospice care program was certified by Medicaid and served more than 1,500 patients and their families. In December 1993, the organization adopted the name Visiting Nurse Association of Central New Jersey; the new name allowed for the establishment of a governing board and the ability to raise funds on behalf of the organization. VNA of Central New Jersey later joined with other organizations, including the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Services and Essex Valley Visiting Nurse Association, and partnered with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital to continue expanding their service area. In 2011, VNA of Central New Jersey affiliates and partners unified under the title Visiting Nurse Association Health Group to better reflect the organization's growth. Today, the organization and its employees continue to personify compassionate, caring and patient- centered services to constituents throughout New Jersey. VNA Health Group is New Jersey's largest non-profit community health provider of home health, hospice and community services. Today, the VNA remains a volunteer organization that assists over 100,000 individuals throughout New Jersey each year. VNA Health Group is accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Program, Inc. and continues to provide outstanding in-home services including certified home health aide services, pediatric care, rehabilitative therapy, palliative care, tele-health monitoring, geriatric care management, companion homemaker services, and nutritional counseling. As a result of their outstanding efforts, VNA Health Group is the proud recipient of the New York Times Tribute to Nurses Award and the New Jersey Hospice and Palliative Care Association Award, among others. Mr. Speaker, once again, please join me in celebrating the Visiting Nurse Association Health Group's 100th Anniversary. The organization has provided exquisite services to constituents throughout Monmouth County and New Jersey.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Victor Scudiery upon his retirement from his position as Chairman of the Monmouth County Democratic party. Chairman Scudiery has faithfully dedicated his time and political experience to the constituents of Monmouth County, New Jersey and is truly worthy of this body's recognition. Victor Scudiery was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey where he was active in local politics. Chairman Scudiery is an alumnus of Seaton Hall University where he earned a degree in business administration. Chairman Scudiery served two years active duty and four years as a reservist with the United States Army upon graduation. Along side his brother, Chairman Scudiery began to embark on his business endeavors and opened Interstate Electronics, Inc. (IEI) in 1968. Interstate Electronics was the beginning of a successful business enterprise that later included a record company, a series of children's albums and coloring books, and numerous successful music and pictorial productions. The Airport Plaza Shopping center on Route 36 in Hazlet, New Jersey remains the Chairman's primary base of operation. Through his efforts, Airport Plaza has been revitalized. Chairman Scudiery continues to admirably oversee several other business ventures throughout the State of New Jersey. In addition to his business ventures, Chairman Scudiery served under former Governor Brendan Byrne on the Ethics Advisory Council. Chairman Scudiery was also appointed to serve as Co-Chairman of the Boy Scouts of Monmouth County, Technical Advisor at Kean College and Chairman of the Buck Smith Scholarship Award Foundation. Chairman Scudiery sits on the Bayshore Community Hospital Board of trustees and is the Chairman of the Bayshore Senior Health, Education and Recreation Center Board of Directors. He is a dedicated member of the Bayshore Hospital Health Care Center. Chairman Scudiery is also a long time member of the Northern Monmouth Chamber of Commerce and was recently appointed to the Board of Directors. As a result of his hard work and dedication, he was honored with the 2008 Business Ambassador of the Year Award. Victor Scudiery was elected Chairman of the Monmouth County Democratic Party in 1989. Under Chairman Scudiery's leadership, the Democratic party of Monmouth County continues to make impressive strides to assure that Democrats are elected to office. Multiple towns in Monmouth County with long tradition of Republican leadership now have a Democratic presence as a result of Chairman Scudiery's direction. The Chairman will be retiring from his position in 2012. His steadfast leadership has boosted the Monmouth County Democratic party. He will continue to serve as an inspiration to future Democratic leaders. Mr. Speaker, Chairman Victor Scudiery has dedicated his life to various philanthropic, business and political endeavors. Please join my colleagues in thanking the Chairman for 23 years of service to the Democratic Party and dedication to the Monmouth County, New Jersey community.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Matt Doherty, Mayor of Belmar, New Jersey. Mayor Doherty is the 2012 recipient of the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh Irish Man of the Year award. Matt is a respected member of Belmar, New Jersey and continues to dedicate his efforts to improving the community. His commitment to his profession and constituents is truly worthy of this body's recognition. In 2006, Mayor Doherty was elected to serve on the Borough Council and was re-elected in 2009. He proudly served as Borough Council President and was respected by his colleagues and constituents. Matt Doherty was elected Mayor of the Borough of Belmar, New Jersey on November 2, 2010. During his tenure as Mayor, Belmar has continued to see tremendous growth and prosperity. He has also been the catalyst for growth and prosperity throughout the Borough and an advocate for improvement projects. Of his many notable accomplishments as Mayor, Matt is often praised for his support of first-responders. Mayor Doherty implemented free beach access for all Monmouth County First-Aid and Fire Department Volunteers throughout Belmar. He has also required the implementation of Mobi-Mats on the beach for ADA-approved accessibility. The 9th Avenue pier at the Belmar Marina has been redeveloped as a result of Mayor Doherty's foresight and ingenuity. In addition to his capacity as Mayor, Matt served as ADA coordinator, Harbor Commissioner, and presided as a member of the Belmar Planning Board. Mayor Doherty is a passionate and committed leader, whose unyielding leadership and vision for the future of Belmar are exemplified through his actions as Mayor. Mayor Doherty demonstrates strong ties to the Irish-American community. Matt is a dedicated member of the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh of the Jersey Shore and is applauded for his commitment. His participation and contributions to the organization remain, in part, a reason for the organization's success. Matt is also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and serves as a trustee for the Inlet Terrace Association in Belmar. In addition to his recreational and professional career, Matt has traveled to Northern Ireland multiple times to participate in the ``Bloody Sunday March'' in Derry, Ireland. He has also visited Ballybriggen, Ireland and continues to proudly represent his Irish culture and heritage. Most recently, Irish Echo named Mayor Doherty to the ``40 Under 40'' for his efforts and outstanding contributions to the Irish-American community. Matt Doherty is a Financial Advisor at Investors Bank. He was previously employed as a Licensed Mortgage Banker and owner of Doherty Mortgage, LLC located in Belmar. He earned his Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Public Policy from Georgetown University. Matt is happily married to Maggie Moran. Together, they have two daughters, Hannah and Claire. Mr. Speaker, Mayor Matt Doherty continues to exemplify outstanding contributions to Belmar, New Jersey and serves as an outstanding role model and dedicated leader of the Irish-American community. The fitting recognition of Irish Man of the Year bestowed by the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh is a fitting tribute to his outstanding contributions.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Middlesex County Retired Educators Association of New Jersey (MCREA) in celebration of their 50th anniversary. The organization continues to organize in support of various social, educational and financial issues concerning retired educators throughout Middlesex County and New Jersey. Their services to the constituents of New Jersey are worthy of this body's recognition The Middlesex County Retired Educators Association is dedicated to protecting the rights of many retired educators throughout Middlesex County, New Jersey. MCREA has made the protection of the retired school employees' state pension fund and insuring the continuation of current health care benefits among its top priorities. MCREA members are active in their community and have organized assistance programs for nursing home residents, and delivered food for the needy and financial assistance to students. They have also organized various social functions for members to attend various cultural performances and historic sites as well as extended trips throughout the United States and various foreign countries. Today, MCREA is proudly represented by over 1,675 members throughout Middlesex County and New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, once again, please join me in congratulating the Middlesex County Retired Educators Association for 50 years of service. Their efforts continue to enhance the lives of retired educators throughout Middlesex County and New Jersey.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the efforts of the Hand in Hand organization, as its members gather to honor its outstanding teen volunteers. Hand in Hand continues to cultivate friendships and build life long relationships between local teen volunteers and special needs children. Hand in Hand teen volunteers will be recognized for their outstanding service to the community at an awards dinner on June 5, 2012. Aimee and Gerald Ostrov and Nona and Dennis Drazin will serve as Guests of Honor. Their faithful service and dedication to the community is worthy of this body's recognition. Hand in Hand is a local volunteer based organization founded in 2006 under the direction of Chabad of the Shore. The organization is dedicated to building friendships between children with special needs and teen volunteers. Students involved in the Hand in Hand organization remain fully exposed to a wide variety of Jewish activities and social experiences. Teen volunteers learn to become effective friends and mentors while children learn to interact and build social skills. The interaction has helped build eye opening experiences and strong, life long relationships. The unending generosity demonstrated by the Hand in Hand teen volunteers has undoubtedly touched many lives and has helped countless people throughout central New Jersey. Hand in Hand volunteers and children have also benefited from the steadfast leadership and mentoring of Rabbi Laibel Schapiro and the Chabad of the Shore staff. Rabbi Schapiro received his rabbinical ordination from the Central Chabad Yeshiva in Brooklyn, New York. He has directed the Chabad of the Shore of Monmouth County since 2002 and is a powerful presence in the Monmouth County Jewish community. Rabbi Schapiro's steadfast leadership and contributions to Chabad of the Shore, the Hand in Hand organization and Jewish community are an inspiration to future generations throughout Monmouth County, New Jersey. The 2012 Annual Hand in Hand Dinner will also recognize four outstanding individuals who will serve as the Guests of Honor. Aimee and Gerald Ostrov are residents of Long Branch, New Jersey and Herzliya Pituach, Israel. Aimee served the Hadassah organization for 30 years and has served in numerous prominent positions including President of the East Brunswick Chapter, President of the Southern New Jersey Region and National Board and Executive Committee. She is an alumna of Cornell University and completed a dietetic internship at Massachusetts General Hospital. Aimee worked as a dietitian in hospitals and nursing homes before dedicating her time exclusively to family and philanthropy. Jerry is an alumnus of Cornell University and earned his Masters in Business Administration from Harvard Business School. He has spent most of his career at Johnson & Johnson where he was later promoted to Company Group Chairman. After a short retirement, he returned to work as Chairman and CEO of Bausch & Lomb. He currently serves on several Boards and provides guidance for start-up companies, particularly in Israel. The Ostrovs are dedicated to sharing their Jewish faith with the community through various charitable and volunteer activities. Their recent volunteer work has provided professional and strategic leadership to educate the community about Israel. Nona and Dennis Drazin continue to serve with various organizations throughout Monmouth County, New Jersey. Dennis Drazin currently serves as President at Drazin and Warshaw, an esteemed position that oversees 12 attorneys and 40 support staff members. Dennis earned his Juris Doctorate from Dickinson School of Law and is a current member of multiple organizations including the Monmouth County, New Jersey and American Bar Associations. He often lectures for the American Bar Association and Monmouth Bar Association, among others. Dennis Drazin is also chairman of Elite Equine Consultants, providing advice and consultation for the Thoroughbred Horseman's Association. Nona Drazin is an alumna of the University of Pennsylvania and earned her Juris Doctorate in 1994 from American University. She has practiced law in Washington, DC and New Jersey. Nona was also employed by the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horseman's Association as their General Counsel and serves as President on their Board of Trustees. Until recently, she served two terms as an elected Trustee at Congregation B'nai Israel in Rumson, New Jersey. Nona was recently elected to the Monmouth Parks Charity Foundation's Board of Directors. The Ostrovs and Drazins continue to provide valuable and dedicated time to the Hand in Hand organization and the Monmouth County community. Mr. Speaker, once again, please join me in thanking the Hand in Hand teen volunteers and congratulating the guests of honor for their service and dedication. Their efforts continue to enhance the lives of individuals throughout Monmouth County and New Jersey.