Frank Pallone

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. I want to follow up on what my colleague from Illinois said, because it really is true. We are talking about hurt for America's families here. I know that, in the next week, as this time expires on the unemployment compensation, on the Medicare reimbursement, on the payroll tax cut, I'm going to get calls from seniors telling me that the doctors are not accepting them for Medicare anymore. I'm going to find out that people have lost their unemployment insurance. Here we are at a time when we're just starting to see the economy improve a little bit; and I know there is a real risk, if we don't extend that payroll tax cut, that we will send the economy back into a recession again. It is amazing to me to see my colleagues on the other side suggest that somehow they're going to stay here and that the conferees are going to be here. None of that is true. They're home. They're not here. They're going home, and they're not going to come back until after January. I really think it's outrageous to think that they're running the risk that the economy will be hurt by this and that people won't have money in their pockets and that those who receive Medicare may be refused a doctor. We're simply asking, as Democrats, to have a heart. Why is it that Republicans don't understand the negative consequences of this?

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Thank you, Mr. Berman. I want to take issue with my colleague from Ohio. I don't think there is a comparison between the situation in Iraq and Iran because it has become abundantly clear that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons; and a nuclear Iran would not only threaten the United States but democratic nations all across the globe. The legislation before us builds on the comprehensive Iran Sanctions Act passed last Congress and imposes new and stronger sanctions, and this bill is the next logical step in U.S. policy to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The Iranian President, a Holocaust denier, has stated that a nuclear Iran would use the weapons at its disposal and has even called for the destruction of the State of Israel. And I don't think we can let a nuclear Iran become a reality. I would urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 1905.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Thank you, Mr. Waxman. The gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman) had said before that essentially the Republicans putting up this bill are not serious. They know that this bill is not going to pass the Senate. They know that the President won't sign it. And when I heard my colleagues on the other side talk about how, well, we have a deadline of December 31 and basically said, Take it or leave it, well, they're not serious. That's not the way this House and this Congress works. If you want to get something done by this December 31 deadline, you need to work with the Democrats, work with the Senate, and come up with something. And I know that's not what's happening here today. I mean, this idea that basically you say we're going to give you extended unemployment benefits but we're going to cut back on the number of weeks or that we're going to extend the payroll tax and we're going to come up with a doc fix, but we're going to pay for it dismantling the Affordable Care Act. First, the Republicans cut the tax credits to help make insurance affordable, resulting in 170,000 additional people becoming uninsured; then they slash the public health and prevention fund, damaging efforts to realign the Nation's approach to health care; then they cut hospitals, affecting services that seniors depend on; and, finally, they increase the premiums under Medicare, resulting in millions of middle class seniors having to pay more for health care. Now, we have a Democratic substitute that they wouldn't allow in order, and that Democratic substitute takes a very different approach. Unlike the Republicans, the Democratic substitute simply extends tax cuts for 160 million Americans. It extends unemployment insurance to help Americans stay afloat financially while they're out seeking work. And it ensures doctors in Medicare don't face large reductions next year and maintains access for seniors with a permanent SGR fix. And it does all of this by asking 300,000 people making more than a million dollars a year to pay their fair share and by capturing offshore contingency funds. So if you want to actually pass something, put our substitute in order and we will meet that deadline of December 31 and actually do things that help people create jobs and reduce the deficit and make the doctors available so that if a senior wants to go to a doctor, they'll be able to do it. Look at our substitute and don't continue with this sham.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Thank you, Mr. Berman. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise in support of H. Res. 306, urging the Republic of Turkey to safeguard its Christian heritage and to return confiscated church properties. As an original cosponsor of this resolution, I believe that its adoption is critically important to showing that the U.S. Congress will not remain silent while countries such as Turkey violate basic religious freedoms. This resolution is needed because the sad reality is that minority religious communities in Turkey daily face oppressive policies propagated by the Turkish Government. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has found that the ``Turkish Government's formal, long-standing efforts to control religion by imposing suffocating regulations and by denying full legal status to religious institutions results in serious religious freedom violations.'' The commission has recommended that the U.S. urge Turkey to comply with its international commitments regarding freedom of religion or belief, and that is exactly what this resolution does. Now, many within Turkey today and many more have fled religious persecution over the past century, knowing the frightening consequences that religious persecution has had on Christians and their churches. Each year the Armenian Issues Caucus, which I cochair, gathers to commemorate the Armenian genocide. Over a million Armenians were killed in the genocide over 90 years ago, but Armenians in Turkey and their churches and landmarks and cemeteries continue to be targets for Turkish persecution. I wanted to mention to my colleague, and I respect my colleague from Kentucky a great deal, but the fact of the matter is that Turkey has never admitted that the genocide has occurred. You mentioned that during World War I there were problems on both sides. But the fact of the matter is that over 1 million Armenians were massacred and their churches and everything continue to be targets today. The resolution further calls on Turkey to stop its oppressive policies towards the education of Greek priests and its overt attempts to pressure the Ecumenical Patriarchate to leave his home country. Can you imagine, they're asking the Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church to leave Turkey where he and the Patriarchate have been for, I don't know, 2,000 years. So I really believe if you believe we should have freedom to practice your religion without interference of oppressive governments, then you should vote ``yes'' on this resolution. The fact of the matter is that Turkey continues to do all of these things. The suggestion I know my colleague from Kentucky has made that somehow they're doing a better job, I mean, it is just very token and there are just as many instances where they continue the oppression compared to those few where maybe they've tried.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Thomas Gagliano, founder of the Jersey Shore Partnership. On December 14, 2011, members of this organization will gather to celebrate Mr. Gagliano's 80th birthday. Throughout his professional career, Tom Gagliano has demonstrated outstanding dedication to his community and trade. His services are truly worthy of this body's recognition. Tom Gagliano is founder and former President of the Jersey Shore Partnership, Inc., a nonprofit coastal advocacy organization, active in Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic and Cape May Counties. Jersey Shore Partnership has been instrumental on a national, state and local level for funding beach replenishment projects along the 127 miles of the New Jersey coastline. Mr. Gagliano's leadership has remained a catalyst in the organization's ability to maintain an active role in initiatives unique and important to the Jersey Shore community. Mr. Gagliano is also the Chairman of the Jersey Shore Partnership Foundation and remains a key figure in the organization's success. The Foundation was instrumental in creating the $25 million per year ``Shore Protection Fund'', allowing the federal government to proceed with multiple beach replenishment projects throughout the state. Mr. Gagliano and the Jersey Shore Partnership remain an integral part to maintaining the health and beauty of New Jersey's shore region. Mr. Gagliano is a lifelong resident of Jersey Shore, currently residing in Red Bank, New Jersey. He is a proud alumni of Brown University and earned his law degree from Georgetown University. Mr. Gagliano has also admirably served in the United States Navy from 1954 to 1956. He is a member of the New Jersey Bar and served as senior partner of his own law firm, located in West Long Branch, New Jersey until 1989. Mr. Gagliano was elected to the Oceanport Council in 1967. He also served as Monmouth County Surrogate from 1971 through 1976. Mr. Gagliano was first elected to the New Jersey Senate in 1977 and was re- elected three times, serving as Minority Leader and Ranking Member of the Transportation and Communications Committee. Governor Tom Kean appointed him Executive Director of New Jersey's NJTRANSIT Agency. In 1990, Mr. Gagliano was appointed by President George H.W. Bush to serve as commuter rail representative to the Commission on Railroad Retirement Reform, which he humbly accepted. In 2001, Mr. Gagliano accepted a position as Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs at EPS corporate headquarters, the position he currently holds to this day. Mr. Speaker, once again, please join me in congratulating Mr. Thomas Gagliano as members of the Jersey Shore Partnership gather to celebrate his 80th birthday. His outstanding service as an elected official and founder of the organization exemplifies his whole-hearted dedication and commitment to serving the resident of the Jersey Shore and New Jersey.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Mary Ann Christopher, who, after 29 years of service, will depart her position as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Visiting Nurse Association Health Group, Inc. to assume the same position at the Visiting Nurse Service of New York. Her dedication to the well-being of New Jerseyans in need deserves this body's recognition. During her decade long-tenure as CEO, Mrs. Christopher spearheaded a geographic expansion which transformed the agency from a two-county provider to a statewide organization. Mrs. Christopher led the development of a continuum of services, including home-health care, hospice care, community-based prevention and outreach initiatives, clinics for the poor and school-based health care. In recent years, she skillfully steered the organization through a myriad of federal and state policy changes, directed a second capital campaign that resulted in the agency's new, modern headquarters, and launched a name change and comprehensive branding initiative. Mrs. Christopher is a leading national voice on a wide range of health care issues. She regularly interacts with decision makers on Capitol Hill, and in Trenton to develop legislative and regulatory policies to enhance the quality of health care for New Jersey citizens. Her public policy work has included advancement of public-private partnerships to address the growing nursing shortage, expansion of telehealth services, ensuring adequate reimbursement for Medicare home- health care, and improving Medicaid care programs strengthening her state's human services system for the most vulnerable. Mr. Speaker, once again, please join me in recognizing and thanking Mrs. Mary Ann Christopher for her 29 years of service to New Jersey and her dedication to providing healthcare to those in need.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott), a member of the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I am pleased to support H.R. 1254, the Synthetic Drug Control Act. This bill enjoys bipartisan support and is aimed to eliminate commercial availability of harmful synthetic narcotics. Under this proposal, hallucinogenic drugs would no longer be able to hide behind misleading aliases. During committee consideration, I was quite alarmed to hear some of the stories shared by the bill's sponsor, Representative Charlie Dent, as well as other Members. Around the country, constituents have been able to utilize synthetic products to the detriment of their mental and physical health and, in some cases, costing them their lives. Unfortunately, these imitation drugs are not illegal, and there is a critical need to strengthen the Federal Government's ability to keep these harmful and dangerous drugs off the street. The Synthetic Drug Control Act adds specific synthetic versions of drugs of abuse to Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. These designer drugs mimic some of the effects of drugs such as marijuana and can be very unsafe, causing convulsions, anxiety attacks, and dangerously elevated heart rates, among other conditions. Under current authority, the Drug Enforcement Agency has difficulty taking action against these drugs because they've been designed to fall outside existing statutory descriptions of Schedule I drugs. H.R. 1254 will enable the Drug Enforcement Agency to take appropriate enforcement actions to get them off the street and away from our Nation's youth. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in support of this legislation, and I hope the way we work together on it can prove a model for our efforts on future legislation. I reserve the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Michaud).

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. I have no additional speakers. I urge support for this legislation. It is truly bipartisan. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I am pleased to rise in support of H.R. 2405, the Pandemic and All- Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act of 2011. This bill is an opportunity to build a more prepared and resilient public health infrastructure. We all know very well that our Nation continues to face threats that require an ongoing commitment to public health and emergency preparedness, which is why, over the past 10 years, this Congress has placed a high priority on biodefense. In 2004, with tremendous bipartisan support, we passed the Project Bioshield Act. Democrats and Republicans worked together to establish a process that would help our Nation respond to bioterrorism threats and attacks. We then identified some shortfalls and, in 2006, worked to amend the program by passing the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act, also known as PAHPA. Specifically, PAHPA provided the Department of Health and Human Services with the additional authorities and resources necessary to rapidly develop drugs and vaccines to protect citizens from various medical incidents, whether accidental, such as H1N1 outbreaks, or those that are deliberate, such as anthrax attacks. The programs and activities first established in both the 2004 Project Bioshield Act and the 2006 PAHPA codified and expanded the Federal Government's support for public health preparedness. As a result of these bills and the investments that followed, our Nation is better equipped to respond to bioterrorism threats and attacks. H.R. 2405 will now help to build on that progress. The bill further facilitates the development of medical countermeasures, and it bolsters the Nation's public health preparedness infrastructure. It strengthens and clarifies the position of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, who has led the Federal Government's efforts and attempts to improve coordination and accountability. I was especially supportive of the bill's provisions to identify and dedicate the FDA's role in hazardous events. H.R. 2405 enhances the flexibility of FDA while strengthening their emergency use administrative functions. These revisions are a significant step forward on a framework for FDA to develop better policies and guidance in emergency situations. In addition, I was appreciative of the bipartisan effort to address the special needs of pediatric populations in emergency situations. It was clear that there were some gaps in our Nation's public health emergency strategy for children, and I'm confident we took an appropriate approach for filling in these gaps. So I really want to thank Representative Mike Rogers and Representative Gene Green and their staffs, who authored the base bill and have continued to work to strengthen its provisions. I would also like to thank the staff of the Energy and Commerce Committee and, of course, my chairman, Mr. Pitts, who collaborated in a bipartisan manner to further enhance the bill. They have worked hard to accomplish the goals of our Members, as well as stakeholders, and to strengthen its provisions. It's been a good bipartisan process and one that I think should be emulated in our subcommittee and full committee in the future. I would urge all Members to support H.R. 2405. I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to one of the authors of the bill, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gene Green).

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Senior Vice Commander Earl Courter, Jr., honoree at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Testimonial Dinner. This highly decorated veteran has proven to be a valuable member of the community. His actions are deserving of this body's recognition. Commander Earl Courter enlisted in the United States Army on April 30, 1964 and subsequently endured 13 weeks of basic training in Fort Knox, Kentucky. It was followed by another thirteen weeks of Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Polk, Louisiana. He was later assigned to the 1st Battalion 28th Infantry Mechanized Headquarters. Commander Earl completed two months of intense jungle training and later volunteered to serve in Vietnam. He was assigned to the reconnaissance platoon of the 2nd Battalion 18th Infantry Division as a radio/telephone operator, platoon leader aide and driver. While deeply entrenched in ``Operation Mastiff'' in the Dau Tieng region of Vietnam, the Commander's reconnaissance platoon came under intense fire and sustained extensive wounds, forcing him to return home. As a result of his heroic actions in Vietnam, Commander Earl was awarded with multiple medals. He is the recipient of the Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medial Ribbon with Device, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, U.S. Presidential Citation, Vietnam Presidential Citation, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation Badge, New Jersey Vietnam Service Medal, among others. Commander Earl has conducted various philanthropic services and holds multiple leadership positions. He served as Post Commander of VFW Post 3620 from 1971 through 1972, and earned the position of Assistant District Quartermaster after twelve years of service. Throughout his tenure, he has also held various prestigious titles which include District 7 Assistant Quartermaster, District Convention Chairman and Public Relations Chairman. Mr. Courter was appointed state Commander on June 18, 2011 and continues to hold this title to this day. As a member of the Townsend C. Young VFW Post # 3620, Commander Courter has counseled other amputees of various Veterans Organizations. He has remained an active member of the community, assisting wounded warriors and hospitalized veterans. Commander Courter is a true testament to the VFW's mission, Honor the Dead by Helping the Living. The Commander is married to the former Janet Walter Kerney and they are residents of Delran, New Jersey. Together they have six children and thirteen grandchildren and are life members of VFW Post 3620 Auxiliary. Mr. Speaker, once again, please join me in congratulating Commander Earl Courter, Jr. His heroic actions in Vietnam and commitment dedicated toward other wounded warriors are inspirations to us all.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Ronald J. Del Mauro, Chief Executive Officer of Barnabas Health, for his forty- five years of service. His continued efforts to revitalize and further develop the organization and its services will be recognized at his retirement ceremony on December 8, 2011. Mr. Del Mauro's tremendous efforts to assist the constituents of New Jersey is worthy of this body's recognition. Ronald Del Mauro began his career with Saint Barnabas Medical Center in 1967 and served as Vice President for Human Resources and Director of Personnel for fourteen years. In 1985, he was elected President and Chief Executive Officer of Saint Barnabas Medical Center, the position he currently maintains to this day. In 1983, Mr. Del Mauro was named Senior Vice President for Human Resources for the Saint Barnabas Corporation. His appointment also included General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of Livingston Services Corporation, the for-profit affiliate of Barnabas Health. In 1986, he was named President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. Mr. Del Mauro was later elected Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Medical Center in 1993. Concurrently, he served a three year term as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Clara Maass Medical Center, a Barnabas Health System affiliate. Under Mr. Del Mauro's direction, Barnabas Health remains the largest health care system in New Jersey and employs 18,200 nurses, physicians and residents. Mr. Del Mauro is responsible for Barnabas Health services and facilities retaining their nationally recognized status. Barnabas Health continues to provide treatment and services for more than two million patients each year under Mr. Del Mauro's direction. Mr. Del Mauro has also been actively involved in many professional organizations and health associations which include the New Jersey Hospital Association, for which he is the former Chairman, and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. He also serves as member of the New Jersey Essential Health Services Commission, Chairman of the Infrastructure Advisory Committee of the New Jersey Domestic Security Preparedness Task Force and Management Trustee of Local 68 International Union of Operating Engineers' Pension Fund. Mr. Del Mauro is a graduate of Seton Hall University and has also served as an Adjunct Professor at the Graduate School of Public Administration from 1983 to 1985. Mr. Speaker, once again, please join me in thanking Mr. Ronald Del Mauro for his forty-five years of dedication to the Barnabas Health community. His outstanding efforts have assisted countless individuals throughout the Barnabas Health and New Jersey communities.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ms. Jeanne M. Fox, Commissioner at New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. Ms. Fox is the recipient of The Arthur E. Armitage, Sr. Distinguished Alumni Award, presented by the Rutgers School of Law-Camden Alumni Association. The award will be presented at the Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration. Her continuous outpouring of service and dedication to the residents of New Jersey is undoubtedly worth of this body's recognition. Jeanne Fox was first appointed to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) on January 15, 2002, and was later reconfirmed for a second term on March 16, 2009. She currently holds the prestigious title of Commissioner and has previously served as NJBPU President. NJBPU has regulatory jurisdiction over telephone, electric, gas, water, wastewater and cable television companies. Through her role at NJBPU, Ms. Fox has worked to ensure that consumers have access to safe and reliable services at reasonable rates. Under Commissioner Fox's leadership, the NJBPU became a leader among states in developing clean energy policies and promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency. Prior to her appointment to NJBPU, Ms. Fox served as a Regional Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy. She also remains an active member with various organizations, including the National Association of Regulatory Utility commissioners (NARUC) as a member of the Board of Directors, Chair of the Committee on Energy Resources and the Environment and member of the electric Power Research Institute's Public Advisory Council on Smart Grid. Jeanne Fox graduated cum laude from Douglass College, Rutgers University, and received a Juris Doctor from the Rutgers University School of Law-Camden, where she was a classmate and a close personal friend of mine. Since graduation, Ms. Fox has remained an engaged member of the Rutgers University Alumni Federation, the Associate alumnae of Douglass College and a Rutgers University alumni Trustee for two terms. She currently serves on the boards of the Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey and has served as President of the National Women's Political Caucus. Ms. Fox remains a valued member of the Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey Executive Board, providing valuable experience as its past President. The organization remains dedicated to increasing women's participating in the political process and increasing the number of progressive women in elected and appointed office. Jeanne's exceptional record of service and leadership continues to resonate with constituents throughout New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, once again, please join me in congratulating Jeanne Fox upon receiving The Arthur E. Armitage, Sr. Distinguished Alumni Award presented by the Rutgers School of Law-Camden Alumni Association. Her unyielding leadership and contributions has proven beneficial to residents of my district and throughout New Jersey.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding efforts of Mr. Wayne Dibofsky, Associate Director of Government Relations at the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA). On November 13, 2011, members of the NJEA will honor Mr. Dibofsky at his retirement ceremony in Princeton, New Jersey. His commitment to serve the members of the community is truly worthy of this body's recognition. Mr. Dibofsky has made a significant impact on the quality of education in New Jersey public schools and has continued to advocate for members rights and labor initiatives for employees in the New Jersey public school system. Mr. Dibofsky joined NJEA in 1982 as a lobbyist. During his tenure he has assisted in drafting many legislative initiatives relating to increased school safety, health care, labor rights, school funding, higher education funding and various regulatory measures. He remained a key advocate in the drafting and passage of over 1,000 pieces of legislation. Most recently he has been a catalyst in the passage of legislation protecting confidentiality of employees who seek support through various employee assistance programs. Mr. Dibofsky was also a key political operative in the passage of school budgets and school bond referendums in Old Bridge, Teaneck, Edison and East Brunswick, New Jersey. Today he continues to ensure that both Federal and State legislation protect NJEA members and assure that public school employees continue to retain their rights and benefits. His impeccable quality of work is continuously reflected in his high success record and flawless ability to inspire and motivate others. In conjunction with his professional responsibilities, Mr. Dibofsky serves on countless boards and foundations. His generous actions continue to impress and serve the members of the community. Mr. Dibofsky is an alumnus of Monmouth University and has also completed a Masters program at Rutgers University. He currently resides in Franklin Park, New Jersey with his wife Ricky. Mr. Speaker, once again, please join me in thanking Mr. Wayne Dibofsky for his numerous years of service to the New Jersey Education Association. His outstanding efforts and dedication continue to resonate with the constituents throughout Monmouth County and New Jersey.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Phyllis Kinsler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Planned Parenthood of New Jersey. After thirty-seven years of service to the Planned Parenthood community, Ms. Kinsler will be retiring in December of 2011. Her outstanding commitment and dedication to protecting and defending women's health and reproductive rights are worthy of this body's recognition. Phyllis Kinsler's advocacy work, spanning three decades, for women's health issues is the backbone of the success of Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood of Central New Jersey (PPCNJ) serves over 15,000 women each year, providing a wide range of contraception, cancer screening and various other services to women throughout Monmouth, Middlesex and Ocean Counties. The organization remains the leading provider of women's reproductive health care. Under Ms. Kinsler's leadership, the organization has maintained their strong commitment to providing women with affordable, high quality heath care services. PPCNJ continues to advocate for public policies that guarantee privacy and essential rights to women, ensuring access to various reproductive services. In conjunction with her professional responsibilities, Ms. Kinsler has served on numerous community boards and task forces which include Family Planning Association of New Jersey, New Brunswick Tomorrow Health Task Force and America Task Forces on Public Policy and Post Roe Abortion Services. Women and families throughout Monmouth County and New Jersey have continued to benefit from the outstanding advocacy and commitment Ms. Kinsler has demonstrated throughout her thirty-seven years of service. Prior to joining the Planned Parenthood team, Ms. Kinsler assisted in family service casework, child abuse prevention/child protection services, hotline counseling and a variety of community planning and advocacy projects in support of women, children and families. She is an alumna of Clark University and earned a Masters degree from Niagra University. Mr. Speaker, once again, please join me in thanking Ms. Phyllis Kinsler for her thirty-seven years of service to the Planned Parenthood community. Her outstanding record of leadership and service continues to prove valuable to women throughout New Jersey.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I want to follow up on my colleague from Tennessee. I heard my Republican colleague on the other side of the aisle talk about the Senate. Well, the fact of the matter is that the Senate Democrats, on at least two occasions, have tried to bring up the American Jobs Act, the President's job initiative. They even broke it into smaller pieces. But what happens is they vote for it, but they can't get the 60 votes because none of the Republicans will join with them to get over that 60-vote majority rule. So this is being held up by the Republicans. Here in the House, Speaker Boehner has said that he will not post the American Jobs Act. You know, it's been 43 weeks since the Republicans took control of the House and they haven't passed a single jobs bill yet. When the Republicans say, oh, they're passing bills to deregulate, that's not going to create jobs. I have spent a lot of time in the last few weeks going around my district to some of the Main Streets and talking to small businesses. They like the American Jobs Act because they like the fact that it has the payroll tax reduction. They like the various tax credits if they hire people. But when you ask them about regulation, regulation is not the issue, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Shiloh Community Fellowship United Holy Church of America (UHCA) as members of the congregation gather to celebrate its 75th Anniversary. Since its humble beginnings in 1920, the organization has grown structurally and in membership, while continuing to provide outstanding spiritual leadership to members of the community. This organization's service and dedication is highly deserving of this body's recognition. Shiloh Community Fellowship began hosting church services at the home of the late Reverend Henry Jeffers in 1920. The steady increase in membership later encouraged and supported the decision to relocate the organization to Dewitt Avenue in Asbury Park, New Jersey. In 1938, the late Bishop H.L. Fisher brought the church into fellowship with United Holy Church of America (UHCA), a title which the organization retains today. Throughout its tenure, Shiloh Community Fellowship UHCA was governed by various administrations. In 1976, Reverend Sarah Wright assumed leadership on behalf of her ill husband, Rev. Thomas Wright, and became the first female to serve at Shiloh Community Fellowship. In 1987, the Board of Trustees unanimously agreed to build a new church at 142 Dewitt Avenue in Asbury Park to better serve constituents and members of the congregation. The dedication service of the new building was held on May 22, 2004 under the direction of Elder Felton Miller. In October 2008, Reverend Mark E. White, Sr. was appointed to minister various services at Shiloh Community Fellowship and was later installed as the new Pastor on February 13, 2010. To this day, he continues to provide insightful leadership and spiritual guidance to the members of the community. Mr. Speaker, once again, please join me in celebrating the Shiloh Community Fellowship United Holy Church of America's 75th Anniversary. The organization continues to provide outstanding spiritual guidance and solace for members of the Asbury Park community.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Mr. John Key, a resident of Long Branch, New Jersey. Mr. Key was an active member of the Asbury Park, New Jersey community and passed away at the age of 37 during a tragic accident on the Garden State Parkway in New Jersey. His positive spirit and inspirational leadership as a football coach and educator are undoubtedly worthy of this body's recognition. John Key dedicated his life to the development of his students on and off the football field. A star running back and linebacker at Ocean Township High School from 1988 to 1991, Mr. Key conveyed his knowledge and love for football to his students. As early as 1997, Mr. Key accepted an Assistant football Coach at Ocean Township High School. He continued to accept various coaching positions, which included a running back coaching positions at the University of Connecticut. He eventually led this team to the County Fair Championship in 2004. Mr. Key served as Assistant Head Coach of the Monmouth Regional High School Track team before accepting his current position with the Asbury Park High School football team as Assistant Coach. Throughout his career, Mr. Key brilliantly managed day-to-day operations for various football teams, planned and organized football practices and games and supervised various offseason strength and conditioning programs. John Key is a proud alumnus of the University of Delaware and also served as a teacher with the Asbury Park School District since September 2000. He recently earned a principal certificate and admirably began to pave a bright and successful future. Members of the Asbury Park School District remember John Key as a tenacious and altruistic role model who continued to believe in himself and the student athletes he mentored. Colleagues, friends and loved ones remembered him as an outstanding and positive individual with a contagious smile and kind spirit. He is survived by his parents and two children. Mr. Key's outstanding rapport with students was evident through his actions and has undoubtedly touched the lives of countless individuals throughout Monmouth County. Mr. Speaker, John Key dedicated his life to mentoring and coaching students and athletes. His legacy has served as an inspiration to us all and he will truly be missed.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Father Kenneth Murphy, an exceptional individual who continues to provide outstanding spiritual guidance for the members of the Middlesex County community. His exceptional service is highly deserving of this body's recognition. Born in New York City, Father Murphy is a graduate of Saint Joseph's High School in Metuchen, New Jersey and is a proud alumnus of Newark College of Engineering. He earned a Bachelors of Science in Chemical Engineering from Newark College of Engineering. His educational foundation launched his tenure as a faculty member of the Union Catholic Regional High School in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. Father Murphy entered and completed his seminary formation in Ss. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake, Michigan. He earned his Master of Divinity Degree in May 1986 and received his Master of Fine Arts in Theology from the University of Detroit the same year. On May 31, 1986, Father Murphy was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Theodore E. McCarrick at St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral in Metuchen, New Jersey. An outstanding spiritual leader and mentor, Father Murphy's various assignments have circulated him throughout central New Jersey. He has served in many positions throughout the 6th Congressional District, including Associate Pastor at Our Lady of Victories and Administrator and Pastor at St. Stanislaus. Father Murphy is currently Sayreville PBA Chaplain, Chaplain for Our Lady of Victories Columbiettes Council 2061 and Chaplain of Our Lady of Victories Assembly #0670 Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. St. Peter's Parish in New Brunswick, New Jersey remains Father Murphy's home of worship. Mr. Speaker, once again, please join me in thanking Father Kenneth Murphy for his continued spiritual guidance. His extraordinary leadership continues to guide Middlesex County community, my district, and the State of New Jersey.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Thompson).

Mr. PALLONE. I yield 2 minutes to a member of the Health Subcommittee, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel).

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, may I ask how much time remains on both sides of the aisle?